A New Day Dawning In Palm Springs

The fallout from the recent newspaper articles detailing the ties between Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and developer Rich Meaney continues. It is the buzz on local social media as well as talk all over the local political landscape. The Desert Sun even did an article on the effect it will have on the local power structure. All very illuminating.

The next few months will be fascinating as we see cracks develop in the once monolithic power structure that has ruled Palm Springs for the last 4 years. This current city council reminds me of the Palm Desert City Council in the late 90's. Watching last Wednesday night was edifying and seeing the council members out of their comfort zone was interesting.

For the record the road to city council seats in Palm Springs has usually flowed through the city's boards and commissions over the past 25 years. I think it would be very hard for "outsider" to get elected. Now throw in One-PS and their function as a input mechanism for the city and you may see more candidates coming from that field.

2 other items of interest

The LGBT community possesses huge political clout in Palm Springs. For the most part they have stood pretty much in lock step with the current council. That may change in the future although council candidate Geoff Kors can be expected to gather a lot of their support.

There is no campaign finance limits in place in Palm Springs. So look for the usual "Kingmakers", namely the hotel associations and public safety unions to spend big. It is a very fluid and I would say an exciting couple of months.

Steve Kelly can be heard daily fromm 4 to 6p Pacific Time on 1450 KPTR

The Mayor Strikes Back

It was an angry Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet on the offensive about a series of articles in the local newspaper referencing his former ties to a local developer, Richard Meaney,  who paid him over 200 grand for 2 years of  consultant work. He was joined in his outrage by a few of his other council members. As per usual these council meetings are part governance, part informative and part theater of the absurd.

The Good

For the most part the citizens who spoke at the dais were respectful and made some salient inquiries. Council members Paul Lewin and Rick Hutcheson were measured and temperate in their remarks. While I personally feel that Mr. Lewin's call for an outside auditor was not enough, he stated his position eloquently. Mr. Hutchesoon was very calm in his statements. I also think the Mayor did an admirable job for the most part in keep his temper in check.

The Bad

Steve Pougnet calling out audience members who had complained about him from the dais. May have felt good but not smart. Also his remarks to Orlando Gotay about releasing his schedule were not correct. Originally Doug Holland, city attorney, refused to release his schedule.

The Absurd

Councilman Chris Mills categorized his remarks as "rambling." No truer words perhaps have ever been spoken at a city council meeting. . Councilperson Ginny Foat explanation of why a pizza company did not get grant money while a business across the street and owned by Mr. Meaney got 10 times the amount the pizza owner requested was bizarre.

Finally the Mayor had a laundry list of who to blame for his woes. His attack on the newspaper predictable. But saying the investigative pieces were triggered by political opponents not accurate. And implying that questioning his actions is an attack on the city is the height of hubris.

These allegations and the questions they raise are not going away anytime soon so stay tuned.

Steve Kelly can heard daily 4p to 6p on 1450 KPTR

Re Election Or Not DA Needs To Investigate Pougnet Ties

Update Despite his dropping out of the race, DA Mike Hestrin needs to investigate Steve Pougnet and his ties.

First of all, congratulations to the Desert Sun and reporters Barrett Newkirk and Skip Descant for their recent investigative series on Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and his ties to developer Richard Meaney and the companies controlled by Meaney.

I first met Steve Pougnet a dozen years ago when he was a candidate for the Palm Springs City Council. I have gotten to know the mayor well over the years and have a tremendous amount of respect for him as an individual. He actually cares about his city and not just downtown. Of the 4 mayors who have been in charge since I have covered the area, he has easily been the best.

But personal feelings aside, his relationship with Richard Meaney and Meaney's Union Abbey Development needs to be explored for possible instances of influence peddling. That is why I believe Riverside DA Mike Hestrin needs to take action. While I am not saying that Mr. Pougnet is guilty of anything, this does not look good.

There have also been questions raised of possible conflict of interest votes by Pougnet while dealing with matters relating to Meaney. The mayor was employed for 2 years at a rate of a 100 grand a year by Union Abbey.  Union lost its business license over nonpayment of taxes a few years back. The mayor has severed his ties with the company. But that is not enough.

The above paragraph highlights some interesting but  I believe, ultimately inconsequential issues.

The reason I am calling for the DA to investigate is that is has been no adequate explanation as to what the mayor did for that 200 grand. He claims he was briefing Mr. Meaney on downtown development matters and Measure J funds. But isn't that the job of the city's Economic Development Department? And I believe they do that for free.

The citizens of Palm Springs need to be clear on what the mayor did for Union Abbey. Did he participate in any meetings with potential investors? Can his employment activities in any manner be construed as influence peddling?  These are questions that need to be explored and answered. Only the DA can do so!!

It gives me no pleasure in making this request. And the usual, "We will neither confirm or deny," is not what the DA should be saying in regards to this. For the record, I am aware that his office has already stated this to one local media outlet.

I have invited the mayor to appear on my show to discuss this matter. He says he will at a later date. I hope so. But now is the time for these questions to be answered.

Steve Kelly can beard on 1450 KPTR from 4p to 6p PDT daily and on Eye Heart Radio.