Kimberly Muzik Seeks Re-Election in Indian Wells

Kimberly Muzik Seeks Second Term in Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS — Kimberly Muzik, first elected to the City Council in 2016,  is seeking another term in the Nov. 3 election. Five qualified candidates are seeking three spots. Each is a four-year term.

In addition to Muzik, qualified candidates are: Donna Griffith, Douglas Hanson, Kathy Strong and Greg Sanders. 

Uken Report posed a series of identical questions to all five candidates. Following are Muzik’s unedited responses.

Uken Report (UR): Occupation

Kimberly Muzik: Retired Retail Executive, Realtor, and current Indian Wells Councilmember

UR: Why specifically do you want to be on City Council?

Kimberly Muzik: It has been an honor serving our City and I have enjoyed working with our Council, City Manager and Staff for the past 4 years.  I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work directly with the residents of Indian Wells on important issues facing our community.  I have gained valuable experiences and knowledge on the operations of our great City.

I want to continue the momentum that we have achieved and continue to improve the financial health, economic development, public safety and ultimately the quality of life in Indian Wells.

UR: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment either in or out of office?

Kimberly Muzik: Being Mayor of our wonderful City!!!  It was truly an honor and privilege representing the residents of our great City.

UR: How do you define leader and leadership?

Kimberly Muzik: A leader is someone who can see how things can be improved and who rallies people to move toward that better vision.  Leaders can work toward making their vision a reality while putting people first.  Just being able to motivate people isn’t enough, leaders need to be empathetic and connect with people to be successful.

UR: Do you fit this definition?

Kimberly Muzik: Yes!!  As a former retail executive, I was a leader and was always able to inspire all of my employees to reach their potential. Our residents deserve a disciplined, motivated leader that prioritize financial stewardship, practice collaboration and civility, and focus on quality of life for our residents and visitors.

UR: What are your top three goals for Indian Wells?

Kimberly Muzik: Continued financial stability is our number one concern, especially during this pandemic of COVID-19 where we have lost millions of dollars of revenue from the lack of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Admission Tax, and sales tax due to loss of tourism, i.e. Hotels and Restaurants being closed, cancellation of Pickleball and Tennis tournaments, Coachella and Stagecoach festivals, along with Ironman being cancelled.

The City is most fortunate that we ranked 5th in California for financial stability by State Auditor where Indian Wells has over $33 Million in reserves.

The Council, over the past years, has directed City Manager and Staff to address the City’s 10-year plan to pull it out of the red into the black.  This meant cutting our budget and finding means of adding additional income, without reducing our funds for public safety (Police and Fire).  This has been accomplished and continues to be monitored frequently.

Another important goal is to see our Council, working with our City Manager, Staff and Troon to continue maintaining the fabulous experience of our Premiere Golf Resort while still allowing our residents an affordable benefit.

Additional goals are:

• Continue to assist in securing a tenant for the former Ralph’s retail center
• Development of Affordable Housing project
• Support Homelessness and building of a new West Valley Facility in the Palm Springs area
• Focus on the development of property on HWY 111 and Miles
• Support a solution to the Salton Sea issues

I will prioritize our residents’ interests and needs while focusing on improving the quality of life in Indian Wells for all of us who call it home.

UR:   COVID-19 has taken a toll on the Coachella Valley’s economy. What specifically will you do to help Indian Wells rebound?

Kimberly Muzik: Since our Valley depends so much financially on tourism, working with the Greater Coachella Valley Visitors Bureau (CVB) has to be a major team effort.  Our city started a first with CVB, we have our very own person on CVB staff that is solely representing Indian Wells.  Making sure we also keep a great working relationship with our hotels, restaurants, and of course the Tennis Garden.

UR: You are all well-known. What is one thing people don’t know about you?

Kimberly Muzik: I was very fortunate to have lived in England and Germany in my teen years.  Traveled to so many countries being able to see and learn about other cultures.

UR: Is there one decision with City Council has made with which you strongly disagree? If so, what was it and why?

Kimberly Muzik: I can’t say that I have strongly disagreed with City Council.  If there has been a question on supporting or not supporting a decision, I will usually ask staff to find out more information to help clarify for not only my benefit, but all of council.

UR: Tell us one good thing about each of your opponents.

Kimberly Muzik: Donna has very high energy and enthusiasm, personally witnessed on IW Golf committee.   Greg is very knowledgeable on the building process, as he has been on the Planning Commission.  Doug is very involved with the Indian Wells Rotary.  Unfortunately, I don’t personally know Kathy, but of people knowing her, she is highly regarded.