Three incumbents are seeking reelection to the Palm Springs City Council. That would normally mean a new majority could be voted in, but one is running unopposed.
With the city's district-based system, voters only choose the person who represents the area where they live. This year District 1, which includes the north and northwest part of the city, the Racquet Club Estates-centered District 2, and District 3, which includes Midtown and Old Las Palmas, are up for election. And only voters in Districts 1 and 3 will see competitive races on their ballots.
In District 1, incumbent Grace Garner has served on the council since 2019. She is going up against Don Soja, the former vice-chair of the Human Rights Commission.
County, by mail ballot or in person
District 2 sees incumbent Jeffrey Bernstein likely running unopposed. One potential candidate, Tad Iwan, applied to run, but did not gather enough signatures to place his name on the ballot. He attempted to qualify as a write-in candidate, which requires a lower number of signatures, but had not done so as of Wednesday, Oct. 14. The deadline for write-in candidacy is Tuesday, Oct. 20, meaning that if he doesn't qualify, any votes written in for Iwan (or anyone else) will not count — even if that person gets more votes than Bernstein.
Incumbent Ron deHarte hopes to retain his seat in District 3. He is the president and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride and has served on the city council since 2022. He is facing Charlie Brown, an entertainer and community advocate.
The Desert Sun sent a questionnaire to all four candidates asking them to discuss their priorities. See below to compare their responses.
What is one recent decision made by the current city council that you would have handled differently, and why?
Grace Garner (District 1)
Every decision that comes before the City Council must be handled with care. That means asking tough questions, reviewing all comments from the public, discussing with city staff, hearing from business owners or applicants, and from my colleagues. I have found this full process to be extremely important and at times has led myself or my colleagues to change our view point from when we first hear about a project to the ultimate vote. With each vote and discussion I learn something new on how to best approach issues. My growth on the council from 2019 to now is evident to our residents and has solidified my reputation as a thoughtful, pragmatic, and compassionate leader.
Donald Soja (District 1)
The current Palm Springs City Council made the recent decision to make Racquet Club Road a two lane road, from the current four lane road. I have lived in Palm Springs for almost two decades, always on the north end of Palm Springs (Racquet Club West Neighborhood, & Mountain Gate Neighborhood). Racquet Club Road is a Major roadway for not only the citizens of Palm Springs, but for all of the visitors and tourist that use it on a daily basis. I would have kept Racquet Club Road as a four lane road. Even the Palm Springs Fire Chief stated that changing Racquet Club Road, to a two lane road, will increase emergency response time. I asked one of the current Palm Springs City Council Members "What if it doesn't work, what if it proves to be the wrong decision" ?? Their answer was: "We will have to consider changing it back to a four lane road !! $$$$$ at the cities expense !!
Jeffrey Bernstein (District 2)
One of the important things to remember is that decisions by Council come after lengthy periods of community engagement, staff discussions and careful review. When you are on Council, you must be part of a solution that represents the interests of the majority, and ideally all, of the residents. Decisions are finalized on the dais, when you’ve had a chance to hear from your fellow council members as well as the public. I may go into an issue with a particular mindset, but my goal is always to hear from as many people, on both sides, of every issue; to speak with staff and other experts. Therefore, I don’t think it’s the decisions that should have been handled differently.
There are times when we should have handled the process leading up to that decision differently. A good example is the food and beverage contract at the convention center. Our council has always been clear about supporting local businesses, and giving preference to local businesses (wherever legally allowed). We have also made extra efforts to guide local businesses to be competitors in any contract. With the convention center food and beverage contract, we saw that there was only one bidder — a national corporation. No local businesses bid on the contract. In terms of process, we should have done more outreach and had a chance to publicly discuss the RFP (Request for Proposals).
There have been times when I have voted differently than other council members, and been both in the majority and in the minority. The decision may not necessarily have been what I agreed with, but I believe that the very nature of democracy is majority rules, with minority rights.
Charlie Brown (District 3)
Last year, the city council considered major development proposals, including warehouse projects that generated much debate around traffic, land use, economic development, and community character. In at least one case, the Council found a large warehouse proposal inconsistent with the General Plan.
My view, Economic Development should create quality jobs while protecting Palm Springs unique character, desert landscape, mountain views and tourism driven economy.
Ron deHarte (District 3)
In my time on Council, I have stood firm, even when in the minority, on requiring strict financial oversight and total accountability before committing taxpayer resources. When Council evaluated past grant oversight failures and administrative responses, I was the lone dissenting vote because I believed our response didn't rigorously address accountability for lost funds. Stewardship means making tough, practical choices.
