Dear Steve,

As you probably know I don't attend City Council meetings. I also don't watch the televised proceedings. So was unaware of your comments during the last council session until I received calls from concerned citizens. One provided me with a copy of the video and I've now had an opportunity to view your statements. That portion of your remarks chastising those opposed to Measure J (including some PSNIC members and myself) were unworthy of comment by a city official in a public forum that provides no opportunity for rebuttal. In my opinion the comments you made during that meeting did yourself and our community a disservice.

With regard to the new Measure J Oversight Commission, I posted information on my Desert Observer website advising citizens about the application process. A similar posting was made to the Palms Springs Taxpayers Facebook page. And an email was sent to all on the Committee for No on Measure J distribution list. The information sent included copies or references to the City's publicity release about the Oversight Commission application process. No opinion was expressed in my postings for the intent was simply to publicize the application availability period. Surely you will agree I have been supportive of the new Measure J Oversight Commission application process.

With respect to appointments of actual members to the Measure J Oversight Commission, neither you nor any member of the city council are on record as favoring a community healing process. None have suggested that all segments of the community should be represented on the new commission. And none publicly called for participation in the commission application process by those who were opposed to Measure J. When Yes on Measure J campaign chairman Dave Baron stated his view that the new commission should include representation from those who opposed the measure, you were asked to commit to that suggestion during a radio broadcast interview. You declined to favor or otherwise make that commitment! The foregoing reasons left me, and others, concluding none of those publicly identified in opposition to Measure J would receive consideration for appointment to the new Oversight Commission. Nothing I have seen, heard or you have said has served to change my understanding with regard to this subject.

Bond Shands

Palm Springs

p.s.  Thanks for the public invitation to attend Thursday's Desert Fashion Plaza demolition event that is being paid from Palm Springs city funds. I remain completely opposed to these gifts of funds to developer John Wessman and view Thursday's associated evidence of inappropriate city funds use as a Day of Shame. I do not plan to attend that event.