Mike Wilson ends recount process for Indio City Council seat
Former Indio Mayor Mike Wilson says he has chosen to end the recount process for the Indio City Council District 2 seat.
Wilson had officially called for a recount last Tuesday morning. Wilson lost the election to Waymond Fermond by 148 votes, or 4-percent of the votes, when the Registrar’s office certified the results on December 7.
The lead in the race went back-and-forth with each election update. The lead for both would sometimes be as low as three votes.
Even before the election results were certified, Wilson had expressed his intention to call for a recount. He had said in a previous statement that he believed ballot-harvesting took place.
Read Mayor Mike Wilson full unedited statement below:
All good things in life must come to an end. Thus, after 21 years of Public Service to the City of Indio as a Mayor and City Council Member, and as the 2nd longest serving elected official in City history, it is time to retire. After careful consideration with my wife, children, and grandchildren I have decided to end the recount process. Public Service has been my life serving 22 years in the Fire Service and 21 years as a Mayor and Council Member.
My wife, children, and grandchildren have only known me as a Mayor and Council Member and its time to re-prioritize my life to God, Faith, and Family and be known as husband, dad, and papa. Serving Indio and its residents has been the honor of a lifetime.
Ultimately, the residents and voters choose who their elected representatives are and I respect their decision. Only history will reveal wether they made the right choice in this election. Certainly this election was close and very far from any mandate. This election showed Indio still has a strong Conservative base. My opponents agenda of Marijuana on every Indio street corner, Sanctuary City Policies, and taking God and Faith out of the Council Chambers and the Town Square will be a huge mistake for Indio and take this City backwards 20 years. One wrong decision will quickly away 148 voters and their support, the difference in this election. My supporters and Indio residents will be watching closely and will react when necessary.
Though not in an elected capacity, I will stay involved in the local political scene and in some cases be a stronger advocate of Conservative values and remind our Hispanic Community that their values and Conservative values go hand in hand. There is one fact in politics and that’s 50% percent of the voters love you and 50% of the voters hate you. For me, my enemies will not define me nor impact my life as I will concentrate on taking the high road always and enjoying life with my friends, supporters, and loved ones.
I wish the City of Indio nothing but success and the best for the future as I have always fought for Indio and our residents first. Driving through Indio on almost every street and street corner I can see my legacy and accomplishments and nobody can ever take that away. I have served with distinction, honor, and with great success in all the work that I have been involved with in Indio and the region. I leave with many great memories, friendships, and connections that will last a lifetime and leave the City of Indio in a very strong position, that I’ve fought for, and in great hands with the incredible staff that make Indio the very best. It is the season of celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and for that we should all be greatful. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and God Bless each and every one of you.
A spokesperson for the Registrar’s office told News Channel 3 the recount process was set to begin tomorrow at 9 a.m. A total of 4,055 ballots were going to be recounted. Wilson told News Channel 3 the recount process was costing him more than $2,600 just for the first-day deposit.
Despite the recount looming, Fermon was sworn-in last Wednesday along with the rest of the Indio city councilmembers.
Indio’s Administrative Services Manager PJ Gagajena said if the registrar provided them with different results, they will address the issue at a later time.
“After much thought and consideration I have chosen to end the recount process for the City of Indio, District 2 Nov. 6th, 2.108 Election. Thank you for your help in this matter.” – statement from Mike Wilson on ending recount.
Waymond Fermon’s campaign sent a statement of Wilson’s announcement.
“Since the start of this campaign, we’ve had full confidence in the process. There is a lot of work to be done in order to create the communities our residents deserve. We are already working to fulfill that mission and look forward to the future of Indio.” – Committee to Elect Waymond Fermon for Indio City Council 2018
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