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
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