Mark Carnevale Seeks Fourth Term in Cathedral City

Hoping to Attract New Followers, Mark Carnevale Announces He Will Seek Fourth Term in 2026

CATHEDRAL CITY — For the second time in one week, a Coachella Valley city councilmember has declared he will seek reelection — in 2016. Mark Carnevale told Uken Report that he will seek a fourth term in November 2026, hoping to put an end to the speculation and rumors as well as introducing and reintroducing himself to the public.

Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein also announced his intention to seek reelection in 2026, more than a year from now.

There are a lot of moving parts to running for office, Carnevale said. “Name recognition is important. I’m letting the voters know who I am and what I am all about.”

The Coachella Valley has grown and so has Cathedral City. Even though he has lived in Cathedral City for more than 30 years and operated a small business in Cathedral City for more than 40 years, new residents might not know who I am, he said. “This will give me the chance to meet in groups or one-on-one to introduce myself.

“Also, fundraising is not one of my best qualities. Personally, I would rather give than receive so I find it hard to request donations. However, it is a very important request to raise funds to put on a strong campaign.”

Starting early lets the respective Coachella Valley mayors and city councils know that it is intention to continue serving on the Cathedral City Council.

What skills or knowledge does bring to the Council that a challenger might not have? Let him count the ways.

“Cindy this might be the most serious question you will ask,” Carnevale said. “My brother taught me that if you don’t blow your own horn, it will be used as a spittoon.  I will try to answer this without try to be braggadocios. I will start with the love of the city to follow up with my communication skills, over the past 10-plus years. I have a clear speaking and writing experience to explain issues, policies, and decisions to residents, colleagues and staff.

“I pride myself on communicating, collaborating and working as a team with Council, staff, and residents to reach our shared goals. Decision-making is sometimes difficult when weighing different viewpoints, analyzing information, and making fair, informed choices.”

Carnevale said that even though he might disagree with his colleagues on some issues, he has always respected the final outcome.

“A few more reasons I believe I am most competent to be elected is I that I have an understanding of local government: budgets, zoning, planning, policies, city operations, and financial awareness.

“I totally understand what it means Io be a good steward of taxpayers’ money,” Carnevale said. “While being on Council for years and being Mayor twice, what I did best was work together with my colleagues, staff, and community members. None of our accomplishments were done alone—it was always a team effort. I’m proud that we came together as a group to make a difference,”

Whether his longevity on the City Council is an asset in a post-Charlie McClendon world is a nonstarter.

“I honestly believe that Cathedral City will not miss a beat,” Carnevale said. “Charlie, Ann Ambrose, Council and staff have created a working machine over the past years from police and fire to planning, engineering, code compliance, public works, and human resources — the whole enchilada to continue be the best in Coachella Valley. To put it simple, Charlie has left Cathedral City in great shape. Now as far as a new City Manager, each council member will collaborate on interviewing applicants, and I trust our decision will be the best for our city.”

The seats that Raymond Gregory and Ernesto Gutierrez now hold will also be up for election next year. Gutierrez said he has not yet decided whether he will seek reelection.

As for Gregory, he is living in the moment.

“With more than a year left in my current term, it is too early to speculate on the next election,” Gregory told Uken Report. “My focus remains on the work ahead and doing the best job I can. If people are interested in running in future City Council elections, I encourage them to learn as much as they can about the issues, get involved in city activities, and develop the skills it takes to be a good elected official. I believe we all benefit from having educated and well-intentioned people ready to serve.”