Election 2016

Well here we go again. The 2016 election is upon us. As always I go on record as to who and what local ballot measures will win. I am leaving out the school board elections because I really don't know the candidates.

Congress 36th District

Democrat Raul Ruiz in a walk over State Senator Jeff Stone. Stone, who didn't even live in the district while running is shall we say an eccentric politician. He seems to be running against Iran judging by his TV ads. Ruiz is a solid choice here.

California Assembly 42nd

Despite having challenges with money, Greg Rodriguez has run a terrific campaign against Republican minority leader Chad Mayes. The question is turnout. Mayes has to be favored but this is one to watch.

Cathedral City Council

John Aguilar and Greg Pettis are both incumbents and should win. Greg Pettis has done a remarkable tight rope act in the last year from working as Republican Jeff Stone's aide to becoming a Democratic super delegate. He is the undisputed boss of Cathedral City politics right now. An unimaginable comeback from just a few years ago.

Cathedral City Measure P

This measure would tax pot if it legalized by state proposition. It passes.

Cathedral City Measure HH

This is he charter city amendment. The one sticking point seems to be the change to a rotational form of mayoralty in 2018. On social media both the pro and anti HH forces are duking it out with a zeal that is both inspired and ludicrous at times. A lot of the fight appears to be about former mayor Kathy DeRosa. Reading the rhetoric one would think a revolution is in the offing either way. I think it passes and Mr. Pettis fulfills a 20 year elusive dream by being called "Mr. Mayor" in 2019.

Palm Desert

Palm Desert has a reputation of stability. That is why I feel that incumbents Van Tanner and Susan Marie Weber are back. I also think Kathleen Kelly, daughter of long time council person the late Dick Kelly wins. She edges out Gina Nestande, who is from a Valley political dynasty herself.

Measure T

This a raise in TOT or hotel tax. Despite the council pushing it, I think it fails.

Indian Wells

Incumbents Ty Peabody, Doug Hanson and Ted Mertens win. Hanson remains one the most "colorful" candidates I have interviewed.

Measures

CV Link

I think Indian Wells joins Rancho Mirage in opposing the CV Link

TOT Tax Increase

They vote to raise it.

La Quinta

Linda Evans wins as Mayor.  Kristy Franklin and Victoria Llort win as well. Perennial candidate Steve Sanchez who is running for council is so enthusiastic, he has posted signs on Fred Waring in Indian Wells!! By the way, I was in La Quinta today and the amount of political signage has to be seen to be believed.

Sales Tax Measure Increase

Passes

Indio

I think Glenn Miller and Lupe Watson win re-election. But as with all local elections, there are subplots and ironies. Developer Nachhattar Chandi appears to striving to be the Harold Matzner of the East Valley as he has given over 41 grand to Miller and newcomer Joan Dzuro. Plus council member Mike Wilson, a ahem free spirit, has funded a mailer against Lupe Watson. This is traced back to Watson stopping the opening invocation at a few council meetings. Who says all politics isn't local and sometimes ridiculously petty?

Sales Tax Measure Increase

Passes.

We can check back Wednesday.  Or it being Riverside County, February 11th, 2017.

Steve Kelly is a blogger in the Coachella Valley and can be reached at svericker12@gmail.com or on twitter @skellynj