Desert Observer's Page Palm Springs, CA.  Sarah Palin's resignation as Governor of Alaska became instant front page news. In fact, she may have succeeded in pushing the daily Michael Jackson news reports off the front page.

Alaskan Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell now calls Palin "Alaska's greatest gift to the United States", but he probably shouldn't forget to mention her "greatest gift" to him - the Governor's office.

Down here in the lower 48, political writers Jerry Roberts and Phil Trounstine over at the Calbuzz blog website have labeled her the "Alaskan Trailer Trash Queen".

Now that we now know who or what she is and that she came to us as a gift, the unanswered question many are asking may well be, "How do we give her back?".

Do you love her or hate her?


Bond Shands
Palm Springs

Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009
To: George Zander, Desert Stonewall Democrats
Subject: Steve Pougnet needs YOUR SUPPORT

George:

After reading your note below, I think you should surrender your Yellow Dog Democrat button, for you're heading down the path of party apostasy. As you know Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet has endorsed our Republican supervisor for reelection and he has been quite vocal in his support for the reelection of our Republican city council member. Asking a Democratic Club's members to provide Democratic primary support for one who supports Republicans may, in the current instance, be little more than gay-is-preferable-to-anyone-else politics, and not something I'm prepared to support.

Let me also add my astonishment over your implied club endorsement of Steve Pougnet as the party's 2010 candidate in the 45th Congressional District. The primary election is almost a year away, other Democrats may decide to run and the Desert Stonewall Democrats' membership has not yet had an opportunity to participate in the established club endorsement process. And yet you, as club chairman, appear to have already decided that Steve Pougnet will be the club's candidate of choice to run against GOP Rep. Mary Bono Mack. Again, this is not something I'm prepared to support and your action leaves me questioning whether you subscribe to the same Democratic Party principles the rest of us observe.

Bond Shands
Palm Springs

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To: Zander44@aol-motw.com
Subject: Steve Pougnet needs YOUR SUPPORT
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:13:20 -0400
From: zander44@aol.com

Good morning all: The Desert Stonewall Democrats has, since Steve's first campaign in 2003 been a strong supporter.  Though Steve is a huge supporter of many other Democratic and progressive organizations in our area, and the nation, we are his "home club" and have always been proudly supportive.  Please find time to send him a contribution of any amount for this most important deadline.

Thanks, and on to victory.

George W. Zander

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Dear Friend,
 
As you may know, I am running for Congress in California's 45th Congressional District against Mary Bono-Mack and I'm writing today with an urgent appeal for help before June 30th.
 
June 30th is the first important reporting deadline for our campaign and will have a tremendous impact on those paying close attention to our race.  I have been so encouraged by the terrific response to our campaign and I'm happy to report that we are very close to meeting our goal - but we aren't there yet!
 
Please help me reach our goal by contributing online at www.electpougnet.com.  You can also send a check to Friends of Steve Pougnet, 100 S. Sunrise Way, Suite A#194, Palm Springs, CA  92262.
 
We are building great momentum and with your support before June 30th we will have the early footing we need to win this race.  I appreciate your friendship and look forward to seeing you soon!
 
Sincerely,
 
Steve Pougnet
 
 
Federal Law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200.00 in a calendar year. Political contributions are not tax-deductible. Contributions from foreign nationals are prohibited, unless an individual is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. The limit for contributions from individuals is currently $2400. the contribution limit per election for multi-candidate committees is $5000. No anonymous contributions of more than $50 will be accepted. Contributions from corporations, unions, and federal government contractors are prohibited. Contributions from minors may only be from the minor's own source of funds.
 
 

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Desert Observer's Page President Obama took First Lady Michelle on a Saturday night date to see a Broadway Theater play in New York City. The first couple made the trip on a 12 passenger Air Force Gulfstream V (C-37A) plane (temporarily identifed as "Air Force One" because it was carrying the President). The New York evening out was in keeping with a promise the President made his wife during the campaign.

The trip was criticized in a press release by the Republican National Committee. The RNC called it "a joyride" — on Air Force One while the nation's economy is suffering. How petty! The RNC never criticized President George Bush when he flew to his Texas ranch on weekends.

This latest GOP salvo against the President clearly proves them worthy of the "disloyal opposition" title for they appear determined to criticize the nation's leader at every opportunity. And the really sad part about this type of small-mindedness is that it is not at all typical of so many Republicans I know, for it demeans them and the political beliefs they hold dear. 

Nevertheless, pettiness definitely occupies a top spot in the Republican National Committee's political playbook. The folks running that operation definitely need to get a life.

Click to read the Chicago Sun-Times story along with a copy of the RNC Press Release.

