Follow The Leaders In Cathedral City

For those of you who love the hurly burly of local politics, we have a burgeoning one starting o brew in Cathedral City Council Election. The city will  have a vote by mail election with ballots going out at the end of the month. It pits newcomer Rita Lamb against former Councilmember Shelley Kaplan vying to fill a vacated seat in District 1.

In the interest of full disclosure, I know both candidates. I have known Rita Lamb for over 25 years and gave her a radio show where I work at KCOD. I have interviewed Mr. Kaplan several times. I find them personally to be very nice, capable people.

The drama in this election is being fueled by social media. That is interesting because neither candidate has said one negative word about their  opponent. Which I think in this day and age is refreshing. However, if you read any of the local politics pages in Cathedral City, one would think the battle for the fate of Western Civilization is upon us. Just a few items that have everyone contracting the vapors.

Mr. Kaplan is posting signs calling for his re-election to the council. While it may seem strange because he is not on the council currently, it has been done before. Both former RC Sheriff Stan Sniff and Supervisor Manny Perez did the same thing in elections.

Mrs. Lamb has been attacked for not participating in a proposed forum. Shockingly enough, she doesn't have to. I  have conducted political forums in the Valley for almost 20 years and I have had politicians turn me down, despite my good looks and charm, I have even had candidates refuse to speak to me. (Right Gary Jeandron?) I am told she is campaigning door-to-door in the time she has left. Seems like a logical explanation.

Both Mr. Kaplan and Ms. Lamb have set a high tone but not attacking each other personally. It would be great if all others in Cathedral City could follow their example and dial back the drama.

Steve Kelly works as a broadcasting consultant for College Of The Desert. His radio show The Coachella Valley Report can be heard Saturdays at 1p on 1450 AM and 99.9 FM. He can be reached at skellykcod@gmail.com