Palm Desert Council Candidate – Susan Marie Weber

Submitted by Barbara Chandler

Introduction

Susan Marie Weber came to California in 1967 from New Mexico, where she had attended the University of New Mexico majoring in Education. She also holds an A.A. degree in Business from the College of the Desert and a B .S. degree in Business Administration/Computers from California State University San Bernardino. She picked up her paperwork for her potential run on July 16.

Political History

She first became involved with politics in 1978 when she became interested in and joined the Libertarian party. She has worked for the campaigns of Jerry Gentry and Bonnie Flickinger who became a councilwomen for the city of Moreno. Her first run for office was in 1998 when she was a candidate for member of the State Assembly, District 80.

Career History

Susan has long been involved in the business community. In 1972 she and her former husband owned and operated the Corvina Marina, a small beer bar, fishing pier, and boat launch on the Salton Sea. In 1980 she started her accounting business serving numerous businesses and organizations throughout the Coachella Valley.

Current Political Involvement

This is the second attempt to be elected to the Palm Desert City Council; she first ran in 2006. She has been involved with many community and non-profit organizations over the years. Between 1987 and 1994, she served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Palm Desert High School Foundation. She has also been active with Toastmasters, Soroptimists, Palm Desert and Indio Chambers of Commerce, and Profit Seekers Investment Club. She is now a member of the Desert Sands Unified School District board,

Issues and Beliefs

An accountant concerned about voter fraud, she became involved in the three year battle which challenged the constitutionality of paperless, touch screen voting systems. She filed against the Secretary of State and the Registrar of Voters of Riverside County in 2001. After arguing and losing her case in Pomona, she filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals again losing but only because the State was moving towards correcting the problem anyway.

Susan also supports medical marijuana, believes that the City Council should become more transparent by televising their meetings, and feels that many projects supported by government should be privately subsidized, i.e. a water slide which was proposed around 2005-2006 for the city of Palm Desert.

Personal

When Susan has a few minutes when she is not involved with her community projects, she enjoys visiting with one of her several god-children.

The above information was obtained from the candidate, the League of Women Voters and Google searches.

Palm Desert Council Member – Cindy Finerty

Submitted by Barbara Chandler

Introduction

Cindy Finerty, who was elected to the Palm Desert City Council in 2006 with 56% of the vote to fill a short term vacated seat, recently announced that she will run for her first full term in the upcoming November elections.

Political History

Prior to her election, she had been both a member and a chairperson on the Planning Commission for nine years where she developed her reputation as an opponent of uncontrolled growth. She also served as President of her home owners association and had been praised for her volunteer work in various letters to the editor.

While on the Planning Commission, she voted against the Lorrea Street Hotel as well as 150 hotel rooms which were proposed in a residential neighborhood. Her votes then appeared to preserve hillside and views as well as peace and quiet in residential neighborhoods.

Career History

No information available at this time.

Current Political Involvement

In addition to her record of balanced and controlled growth, she appears to also be a supporter of limited growth, environmental quality, public safety, fiscal responsibility, education and care of the needy. Her most recent votes have addressed the following issues:

Growth – ongoing discussions regarding the city’s General Plan and the placement of low-income housing have led to criticism from Cindy since she does not believe that such housing should be placed in the north end of the city. She continues to be in favor of low density and fears that approving the plan would make it difficult to turn down proposals from developers with high density projects.

Environment – she supported landscapers having to take a class on alternatives to scalping (smart scalping) in an effort to “reduce particulate matter in the air”. Criticism of this program points to the facts that there is no way to enforce it where unlicensed landscapers are concerned, and that classes should be taught in both English and Spanish.

She continues to vote in favor of preserving hillside and views having voted against the proposed Nelson home on a ridge. This vote was in support of a 2007 ordinance which came about as a result of a 32,000 square foot house which blocked neighbors’ views. She attempted to compromise with the owner of Augusta’s over the noise emanating from the music which disturbed neighbors by suggesting the owner enclose her outdoor patio. The owner refused and the council voted to have the music stopped.

Public Safety –she voted in favor of plans for a sidewalk and a right turn lane at Portola Ave. and Magnesia Falls Dr. This issue was addressed a second time due to a lack of clarity in the staff report and her second vote was the lone vote against the measure since it was for the sidewalk only.

Fiscal Responsibility – In contrast to her vote against a less expensive alternative when it came to public safety, she appears to be concerned about fiscal responsibility in these troubling economic times. She is reluctant to decrease the city’s reserves and is opposed to the building of a 6000 square foot building to house the historical society.

Education – she has suggested that a gardening program at the Palm Desert Middle School be expanded to other schools.

Care of the Needy – the 7500 square foot garden at the aforementioned school produces food which is donated to local food banks.

The Arts – hers was the sole vote against artwork selected for El Paseo. She felt the pieces were too abstract.

Issues and Beliefs

See above voting record.

Personal

No information available at this time.

The above information was obtained from the Desert Sun, or via Google Alerts.

Palm Desert Council Candidate – Carole Schaudt

Submitted by Barbara Chandler

Introduction

Palm Desert resident Carole Schaudt recently pulled the papers to stand for Council member in the City of Palm Desert in the November 4, 2008 General Election. She has successfully submitted the required number of signatures to effectively begin her campaign.

