PALM DESERT – Two incumbents — Sabby Jonathan and Jan Harnik — pulled paperwork on Monday to seek re-election to the Palm Desert City Council. Time will tell whether any opponent surfaces.
Monday was the first day residents could begin the process to become an official candidate. The formal nomination period closes on Friday, Aug. 10.
Each of the incumbents is seeking re-election to a four-year term.
Jonathan, thrilled at serving his first rotation as mayor, announced in May he would seek re-election.
Harnik, locked in a race with V. Manuel “Manny” Perez for Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor, hinted that she would seek re-election to the City Council in the event Perez defeated her, but never declared it publicly.
“I love working for, and in, the community and will continue doing so,” Harnik told Uken Report during the supervisor’s race. “Working to make the community better, today and for our future, is my passion.”
On Monday, Harnik told Uken Report she pulled papers “at the first appointment available.” She was first elected to the City Council in 2010.
Jonathan was first elected to the five-member City Council in 2014.
As mayor, Jonathan has for the first time introduced a monthly feature called, “Coffee with the Mayor.” Each month he invites residents, visitors and members of the business community to meet him for complimentary coffee and conversation. He chooses a different place each month. He held sessions at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Desert Willow Golf Resort, the McCallum Theater, the Desert Aquatic Center and the Palm Desert Library. His goal is to make interacting with the mayor convenient and comfortable.
Other members of the City Council are Mayor Pro Susan Tem Marie Weber, Kathleen Kelly and Gina Nestande.
If you are a resident of Palm Desert who is interested in running for election to the City Council, an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office is required. You may contact the City Clerk’s Office at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, or by telephone at (760) 346-0611, ext. 304, with any questions.