My Vote-By-Mail Ballot Has Been Sent
This morning I sealed the envelope on my Vote by Mail
ballot for the November 3rd election and sent it off in the mail. The
ballot has been marked with my choice of candidates for two Palm Springs City Council seats, three Desert Water Agency Board of Directors seats, and the Measure "G" Telephone User Tax proposal.
It may surprise some to learn my ballot choices were not made in knee-jerk fashion. I seriously evaluated all candidates and found or did not find reasons to make choices. The following are brief summaries of my views with respect to each of the candidates and related issues.
Palm Springs City Council Candidates (in alphabetic order)
Barbara Beaty
A late start, no name recognition, and lack of campaign experience is offset by proven business expertise, determination, great personality and demonstrated interest in serving the community. Needs to broaden her perspective to include more segments of the community. Currently serving as Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission. If she fails this time it's to be hoped the period leading up to the 2011 elections culminate in her winning a city council seat.
David Carden
A hardworking neighborhood activist who chairs the Baristo Neighborhood Organization and has served as an officer of the Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee. Candidacy hurt by his naive belief that a petition would succeed in attracting Trader Joe's to Palm Springs. Great publicity for TJ, but not for him. A strong Democrat and supporter of incumbent Ginny Foat. Those seeking fresh blood on the council should probably look elsewhere, for he appears satisfied with the performance of the present council.
Alexander Dobrecevic
He's 19, starting out in life, and may subscribe to the "anything's possible theory". Deserves kudos for admitting he doesn't have a lot of answers and won't attempt answers to questions beyond his knowledge or expertise. Gets a failing grade for not hitting the books and learning more about the City and its neighborhoods.
Ginny Foat
Incumbent running for reelection. Has a good record of community involvement but mixed reviews exist with respect to some council votes. She's fully supportive of her past decisions and votes. Once again those seeking fresh blood on the council must look elsewhere for her past qualifies her as "more of the same".
Michael Gallardo
Energetic up-and-comer with a campaign platform limited to downtown business interests. Needs to spend more time boning up on other aspects of the community, apply for a City commission position, spend more time attending city council meetings and, in future campaigns, demonstrate he's not a single issue candidate.
Eloise Garcia Mohsin
Not a serious candidate. Admits she had good time running two years ago and for that reason decided to do so once again. Campaign platform mostly devoted to attacking incumbents. No real solutions offered to problems, little time spent campaigning. Repeated absences from candidate forums in order to care for a friend beg the question whether council meetings would receive similar cavalier treatment.
Christopher Mills
Experienced incumbent with many solid achievements in his record. Definitely fixed in his views and, while open to some new ideas, often has a closed mind on perceived "closed" issues. His firm support of what appears to be an outdated sign ordinance, is but one example of his tendency to ignore that different times may require different answers. The community voice, on issues affecting them, should prevail - but with him, may not!
Jim Osterberger
Hardworking, successful small businessman without a record of community involvement or expertise in neighborhood issues. His campaign platform is limited to downtown business concerns. Obviously has ability, talent, and energy, but needs to demonstrate an understanding of a broader range of city interests. Could be a serious candidate in a future election, provided intervening time is spent becoming more involved.
Drew Sweatte
At 22, is the second youngest candidate, though one with a history of political involvement - primarily in another state. His age, lack of education and business experience, along with brief period of residency make his candidacy a long shot. Add to that his admitted partisanship - says "I hate liberals and everything they stand for" and "the term Democrat is short for the phrase domestic terrorist", represent a red flag to a huge segment of the community. A few credentials in the maturity department would help.
John Tymon
A perennial candidate for local political office. Campaigning appears limited to candidate forums where his responses often provide some levity to the proceedings. A bit of a windbag and one who made a serious gaffe in portraying his relations with the Tribe. It resulted in a published rebuke from the Tribal chairman. Look for his name to show up again in 2011.
Mark Walthour
A laid-off city employee whose campaign platform appears limited to internal city government politics. Needs to broaden his perspective and become involved in community activities and city commissions.
Desert Water Agency Candidates (in alphabetic order)
The Desert Water Agency has long been a closed shop when it comes to the Board of Directors. Incumbents are used to running unopposed and replacements are hand-picked in advance of elections. Such appears to be the case with the present election. A longtime director resigned last spring and a hand-picked replacement now appears on the ballot as an "incumbent". Add a black mark to the agency for its failure to mention on its website that an election for directors is underway. The agency definitely could benefit from fresh blood on its board.