Desert Observer's Page Palm Springs, CA.   The Desert Sun has decreed next decade's 45th Congressional District campaign face-off between relatively novice politician Steve Pougnet and incumbent Mary Bono Mack the most "important local campaign in the months ahead". The paper views 2010's David vs Goliathress encounter as a serious event and has launched a new section on its website dedicated to complete coverage of the race. They're pulling together stories - local and national - in an effort to provide readers with more than most need or probably care to know. And yet, they've already missed or deliberately overlooked at least one important story that's clearly relevant to coverage of the campaign.

First, some background. The Coachella Valley is Rush Limbaugh country and his local radio home is KSPI NewsTalk Radio. Rush is on weekdays from 9 am until noon spreading his message, typically one of intentional hate and nastiness, to satisfy the appetites of the faithful somewhere out there on the far right in radio land. Local KPSI broadcaster Steve Kelly's little 8 am morning talk show is actually the opening act for Limbaugh and it's one Kelly carries off with something approaching sang-froid. Limbaugh, of course, is nationally famous and that makes Kelly a very important personage in his own right.

It was recently disclosed that famous personage Steve Kelly has a FaceBook page and so does Mary Bono Mack. It was also reported that Bono Mack had recently "friended" Kelly on FaceBook. In the same news was revelation Mayor Steve Pougnet has shown no interest in "friending" famous personage Steve Kelly on FaceBook. So, out of two possibilities, Kelly has but one friend. This is the type of campaign stuff we need to know - real National Inquirer quality material. Why hasn't it been reported on the new "45th CD" web page and why did The Desert Sun snub Steve Kelly?

This blog is calling for a boycott of The Desert Sun, the Palm Springs Sun, the Cathedral City Sun, the Rancho Mirage Sun, the Palm Desert Sun, the La Quinta Sun, the Desert Hot Springs Sun, the Indo Sun, the Coachella Sun, the Indian Wells Sun and the Thermal Sun (is there really a Thermal Sun?) by all Rush Limbaugh/Steve Kelly fans. We need to unite, to demonstrate, to dirty Desert Sun official vehicle tires with cold, left-over Lattes, and to sing loudly, A Capella, outside their headquarters office windows. Until we are successful and our goals are met (goals list still being drawn) it should be made clear none will support a "45th CD" political web page that discriminates against Limbaugh, and his opening act, the almost friendless Steve Kelly. It's time to fight, we shall overcome, our battle has just begun. Ladies and Gentlemen, "Remember the Maine!"

Postscript disclaimer. This blog was not underwritten from the personal funds of Hot Rod Pacheco.

Desert Observer's Page Palm Springs, CA.  Every Sunday (sometimes less so) The Desert Sun's executive editor Rick Green pens an opinion column in the paper. This week's offering devotes considerable space to once again reminding us that Palm Springs mayor Steve Pougnet is running against incumbent Rep. Mary Bono Mack for the 45th Congressional District seat - a contest to be decided 18 months from now. While most of the valley has greeted this happening with barely stifled yawns, Green obviously sees this as an opportunity to initiate episodic news reports that may help sell newspapers. One problem with his enthusiasm is the outcome of the race between Pougnet and Bono Mack is quite predictable.

Green's newspaper and its editorial staff are and always have been firmly in Bono Mack's corner. Pougnet has no big campaign coffers and needs to independently raise huge sums of money in order to mount a serious challenge. Unless he's successful in that endeavor, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, while making lots of supportive sounds, won't be adding him to their funding list. As other Democratic challengers before him have learned, you can't win Bono Mack's seat without a ton of money!

Last year Democratic candidate Julie Bornstein ran a good but under funded campaign in a year when Obama managed to win a majority of county votes. Bornstein still lost that race to Bono Mack 58% to 41%. The next time around in 2010 is considered an off-year affair and turnout will be much lower than it was in 2008. Pougnet will find fewer Democratic votes out there on election day and absolutely no support for his candidacy will come from district conservatives. Also, Pougnet has few significant accomplishments under his belt from a 17 month tenure as mayor of Palm Springs; is running in a very conservative district as a gay candidate who recently married his male partner; and he hasn't managed to produce a comprehensive campaign platform nor establish district-wide credibility. So far, many strikes and no hits!

Why is Mayor Steve Pougnet running against Rep. Mary Bono Mack in 2010? It has to be in order to gain some campaign experience, increase his name recognition and hope Lady Luck will smile on him when he tries again in 2012. It's a risk for Palm Springs residents may not take kindly to a Mayor who's lost interest in sticking around and is using his job as a stepping stone to run for another position. His term is up in 2011 and voters may decide someone else would do a better job as the city's Mayor. In the meantime, The Desert Sun will serialize the effort, often breathlessly, in the hope it sells newspapers. As for readers, some may rightfully hope the newspaper would devote more coverage to actual news-we-can-use, but that's probably too much to expect.

