CATHEDRAL CITY — Calling her a “New Voice for Cathedral City,” Rita Lamb’s press liaison, Miriam Alario, released a statement on Lamb’s behalf as Lamb prepares to challenge former City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan.

The statement in it entirety reads: “Cathedral City Cove Resident Rita Lamb, a volunteer on the Senior Center Board, past member of the Public Arts Commission, Business Owner, former Education Administrator, and one-time Principal of the Year, today filed Candidacy Documents for the Cathedral City Council vacancy. This seat, left empty by the death of former Mayor Greg Pettis, will represent the entirety of Cathedral City with special emphasis on District One.

According to the press liaisonThe long-time resident explains,  “As a result of my experiences, I am committed to policies and programs that enhance the quality of life for all of our residents and promote community.”

Ms. Lamb additionally notes “Cathedral City is recognized as one of the most livable cities. It is friendly, affordable, diverse and inclusive.”

She insists that her gender is neither a statement nor a factor in her candidacy bid, according to the press liaison. “I will listen to residents’ concerns, and work in radical collaboration with the council and community to move our city forward and allow all of us to be part of the plans for what’s next.”

This Special Election will be solely held by mail-in ballot which will be mailed out to District One Voters on July 27th. All ballot returns will need to be postmarked on or before August 27, 2019, and be received within three days of that election date, according to the press liaison.

The vote-by-mail-only election is  for residents in District 1 only.

The person elected in the special election will finish Pettis’ term, which will be about 15 months by the time the special election is held in August.