Councilman Geoff Kors and Planning Commission members Grace Garner and Dennis Woods were savoring victories Wednesday in Palm Springs’ first round of by-district elections since the shift was made in the 1960s to an at-large system.
“I’m feeling good,” Kors told City News Service Wednesday morning following his re-election in Council District 3. “I’m truly grateful for the vote of confidence I received from Palm Springs residents.”
Tuesday’s election was the city’s first to use the district system since 1964, a year after voters approved a ballot measure to switch from a seven-member district system to a five-member at-large system, City Clerk Anthony Mejia said. Palm Springs was originally broken into seven districts when the city was incorporated in 1938.
The switch to district elections was prompted by the threat of a legal challenge contending the at-large system violated the California Voting Rights Act. The threat has prompted municipalities across the state to move away from the at-large system.
Garner, an attorney, won the four-candidate race in Council District 1 with 698 votes, or 47.6%. Retired banker Les Young was second with 483 votes, 33% , according to results released by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.
Kors was the only incumbent seeking re-election, topping the three-candidate field in District 3 with 75.5% of the 1,811 votes cast.
Kors lauded Garner’s win in District 1, which is a predominately minority district, saying the results should help alleviate residents’ concerns that they did not have the opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice in the old at-large system.
“We’re long past due to have a more diverse council,” he told CNS, “and it’s real nice to see that happening.”
Garner could be the city’s first Latina council member, although Mejia said that would be difficult to prove through city records which can only search based on surname.
Mayor Rob Moon and Councilman J.R. Roberts — who both also live in District 3 — did not seek reelection.
Woods, the Planning Commission chair, topped two opponents in District 2 with 1,101 votes, or 54.3%. Small business owner Adrian Alcantar was second with 483 votes, 23.8%.
Garner emphasized the need for additional affordable housing during her campaign and touted her “direct skills and insight into how our city government works,” and “strong bonds with the diverse communities of District 1.”
Woods said he will encourage “smart growth” that helps retain the uniqueness of Palm Springs, build affordable housing and reduce homelessness.
The City Council approved the new district maps last year. District 1 represents the northern and northeastern parts of the city, with the districts generally moving numerically southward, with District 5 covering the south and southwestern parts of the city.
Moon will be the city’s last elected mayor. The job will henceforth rotate among the council members.
The election results will be certified by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Nov. 21, said agency spokeswoman Candice Gordon.