There is no question we live in turbulent times. Turn on any news channel and all one sees is chaos and sometimes darkness upon the world. That is why what is going on in Menifee is so discouraging.
After Pastor Bill Freeman of the Menifee United Church announced plans to ask for the grand total of 2, yes 2 Syrian refugees to be settled there, the 2015 version of Know Nothing Party was outraged.
In the link you will hear the voice of a woman threaten to protest the church using a rather vulgar profanity. Not exactly a What Would Jesus Do Moment. One suspects too much scotch combined with too much Fox News was the reason for the outburst.
Members of ISIS are not looking to parade up the 15 to launch a pre-emptive strike on the Mission Inn in Riverside. Nor are they going down the mountain to attack the Miracle On El Paseo.
Reverend Freeman is fulfilling what he believes to be the teachings of Jesus and rendering aid. The others appear to be following the teachings of Chris Christie and Glenn Beck. I think we all guess that the former trumps the latter.
What also is interesting the silence of the Riverside County Supervisors in this matter. Menifee itself, is represented by Supervisor Marion Ashley. Ashley, who thought inviting former indicted Texas Governor Rick Perry out here to speak was a good idea, has been extremely quiet on the issue. Not a peep out of Marion who can be at times a human quote machine.
Much like last year when the Supervisors stood silent while buffoons protested against migrant children, it appears that the Gang of Five Supervisors is mute when it comes to overt forms of bigotry.
For all the swells and sophisticates who live here in our Valley, remember this nonsense is going on in the county you call home.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcast.com. You can follow him on Twitter @kellynj
Friday, November 27, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
What Has Hapened To The Local GOP
As our thoughts turn to turkey and friends and family, it is also a time to take stock. And one group that really needs to take stock is the local Republican Party.
I am not talking about the fat cats who winter at the Vintage Club or will be at the Sacred Heart Fundraising Dinner. They and their wealth have already parachuted in here. National GOP candidates will come here on the QT seeking their money. No, this is about a huge problem facing the rank and file members who belong to the Lincoln Club or Republican Women's groups, as well as the East Valley Republican Club. While they can throw their weight around in some local council elections, at this point they appear impotent as they search for a congressional candidate to face Congressman Raul Ruiz in 2016.
Early on, it looked like Indio Council member Lupe Watson would run. Lupe dropped out after a couple weeks. There was some buzz about my former colleague Rich Gilgallon running. But he has accepted a job as a sports talk host and that appears to be done.
We are less than a year form an election and it appears that the local GOP is conceding the 36th district to Raul Ruiz. Oh I am sure they will come up with some nominal candidate to run but whoever that is will have a long slog. Starting at a baseline of zero funding 11 months before an election almost guarantees defeat.
However all may not be lost for whoever takes up the GOP banner in 2016. Brian Nestande who ran and lost in 2014, got a job as a lobbyist for Riverside County where he makes more money than Raul Ruiz does in Congress!! Ah such are the vagaries of local politics.
Steve Kelly can beached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com. His podcasts can be accessed on Kelly's Corner Facebook page or follow him om twitter @skellynj
I am not talking about the fat cats who winter at the Vintage Club or will be at the Sacred Heart Fundraising Dinner. They and their wealth have already parachuted in here. National GOP candidates will come here on the QT seeking their money. No, this is about a huge problem facing the rank and file members who belong to the Lincoln Club or Republican Women's groups, as well as the East Valley Republican Club. While they can throw their weight around in some local council elections, at this point they appear impotent as they search for a congressional candidate to face Congressman Raul Ruiz in 2016.
Early on, it looked like Indio Council member Lupe Watson would run. Lupe dropped out after a couple weeks. There was some buzz about my former colleague Rich Gilgallon running. But he has accepted a job as a sports talk host and that appears to be done.
We are less than a year form an election and it appears that the local GOP is conceding the 36th district to Raul Ruiz. Oh I am sure they will come up with some nominal candidate to run but whoever that is will have a long slog. Starting at a baseline of zero funding 11 months before an election almost guarantees defeat.
However all may not be lost for whoever takes up the GOP banner in 2016. Brian Nestande who ran and lost in 2014, got a job as a lobbyist for Riverside County where he makes more money than Raul Ruiz does in Congress!! Ah such are the vagaries of local politics.
