Councilman wants incentive program, property sales investigated

A Palm Springs City Council member is calling for an independent investigation as a result of a KESQ/CBS Local 2 investigation into a Palm Springs economic incentive program aimed at spurring business.

Councilman Paul Lewin wants an investigation into that program along with all property transactions conducted by the city.

Lewin sat down with reporter Natalie Brunell Monday and said he is tired of learning things through the media when it comes to city affairs.

“I think it’s time we hear from a third party,” Lewin said.

Lewin went on to say the incentive program is designed in such a way that all businesses awarded grants should be treated equally.

Lewin, who filed for re-election as a council member before Mayor Steve Pougnet announced he won’t seek re-election, says he’s now seriously considering running for mayor.

The only candidate officially running for Mayor is Robert Moon. Moon in a letter to Mayor Steve Pougnet, dated April 30th, 2015, Moon states that he also called for an independent audit of all ongoing development projects in the City that receive taxpayer dollars.

The Palm Springs City Council meets again Wednesday.

Stay with KESQ/CBS Local 2 as we continue to follow this story.