Local elections are coming; the filing period opens July 16 and runs through August 10 for 20 seats on eight local elected agencies. For Yucca Valley Town Council, two terms, those currently held by George Huntington and appointed incumbent Robert Lombardo, are up. On the Twentynine Palms City Council, the terms of John Cole and Joel Klink are up. For Hi-Desert Water District, two seats, those held by Sarann Graham and Bob Stadum, are up, and on the Joshua Basin Water Board, three full term seats and one short term seat, filled after the death of Mike Luhrs are up. They are currently held by Bill Long, Mike Reynolds, Mickey Luckman, and appointed incumbent Frank Coate. Joshua Basin General Manager Joe Guzzetta said candidates can choose to run for the long or short term seats. For Morongo Unified School Board, three terms are ending, those of Phyllis Swinnerton, Ron Palmer, and Ed Will. Three terms are also ending on the Copper Mountain College Board, those held by Rita Ramirez-Dean, Owen Gillick, and Dick Rogers. For Hi-Desert Medical Center Board, three seats are open, those held by Paul Hoffman, Pat Cooper, and appointed incumbent Martie Avels. Mojave Water Agency representative Jim Ventura is also up for reelection. The deadlines will be extended if incumbents do not file. Information on how to file is available from the Secretary of the agencies involved or through the County registrar of voters. Candidates must be a registered voter within the boundaries of the agency they are running for, at least 18 years of age, and a citizen of the State of California.