Steve Kelly can beached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com. His podcasts can be accessed on Kelly's Corner Facebook page or follow him om twitter @skellynj
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Hacienda Hi Jinks
The strange case of the Hacienda Beach Club in Palm Springs continues. Earlier in the week, the club announced it was ceasing daily operations to switch to an "event" only mode. This of course drew a lot of interest because the owner of the club is Rich Meaney, the controversial developer who appears to be a focal point of a Federal anti-corruption task force. More specifically, the feds interest appears to be the relationship between Meaney and outgoing Mayor Steve Pougnet.
The switch to event only mode appears to be in order to keep from having to repay the city the $250,000 in grant money that was advanced to the Hacienda by Palm Springs.When financial questions about the Hacienda were first being raised, City Manager David Ready said the $250,000 was guaranteed to be paid back. He never specified how. This has raised at least 2 pertinent questions.
Why is David Ready acting as a spokesman for Rich Meaney? Mr. Ready has been explaining how the owner now wants to extend his liquor hours after 6p and may make an application to extend the playing of amplified music. That is all well and good but why not hold a hearing where Meaney has to come and state this in public? I bet I can answer that. If Meaney, who has disappeared faster than you can say Claude Raines, surfaces in public, he may have to answer questions about his financial relationship with Steve Pougnet.
Also, why were these grants never secured with surety bonds to guarantee repayment if the recipients had financial problems in the first 3 years? 30 years ago, I worked for the then 2nd largest insurance brokerage in the world. A surety bond simply guarantees repayment if a project falters. The premiums are usually cheap because the underwriters look at the financial wherewithal of the parties involved. They only agree to write bonds on companies that have a proven track record or solid financial footing. The lack of a bond in place for the Hacienda indicates to me that either Mr. Meaney could not pass muster with an insurance company or the city didn't require one. Either way, hardly inspriring.
Now of course in the long run, 250 grand is a mere pittance in the city's coffers. But what this incident does highlight is a lack of due diligence by the city. Whether that lack of due diligence was caused by incompetence, lack of attention to details or more outside sinister factors should be determined in the next few months.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
The switch to event only mode appears to be in order to keep from having to repay the city the $250,000 in grant money that was advanced to the Hacienda by Palm Springs.When financial questions about the Hacienda were first being raised, City Manager David Ready said the $250,000 was guaranteed to be paid back. He never specified how. This has raised at least 2 pertinent questions.
Why is David Ready acting as a spokesman for Rich Meaney? Mr. Ready has been explaining how the owner now wants to extend his liquor hours after 6p and may make an application to extend the playing of amplified music. That is all well and good but why not hold a hearing where Meaney has to come and state this in public? I bet I can answer that. If Meaney, who has disappeared faster than you can say Claude Raines, surfaces in public, he may have to answer questions about his financial relationship with Steve Pougnet.
Also, why were these grants never secured with surety bonds to guarantee repayment if the recipients had financial problems in the first 3 years? 30 years ago, I worked for the then 2nd largest insurance brokerage in the world. A surety bond simply guarantees repayment if a project falters. The premiums are usually cheap because the underwriters look at the financial wherewithal of the parties involved. They only agree to write bonds on companies that have a proven track record or solid financial footing. The lack of a bond in place for the Hacienda indicates to me that either Mr. Meaney could not pass muster with an insurance company or the city didn't require one. Either way, hardly inspriring.
Now of course in the long run, 250 grand is a mere pittance in the city's coffers. But what this incident does highlight is a lack of due diligence by the city. Whether that lack of due diligence was caused by incompetence, lack of attention to details or more outside sinister factors should be determined in the next few months.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
2 Different Roads In Palm Springs Election
When news came yesterday that J.R. Roberts had defeated Paul Lewin by a small number of votes in the race for a 2nd seat on the council, it seemed that within moments Mr. Lewin was on social media with a gracious and classy concession statement. I think he garnered a lot of plaudits and showed all how to act in such a circumstance.
Contrast that with the actions of Ginny Foat when she was defeated by Robert Moon in the Mayor's race. Ms. Foat seemed petulant and even managed to get in a fight on Facebook with of all people, journalist Hank Plante. That whole sordid chapter did not end well with Mr. Plante releasing e mails from Robert Moon which showed Ms. Foat portraying herself as a martyr in a very unflattering light.