Postscript. The newspaper's website has a new page at www.mydesert.com/45th that's devoted to the 45th Congressional District race. There you'll find even more than the Encyclopedia Britannica would care to tell us about the 2010 race and the candidates. Also, early viewers may appreciate the new page is almost devoid of advertisements - but don't expect that to last - so better hurry.

Desert Observer's Page Dear Cathedral City Residents: Please excuse my interloping and offering an unsolicited opinion about events within your city. I've been following news reports about Tami Scott, Cathedral City chief financial and administrative officer, who recently became a convicted felon. The news item which attracted my attention was your city manager's decision to retain Ms. Scott in her financial services position within city government. It's a decision that surprises me and one I find highly inappropriate.

My early background in finance (auditing and banking) left me imbued with a firm understanding of the importance of honesty, trust and reputation required of all who have financial area responsibilities. In many businesses, an employment bond is required in order to hold financial area positions and, as you probably know, insurance companies seldom agree to issue employment bonds to convicted felons who wish to work in the financial services sector. I suspect that if Cathedral City tried to obtain an employment bond for Ms. Scott, her criminal conviction would preclude success in that endeavor.

I'm not suggesting or agreeing with any who may be calling for resignations or employment terminations in this matter. Instead I would suggest that if Ms. Scott is a valued employee, she be reassigned to another position within the city away from the financial services sector. I would also suggest the City Council review sensitive city positions from a bonding insurance perspective and determine which ones need to meet similar employment standards. Employees holding sensitive positions who are unable to meet appropriate insurance bonding standards should be moved into other service areas.

Government needs the confidence, respect and trust of its citizens. Public employees need to understand the importance of their function as city ambassadors and that those in the public image are viewed as role models. Perceptions are often more important than reality and in the instance of Tami Scott, her image does not send the message that's needed. She's failed to meet the integrity test, is not a positive role model, and should not be allowed to continue as chief financial and administrative officer of Cathedral City.

Bond Shands
Palm Springs

Desert Observer's Page Palm Springs, California.   Last evening I attended a small gathering of Desert Water Agency service area residents and listened to incumbent director Patricia Oygar, who's up for reelection. The event was promoted as a campaign event intended to encourage support for Pat's reelection. The big surprise for me was to find the evening was about as far from a typical campaign gathering as it could be.

Pat Oygar spent her time with us talking about water conservation issues - past, present and future - as they relate to our district, Coachella Valley and the state. She is passionate and her enthusiastic presentation approached that of a positive religious experience. Pat is really committed to water conservation, knows and understands the subject, is an excellent speaker, delivered a balanced presentation, solicited audience questions, and left us convinced she is an intelligent, competent, knowledgeable and committed water agency director. I can't think of anyone who could do a better job.

Near the end of the presentation a local political activist used his question from the floor to remind us Pat is a candidate for reelection to the Desert Water Agency, and that her's is one of three seats open for election this year. That was about the only overt reference to the evening as a campaign event. There were no signup sheets asking for endorsements, no request for funds, no contribution envelopes and no campaign  signs. The only evidence the evening was a campaign activity came from the handout supply of small, yellow Ducks attached to a blue card reading:

Service as an agency director is primarily a volunteer activity for incumbents receive little more than a small meeting attendance stipend. In addition to monthly board and committee meetings, directors also represent the district at regional and state water conferences. The water delivery business is a highly technical field and directors spend a significant amount of time reviewing engineering and other reports needed to facilitate an informative decision-making process. It's a position that requires expertise, a significant time commitment, and extensive subject knowledge. Pat proved to me she clearly meets those requirements.

I don't know who the other Desert Water Agency candidates are but have already decided Patricia Oygar deserves to be reelected and she'll definitely receive one of my three votes.


Bond Shands
Palm Springs

Desert Observer's Page - Is Pougnet's congressional gambit a mistake? Palm Springs, California.   Palm Springs mayor Steve Pougnet has declared he's now an official candidate running against incumbent 45th Congressional District representative Mary Bono Mack. Mayor Pougnet has expressed no plans to step down from his current position in order to run for another office and will add campaign duties to his already crowded activities schedule. It appears the mayor will be a very busy man for quite some time.

The City of Palm Springs upped the salary for it's mayor to $40,000 in recognition of the time and energy requirements on the individual holding the office. The job of mayor is an executive position with lots of responsibility and the city council, along with the mayor at its head, has a full plate of important issues. Whether it's the reported $12 million budget shortfall, tourism slowdown, the vacant Desert Fashion Plaza shopping mall, downtown storefront vacancies, neighborhood needs, crime, expensive street resurfacing or local effects of the economic slowdown, residents look to city leadership to provide solutions. Residents expect their mayor to devote as much time as possible in dealing with the many responsibilities that go with the position. It's probable few would include running for congress as an acceptable addition to the list of mayoral job activities.

