Palm Springs City Council Meets The Enemy And It Is Them

Last night I had the privilege of being interviewed by local television about the raid by law enforcement of the Palm Springs City Hall. I got on the bus in time to get to my Cathedral City home to watch the Palm Springs City Council meeting. To say the meeting was strange, disappointing and sad is to do it an injustice. It was pathetic

The complete abrogation of any responsibility by the leadership of the city was completely appalling. I can understand why Mayor Steve Pougnet, who appears to be the target of the probe, would be short and succinct. He was. But the whining of other members and some of the audience was disgraceful.

First of all, there is no conspiracy by the FBI, DA, IRS and US Attorney Eileen Decker to stop "progress" in Palm Springs. Whatever has happened in the past, the current mess in Palm Springs was brought about by actions that are perceived by the above agencies to warrant investigation.

The litany of plants, er citizens spouting off praises of the council was like Shakespeare once wrote, "Sound and fury signifying nothing."  What does that, if anything, have to do with the current situation?

The chiding of the media is always a loser. The Desert Sun has done a marvelous job on this story as well as Natalie Brunnell from Channels 2 and 3. They have reported factually and professionally. Yet the response in some quarters in Palm Springs has been assinine. It really makes me wonder about the maturity level of some of the residents.

It has also been amazing that some city officials are seeking plaudits for cooperating fully with investigators. In reality they have absolutely no choice but to do so.  To not do so would risk criminal charges. 

So let us see if moving forward in the next few weeks, Palm Springs "leaders" do just that and not keep indulging in self pity.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrrbroadcasting.com