Robert Moon declines to run for election again in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon says he will not run in November’s City Council race.

“I nor anyone else will be running for Mayor as the elected position of mayor will no longer exist as of the next election,” Moon wrote in a text message to KESQ’s Brooke Beare. “It will be a rotated position between the five Councilmembers.”

Moon was referring to the city’s switch to district elections, which was approved by a 3-2 vote in December by the City Council. Moon and Mayor Pro-Tem JR Roberts voted against the newly drawn districts. Roberts has also indicated he will not run for reelection in November.

“I love public service but do not like partisan politics,” Moon continued. “After 26 years in the Navy, three years on the Measure J Commission and four years on Council, that is 33 years of proud public service. Time to retire.”

Both Geoff Kors and Moon live in the same newly created council district, but Kors told KESQ “the Mayor’s decision has no impact on my timing or decision (on whether to run again).”

Kors said he would announce by the end of January.

“I am disappointed by (Moon’s) false attacks on the rest of the Council in the Desert Sun story that is online. That said, I will continue to be respectful and wish him well in his retirement,” continued Kors.

Moon said the descision to retire was tough in some ways, and also “complicated.” However, he had plans with his husband and partner, Bob (Hammack).

“Bob and I both turn 70 this year and our bucket list is growing. Even after 38 years together we sill have a lot of bucket list items to complete, and time is getting shorter.”

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 throughout the day for continuing coverage and an extended interview with Mayor Moon tonight at 5 and 6 p.m.

Full statement from Councilmember Lisa Middleton:

“I thank Mayor Moon for his service to the city that we both love so much. I wish him and his husband many wonderful years of travel and life together with friends and family.

It is unfortunate that within media reports the Mayor has chosen to criticize not only his colleagues, but also the Democratic Party. The overwhelming majority of our time on City Council is spent issues such as public safety, public works, local services, budgets and local economic development.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor and each of my colleagues over the next 10 months as we make certain Palm Springs remains a world class city for our residents and visitors.”

Lisa Middleton
City of Palm Springs
Councilmember

Full statement from Councilmember J.R. Roberts:

I was dissappointed to know that Rob felt that way. I for one went out of my way to work closely with him on the issues he cared about. That wasn’t
aways easy as it was clear Rob never really saw himself as part of the team. Most of his actions and comments were in a vacuum and didn’t include the rest of the council. In the end, I very much enjoyed working with my colleagues and understood that we wouldn’t always agree and nor would that benefit the city. I enjoyed and will miss my work with the city, David Ready and our amazing city staff. I leave the dais loving the city more than when I started and feeling a great sense of accomplishment. We enjoy a very high quality of life here and after public safety, that was our main focus. I have always performed public service and will continue to do that in one form or another. Most of my dreams for our city and community have become reality or are in the process. I hope Rob sees that and feels proud of our work. We came into our jobs at a very difficult time and while the city was steeped in scandal. My first goal was to get us past that, regain the public’s trust and right the ship. We accomplished that and as a community we should all feel very proud.

With good thoughts,

J.R…

Full statement from Councilmember Christy Holstege:

Thank you to Mayor Moon for his service to our city. But thank you, next to ANY Mayor who uses his unique position and power to routinely criticize our city, demean his colleagues, and disparage our residents, using his powerful voice (given and entrusted to him by the PEOPLE of Palm Springs) to spread attacks and misinformation in the media. Our city and our residents deserve better. We deserve a leader who will represent all residents of Palm Springs, who will provide true political leadership for the future of our city, and use their voice and position to move us forward. #thankyounext #unnacceptable