Leadership requires asking hard questions and demanding transparency, especially when public money is involved. While others are comfortable approving high-level reports or passing broad funding allocations, I argue for enforceable benchmarks, transparent reporting, and strict oversight.
I have stood in the minority on Council when I argued most strongly for fiscal discipline and realistic budgeting. A clear example is when I fought against approving city budget projections that used short-term fixes or drawing down reserves to cover recurring operational costs, cautioning that we cannot plug budget gaps with wishful thinking. Instead, I pushed to tighten our belt, prioritize core infrastructure like street repairs and emergency services, and protect our long-term fiscal health. Good governance requires being honest with residents about what we can afford and ensuring every dollar is tied to clear, deliverable outcomes.
The city has limited resources. If you had to choose, what would be your top budget priority and what would receive less funding so that priority could be funded?
Jeffrey Bernstein (District 2)
In short, the top budget priority should be expenses that generate revenue, that reduce costs from increasing and support public safety and quality of life. Less funding can be spent on projects that can be deferred or even cancelled that do not result in increased cost over time.
Public safety and public quality of life are always the top priorities. However, those are only made possible by having the funds to do so. We are a tourism based economy which means we are often faced with choices between funding economic driver initiatives and community initiatives. Generally, our residents understand that investing in projects like the convention center are essential to generate funds that can then benefit the public. Generally, our hospitality and tourism professionals understand that investing in projects like parks, the library, arts and culture and parks are necessary for a city that is desirable to visitors and residents.
There has been an arc to our city. For much of the first part of this century the city operated with minimal reserves and did not always have the funds to maintain and develop. This was much of the impetus behind the downtown revitalization and Measure J (the 1% sales tax which is mostly funded by visitors and now generates over $22 million a year in revenue for the city). Those initiatives worked and the city is in a stable financial situation. However, we have much deferred maintenance to address. As time has passed the projects have become more expensive. Roads require more money to be maintained (we used to spend $3 million a year; now we spend $9 million a year). Now that we finally have Measure J to finance the bonds to upgrade the Convention Center, Library and Fire Station, the cost has risen.
Charlie Brown (District 3)
If I had to choose one top budget priority, it would be public safety and quality-of-life services. Residents expect safe neighborhoods, timely emergency response, effective homelessness outreach, well-maintained streets, and a city that is responsive to community concerns, especially leadership. Those are the core responsibilities of the local government, and I believe they should be protected first.
That doesn't mean every department gets everything it wants. To fund those priorities, I would carefully review discretionary spending, outside consulting contracts, non-essential studies, and programs that do not have clear, measurable outcomes. Before asking taxpayers for more money, we should ensure every dollar is producing results and aligned with the City's strategic goals.
I would also look for opportunities to leverage grants, regional partnerships, and public-private collaborations so that we can expand services without placing additional pressure on the General Fund.
Palm Springs has made important investments in economic development, tourism, arts, and special events, and I support those efforts. However, during times of fiscal constraint, I believe residents expect us to focus first on the fundamentals: public safety, infrastructure, homelessness solutions, and neighborhood services. Being fiscally prudent is an expectation that community members expect from their Council.
My view protects core services, spend responsibly, measure results, and ensures taxpayers know exactly how their money is being used.
Ron deHarte (District 3)
My top budget priority is direct public safety and core infrastructure, ensuring our police, fire, emergency services, and neighborhood roads are fully funded and equipped to serve the city and District 3.
To fund these core services without raising costs for residents, I would reallocate funds away from redundant administrative studies, outside consulting contracts, and oversized promotional programs. Responsible fiscal stewardship and community wellness are not abstract concepts, and responsible stewardship means making real choices: prioritizing fundamental city services that every household relies on every day over endless council-funded exploratory committees and administrative overhead.
Grace Garner (District 1)
We have been fortunate to fully fund as many projects as we have. Budget decisions are always difficult as all of our departments and projects are important to our city. Each budget cycle is different and requires careful analysis of all projects and department needs. We also adjust the budget throughout the year as needed. This additional level of review and adjustment is critical to ensuring that the needs of all residents are met. During the early days of COVID-19 there was a potential large cut to our library services. While all of our departments were facing cuts, it was critical that we maintained some level of service for all of our departments, especially those that are vital to community interaction and resources. Through robust discussion the Council was able to prevent such a large cut to the library to allow for remote library services, the popular library-a-go-go pick up, and story time for our youth.
