Twentynine Palms City Councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem Joel Klink is a big fan of birthdays, which is clear at nearly every council meeting, when he leads the room in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” for anyone and everyone who might be celebrating that month. Just after finishing up last night’s song, Klink made an announcement to the room.
“And I want to get something straight. I have been hearing rumors about ‘Joel, are you gonna run for city council? Joel, are you not gonna run for city council?’ I am gonna put that to rest tonight, I am NOT going to run for city council because it’s time to be done with my job and with the city for 20 years so I will not be running again and I just hope that the ones that will be running will put on a good campaign and so be it,” said Klink.
Mayor Bilderain thanked Klink and joked about crying on the drive home. Indeed, after 20 years, Klink has been a fixture at City Hall and has served on the council since December 2004. Klink also served as mayor in 2007, 2009, 2013 and in 2015. Klink served on numerous committees, worked with various service organizations, and received several honors.
The next election for two positions on the city council – Districts 1 and 2 – will be held on November 5 of this year. Residents interested in running for council must make an appointment with the City Clerk to receive and submit campaign documents during the Nomination Period which is July 15 through August 8.
To be eligible, candidates must reside within the City of Twentynine Palms’ incorporated boundaries, live in the corresponding district up for election, and be a registered voter at the time nomination papers are issued.
