Photo Courtesy of Glenn Food

Six men and women are vying for two seats on the Palm Springs City Council in November. Uken Report submitted questions to each candidate and all accepted.

They are Judy Deertrack, Glenn Flood, Harry Hampton, Christy Holstege Lisa Middleton and Robert Stone.

Each candidate received identical questions. Their answers appear as they were submitted and were not edited or altered.

Flood, 71, is a retired U.S. Navy Commander and former civilian Pentagon Press Officer vying for one of the two spots left vacant by Chris Mills and Ginny Foat.

Exactly why are you running?

I am running to make a difference, not just for me, but for the regular voters in Palm Springs who feel they do not have a voice that’s being heard in City Hall. I am a candidate who is not asking for money from the well-known deep pockets in our community. If elected, I do not want to be beholding to anyone except the voters who are running with me. I am a candidate for all the people, not just a select few.

What quality do you have that you believe your opponents do not? In other words, what sets you apart?

I am a candidate for all the people of Palm Springs. I listen. I don’t pretend to have all the answers to problems and issues facing our city. I will seek solutions and ideas from everyday citizens and be more transparent. I have been a hard worker all my life and will continue to work hard for the people of Palm Springs.

How much to you expect to spend on your race?

Less than the other candidates.

Who is your political role model?

My soon-to-be 101-year-old aunt, Frankie Muse Freeman.She was the first woman to be appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights(1964–1979). She was a practicing attorney in Missouri for 60 years. In 1954, she was the lead attorney for the landmark NAACP case Davis v. St. Louis Housing Authority, which ended legal racial discrimination in public housing in St. Louis. She is my role model. Along side her would be former President Obama.

What are the three most notable endorsements you have received to date?

None outside of family members.

Who recruited you, or did you decide to run on your own?
NO ONE! I decided to run on my own.

What will you specifically do to restore trust in City Hall?

Focus on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers’ money. Create a stronger outreach and communications process to enhance transparency for residents to know what’s going on with their city government.

Do you consider yourself a liberal, conservative or moderate and what does that mean to you?

I don’t like labels. I don’t want to be pigeon-holed. I will seek good ideas from all. I am for all the people and will work with anyone or any group who demonstrates the desire to work for the common good.

Is it appropriate for Palm Springs City Council candidates to accept campaign contributions from outside Palm Springs?

I do not think it is appropriate for Palm Springs City Council Candidates to accept campaign contributions from outside Palm Springs. (To clarify, if you have family members and friends living in other areas this could be okay. But, the question, I think, means contributions from big outside entities that may have interest in doing business in/with the city.)

What is the single biggest challenge facing Palm Springs?

Restoring trust in City Hall. We can do this with a focus on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse and making sure there will be no more scandals and FBI raids on City Hall. If elected, I will work hard to keep Palm Springs safe, friendly, affordable, fun and honest.