James Cioffi
Local architect and former member of the city Planning Commission and Architectural Advisory Board. Recruited by the existing DWA board as a replacement for an incumbent who decided against running for re-election. The incumbent resigned six months early and that allowed Cioffi to be appointed. He's now running for "re-election" as an "appointed incumbent". Doesn't quite pass the smell test.
Armando Rancano
Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee member, Palm Springs Resource Conservation Commission member, Vice-Chair for Administration - Palm Springs Police Advisory Board, Past Chair, Organizational Development Committee, Palm Springs Office of Neighborhood Organizations and Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee, Deepwell Estates Neighborhood Organization. Strong record in support of conservation. Those seeking fresh blood on the Desert Water Agency board of directors need look no further.
Patricia G. Oygar
Incumbent and probably the most qualified candidate, for any office, in the current election! Knows water, devotes endless hours to water conservation issues and her board duties, and really listens to constituents. Probably the only incumbent whose failure to win reelection would do a great disservice to the community.
Ronald E. Starrs
Incumbent running for reelection. Employed by Palm Springs Police Department and holds the rank of Captain. Served as water board president from 2000 - 2005. No record of community involvement unrelated to police department activities. He's one of two Palm Springs city government officials who serve as Desert Water Agency board members. Such wearing of two hats is not necessarily in the best interests of rate payers.
Palm Springs Ballot Measure "G"
Would make permanent illegal tax collections on cell phones, cable phones and other new technologies. Lowers Telephone User Tax rate from 5% to 4.5% in exchange for new taxes on more products. Eliminates 911 Emergency Services Fee and its associated emergency services dedicated fund account. Adds new Access Line Tax with money to be used for employee salaries and other expenses. Protects the City from lawsuits seeking refund of illegally collected taxes. Extent of the measure's impact not fully disclosed in the ballot statement presented to voters, and half percent rate reduction appears intended to deceive.
My vote choices were made based on considerations similar to those noted. I did something I've seldom done before and exercised my right to select "None of the above" by casting but one vote for city council. I was unable to choose between other candidates and for that reason did not make a second selection.
Of the three open seats for Desert Water Agency, I voted for Pat Oygar and Armando Rancano, but made no choice for the third seat.
Palm Springs Ballot Measure "G" received a NO vote.
If you have a Vote by Mail ballot, I hope you remember to send it in. Otherwise, please don't forget to vote on November 3rd at your polling place. If you seek change, or are happy with incumbents, it's your vote that will help determine the results.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
October 19, 2009
It may surprise some to learn my ballot choices were not made in knee-jerk fashion. I seriously evaluated all candidates and found or did not find reasons to make choices. The following are brief summaries of my views with respect to each of the candidates and related issues.
Palm Springs City Council Candidates (in alphabetic order)
Barbara Beaty
A late start, no name recognition, and lack of campaign experience is offset by proven business expertise, determination, great personality and demonstrated interest in serving the community. Needs to broaden her perspective to include more segments of the community. Currently serving as Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission. If she fails this time it's to be hoped the period leading up to the 2011 elections culminate in her winning a city council seat.
David Carden
A hardworking neighborhood activist who chairs the Baristo Neighborhood Organization and has served as an officer of the Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee. Candidacy hurt by his naive belief that a petition would succeed in attracting Trader Joe's to Palm Springs. Great publicity for TJ, but not for him. A strong Democrat and supporter of incumbent Ginny Foat. Those seeking fresh blood on the council should probably look elsewhere, for he appears satisfied with the performance of the present council.
Alexander Dobrecevic
He's 19, starting out in life, and may subscribe to the "anything's possible theory". Deserves kudos for admitting he doesn't have a lot of answers and won't attempt answers to questions beyond his knowledge or expertise. Gets a failing grade for not hitting the books and learning more about the City and its neighborhoods.
Ginny Foat
Incumbent running for reelection. Has a good record of community involvement but mixed reviews exist with respect to some council votes. She's fully supportive of her past decisions and votes. Once again those seeking fresh blood on the council must look elsewhere for her past qualifies her as "more of the same".
Michael Gallardo
Energetic up-and-comer with a campaign platform limited to downtown business interests. Needs to spend more time boning up on other aspects of the community, apply for a City commission position, spend more time attending city council meetings and, in future campaigns, demonstrate he's not a single issue candidate.
Eloise Garcia Mohsin
Not a serious candidate. Admits she had good time running two years ago and for that reason decided to do so once again. Campaign platform mostly devoted to attacking incumbents. No real solutions offered to problems, little time spent campaigning. Repeated absences from candidate forums in order to care for a friend beg the question whether council meetings would receive similar cavalier treatment.