I get the frustration that Ms. Foat is experiencing. She has often boasted that in the last 3 council elections, she received the highest vote total. No way could she have ever dreamed that she would get only 25% of the vote in a mayoral election. But as painful as losing may be, it really is sometimes how you play the game. And she did not play it well.
Getting back to Paul Lewin, like Ms. Foat he was a casualty of the recent investigations and scandals in City Hall. While it is early, he probably should consider another run in 2 years. He is a good man and I wish him all the best.
What has not been said yet but what is really fascinating is that a few months back, this city council received a "Lifetime" Achievement Award. Now take a look at the 5. Mayor Steve Pougnet is an official in name only. Ignored at the Pride Parade and heading off to Denver as soon as he can. Paul Lewin has lost his seat Rick Hutcheson is headed as fast as he can to LA. Chris Mills stays on the council as he hurtles towards obscurity joined by Ginny Foat who sits on the council where the plaque in front of her does not say Mayor. The Fab 5 has become a lot less fabulous.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Contrast that with the actions of Ginny Foat when she was defeated by Robert Moon in the Mayor's race. Ms. Foat seemed petulant and even managed to get in a fight on Facebook with of all people, journalist Hank Plante. That whole sordid chapter did not end well with Mr. Plante releasing e mails from Robert Moon which showed Ms. Foat portraying herself as a martyr in a very unflattering light.
I get the frustration that Ms. Foat is experiencing. She has often boasted that in the last 3 council elections, she received the highest vote total. No way could she have ever dreamed that she would get only 25% of the vote in a mayoral election. But as painful as losing may be, it really is sometimes how you play the game. And she did not play it well.
Getting back to Paul Lewin, like Ms. Foat he was a casualty of the recent investigations and scandals in City Hall. While it is early, he probably should consider another run in 2 years. He is a good man and I wish him all the best.
What has not been said yet but what is really fascinating is that a few months back, this city council received a "Lifetime" Achievement Award. Now take a look at the 5. Mayor Steve Pougnet is an official in name only. Ignored at the Pride Parade and heading off to Denver as soon as he can. Paul Lewin has lost his seat Rick Hutcheson is headed as fast as he can to LA. Chris Mills stays on the council as he hurtles towards obscurity joined by Ginny Foat who sits on the council where the plaque in front of her does not say Mayor. The Fab 5 has become a lot less fabulous.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Monday, November 9, 2015
Time To Clean UP PSPD
Last week the Palm Springs Police Officers Association finally dropped it's lawsuit against the city of Palm Springs involving the naming of officers involved in shootings. The lawsuit was doomed to failure but I congratulate the Desert Sun which spent a lot of time and money in fighting the union. In an editorial, the paper clearly spelled out the reasons for this information to be made public. The PSPOA tried to throw up the red herring of officer safety but fortunately, they caved.
It was also announced last week, that Chief Al Franz was retiring. This will give the new administration in Palm Springs a chance to set a new tone in relations with the department. After the forced resignation of David Dominguez over the Warm Sands sting, the PSPOA flexed it's muscles and demanded that it have input in the selection of the next chief. That of course should have been rejected out of hand by the City Council. It wasn't. In no way shape or form should the PSPOA have any input in the selection of a new chief.
I personally like Al Franz. Full disclosure, I have known Al's brother Benny for over 20 years. I think Al has done a good job but now it is time for a new head, preferably not one with local ties.
In the last 4 years, 2 members of the Department have been arrested. One, a woman who worked out od the Palm Springs Girls and Boys Club, was a former Drug Prevention Officer. She was charged with having sex with an underage minor. Also there was the married PSPD Lieutenant who was arrested and then released when his girlfriend disappeared. She was found safe and he was fired for insubordination later but kept his roughly 60k a year pension for life.
The overwhelming majority of the Palm Springs PD are courteous, highly trained professionals. They have a tough job, one in which it cannot be stressed enough that they volunteered for!! They are owed respect and courtesy but not subservience.
There has been talk of setting up a Civilian Review Board for the PSPD. I don't think that at this point such a move is necessary. Also there will be a tendency to judge a new chief on his/her relationship with the LGBT community. That should only be one criteria. The new chief should also be able to reach out to other communities including the long neglected African American community.
