ROCK THE VOTE

BY MARK ARIEL

In an interview with THE FIGHT Ron DeHarte talks about his decision to run for Palm Springs City Council and the various challenges facing the city.

You have been involved in various community organizations for over a decade.

What motivates you to be of service?

I grew up in a blue-collar home where volunteerism and a strong work ethic were part of daily life. Being involved in the community has always meant service to others.

What made you decide to run for city council this year?

My boys are grown. I can commit to the time. I’m not one to talk for years and years about what needs to be done. I see a need, and I do something about it. There is a need for proven, ethical, and credible leadership at city hall, and I’m committed to answering that call.

What are the major challenges facing the city?

Homelessness is a crises level issue and requires a priority focus and collaborative effort from community stakeholders. Climate change and ensuring a sustainable future are other significant challenges. Everything we do, from business and residential development to reducing the transportation burden, will impact our environment. Sustainability and environmental stewardship must be culturally ingrained.

Just about everything we do needs to be done with a sustainability mindset.

At the city level, we must do what we can now to conserve, reduce and recycle. Promote a culture of supporting sustainability in all city programs. Make sure Palm Springs is tied in at the state level with the Governor’s water strategy.

Fuel a green economy with tax incentives that make a difference for the businesses that can bring good-paying jobs and strengthen our working-class families. Work at the state level to get a fair share of funding for incentives to encourage significant adoption of residential solar programs. I also want to see the city lead the way in using solar and wind power and transition to a clean energy fleet.

Smart inclusionary housing development is a priority. This development must provide workforce housing adjacent to transit hubs so our workforce can easily travel to and from work.

Accessible housing is a crisis issue. Many of our workforces travel an hour to and from home to work, and I’ll work to create workforce housing opportunities. We must allow our workforce to live, raise a family, and be involved in the community where they work. At the same time, we must continue pursuing housing for low-income earners, young people, and seniors.

And lastly, I believe we must support a digital future for all. One of my infrastructure priorities is high-quality internet connectivity for everyone regardless of income level, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, or age.

Is there anything we haven’t asked that you would like to share with our readers?

I believe that effective government leadership reflects the people it serves. With an LGBTQ population of 50% or more in Palm Springs, we need LGBTQ candidates to serve at all levels of government to ensure fair representation. Representation is power. I encourage THE FIGHT readers to elect pro-choice, proequality candidates who are out members of the LGBTQ community to public office. Credible and qualified openly LGBTQ people can move equality forward at all levels. If you live in District 3 in Palm Springs, I’d be honored to earn your vote.

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