Rita Lamb Wants to Continue Work for Residents

CATHEDRAL CITY — Rita Lamb is headed into the Nov. 3 election with the endorsements of three of her City Council colleagues. She’s been on City Council for one year filling the vacancy left by the death of Mayor Gregory S. Pettis. She’s had a taste of public service and wants a  full, four-term to continue serving her city and its residents in District 1.

Lamb has one opponent: Alan Carvalho.

On Election Day,  Cathedral City will hold an election to elect two members to the City Council, one to District 1 and one to District 2.  Both terms are for four years and will expire in November 2024. Nancy Ross and JR Corrales are vying for the District 2 seat.

Uken Report asked each of the candidates a series of identical questions. Following are Lamb’s responses.

Uken Report (UR): What is your motivation for running?

Rita Lamb: I am running to continue to work for the residents of Cathedral City and provide a steady hand as our city faces these uncertain times. My community matters to me.

UR: What makes you a better candidate than your opponent?

Rita Lamb: I am steadfast, assertive and caring.  I express myself with clarity and willingly collaborate with my colleagues on council, city staff and community to support our city’s growth and progress.

My background as a former school principal makes me uniquely qualified for public service.

UR: What one project or issue do you want to see addressed in your term?

Rita Lamb: This new post COVID-19 world underscores the necessity of Community Emergency Response Training and will increase our residents’ capacity to meet the next crisis empowered and prepared.

UR: If someone walked up to you and told you that Cathedral City was the worst place to live in the Coachella Valley because of crime and gangs, what would your response be?

Rita Lamb: At a recent special council/community discussion, residents weighed in the topics of safety, economic opportunity, and policing and expressed their recognition of this shared responsibility and their unabashed love for our city.   Cathedral City has been a leader in promoting a culture of protecting the rights of the people and the Cathedral City Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Crum is embarking on a strategic plan update, reinstatement of the Gang Task Force, and community policing.

UR: If you could require every Cathedral City resident to do one thing, what would that one thing be?

Rita Lamb: I would require two things:  1) Wear a mask and 2) Be kind.

UR: The entire Coachella Valley has taken a huge financial hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. What needs to be done to help Cathedral City recover?

Rita Lamb: The city staff is steadfast, consistent and aggressive in pursuing grant opportunities that continue to move the city forward despite economic uncertainties including the Statewide Park Development (SPP) Grant for the 7.5 acre Dream Homes Park Project. Communicating the seriousness of the coronavirus, helping keep our residents safe and stopping the spread is essential in promoting local businesses and attracting our out-of-town visitors.

UR: Tell us one good quality your opponent possesses.

Rita Lamb: Passionate about his involvement with the Public Arts Commission.

UR: You are all well known, tell us one thing about yourself no one knows.

Rita Lamb: I sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at my high school graduation.

UR: What is the single biggest issue facing Cathedral City and what would you do to address it?

Rita Lamb: Communicating the seriousness of the coronavirus cannot be understated. The health of our city is dependent on our collective commitment to  stopping the spread and enabling residents to interact and thrive. I will continue to follow the health and safety protocols and participate fully in this social compact for your health and mine.