We have been told it will no longer be business as usual in Palm Springs. In the next few weeks the new mayor and council will have a chance to prove that. This is a good test.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
It was also announced last week, that Chief Al Franz was retiring. This will give the new administration in Palm Springs a chance to set a new tone in relations with the department. After the forced resignation of David Dominguez over the Warm Sands sting, the PSPOA flexed it's muscles and demanded that it have input in the selection of the next chief. That of course should have been rejected out of hand by the City Council. It wasn't. In no way shape or form should the PSPOA have any input in the selection of a new chief.
I personally like Al Franz. Full disclosure, I have known Al's brother Benny for over 20 years. I think Al has done a good job but now it is time for a new head, preferably not one with local ties.
In the last 4 years, 2 members of the Department have been arrested. One, a woman who worked out od the Palm Springs Girls and Boys Club, was a former Drug Prevention Officer. She was charged with having sex with an underage minor. Also there was the married PSPD Lieutenant who was arrested and then released when his girlfriend disappeared. She was found safe and he was fired for insubordination later but kept his roughly 60k a year pension for life.
The overwhelming majority of the Palm Springs PD are courteous, highly trained professionals. They have a tough job, one in which it cannot be stressed enough that they volunteered for!! They are owed respect and courtesy but not subservience.
There has been talk of setting up a Civilian Review Board for the PSPD. I don't think that at this point such a move is necessary. Also there will be a tendency to judge a new chief on his/her relationship with the LGBT community. That should only be one criteria. The new chief should also be able to reach out to other communities including the long neglected African American community.
We have been told it will no longer be business as usual in Palm Springs. In the next few weeks the new mayor and council will have a chance to prove that. This is a good test.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Friday, November 6, 2015
Ignorance Not Bliss In Palm Springs
After a some prodding by me and others, the Desert Sun Editorial Board finally got around to addressing big money donations in Palm Springs. While this milquetoast response was expected, it was lax in both in tone and content.
The editorial mentions failed gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman and her huge financial lead over and subsequent loss to Jerry Brown. It glosses over the fact that most of that money was her own and not given to her by a single big bucks donor. Obviously a self-funded candidate will have an advantage in a medium sized town like Palm Springs. Also, without getting too wonky, much of her money was spent early just to get name recognition, something Brown had in spades.
Next the Desert Sun brings up the fact that limiting individual campaign contributions will not limit outside money or IEs (Independent Expenditure Committees) from hiding sources of donations in future campaigns. In theory true. In reality, balderdash. If an IE were to come in Palm Springs, any self-respecting journalist would jump at the opportunity to expose who was behind it. Why just in the last election, a group calling itself the Committee To Clean Up Palm Springs was formed and purchased ads. Now what was the name of the newspaper who immediately investigated and exposed the principals involved? I believe it was The Desert Sun. Perhaps the Editorial Board should peruse their own product more diligently.
The elephant in the room is the $150,000 Harold Matzner directly gave to failed mayoral candidate Ginny Foat. That is 55 times the amount he will be allowed to directly give to either Hillary Clinton or Marco Rubio in 2016.
What the Desert Sun is basically saying is let's have the status quo. In fact it even tries to be clever and say limiting individual contributions is "A solution in search of a problem.". See above paragraph if you don't perceive a problem.
Without getting into the esoteric debates over IEs and public financing, I propose Palm Springs limit individual contributions to match the $2,700 federal limit and group contributions to $5,000. Of course self funded campaigns would be exempt. There is no need for some proposed Ethics Committee to take this up. It should be done ASAP.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
The editorial mentions failed gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman and her huge financial lead over and subsequent loss to Jerry Brown. It glosses over the fact that most of that money was her own and not given to her by a single big bucks donor. Obviously a self-funded candidate will have an advantage in a medium sized town like Palm Springs. Also, without getting too wonky, much of her money was spent early just to get name recognition, something Brown had in spades.
Next the Desert Sun brings up the fact that limiting individual campaign contributions will not limit outside money or IEs (Independent Expenditure Committees) from hiding sources of donations in future campaigns. In theory true. In reality, balderdash. If an IE were to come in Palm Springs, any self-respecting journalist would jump at the opportunity to expose who was behind it. Why just in the last election, a group calling itself the Committee To Clean Up Palm Springs was formed and purchased ads. Now what was the name of the newspaper who immediately investigated and exposed the principals involved? I believe it was The Desert Sun. Perhaps the Editorial Board should peruse their own product more diligently.
