Desert Sun Editor Attacks Conspiracy Theorists

With voting in the Palm Springs election upon us, it was very interesting to read a piece which appears today online and will be in the Desert Sun tomorrow. It strikes at the very heart of the corruption probe that is ongoing in Palm Springs and in great detail, lays out the reportage about it in the local paper.

Since the story first broke in April, many supporters of both Mayor Pougnet and the power elite in Palm Springs have been spreading a tale that the allegations originated from the Robert Moon Mayoral campaign and specifically they point to Freeman Public Affairs in Torrance who have consulted for Mr. Moon. Freeman was the group hired by the Palm Springs Police Officer's Association in their successful attempt to unseat former Chief and Council member Lee Weigel 4 years ago. For those of you who don't recall, a vicious and salacious mailer against Mr. Weigel was sent out by the union which was denounced by many. Freeman did that mailer. Embattled Mayor Steve Pougnet implied as much from the council dais in a performance the Desert Sun said was, "Nixonesque".

Earlier this year, I spoke with Mr. Moon about this. He said he hired Freeman Public Affairs on the advice of Palm Springs POA head William Hutchinson but was not happy with their work and would disassociate himself from them. He vigorously denied he or they started this story. I have heard him or his camp repeat this denial on at least on 3 separate occasions.

Today Greg Burton Editor of the Desert Sun wrote about the timeline his reporters used in writing and advancing the story. In my opinion, this is a must read for those who have an interest in Palm Springs local politics. As a point of disclosure, I do know most of the parties involved. In my dealings with all of them, I have been impressed by their professionalism and going where angels fear to tread. I think Mr. Burton explains his case beautifully. Many in social media have clamored for the "facts". In this column, Mr. Burton more than delivers.

As many of you know, I have often criticized the paper. Especially the Vibe and Style sections. They give as good as they get from me and fair play to them. They even accused me of being cynical a few weeks ago in an editorial. I am not a lap dog for the paper but have the highest respect for the practice of good journalism. I say bravo to the all the reporters and editors who have covered this story.

And let us not forget that Mr. Burton himself, has been more than gracious about this matter. Shortly after this story started running, yet another garbage mailer, this time involving Mr. Burton was mailed to the community. The pusillanimous poltroons behind this mailing never had the courage to name themselves. Mr. Burton and his crew have never wavered in doggedly following their leads.

There remain chapters to be written in this ongoing investigation. For the gang over on Gene Autry Drive, keep it up. And no I don't care if Taylor Swift is sipping coffee in Palm Springs.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com