As I sit back and watch the 2017 Palm Springs Election, I can't help but smile as I think of candidates and elections from past years. This year there has been dramatic charges of misogyny, Trumpism and the trampling of First Amendment rights. Hyperbole seems to be the norm in this election which features 2 establishment candidates vs. 4 others. The sun will rise after election day but in order to provide the reader with a smile, here are some of the funnier election moments and candiates in recent Palm Springs history.
The Cat Burglar And Campaign Signs
Back in 1995, Will Kleindienst was the frontrunner and would soon be elected Mayor. However, a Planning Commissioner did not like him. At the same time, a cat burglar was operating in Palm Springs. The police set up a stakeout. Imagine their surprise when they caught this middle aged woman tearing down signs at 1 in the morning. She was promptly arrested. (Protecting her name as she is still around.)
Airport Expansion
All the powers that be got behind a Palm Springs Airport expansion referendum.. The stated reason was to allow non-stop fights from Europe in the summer. Really. They plastered the entire town with Yes On Airport Expansion signs. Opponents went out. measured the Yes word, ordered a couple hundred No signs the same size and over night, the town was now plastered with No On Airport Expansion signs. The next morning was pretty funny. (By the way the airport expansion was approved and turned out to be needed for Canadian tourists who saved the Valley in the Great Recession. Right outcome, wrong reason.)
Kitty "Cole" Bang
This towering drag queen ran for Mayor in 1995. After the election, it turned out Kitty had a credit score of minus 400 and she disappeared.
Fred "The Hat" Ebeling
A wealthy eccentric Fred ran for Mayor in the 90s while driving a hearse!! He later filled up a hot air balloon and floated it over downtown.
George Margolis
By my count George ran for Mayor in Palm Springs twice and Desert Hot Springs once. Only problem, he lived in Rancho Mirage!! George would drive to Village Fest, set up a lawn chair and campaign without a permit.
Wayne Boyd
Wayne Boyd ran as a write-in candidate for mayor in 2003. When I asked him why he didn't gather enough signatures to get on the ballot, he told me he forgot there was an election. He got 12 votes.
Measure J Signs
The Yes on J Campaign had every city big shot and interest group behind it. To be against it one risked being branded a troublemaker. Soon Yes On J signs sprouted up all over town. There was one slight problem. They violated the campaign sign ordinance. They were too big!!! Thousands of dollars from the best and brightest in Palm Springs and that was the end result!!
There are a few more but my point is, a few moments of comedy in a municipal election is never a bad thing.
Steve Kelly hosts the Coachella Valley Report on 1450 KCOD at noon on Saturday.
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