The elephant in the room is the $150,000 Harold Matzner directly gave to failed mayoral candidate Ginny Foat. That is 55 times the amount he will be allowed to directly give to either Hillary Clinton or Marco Rubio in 2016.
What the Desert Sun is basically saying is let's have the status quo. In fact it even tries to be clever and say limiting individual contributions is "A solution in search of a problem.". See above paragraph if you don't perceive a problem.
Without getting into the esoteric debates over IEs and public financing, I propose Palm Springs limit individual contributions to match the $2,700 federal limit and group contributions to $5,000. Of course self funded campaigns would be exempt. There is no need for some proposed Ethics Committee to take this up. It should be done ASAP.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Moonshots For The New PS Mayor
Okay, you have been Mayor-elect for 12 hours, Rob Moon stop wasting time and get to work. No seriously here are some unsolicited but sound suggestions.
1.) Meet with Geoff Kors before you are sworn in. I know, the OnePS crowd will be up in arms but you are not subject yet to the Brown Act. Come up with an individual cap on campaign doantions for the next election cycle. It will not be perfect, but something must be done. This could be your first ordinance.
2.) Meet with Jeff Grubbe. Some ridiculous and inflammatory comments regarding the tribe have been made and it is time to counter-act them.
3.) After getting into office, instigate an immediate closed door review of both David Ready and Doug Holland's performances. Their roles in the disputed property sales must be vetted. It may be that changes may be in order for one or both of those positions.
4.) While I despise Blue Ribbon Committees, you should look into one for the selecting of a new police chief. The Palm Springs Police Officers Association should have no say in the selection of the next chief. They did in the last one. As a retired military man, you are aware of structure. The ranks don't choose their leaders
5.) Reach out to the African America Community. They have been shunted aside in the last few years.
6.) Palm Springs is more than just downtown. Hang out over by Panera Bread or Marshalls. Stop by Goodies for a great breakfast.
7.) Speaking of downtown get it sorted. New plans every other week. Tell John Wessman to get a plan and stick with it.
8.) Have fun. Palm Springs is a cool place. But in many ways, very provincial. As I have said before, if you put a porta-potty on Ramon Road at the end of a read carpet, 70 people will get out their cars to pose on it.
9.) Listen to bloggers. We always know best. Or think we do.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
1.) Meet with Geoff Kors before you are sworn in. I know, the OnePS crowd will be up in arms but you are not subject yet to the Brown Act. Come up with an individual cap on campaign doantions for the next election cycle. It will not be perfect, but something must be done. This could be your first ordinance.
2.) Meet with Jeff Grubbe. Some ridiculous and inflammatory comments regarding the tribe have been made and it is time to counter-act them.
3.) After getting into office, instigate an immediate closed door review of both David Ready and Doug Holland's performances. Their roles in the disputed property sales must be vetted. It may be that changes may be in order for one or both of those positions.
4.) While I despise Blue Ribbon Committees, you should look into one for the selecting of a new police chief. The Palm Springs Police Officers Association should have no say in the selection of the next chief. They did in the last one. As a retired military man, you are aware of structure. The ranks don't choose their leaders
5.) Reach out to the African America Community. They have been shunted aside in the last few years.
6.) Palm Springs is more than just downtown. Hang out over by Panera Bread or Marshalls. Stop by Goodies for a great breakfast.
7.) Speaking of downtown get it sorted. New plans every other week. Tell John Wessman to get a plan and stick with it.
8.) Have fun. Palm Springs is a cool place. But in many ways, very provincial. As I have said before, if you put a porta-potty on Ramon Road at the end of a read carpet, 70 people will get out their cars to pose on it.
9.) Listen to bloggers. We always know best. Or think we do.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Morning After Moonglow
Well it is the morning after in Palm Springs. And a new day has dawned in the fabled city. As per is my wont, I got the election prediction wrong n Palm Springs. I did predict Geoff Kors which anyone could have done. Paul Lewin as of this writing trails by 20 votes to JR Rpberts who I did have finishing 2nd. But that lead is tenuous right now That race may not be decided for a few weeks and we even may see a recount. No of course the surprise is the Mayor's race where voters sent such a clear message in the election of Robert Moon.
I often say the only time % of votes matter is at the end of the night. And in this race, it spoke volumes. Ginny Foat, despite the backing of the rich and powerful got only 25% of the vote!! Obviously that means the 75% voted against her!! Robert Moon gathered 36% for his victory outpacing Foat by roughly 1100 votes.