Political History

Born and bred in California, she grew up in Los Angeles, attended Beverly Hills High, and became active in politics at the age of 18. She once was the President of the Young Democrats in the West San Fernando Valley, and became involved as a fund raiser for Tom Bradley’s campaign for Mayor of Los Angeles in the sixties. Unfortunately, she was also present at the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, an event recently commemorated on its 40^th anniversary with Carole’s participation here in the valley.

Career History

Her work background includes careers in retail and clothing manufacturing, real estate and restaurants. She and her husband (Robert) once owned the Bremer Hof in Cathedral City which (unfortunately for valley residents) closed in 1993 when they moved to Oregon. After a few years in Oregon, Robert decided to become a truck driver so that he could see the rest of America and Carole joined him first as a passenger and then as a licensed driver herself!

Current Political Involvement

Retirement from truck driving came in 2004 due to health reasons and Carole and Robert settled into a full life as valley residents. In 2007, Carole became politically active again and was elected in the 2008 California Primary to the Central Committee of the Democrat Party for the 64^th Assembly District which includes Palm Desert. Additionally, she is an active advocate for seniors and veterans.

Issues and Beliefs

One of the issues of importance to Carole is the absence of technical jobs here in the valley. She feels strongly that efforts should be made to move from service industries into light industry and in order to do that, the valley should make every effort to attract technical schools. She has strongly supported Eisenhower’s move towards becoming a training facility.

Carole believes that her extensive retail/service sector experience, familiarity with the real estate business, involvement in political action, and now being a senior on a fixed income give her the foundation for exercising proper judgment and making good decisions for the city of Palm Desert. She is currently supported by the Arts and Historical Society

Personal

Carole and Robert met in 1983 and married in 1990; they have lived in Palm Desert Greens since 2000 with two dogs, one cat, and one bird! Prior to raising her menagerie, she had three children and adopted one more who have now rewarded her with 14 grand children, 2 great grand children and one more on the way.

The above biographical information was supplied by the candidate.

Sonja Martin is a candidate for the Board of Directors of Desert Sands Unified School Board. She and her husband retired to Palm Desert , three years ago. Sonja brought with her a wealth of educational experience. To be exact thirty-five years worth. She has worked and traveled throughout the United States , and internationally.

Sonja was married for thirty years, and was widowed two years ago. She has two children.

International (2007-2008)
Conducted the Success Strategies Project in the Philippines ; an international literacy project, funded by Rotaries in California and the Philippines, and cosponsored by several California organizations. Focus grades: 1^st-6^th

Present:
Now retired from K-12 education she is a business owner: Student Success Systems. She has authored eight books for parents (two in Spanish): Don’t Leave My Child Behind!
K-2, 3-5, 6-6, 9-12.

Sonja has authored three books for teachers. Two of which are: Not Left Behind an instructional idea book for teachers. K-5 & 6-8, and Sara’s Journey Through an Aligned School District .

Sonja has traveled throughout the United States exhibiting the materials and presenting workshops on educational achievement issues.

Awards:
2001: Received the Golden Bell Award from California School Boards Association for Outstanding Multi-Level District-Wide Accountability Assessment Program

1989: Awarded Washington Award for Excellence in Education/High School Principal.

Past K-12 Educational Experience:
12 years: Administration/District office
12 years: Administration/Principal and Assistant principal Elementary and secondary            
11 years: Teacher/Elementary and Secondary

The above biographical information was supplied by the candidate.

Shari Stewart has announced her candidacy for another term as President of the Palm Springs Unified School District.

A twenty-four year desert resident, she has been married for 39 years to Mark, a business owner. Their sons David and Jeff both graduated from Palm Springs High School . Shari and Mark have three grandchildren.

Education:

● California Lifetime Elementary Teaching Credential

● BA, Sociology, California State University Northridge

● American Academy of Nutrition , Diploma in Comprehensive Nutrition

School District/Community Involvement:

● President Palm Springs Unified School District : 2004-2005, 2007-Present

● Governing Board Member Palm Springs Unified School District : 1999-Present

● California and National School Board Associations Member: 1999-Present

● Mizell Senior Center Board Member: 2002-Present

● Smile Factory of the Desert Board Member: 2007-Present

● Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs Member: 1999-Present

● College of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary Member

● Community Blood Bank Red Ribbon Committee

Accomplishments:

● Passed $516 million bond to build new schools and modernize existing schools

● Initiated Energy Efficient designs and specifications when building new schools

● Hired New Superintendent Highly Focused on Student Achievement

● Hired a Director of English Learners and Established a Department and plan focused
  on closing the achievement gap  

● Expanded Career Technical Education and implemented Career Pathways
   Initiatives and Academies at all high schools

● Implemented Pilot 24/7 laptop program for students

● Formed strong partnerships between District, Safe Schools and Gay Associated Youth organizations

● Changed board policy regarding anti-discrimination to include sexual orientation

Shari is a retired elementary school techer and substitute teacher. 

The above biographical information was supplied by the candidate.