Christopher Mills
Experienced incumbent with many solid achievements in his record. Definitely fixed in his views and, while open to some new ideas, often has a closed mind on perceived "closed" issues. His firm support of what appears to be an outdated sign ordinance, is but one example of his tendency to ignore that different times may require different answers. The community voice, on issues affecting them, should prevail - but with him, may not!
Jim Osterberger
Hardworking, successful small businessman without a record of community involvement or expertise in neighborhood issues. His campaign platform is limited to downtown business concerns. Obviously has ability, talent, and energy, but needs to demonstrate an understanding of a broader range of city interests. Could be a serious candidate in a future election, provided intervening time is spent becoming more involved.
Drew Sweatte
At 22, is the second youngest candidate, though one with a history of political involvement - primarily in another state. His age, lack of education and business experience, along with brief period of residency make his candidacy a long shot. Add to that his admitted partisanship - says "I hate liberals and everything they stand for" and "the term Democrat is short for the phrase domestic terrorist", represent a red flag to a huge segment of the community. A few credentials in the maturity department would help.
John Tymon
A perennial candidate for local political office. Campaigning appears limited to candidate forums where his responses often provide some levity to the proceedings. A bit of a windbag and one who made a serious gaffe in portraying his relations with the Tribe. It resulted in a published rebuke from the Tribal chairman. Look for his name to show up again in 2011.
Mark Walthour
A laid-off city employee whose campaign platform appears limited to internal city government politics. Needs to broaden his perspective and become involved in community activities and city commissions.
Desert Water Agency Candidates (in alphabetic order)
The Desert Water Agency has long been a closed shop when it comes to the Board of Directors. Incumbents are used to running unopposed and replacements are hand-picked in advance of elections. Such appears to be the case with the present election. A longtime director resigned last spring and a hand-picked replacement now appears on the ballot as an "incumbent". Add a black mark to the agency for its failure to mention on its website that an election for directors is underway. The agency definitely could benefit from fresh blood on its board.
James Cioffi
Local architect and former member of the city Planning Commission and Architectural Advisory Board. Recruited by the existing DWA board as a replacement for an incumbent who decided against running for re-election. The incumbent resigned six months early and that allowed Cioffi to be appointed. He's now running for "re-election" as an "appointed incumbent". Doesn't quite pass the smell test.
Armando Rancano
Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee member, Palm Springs Resource Conservation Commission member, Vice-Chair for Administration - Palm Springs Police Advisory Board, Past Chair, Organizational Development Committee, Palm Springs Office of Neighborhood Organizations and Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee, Deepwell Estates Neighborhood Organization. Strong record in support of conservation. Those seeking fresh blood on the Desert Water Agency board of directors need look no further.
Patricia G. Oygar
Incumbent and probably the most qualified candidate, for any office, in the current election! Knows water, devotes endless hours to water conservation issues and her board duties, and really listens to constituents. Probably the only incumbent whose failure to win reelection would do a great disservice to the community.
Ronald E. Starrs
Incumbent running for reelection. Employed by Palm Springs Police Department and holds the rank of Captain. Served as water board president from 2000 - 2005. No record of community involvement unrelated to police department activities. He's one of two Palm Springs city government officials who serve as Desert Water Agency board members. Such wearing of two hats is not necessarily in the best interests of rate payers.
Palm Springs Ballot Measure "G"
Would make permanent illegal tax collections on cell phones, cable phones and other new technologies. Lowers Telephone User Tax rate from 5% to 4.5% in exchange for new taxes on more products. Eliminates 911 Emergency Services Fee and its associated emergency services dedicated fund account. Adds new Access Line Tax with money to be used for employee salaries and other expenses. Protects the City from lawsuits seeking refund of illegally collected taxes. Extent of the measure's impact not fully disclosed in the ballot statement presented to voters, and half percent rate reduction appears intended to deceive.
My vote choices were made based on considerations similar to those noted. I did something I've seldom done before and exercised my right to select "None of the above" by casting but one vote for city council. I was unable to choose between other candidates and for that reason did not make a second selection.
Of the three open seats for Desert Water Agency, I voted for Pat Oygar and Armando Rancano, but made no choice for the third seat.
Palm Springs Ballot Measure "G" received a NO vote.
If you have a Vote by Mail ballot, I hope you remember to send it in. Otherwise, please don't forget to vote on November 3rd at your polling place. If you seek change, or are happy with incumbents, it's your vote that will help determine the results.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
October 19, 2009
Posted by Administrator at 10/19/2009 11:31 AM 
Categories: Opinion,City Council
Tags: Palm Springs City Council Desert Water Agency
Categories: Opinion,City Council
Tags: Palm Springs City Council Desert Water Agency
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