Raymond Gregory Will Not Seek Re-election

City Councilmember Raymond Gregory Will Not Seek Third Term

CATHEDRAL CITY— Raymond Gregory, who is currently serving a one-year rotation as mayor, will not seek a third term in the November election, he confirmed Tuesday evening.

Gregory was elected to the City Council in November 2018 as the first representative from the recently formed District 5, which covers the Panorama and La Pasada neighborhoods, the southern and western portions of the Rio Vista neighborhood, and the Park David Senior Housing complex.

His absence, coupled with the passing late last year of Mark Carnevale, leaves a dearth of experience on the five-member City Council.

“As one chapter comes to a close, a new one begins,” Gregory said in a statement he sent to Uken Report. “While reflecting on my Cathedral City Council term        — now midway through my eighth year of service — and having recently celebrated a birthday, I have given thoughtful consideration to both the passage of time and what lies ahead, including the reality that the next campaign season is rapidly approaching. After much reflection, I have decided not to seek reelection to City Council.

“Serving our community has been a true privilege, and I am deeply proud of the progress and accomplishments we have achieved together. At this stage of my life, I believe it is the right time to look ahead to a return to retirement from public service at the conclusion of my current term in December, to devote more time to my family, focus on healthy living, and thoughtfully consider what the next chapter may bring. I am sincerely grateful for the trust, support, and opportunity to serve our community, and I have full confidence in the outstanding Cathedral City staff and my council colleagues to continue moving our city forward.

“There is much to be said for encouraging leadership transition when the time is right. Local leaders are temporary stewards of the people’s work, and there is meaningful value in welcoming new representatives with fresh enthusiasm and ideas. Over the past year, one of my goals has been to encourage residents interested in council service to explore ways to learn more and become involved. It has been heartening to see community members step forward, deepen their engagement in local civic matters and nonprofits, and demonstrate a genuine willingness to serve.”

Among those residents, one individual from Council District 5 has, for some time, demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and a thoughtful interest in what it means to serve effectively, Gregory said. Antonio Baciu currently serves as Vice Chair of the Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission and as a member of the City Finance Advisory Committee. Should he decide to seek election, it would be my honor to support his candidacy.

Baciu, who has maintained a high profile in the community by volunteering his time and talents, is ready and chomping at the bit.

“Over the past eight years, Mayor Gregory has provided strong leadership for Cathedral City and the residents of District 5. I’m deeply honored to have his endorsement. I have filed with both the city and the state and will continue that momentum as I launch my campaign in the coming weeks. My focus is clear, to keep Cathedral City moving forward.”