Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez Calls on City Hall to do More to Support Local Businesses
COACHELLA — Editor’s Note: Uken Report posed a series of identical questions to each of the four mayoral candidates. Everyone but Denise Delgado responded. Following are unedited responses from Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez.
Uken Report (UR): Why are you a better candidate than your opponent(s)?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I bring more education, broader government experience and a stronger vision for Coachella. I have worked in the State Senate, State Assembly and at the county level, while advocating directly on local issues. Some of my opponents have already had their chance to lead, yet our budget is getting worse, our streets and parks need attention, and residents still have to leave Coachella for basic services.
UR: What is your vision for the city?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I want to make Coachella the best city in the valley. We have tremendous potential and some of the most undeveloped land in the region. We should use that opportunity to bring better services, infrastructure, businesses and amenities so residents do not have to leave Coachella to get what they need.
I also want City Hall to do more to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. We should make it easier for small businesses to open, grow and stay in Coachella while attracting responsible new investment that creates local jobs.
UR: How much do you plan to spend on your campaign?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I do not have a final number yet. We will run the strongest campaign we can with whatever resources we have. Elections are won by earning the trust of residents, not simply by spending the most money.
UR: When did you first realize the Technology Campus was primarily being developed for Data Centers? Did you understand the negative effects? Has your position changed?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I knew early, spoke up immediately and helped start the first petition calling for a ban on data centers in Coachella. My position has never changed. I understood the concerns involving energy, water, infrastructure and what our residents would actually receive in return.
I believe city leadership should never have voted to move the data-center project forward in the first place. The city later imposed a moratorium and reconsidered its agreement with Stronghold. I believe that initial decision could ultimately cost Coachella taxpayers millions. I am running against candidates who supported moving data centers forward, and voters deserve to look at those records.
UR: Who or what prompted you to run?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: My supporters encouraged me, but the current leadership ultimately pushed me to run. I kept watching bad decisions being made while streets, parks, finances and basic services continued to suffer. I decided it was time to step up and offer a different direction.
UR: Is it time for a new city attorney?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: Yes. I believe the city needs new legal representation and a fresh direction. If elected, I would support changing the City Attorney.
UR: Have you met with the City Manager yet? Why or why not?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: Yes, I have met him. I have concerns about whether the current administration has the experience necessary for the challenges Coachella is facing. Ultimately, city management should be judged by results.
UR: What have you learned about running for public office that you did not know before?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I came into this race with government and public-policy experience, so not much about the process has surprised me. What it has reinforced is that you learn the most by knocking on doors and listening directly to residents.
UR: Residents have said they have not been heard. What will you do to correct that?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I have made knocking on doors and speaking directly with residents a major part of my campaign, and that will continue if I am elected. Decisions should reflect the collective voice of the community while still being made responsibly.
I also want residents and local business owners to have a stronger voice before major decisions are made. Supporting local businesses, improving services and delivering projects people can actually see will help rebuild trust in City Hall.
UR: What is the best quality about your opponent(s)?
Jesus ‘Kino’ Gonzalez: I respect anyone willing to put their name on the ballot. But some of my opponents have already had opportunities to lead Coachella, and voters should look at their records on streets, parks, finances, services and issues like data centers when deciding what direction they want for the city.