The votes against Ms. Foat and Mr. Lewin were obviously a reaction to the ongoing corruption investigations into city practices and the September FBI raid. Now Foat's disappointed supporters will talk about how mean and vicious this election was. Let me make it clear. Ginny Foat is no victim. She is an experienced political operator who gives as good as she gets. She still will be on the city council and have tremendous influence. Hopefully she will be gracious in defeat.
But the era of Pougnet/Mills/Foat which started in 2003 has come to an end. The voters have chosen to now move in a different path.
I think the reason that I got the election for Mayor wrong is that I underestimated the overall revulsion of the voters at the corruption probe. I think today, there is shock at City Hall as the ruling clique in Palm Springs just got jolted. While black bunting may adorn both the Hilton and Spencer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, the majority of voters in Palm Springs spoke loudly and clearly last night. They want a different path.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Monday, November 2, 2015
Palm Springs Election Predictions
Well tomorrow is D Day. In one of the most placid elections in recent memory, voters go to the polls to elect a Mayor and 2 council people in Palm Springs. Okay placid isn't right: It is the dirtiest, most godawful bowels from hell German Reichstag Election of 1932 type of deal. Not really. It. however, is the most expensive election in PS history and is very reminiscent of the 1991 election for mayor between Will Kleindienst and Lloyd Maryanov.
As a matter of record, I remind readers that if council person Ginny Foat is elected Mayor, the 3rd place finisher will be elected for a 2 year term for council.
I also want to thank all of you who have read my blog about the election. I enjoy hearing criticisms and plaudits and consider both of equal validity. So here we go:
Council 4 Year Term: Geoff Kors. Easy pick and the highest vote getter in the election. A good campaign and someone to keep an eye on.
Council 4 Year Term: JR Roberts. Despite an association with Ginny Foat, he has run a steady if unspectacular campaign. Has good name recognition in town and from Bay Area ex pats. Also big with the modernists.
Mayor 4 Year Term: Ginny Foat. She will win with less than 50% of the vote. I have changed my mind several times on this. What has to be explored is if she can be beaten by Rob Moon? I think not because she will benefit from the 2nd tier candidates who will siphon just enough of the anti-Foat votes away from Moon. If it were a straight up vote. Moon wins
Council 2 Year Term: Paul Lewin. He now tries to rebuild his reputation in the next 2 years.
Obvious Prediction 1: One of the winning candidates will of course get presumptuous and say, "The city needs to heal."
Obvious Prediction 2: After this election, the relationship between the city and the Agua Caliente Tribe will get worse.
Obvious Prediction 3; This being Palm Springs, some bankrupt former Life Coach will pen an Op ED piece offering to help the residents express themselves through art therapy as a way of healing.
Patently Obvious Prediction: I probably am wrong on all counts with the exclusion of Obvious 3. That is a given.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
As a matter of record, I remind readers that if council person Ginny Foat is elected Mayor, the 3rd place finisher will be elected for a 2 year term for council.
I also want to thank all of you who have read my blog about the election. I enjoy hearing criticisms and plaudits and consider both of equal validity. So here we go:
Council 4 Year Term: Geoff Kors. Easy pick and the highest vote getter in the election. A good campaign and someone to keep an eye on.
Council 4 Year Term: JR Roberts. Despite an association with Ginny Foat, he has run a steady if unspectacular campaign. Has good name recognition in town and from Bay Area ex pats. Also big with the modernists.
Mayor 4 Year Term: Ginny Foat. She will win with less than 50% of the vote. I have changed my mind several times on this. What has to be explored is if she can be beaten by Rob Moon? I think not because she will benefit from the 2nd tier candidates who will siphon just enough of the anti-Foat votes away from Moon. If it were a straight up vote. Moon wins
Council 2 Year Term: Paul Lewin. He now tries to rebuild his reputation in the next 2 years.
Obvious Prediction 1: One of the winning candidates will of course get presumptuous and say, "The city needs to heal."
Obvious Prediction 2: After this election, the relationship between the city and the Agua Caliente Tribe will get worse.
Obvious Prediction 3; This being Palm Springs, some bankrupt former Life Coach will pen an Op ED piece offering to help the residents express themselves through art therapy as a way of healing.
