HomeMy WebLinkAboutProof - Palm Desert District 2 Candidate StatementsCANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER,
CITY OF PALM DESERT, DISTRICT 2
GREGG AKKERMAN
OCCUPATION: Local Business Owner
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
I’m Gregg Akkerman, a retired professor, parent, caregiver, and local business owner, running for Palm Desert City Council because the stakes have never been higher.
As the only candidate raised in the area and an active civic volunteer, I have the homegrown values and experience necessary to bring needed competence to our Council.
Public safety should be our highest priority. Unfortunately, our police budget was slashed by millions and residents experienced a 45% increase in violent crime within two years. I will fight to restore funding in the police budget to keep our residents, tourists, and businesses safe.
Palm Desert wants to raise our sales taxes without a guarantee the money will be spent on public safety instead of vanity projects. The reserve funds are running empty and we are expected to pick up the tab. We deserve a City Council that won’t increase taxes without first trying common-sense solutions.
Our ambulance response times should not be three minutes longer than in Cathedral City. Palm Desert deserves a representative from District 2 who prioritizes and understands how minutes separate life and death.
Join me as we aspire to align our values and vision for a brighter Palm Desert.greggakkerman.com
33-3721-XX
CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER,
CITY OF PALM DESERT, DISTRICT 2
JOE PRADETTO
OCCUPATION: Palm Desert Commissioner / Businessman
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
My wife and I love living in Palm Desert. My wife is a social worker and I own a business here. Our two daughters attend local public schools. I currently serve on the Palm Desert Planning Commission.
Our city is in jeopardy. The City Council cut funding for public safety, leading to double digit increases in crime. Homelessness more than doubled in the last four years. The City Council even gave themselves a 25% raise. Enough is enough.
I’m not a politician. I’m just a concerned citizen, parent, and business owner wanting to protect our community. If you elect me to represent you on the Palm Desert City Council, I will: ●Restore funding for public safety to reduce crime ●Implement proven solutions to address homelessness ●Ensure a balanced budget without increasing taxes or debt ●Support small businesses and attract desirable jobs
As past President of the Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District, I protected taxpayers, ending years of corruption and balancing the budget. My leadership and experience have earned me endorsements from District Attorney Mike Hestrin, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Palm Desert City Councilmember Evan Trubee, Former Palm Desert Mayors Sabby Jonathan, Susan Marie Weber and Van Tanner, and many others.
I’ll bring responsible, effective leadership to the City Council. I respectfully ask for your vote.
www.joepradetto.com
33-3721-XX
CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER,
CITY OF PALM DESERT, DISTRICT 2
KATHLEEN KELLY
OCCUPATION: Councilmember
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
It’s an honor to have served you on Council for 8 years, with 2 terms as Mayor. My Service and Leadership are Proven! We are on a strong path addressing your needs: ●Public Safety ○New technology supporting officers ○Strategies for traffic issues like speeding ○Plans to modernize all fire stations ○Nation-leading emergency response times ●Infrastructure ○Investments for extreme weather impacts ○70 miles of safer bike lanes and walking paths ●Fiscal Responsibility ○Balanced budgets ○Reserves for emergencies like Hilary clean-up. ●Quality of Life ○$79 Million secured for Palm Desert’s CSU Campus ○Effective tools addressing homelessness ○Assuring our parks and library are topflight ●Hearing You ○More community meetings for neighborhood issues ○Outreach to plan new public transportation optionsMy work beyond Council Proves that I deliver for our community: ●Planning that produced a Wellness Center for all seniors at the Joslyn ●Leadership with neighbors over 10 years to save Shadow Mountain Golf Club (precious green space) ●Extra regional work bringing home $8 Million for more flood protectionI ask for your vote to continue my mission of service to all. I listen and find sensible solutions that unify.Kelly4pd.com
33-3721-XX
33-3721-100