City Of Desert Hot Springs – City Council (2 Seats)

In the City Council race, incumbents Hank Hohenstein and Mary Stephens are facing challengers Karl Baker Jr., Russell Betts, Sharon Sandison, Terry Scheurer and Al Schmidt in a race for two seats.

Stephens, 47, wants to continue commercial and retail business development in the city and just get out the vote.

“People in Desert Hot Springs like to vote absentee at home, but the more I can get the vote out the better. Last election our turnout was only about 25 percent.”

Hohenstein, 75, said he wants to continue growth in the city and improve its image and quality of life.

Baker, a retired businessman and the city’s representative on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board, has said he will fight for stronger police and fire protection and work to improve the city’s finances. He also wants to increase the city’s commercial and retail tax base.

Betts, 49, has said he wants to focus on improving public safety and neighborhoods and establish a shopping district in Desert Hot Springs.

Sandison, a 51-year-old bookkeeper, said he wants to focus on improving the city’s financial strength and increasing tax revenue.

Scheurer, 62, a businessman, said he plans to improve the city’s image, increase its general fund and bolster police and fire protection.

Schmidt, a commercial real estate broker and chairman of the city’s Planning Commission, wants to improve the city’s finances and create a volunteer group to help improve its image.