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Indio City Councilmembers sworn in as recount looms

Published December 13, 2018 6:13 AM

Indio officially has two new council members tonight.

Oscar Ortiz and Waymond Fermon took the oath of office, joining Indio’s city council as the newest councilmembers.

It was a contentious race between former mayor Mike Wilson and Fermon to represent Indio’s second district. Fermon won his seat by 4 percent of votes.

Wilson says the race isn’t over. He’s asked for a recount, telling News Channel 3 it is costing him more than $2,600 just for the first-day deposit. According to a spokesperson for the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, there are more than 4,000 ballots that need to be re-counted which will be processed by two recount boards Tuesday morning. Both parties will be allowed to have three representatives present in the recount area.

Read: Mike Wilson calls for Indio election recount

Fermon says he wishes Wilson well.

“He has a right to a recount and I have no comment further on that,” Fermon said.

He said he doesn’t expect anything different to come from the recount and he’s ready to move forward.

“I want to meet with my district and see what my residents want accomplished. Get in there and get my feet wet,” Fermon said.

Ortiz said he is also ready to take action.

“My priority is affordable housing, get some affordable housing for the community here,” Ortiz said.

The council chambers were at maximum capacity tonight as dozens lined the council chambers. Some people praising Wilson for his recount request.

“We have to fight for our votes, we have to fight for what we believe in, so I absolutely think he’s doing the right thing,” said Indio resident Joy Miedecke.

Others in attendance embrace change.

“Things are looking up, so I’m happy to see new blood,” said Indio resident Al Rose.

The new council members received a traditional blessing after their swearing in.