Donald Soja (District 1)
My top priority is public safety. This includes our Police Department and our Fire Department. Public safety is always a top priority in my book. Keeping our citizens of Palm Springs safe and secure, be it at home, at work, or at social gatherings. I have many Top Priorities, Public Safety being at the very top. You ask me what would receive less funding so that my priority, Public Safety, could be funded? A very tough question for sure. I would have to answer that by saying that if I am elected, we must go over the budgets of every department, commission, and board. We must see where each formerly mentioned city area is "Top Heavy" with funding. We must streamline our cities daily spending. Our city of Palm Springs is not a limitless "ATM" machine. It's time to go over every financial area of the city. Making financial cuts, that are necessary, is always a challenge. I am more than willing and qualified to help make those decisions.
If elected, what is one promise you are making to voters that they can use to evaluate your performance at the end of your term?
Charlie Brown (District 3)
My biggest campaign theme is accessibility, transparency, and community engagement throughout my entire term, not just during election season.
If elected, I will hold regular town hall meetings and community listening sessions throughout District 3 and across Palm Springs. I will provide regular updates on major City Council decisions, actively seek community input before important votes, and ensure residents know how and why I am making decisions on their behalf.
At the end of my term, voters should be able to ask themselves three questions: Did Charlie listen? Did Charlie show up? Did Charlie keep the community informed? If the answer is yes, then I have honored my commitment.
I believe effective leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, bringing people together, being transparent about challenges, and working collaboratively to find solutions. My goal is to build trust between City Hall and the people it serves by ensuring every resident feels heard, respected, and represented.
If elected, my promise is that I will be a Councilmember for the people. Not just for those who agree with me, not just for those who voted for me, and not just during election season but for all residents of Palm Springs, especially the residents of District 3.
My promise is simple, I will be a Councilmember for all people. No matter your income, status, gender, pronouns, or background, I will listen, I will show up, and I will work every day to help Palm Springs thrive.
Ron deHarte (District 3)
My promise is to continue delivering measurable, high-impact results for District 3 while maintaining complete transparency with the community. You can measure my performance by whether we continue to build on this momentum, expand workforce housing options, maintain our infrastructure, and ensure our emergency services have the facilities they need.
As a driving force behind the $130 million convention center modernization effort and the land solution for Fire Station #1, I know how to lead complex projects on time and on budget. Not only have I proven my ability to keep the community informed; I promise to keep delivering real, accountable results that improve daily life and preserve the strength of our neighborhoods.
Grace Garner (District 1)
There are a large amount of projects moving forward in our city. It is an exciting time to see development on community infrastructure projects like our library and playgrounds as well as critical public safety projects with a new downtown fire station. It is important that we ensure that all of our projects move forward in a timely manner and if there are any changes to those project timelines, that we are transparent with residents on the reasons why. My two terms on the city council coupled with my experience as an attorney and county employee make me particularly suited to ensure transparency and accountability for every project.
Donald Soja (District 1)
My answer to this question is "Equal Rights & Equal Opportunities for EVERYONE" .. Palm Springs Is a dynamic & diverse city. We are made up of every ethnic and religious group on this earth. I want Palm Springs to live in Harmony with one another. Meet your neighbors, Share your stories, find out just how much we all are alike !!! Palm Springs has an incredible future ahead of it. Won't you join me, and be an incredible part of it… I Thank You for reading a very small part of who I am, and what I stand for… I believe in Freedom for Everyone… When elected, I will give the citizens of Palm Springs 100% of my time and attention… I will listen to you, review everything you have told me, research for the best results, and than act responsibly and according to a satisfactory outcome.
Jeffrey Bernstein (District 2)
The promise I make is the same one I made four years ago: to always listen to the community, take in all feedback and be thoughtful. I have held quarterly community meetings, as promised, since I was elected. I recently had my 15th meeting. They are open to everyone, not just District 2 residents, but all of Palm Springs and even others. Check back in four years, and evalauate whether I continued to hold quarterly meetings, whether I continued to answer all my emails, texts and voicemails, whether I continued to meet with those who are interested, whether I continued to consider all view points, whether I continued to be an active, engaged, enthusiastic supporter of Palm Springs and whether or not I continued to do everything I could to make Palm Springs the best city in the world.
Sam Morgen covers local government for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Five Palm Springs City Council candidates, in their own words
