Emails spark controversy over Cathedral City council appointment process

Some residents have expressed their concerns that the process to appoint a new Cathedral City councilmember is rigged in favor of former Mayor Stan Henry. It all stems from a series of emails between a current city councilmember and one of the 14 candidates for the vacant seat.

On Feb. 13, the council voted unanimously to appoint a replacement for former mayor Greg Pettis’ seat, who passed away on Jan. 15.

The possibility of a special election was shot down by the council, who cited time and money constraints.

A questionnaire was posted on the city’s website for potential candidates to submit for the council to review. The council would review the submissions then appoint a candidate during the Feb. 27 meeting.

With the public release of the emails, some residents and candidates believe the process is heavily in favor of former mayor Stan Henry

“They’re all kind of what felt like communicating and even potentially conspiring,” said Dan Bowe, a resident of Cathedral City’s District 1.

Cathedral City’s current mayor, Mark Carnevale, defended city council after these emails were made public.

“Just the idea that it is believed that this council has gotten together to predetermine who we want to appoint is just ridiculous. It didn’t happen and it’s not true,” Carnevale said.

The email exchange took place on Saturday before the deadline for applications had closed. It begins with a Cathedral City business owner recommending Henry for the vacant council seat.

Sitting Councilmember John Aguilar replied, “nice.”

The email is forwarded to Henry himself, who thanks Aguilar and says, “I’m working on the application now.” Aguilar then replied, “excellent…I’m convinced (the vote) will be 3 to 1.”

“It really does seem to reek of something happening in the background,” Bowe said.

Residents say Aguilar predicting the vote smells like dirty politics.

“It seemed very apparent that if conversations weren’t happening, at the very least, a decision seemed to be baked in,” Bowe said.

The emails don’t sit right with other applicants for the seat either.

“We find out now it’s like it was already given to Stan Henry. I don’t understand why. Why did you have us go through it? It just seems like a backdoor deal was made and it’s just a very unfair thing and it is not transparent,” said applicant Jamie Birch.

“At this point, I think the process is tainted. Fatally so,” said applicant Paul Marchand.

They are now calling for a special election.

“I think this is going to get much worse before it gets better unless the council announces that it is abandoning the appointment process and calling a special election,” Marchand said.

Carnevale maintained there has been no discussion of the vote within the city council.

“Not one council member has talked to another councilmember from them. There’s been no predetermination and in discussion within council,” Carnevale said. “If you’re asking me is it unethical, I wouldn’t have done it. I don’t think it was probably the proper thing to do, but by no means does it show which way he’s going.”

The council is expected to appoint a candidate to fill Pettis’ seat tomorrow. Residents say they expect the council meeting to get heated.

You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.