Stephen Nelson Among Field of Three Candidates Seeking Seat

PALM DESERT — Among the three candidates seeking the District 3 seat in the Nov. 5 election is Stephen Nelson. The others are Anyse Smith and Gina Nestande, who currently sits on the City Council.

Uken Report distributed a candidate questionnaire to all three candidates. Nestande was the only one of the three who did not respond.

Following are Nelson’s unedited responses:

UR: Age and occupation:

Stephen Nelson: 51 y/o, Small Business Owner, Former Technology Executive

UR: Who or what motivated you to run for the City Council?

Stephen Nelson: I was motivated to run for City Council by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact in my community. Growing up in a family with a strong union background, I learned the value of standing up for what’s right and advocating for fair and just practices. My experiences as a commissioner and in various leadership roles have given me a firsthand understanding of the issues our community faces and how we can address them effectively. Additionally, my work in the public safety and sustainability sectors has reinforced my commitment to creating a safer, more equitable, and sustainable future for Palm Desert. I believe in the potential for our city to thrive, and I’m dedicated to bringing people together to bridge divides, enhance energy independence, and ensure our community’s well-being and prosperity.

UR: How long have you lived in Palm Desert full time?

Stephen Nelson: I have lived in Palm Desert for 5 years

UR: What is your No. 1 priority for the city?

Stephen Nelson: My #1 priority for the city is restoring public safety to levels that match the city’s population growth. Ensuring that law enforcement and emergency services have the resources they need to keep pace with the growing community is central to our
vision for a safer and more secure Palm Desert.

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

Stephen Nelson: What sets me apart as a stronger candidate is my combination of relevant experience, deep community roots, and a clear, focused vision for Palm Desert’s future. I serve as a commissioner on both the Public Safety Commission and the Resource Preservation and Enhancement Commission, giving you firsthand experience in addressing critical local issues such as safety and sustainability. My leadership roles, including as President of the Genesis HOA and my involvement in telecommunications and network policy, further highlights my ability to navigate complex challenges and advocate for effective solutions. Moreover, my personal connection to labor unions through my family’s background and my own experiences adds a layer of authenticity to my platform. I’ve demonstrated a commitment to transparency, anti-corruption, and community driven progress, particularly in our focus on energy independence and restoring public safety to levels that match population growth.

Unlike many candidates, I have the unique ability to bridge divides within the community, particularly between Palm Desert and Palm Springs. My inclusive approach, bolstered by my LGBTQ+ community involvement, positions I have as a candidate who can unite and represent the diverse voices of Palm Desert more effectively than my opponents.

UR: Do you see yourself a team player or an individual who will fight for your opinion? Why?

Stephen Nelson: I see myself as both a team player and someone who will stand firmly for my principles when necessary. Collaboration is key to getting things done on the City Council, and I firmly believe in working together with fellow council members, city staff, and the community to find solutions that serve the greater good. My experiences on various commissions and leadership roles have shown me the importance of consensus-building and compromise to achieve progress.

However, I also know that there are times when standing up for what you believe is right is essential, even if it means being in the minority. I will always advocate for policies and decisions that align with my values, such as restoring public safety and advancing energy independence. If those principles are at stake, I won’t shy away from defending my position. It’s about balancing cooperation with conviction to ensure that the best interests of Palm Desert are always at the forefront.

UR: How do you deal with conflict? Give us an example.

Stephen Nelson: I deal with conflict by focusing on communication, empathy, and finding common ground. I believe that most conflicts can be resolved through understanding different perspectives and working toward solutions that benefit everyone
involved. One example of this was during my time as President of the Genesis HOA. We had a heated debate among residents about a new policy regarding the use of common areas. Some felt the policy was too restrictive, while others wanted even tighter regulations. Rather than letting the disagreement fester, I brought everyone together for a community meeting where each side could express their concerns. I listened carefully to both perspectives and facilitated a conversation aimed at finding a compromise. In the end, we agreed on a revised policy that addressed the key concerns from both sides, ensuring the common areas remained accessible while maintaining the necessary guidelines for safety and order. This experience reinforced my belief that respectful dialogue and openness to others’ views are crucial to resolving conflict effectively.

UR: Does Palm Desert need to change way it’s been doing business? Change its image? If so, in what way?

Stephen Nelson: Yes, I believe Palm Desert could benefit from some changes in the way it conducts business and in how it’s perceived. While the city has a lot to offer, evolving and improving certain aspects can help Palm Desert better meet the needs of its growing population and adapt to modern challenges.

First, we need to embrace a more transparent and inclusive approach to governance. Residents should feel empowered to participate in decision-making processes, and the city should be more proactive in seeking community input. By improving communication and outreach, we can create a stronger bond between the city government and its residents.

Second, Palm Desert can enhance its image by becoming a leader in sustainability and energy independence. The city has the potential to position itself as a forward thinking, environmentally conscious community, which would not only benefit the local economy but also attract new residents and businesses that share these values. In doing so, we can modernize Palm Desert’s image from a traditional resort town to a city that’s at the forefront of green innovation.

Lastly, public safety is a critical area where Palm Desert needs to adjust. As the population grows, so should our investment in law enforcement and emergency services. By restoring public safety to levels that reflect the city’s expansion, we send a clear message that we are committed to the well-being and security of our residents.

 

Photo by: clarkandvalentine Film & Photo

 

 

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