1 Kristie Ramos, CMC
From:Shari Stewart
Sent:Saturday, November 11, 2023 10:01 AM
To:Kristie Ramos, CMC; Richard W. Kite; Steve Downs; Lynn Mallotto; Meg Marker; Ted Weill Subject:City Council Agenda Item #13
Attachments:Rancho Mirage Letter.docx
November 11, 2023
Dear Honorable Mayor and Council Members:
I’m writing in response to item #13 on the agenda for filling the city council vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Kite. My name is Shari Stewart and I’ve been a resident of Rancho Mirage for twenty years. I’ve been actively involved in the community and served on numerous boards and committees, including the Rancho Mirage Planning Commission, and Rancho Mirage Library Foundation.
I understand the complicated and comprehensive procedures and principles that govern cities.
I also am aware of the expense and effort to conduct a special election for such a short term.
I strongly believe that the City Council should appoint someone qualified from the community who will agree not to seek reelection in the 2024 election. If you appoint someone and they plan on running for the seat in the upcoming election, they will be running as an incumbent and have an unfair advantage over other candidates.
As a previous Board Member of the Palm Springs Unified School District, we had the same opportunity when one of our Board Members retired. We purposely selected a community member who would not run in the upcoming election. We felt this would give anyone choosing to run in the next election a fair and equal chance.
The perception of the community is very important as you move forward with deciding how you will fill this vacancy. There are a number of qualified citizens of Rancho Mirage who would be willing and capable to serve for the remainder of Richard’s term.
Very Truly Yours,
Shari Stewart