Patently Obvious Prediction: I probably am wrong on all counts with the exclusion of Obvious 3. That is a given.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Winners and Losers Already In Palm Springs Election
As we get closer to the election in Palm Springs and its finale on Tuesday, it is clear that there have been winners and losers in this election cycle. No matter what the outcome, here are a few at least in my mind.
Loser Ginny Foat
No matter the outcome on Tuesday, she has done a huge amount of damage to her standing. If elected, the huge cash infusion of Harold Matzner coupled with some hyper-sensitive behavior has put off many and will cast a pall on her governance To be fair, her and her supporters expected more of a coronation than a race. The FBI raid on downtown Palm Springs changed all that and her camp was slow to respond.
Loser Rob Moon
The path was clear to run as aspirational campaign and in the beginning, that is what he did. However it squandered many an opportunity to not get silly. Moon had the moral high ground when Ms. Foats's campaign planted those phony Measure J Commission letters in the paper. He promptly gave it back with planted letters denouncing Ms. Foat for not attending a forum on short notice. Also if true, his supporters dressing as federal agents for Halloween was just stupid.
Winner JR Roberts
Winner LGBT Community
Loser Ginny Foat
No matter the outcome on Tuesday, she has done a huge amount of damage to her standing. If elected, the huge cash infusion of Harold Matzner coupled with some hyper-sensitive behavior has put off many and will cast a pall on her governance To be fair, her and her supporters expected more of a coronation than a race. The FBI raid on downtown Palm Springs changed all that and her camp was slow to respond.
Loser Rob Moon
The path was clear to run as aspirational campaign and in the beginning, that is what he did. However it squandered many an opportunity to not get silly. Moon had the moral high ground when Ms. Foats's campaign planted those phony Measure J Commission letters in the paper. He promptly gave it back with planted letters denouncing Ms. Foat for not attending a forum on short notice. Also if true, his supporters dressing as federal agents for Halloween was just stupid.
Winner JR Roberts
Has managed to run his own campaign and appear above the fray in Palm Springs. Now really running hard, he has done well. His association with the modernists in Palm Springs, while beneficial in the short term may have to change if he gets on the council. Some of the preservationists have been involved in futile and divisive feuds with the Agua Caliente tribe.
Loser Paul Lewin
Paul Lewin has been caught u[ in a whirlwind basically not of his making. He has not been able to shake the stigma of the corruption probe in Palm Springs. Many, including myself have predicted a bright future for him. He may survive and if he does, he can recover but this should serve as a wake-up call for the future. A big one.
Winner Geoff Kors
Yes he took a lot of money from Harold Matzner but other than that he has run a flawless if sometimes over the top campaign. (Endorsements from state political types.) He is indebted to no one and is a guaranteed winner with a bright future.
Loser Harold Matzner
The philanthropist and head of the Palm Springs Film Festival has made huge cash donations to Ginny Foat and even appears on a billboard with her. One must ask why? And that question has not been answered yet.
Winner Desert Sun News
Great reporting on the election. And a great Op Ed piece by Greg Burton slapping down conspiracy theories floated by Foat supporters.
Loser Desert Sun Editorial Board
Their failure to address the huge donations made by Mr. Matzner does not speak well for them. They have a duty to express an opinion yea or nay on such a totally unprecedented occurrence. To not do so in a timely manner smacks of an unbecoming reticence
.Loser PSPOA
The Palm Springs Police Union has invested 35k in this election. As usual with this crowd, there has been some chicanery. Their endorsement signs create the impression the police department is endorsing the candidates, not the union.
Winner Social Media
Despite the usual whining and self-righteous amongst us, social media has exploded in this election and has help drive it and answer questions. If you bear in mind there are no filters on social media other than the self-imposed, it can be fun. Many of those favoring the status quo may not like it but oh well. And by the way, will al the "victims" of the "mean' election grow up. Elections in a resort city are about money and power and this one is no exception.
Winner LGBT Community
Many candidates expressing a variety of opinions. It shows a bit of true diversity when this occurs.
Loser LGBT Community
There also appears to be a rise in the 1%'s in the gay community here who are not connected to the day to day life of the city. Also many are trying to bring San Francisco or West Hollywood to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is neither. It is a city in Riverside County represented by the Republican Leader of the State Assembly!! I interviewed one prominent gay candidate for office who did not know Palm Springs has about a 1000 Filipino-Americans who live off of Ramon Road!! Get out of the bubble.
Tomorrow election predictions
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)