INDIO — Glenn Miller, first elected to the City Council in 2008. is seeking another four-year term, representing the District 1 seat.  Erin Teran, a registered nurse, is his sole challenger. 

Uken Report posed a series of similar questions to all candidates. Following are those from Glenn Miller.

Uken Report (UR): What is your motivation for running?

Glenn Miller: Since first being elected to the Indio City Council in November 2008, Indio has seen tremendous growth and progress; however, there is still much work to be done and that’s  why I’m running for re-election.  Prior to COVID-19, Indio was poised for even more significant Economic development as the third fasting growing city in Southern California, and the eighth fastest growing city in California.  I’m committed to work with my Council colleagues to increase prosperity and the quality of life for all Indio residents, businesses, and community partners.

UR: What makes you a better candidate than your opponent?

Glenn Miller: During uncertain times, I feel it’s vital to elect experienced leaders who have proven track records of success.  Even given the recent economic downturn due to the pandemic, Indio still has a balanced budget and reserve funds to provide our residents with the essential services that they expect and deserve.

UR: What one project or issue do you want to see addressed in your term?

Glenn Miller: I’ve always maintained that a safe city is a prosperous city.  Those words could not be truer today.  The most important issue of local government is public safety.  Having low crime rates enables a city to attract new businesses and encourages existing businesses to expand.  Business expansion leads to new jobs, increased housing development and prosperity across the board.  The effects of COVID-19 have had a tremendous impact on Indio’s residents and businesses.  My priority in the next four years is to re-store and grow Indio’s business community into a diverse and thriving economy.

UR: If some walked up to you and told you that Indio was the worst place to live in California what would your response be?

Glenn Miller: I’ve been a proud Indio resident for over thirty years.  I’ve raised three wonderful children here and I’ve seen Indio grow to the largest and most diverse city in the Coachella Valley.  Indio is home to the largest music festivals in the world – Coachella and Stagecoach.  Both festivals will be back soon and they will be bigger and better than ever.  Indio has grown from an agricultural community to a thriving city, with affordable housing, good schools, and endless opportunities for residents to prosper.

UR:  If you could require every Indio resident to do one thing, what would that one thing be?

Glenn Miller: I would ask every Indio resident to look after the elderly and their neighbors.  Now, more than ever it is so important that we come together as one community.  We will get through this pandemic and come out stronger.

UR: The entire Coachella Valley has taken a huge financial hit due to the coronavirus pandemic.  What needs to be done to help Indio recover?

Glenn Miller: Indio was the first city in the Coachella Valley to issue Stay-at-Home orders when COVID-19 cases spike.  Despite having to cancel the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals we have been able to maintain a healthy surplus in City reserves thus ensuring our First responders and Essential workers are available to assist Indio residents.  City services have not been reduced and jobs have not been cut.  Further, we have expanded our economic base with the opening of new hotels, home developments, and grocery stores.

UR: Tell us one good quality that your opponent possesses.

Glenn Miller: I’m very appreciative of Ms. Teran’s work as a nurse in our community serving on the front lines to battle COVID-19.

UR: You are all well known, tell us one thing about yourself no one knows.

Glenn Miller: I’m a huge dog lover.  At one time, I had five rescue dogs.

UR: What is the single biggest issue facing Indio and what would you do to address it?

Glenn Miller: My priorities when I’m re-elected will be for the continued safety and well-being of Indio’s residents from COVID-19, while at the same time developing safe and reasonable guidelines for Indio businesses to re-open and operate on a profitable basis.  Secondly, I will continue to be a vocal advocate in support of Indio’s Police Department and our Fire Protection Services, and I will strongly oppose any attempts to reduce the operating budgets for either one of these agencies.

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