On October 10, Z107.7 News hosted a Twentynine Palms District Candidate Forum moderated by News Director Gary Daigneault at Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms. Reporter Heather Clisby was also there and breaks her report into three parts. Today, in part one, District 3 candidates…
Six candidates faced their voting public on October 10 for the Twentynine Palms district elections on November 6. This report will focus on responses on District 3 candidates, incumbent Daniel Mintz and certified write-in candidate Denise Cullum.
Regarding the public accessibility of City Hall, Cullum believes it should be open Monday through Friday and, if perhaps not a Saturday morning, as some suggested, than perhaps staying open later during the week. Mintz states that the council has revisited this issue and decided that the current schedule—open for business Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.—is sufficient and cost-saving.
As for abandoned shopping carts, Mintz suggests calling city hall for pick up and also stressed a need for a grocery store downtown. Cullum pointed out that the stores need to be engaged on the issue and that there are companies who can provide cart pick up.
Regarding pension funding liability, Cullum was not aware of the issue status. Meanwhile, Mintz reported that, thanks to the work of city managers, the city owes zero dollars on liability.
Asked about future plans, Mintz wants to move forward on improving the city’s infrastructure and Cullum would like to foster more community involvement.
Regarding maintaining strong relations with the Marine base, Cullum would like to see an encouragement of military spouses becoming local business owners. Mintz described the current relationship as quite strong through monthly joint meetings and council involvement with base events and ceremonies.
With a question about overturning the conversion to district elections, Mintz emphasized that it is a state law, regardless of his opinion that the elections should be city-wide. Cullum feels the district elections forces people to get to know their neighbors and calls it a “win/win.”
On the homeless problem, Cullum liked the idea of tiny houses and pointed to the increase of vacation rentals adding to the loss of affordable housing. Mintz pointed out the city’s partnership with Morongo Basin Haven and the support of law enforcement.
On the question about returning the broadcast of city hall meetings to public access cable, Cullum took it a step further and inquired about a remote interactive option. Mintz says he would support if feasible but that the meetings are already offered live-streamed through the city hall site.
Regarding legal commercial marijuana growth in the area, Cullum admitted to limited knowledge on the topic but is open to learning more. Mintz expressed concerns around registration, ground water usage and if the collected taxes will go toward regulation enforcement.
Mintz closed by stressing the hard decisions made in the council and the effort put in to developing relationships both local and at state level. Mintz is excited about Project Phoenix and “proud to report that the city is in good financial shape” with balanced budgets and money in savings. Cullum is interested in sustainable growth and open to engaging with constituents.
In the next report, we will focus on candidate responses from District 4.
