PALM SPRINGS – At least five residents have filed Candidate Intention Statements indicating they want a seat on the five-member City Council, according to the Palm Springs City Clerk’s office.
There are open seats in Districts 1, 2, and 3 in the newly drawn districts.
Residents in District 1 that have each filed a Candidate Intention Statement are Grace E. Garner and Les Young.
Residents in District 2 who have signed official statements are Peter J. Maietta and Carlton (Carl) A. Baker.
Incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Geoff Kors is only one in District 3 who has filed a Candidate Intention Statement. Incumbent Mayor Rob Moon and Councilmember J. R. Roberts, both of whom live in District 3, have said they will not seek re-election.
The five residents who have indicated they will seek a seat on the City Council are likely the tip of the iceberg as the nominating period hasn’t officially opened and the election isn’t until November.
The Candidate Intention Statement, better known as California Form 501, must be filed before residents can solicit or receive any contributions or before they make expenditures from personal funds on behalf of their candidacy.
The City Council voted 3-2 vote on Dec. 10 to approve a final five-district voting map in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act. Within a five-district Electoral process, the position of mayor will rotate among Council members and be appointed annually. The finalized district map is available to view by clicking here.
The move to districts is designed to empower more minority residents to seek public office. As an example, Latinos make up approximately 25 percent of Palm Springs’ total population and about 16 percent of all voters, according to City Manager David H. Ready.
There are currently no minorities on the City Council — and no minority residents sought election in the most recent city race. All candidates were Caucasian. The current panel of elected city officials is comprised of two women and three men; all are Caucasian.
