Christina Gordon Runs for Four-year Term

Christina Gordon Seeks District 3 Seat in Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY — Two candidates — Christina Gordon and Alberto Ruiz — are vying for a single seat to represent District 3 on the City Council. Uken Report submitted identical questionnaires to each. Only Gordon responded. Following are her unedited answers.

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

Christina Gordon: I was unanimously appointed by the existing city council in January from a pool of 10 other candidates, including my opponent. Since then, I have worked to meet residents, city staff, and colleagues across the valley to learn more about and represent Cathedral City’s interests. This has resulted in endorsements from Cathedral City Police Officers Association, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association, and the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce. I have spent the time to learn how the city runs, get to know the staff and their roles in the city, commissioners and volunteers, and our public safety first responders. I have held multiple meet-and-greets in District 3 communities to hear directly from residents what they want and need from the city, and I am doing the hard work of being their voice on the city council. I know and understand not just the needs of residents in District 3, but those of Cathedral City and emerging issues that affect all the cities in our valley. My experience thus far has earned the trust of residents, city leaders, and public servants to serve and lead the city.

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

Christina Gordon: No. There is nothing to indicate that a data center would serve Cathedral City’s interests or that Cathedral City residents want one here. Additionally, the city’s new (draft) development code will not have permitted use for a data center in the city. That coupled with the known threats of water and power usage, as well as the as-yet unknown impacts that data centers could have for years to come mean that there is no compelling reason to support them in our city.

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 a City Hall for Pride Month? Do you support the painting of the Rainbow Crosswalk in Downtown Cathedral City?

Christina Gordon: Yes. I have participated in all of these events, even prior to my role on the city council. They are festive and wonderful for bringing people together in celebration. Cathedral City is a beautiful, diverse city with many groups represented among our population. I fully support celebrating our diverse residents — including the LGBTQIA community — and the festivals and events that bring people from around the country to visit our home and contribute to our local economy. I have also supported the flag raising for the Taste of Jalisco Festival and will continue to support other events that celebrate the culture and diversity in our city, including the upcoming Fields of Valor event to recognize our veterans and servicemembers. We are better for our diversity and I fully support recognizing and celebrating it.

UR: What is your vision for the city?

Christina Gordon: My vision for Cathedral City includes four priorities: Infrastructure That Works — District 3 residents want a city that works. We need roads that service the city, whether that’s on main streets or passing through our neighborhoods. I have worked closely with the Council and Public Works to ensure that road projects are servicing areas that need the most attention. I will prioritize projects that serve residents and make our roads safe and drivable.

• Safe and Welcoming Community — Cathedral City is diverse and inclusive, and our city services must reflect that. I have worked closely with both the Fire and Police Chiefs and their departments to ensure that our community is prepared for when the worst happens, and that those who serve our community understand the unique needs of the people who live in Cathedral City. I am working alongside the Council and City staff to ensure that we pick a location for our new multigenerational community center and build a facility that will serve Cathedral City for years to come.
• Community Engagement – A strong community is one that is engaged in its government. City survey data shows that residents are mostly satisfied with our city, but many don’t know what Cathedral City is doing on economic development, public safety, and road improvement projects. That’s why I have directed community funds to invest in communications outreach to ensure all residents are involved and engaged in city business and accomplishments.
• Housing For Everyone – Making sure that housing is affordable for the people who live and work in Cathedral City is critical to its health. I am a member of the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s Homelessness Committee, working across the valley to ensure that we are connected to resources for our residents most in need. I am working with staff to explore visionary housing development opportunities that integrate affordable and workforce housing, alongside retail, restaurants, green spaces, and services in walkable neighborhoods that serve all of our residents.

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

Christina Gordon: I plan to spend approximately $20K.

UR: Who or what prompted you to run?

Christina Gordon: I said when I applied for the appointment in January, and reiterate now, that public service has always been important to me. I began my career as a teacher and have worked in nonprofit organizations (mostly in education) for the past 20years.Ilove and believe in Cathedral City, its people, and its potential, and I believe I can be part of a flourishing future here. Having had the opportunity to serve our city as councilmember for the past almost nine months, I have gotten firsthand experience for the needs of the city and the barriers to our success. I know that we have budget constraints, and the residents of Cathedral City expect the Council and staff to be good stewards of their tax dollars. Working alongside my fellow councilmembers and the incredible staff at City Hall has given me the opportunity to see how we can best use tax dollars, diversify our city’s budget with grant opportunities, and be creative with the funds we do have to ensure that needs are being met. My love for the city and its potential calls me to continue to serve our city and help Cathedral City build the foundation for a prosperous future that gives our residents even more to be proud of.

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

Christina Gordon: The issue that I hear about the most often from District 3 residents is the condition of our roads. Whether that’s major thoroughfares like Date Palm Drive or neighborhood streets, our residents want them to be passable and safe. Over the past nine months, I have worked closely with our city staff as they prioritize road improvement projects. I will continue to advocate for the roads in District 3 to be addressed and cared for as budgets and resources permit.

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

Christina Gordon: Anyone who chooses to run to serve Cathedral City must love and care about our city and its people a great deal.

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

Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to participate, due to the short notice I was provided, I was unable to rearrange my schedule to attend this particular event. I look forward to other opportunities to engage with the voters and business community and hear directly about their concerns and priorities.

Thank you all for your time.