Three candidates are competing for two seats on the Indian Wells City Council this November.
Councilmembers Dana Reed and Bruce Whitman are not running for re-election. The three people running for Indian Wells City Council in the Nov. 3 election are Michael Hazelton, Karlyn Neel and Rob Zwemmer.
Here’s what to know about them:
Who is Michael Hazelton?
Hazelton, 75, is a real estate agent and retired educator. He has lived in Indian Wells full-time for seven years. He has a master's degree in educational administration and also earned
a chief business official certificate.
It’s his first time running for council, and he said he’s running because he loves the city.
“I wanted to contribute back,” he added.
If elected, some goals that he shared with The Desert Sun include the following:
- Conducting an audit and action plan for repairs at the city’s affordable senior housing communities Mountain View Villas and Indian Wells Villas. He said this was his No. 1 priority.
- Improving communication with residents.
- Reevaluating city spending on sponsorships.
- Conducting an audit on city operations.
- Connecting council decisions to Indian Wells’ mission statement. The city’s mission statement is to “create an unsurpassed quality of life for residents and guests by providing superior public safety, exceptional service and outstanding amenities that will further enhance our image as a prestigious community and international resort destination.”
Who is Karlyn Neel?
Neel, 57, is a design and marketing professional. She said she's been an Indian Wells resident for over seven years. She is serving her fourth term on the Design Review Board for the City of Richmond, which is a role she said she’d step down from if elected to council. Some of her work in Indian Wells has included collaborating with the city on Fairway Park's design and being a former Indian Wells Preservation Foundation advisory committee member.
It is her first time running for council.
“I’m running because I believe Indian Wells deserves leaders who bring a fresh perspective and real energy to how we serve,” Neel said. “And leaders who solve problems and prepare for the future and remain accessible and accountable to the people they serve.”
If elected, some goals that she shared with The Desert Sun include the following:
- Transparency with residents on the council's decisions.
- Preserving and enhancing Indian Wells' quality of life, such as by holding public art events to celebrate local artists and bringing Blue Zone principles to the city. She also said she wants to celebrate Indian Wells' architectural and historical heritage.
- Promoting tourism and economic development.
- Long-term strategic planning that includes achievable and time-bound goals.
- Prioritizing public safety and access to healthcare.
Who is Rob Zwemmer?
Zwemmer, 54, is the president of a local realty group. He’s the co-owner and president of local professional pickleball team the Coachella Valley Scorpions. He also has a background in hospitality.
He immigrated to the US from the Netherlands about 26 years ago. Zwemmer moved to the Coachella Valley in 2004 and has been living in Indian Wells for about 4 years.
It is his first time running for council. He said he’s running because he wants to protect what Indian Wells has built, in addition to setting it up for future generations to enjoy.
“Indian Wells is a special home,” he said. “It’s a special place.”
If elected, some goals that he shared with The Desert Sun include the following:
- Public safety improvements like adding sidewalks and addressing dangerous speeding.
- Keeping property values up.
- Fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Driving tourism by working with hotels and small businesses.
- Responsible development.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Get a look at the 3 candidates running for Indian Wells City Council
