Antonio Baciu Seeks Cathedral City District 5 Sear

Two Candidates, Antonio Baciu and Danielle Mead, Seek One Seat in District 5

Editor’s Note: Uken Report posed a series of identical questions to each candidate. Following are Baciu’s responses. The District 5 seat is now held by Mayor Raymond Gregory, who has enthusiastically endorsed Baciu.

Uken Report (UR): Why are you a better candidate than your opponent?

Antonio Baciu: For me, it comes down to time. I’m the only candidate in District 5 who can make serving as a Councilmember their only full-time commitment. I’ve been able to dedicate 20–40 hours a week to the city as a commissioner and community volunteer because I have made this city is my top priority.

UR: Would you ever approve a data center in Cathedral City? Why or why not?

Antonio Baciu: I would never support a data center in Cathedral City. These facilities consume enormous amounts of energy and water and create constant noise. We should pursue responsible development that protects our limited resources and improves residents’ quality of life.

UR: There was recent discussion in Cathedral City about its Pride Festival and the city funding the annual event. Do you support the City funding the Pride Festival? Do you support the raising of the Rainbow Flag at City Hall for Pride Month? Do you support the painting of the Rainbow Crosswalk in Downtown Cathedral City?

As a 19-year-resident, I have been involved with Cathedral City’s Pride celebration for the past 10 years, including raising the Pride flag and repainting the Rainbow Crosswalk every year. I also helped paint the crosswalk when it was first created. As the only LGBTQ+ candidate across all three district races, I’m proud of our city’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and to celebrating everyone in our diverse city. 

UR: What is your vision for the city?

Antonio Baciu: My vision is a Cathedral City where every neighborhood is safe, well maintained, and heard. That means investing in public safety, repairing our roads and bridges, attracting businesses that create good jobs, and supporting housing for people at every income level. Most of all, I want residents to have a real voice in City Hall. I’ll be accessible, listen, and put in the time to turn their priorities into action.

UR: How much do you plan to spend on your campaign? Keep in mind your spending and contributions are public record.

Antonio Baciu: $20,000.

UR: Who or what prompted you to run?

Antonio Baciu: I’m running for City Council to give District 5 a full-time voice at City Hall and keep Cathedral City moving forward with safer neighborhoods, better roads, and responsible leadership.

Mayor Raymond Gregory was the first person to encourage me to run. Over time, many others encouraged me as well, most of whom are now among my 30 campaign endorsers.

UR: Is there a project unique to your district? What will you do about it?

Antonio Baciu: The new Ramon Road Bridge is outside District 5, but it will greatly benefit District 5 residents by easing the bottleneck at Landau Boulevard. The two-year construction project will be a major challenge for the next District 5 Councilmember, and it’s one I willingly accept.

In District 5, I want to see the scheduled mile-long alley project between Landau Boulevard and Avenida La Paz completed. 

UR: What is the best quality about your opponent(s)?

Antonio Baciu: I applaud her commission work.

UR: In light of the news this morning (and all week, really) about the cancelled candidate Town Hall Series, I think voters deserve to know your position. Would you have attended it or not, and why? I

Antonio Baciu: I share my positions with voters every day while canvassing. You can’t beat those one-on-one conversations. I couldn’t confirm for the Business Forum because it was scheduled on the same night as my PACE Commission meeting. I hope future event organizers check candidates’ availability so more of us can participate.