The decision of mayor Steve Pougnet, in office less than 17 months, to devote time over the next 18 months to running for a seat in congress may not sit well with his constituents. He campaigned on a platform of promises that included early resolution of the empty Desert Fashion Plaza site. That promise remains unfulfilled and The Desert Sun in an editorial showed it's lack of confidence in his leadership by recommending that a mediator be brought in to help find a solution to the Desert Fashion Plaza impasse. That recommendation appears to have been ignored and few expect to see early solutions to the downtown business district's economic needs. Campaign promises need to be met and a successful candidate should be able to tout a list of important, successful accomplishments from his time in office. Failures don't count!

The 45th Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Mary Bono Mack. She's held the office since 1998 and her name recognition is extremely high. The district is solidly Republican and she won reelection last November 58% to 41% over Democratic challenger Julie Bornstein. The underfunded Bornstein candidacy proved the difficulty a Democrat faces in challenging the incumbent, even in 2008, a year with a heavy voter turnout that allowed Barack Obama, at the top of the ticket, to win a majority of the county vote. The 2010 election is not expected to equal the 2008 turnout and lowered voter interest usually favors Republican candidates. In 2010 a successful Democratic candidate will need lots of money, high name recognition, a very favorable image, and a bit of luck wouldn't hurt.

The big gorilla in the room facing a Pougnet for Congress candidacy, not mentioned in politically correct circles, is the same-sex gay marriage issue. A big majority of Riverside County voters remain steadfastly opposed to same-sex marriage and candidate Pougnet is on the opposite of the fence in that issue. He took advantage of the Supreme Court decision to wed his male partner, performed numerous same-sex marriages and is a strong advocate for same-sex marriages to be made completely legal. This is an issue that will probably have its own spot on the 2010 ballot, but it's a safe bet same-sex marriage won't receive majority support in Riverside County in 2010 and maybe not even in 2012. If anything, this county is Rush Limbaugh country, and a gay, Democratic, same-sex advocate running for congress faces the equivalent of a Mt. Everest climb. It's one that needs experience, financial support and, most assuredly, lots of luck. Under such circumstances, there's not much reason to believe Pougnet will succeed in his quest.

There may be additional fallout resulting from mayor Pougnet's campaign for another political office. The time spent away from his mayoral duties campaigning for congress may be held against him by resentful constituents. He could end up getting blamed for unresolved problems by those who will believe inattention to his duties while campaigning to be the cause. The fallout may occur during his 2011 campaign for reelection as mayor, for his foray into the congressional race could give a challenger enough political ammunition to satisfy voters that another, with limited political ambitions, would do a better job.

"Is Pougnet's congressional gambit a mistake?"

Desert Observer's Page - 100 Days - Congratulations President Obama. Palm Springs, California.   Today marks the 100th day of President Barack Obama's time in office. It's one in which he's been required to cope with a staggeringly huge array of problems. The GOP has proved itself the disloyal opposition and has been highly critical of most every move he's made. The majority of the country sees things a bit differently, we have faith in our President and are taking comfort from the leadership he's shown in meeting the challenges his administration has and continues to face.

The Obama administration's first 100 days of noteworthy achievements makes for a very long list. His extensively publicized successes include accomplishments in such areas as reinvigorating the economy with his Stimulus Package, huge tax cuts, wise cabinet appointments, a new approach to Foreign Relations, Guantanamo Bay closure plans, new Iraq and Afghanistan policies, elimination of government-sponsored torture, and elimination of the ban against stem cell research. Some of the most often overlooked programs need to be noted, as well. The administration's proud record includes overlooked accomplishments in such areas as Health Care electronic medical record system funding, extensive access to Presidential Communications (a more open White House), new highway Transportation project funding, Education tax credits, anti-gang and anti-gun task forces funding, funds for advanced automotive battery technology research, money for Pakistan to fight the Taliban and terrorism, active engagement with the Muslim world, significant additional federal wilderness protection, and a government tone that's clearly one of calm listening and respect for the American people.

Some are now taking time to grade the President's first 100 days - an exercise I find highly questionable. Since that seems to be today's rage, I'll offer my own assessment. I use the curve method for grading and on that basis, President Obama, as the one at the top of the class, receives the A grade, for it's one that's clearly deserved. Congratulations Mr. President, you are doing a marvelously competent job and have definitely restored my faith in the goodness that's possible from those in government who make decisions that affect us all. Like the majority of my fellow citizens I'm proud of you and send my best wishes for the next eight years and your continued success.