Council Hopeful Shines Despite No Spotlight

Indio City Council Hopeful Accepts Last-minute Invite Despite No Publicity

PALM SPRINGS — To tell this story it is important to set the scene. It was shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21. Many people had already called it a week and escaped for the long Memorial Day weekend.

For those who hadn’t already checked out, those left behind were looking to eliminate their to-do list — not take on another task or responsibility.

As I was scrolling through my social media messages, I stumbled upon a message from Katie Slinko-Tuvell, president and CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. She was seeking one additional speaker for a special patriotic gathering honoring Memorial Day …”

She was seeking a speaker for Memorial Day.

I felt a twinge in my stomach, concerned that at such a late date and hour, everyone would have already made their plans.

It was all for naught.

Within seconds, it seemed, she had a reply.

Felipe Ortiz responded: “It would be an honor to speak at this event!”

Stunned. I was literally stunned watching it play out in real time on the screen before me. I cheered and was in hot pursuit to find out who this man was — to give so unselfishly of him time and talent.

Turns out he lives in Indio and plans to run for a seat on the Indio City Council in November in District 4 .

His name is Felipe Ortiz, no relation to Oscar Ortiz who currently sits on the Indio City Council.

Felipe is 30 years old and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Community Service Driven.

There was no advanced publicity about him, like many Memorial Day speakers received. There was no media coverage, no big spotlight, and those in attendance likely can’t vote for him. He was just a man who wanted to p ay his respects to those who sacrificed for this country.

“I volunteered to give remarks at the event because, as a veteran, I wanted to support the Palm Springs American Legion Post after learning they were looking for a guest speaker,” Ortiz wrote in a message to Uken Report.

He was just a young man, who happened to be a city council hopeful, trying to do the right thing. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about him.

“Memorial Day is an important day for veterans, military families, and the community as a whole. I felt it was important to step up, offer my support, and help honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

Something tells me you will be hearing more about this man in the coming months.

 

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