DESERT HOT SPRINGS — Roger Nuñez, 46, who works for Children Services in Riverside County is among seven people seeking one of two City Council seats on the five-member board in the Nov. 3 election. The two seats are each four-year terms.

The six others seeking the seat are Russell Betts, incumbent; Robert Griffith, incumbent; Stephen Giboney; Jessica Gilbert; Jonathan Laura; Jason Moore; and Roger V. Nunez.

The city of Desert Hot Springs has five elected officials including the mayor and four members of the City Council, elected at large. Commencing in 2020, the directly elected Mayor shall serve a four-year term with a term limit of two terms pursuant to Measure “V” passed by the voters in November 2018. Members of the City Council are elected for a four-year term.

Uken Report (UR): Why specifically do you want to be on the City Council?

Roger V. Nuñez:  The reason for my candidacy is to work at strengthening the voice of our youth as the city has reduced much needed programming to help our young residents, especially at-risk youth.Working at strengthening their voice will help families in many different aspects that will enrich their everyday lives in Desert Hot Springs.

UR: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment either in or out of office?

Roger V. Nuñez: Serving your community that you live in by participating and giving your time to your city that in much more than civic engagement. My participation was able to play a part in shaping the city’s future as a member of the planning commission for the city of Coachella from 2001 to 2010.

UR: How do you define leader and leadership?

Roger V. Nuñez: A leader works alongside those individuals to seek opportunities,find solutions, and achieve goals that benefit everyone as a whole. Leadership is engaging and inspiring individuals who have no interest in participating by aligning those opportunities, working for those solutions and achieving those goals that include them in the process and achievement of success.

UR: Do you fit this definition?

Roger V. Nuñez: Yes, I have been inspired to help with community organizations that are in need of leadership skills to help the underserved. Also, with my personal experience as a community organizer, I have gained the needed skills to engage the community to better serve the need of our residents.

UR: What are your top three goals for DHS if elected or re-elected?

Roger V. Nuñez:

  • Access to Youth, At-Risk Teens & Family programs
  • Advocate to enrich partnerships or collaborations with our local high school and community       college to increase opportunities in trade schooling or apprenticeship programs for our   community.
  • Increase commercial and residential opportunities for Desert Hot Springs that will increase tourism, shopping, and a healthy living.

UR: If you could change one thing about DHS, what would it be?

Roger V. Nuñez: Work with the residents in increasing the positive image of our city and remove the negative stigma so we may increase the opportunity to attract new commercial and residential developments with responsible growth.

UR: Anything you would like to add?

Roger V. Nuñez: I believe Desert Hot Springs has an abundance of wealth in culture and history that the rest of the valley may not be familiar with. Strong leadership, participation, and engagement of our residents would direct our city on the path that will bring opportunities, strengthen collaboration, and allow our city to develop and flourish as we grow into the future as a community.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

  • S.E.I.U 721 Labor Union Executive Board Member 2015-pres.
  • Community partner for Coachella Valley Economic Partnership: Career Pathways 2007 – 2013
  • Community partner for University of California Riverside: Center for Research on Energy and Alternative Technologies Enterprise. 2007 – 2009
  • Planning Commissioner, City of Coachella. 2001 – 2010
  • Vice-Chairman for the City of Coachella Planning Commission. 2006 – 2007
  • Purchaser for A.Y.S.O Indio Soccer League. 2004 – 2005
  • Project Review Committee Member for the City of Coachella. 2003 – 2005
  • Youth Advisory Committee Chairmen. 2001 – 2003
  • Coachella Valley Human Rights Committee Member. 1996 – 2005.
  • President -Coachella Valley Mexican/American Chamber of Commerce 2008 – 2010
  • Board member for the Indio Performing Arts Center 2008 – 2012
  • Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (C.V.E.P.) Blue Print Committee member 2008 – 2012

 

 

Image Sources

  • Roger V. Nuñez: Roger V. Nuñez