Rancho Mirage Councilmember Meg Marker abruptly resigns during meeting

Rancho Mirage city councilmember Meg Marker resigned suddenly from her position in the middle of Thursday's meeting.

Marker resigned after voicing strong opposition to a resolution discussion that would've seen the city council possibly adopt regulations that would prohibit council members from entering into contracts where they have a conflict of interest.

The city council passed the resolution 4-0 following a continued discussion after Marker's resignation.

Marker said in her comments that the resolution was bad for the city and a misguided attempt to keep successful people from sitting on the council.

"Needless to say as a 30-year resident of Rancho Mirage, I cannot and will not sit idly by and allow these types of small-minded behavior to relegate our great city to second-class status," Marker said in her comments. "Protections from councilmembers acting in their own self-interest are already in place."

Marker continued, "It is my opinion that the new resolution is designed to keep tired old men on the city council and prevent any successful businessperson from sitting on this council. Such actions are vindictive, punitive, and, likely, unconstitutional."

She mentioned that her comments would be her last act as councilmember, before resigning and walking away.

Statement from Rancho Mirage Mayor Steve Downs:

“I’m deeply disappointed and shocked at former Council Member Meg Marker’s actions today in our council meeting. The ethics policy considered today by the City Council, simply reinforces to our community that when council members are making decisions for the City, we are doing so with their best interest in mind, and not personal profit or gain. These concepts are longstanding rules, regulations, and ethical principles in which public officials must adhere to when acting in our fiduciary capacity as elected officials.  Former Council Member Meg Marker’s emotional response, baseless attacks, and the immediate resignation underscores someone who simply didn’t understand their role as a Council Member”.

Statement from Meg Marker (9/20/24)

It is my opinion, this Resolution 2024 is bad for the city and a misguided attempt to keep successful business people from sitting on city council.

After speaking with the city attorney who crafted this resolution, and listening to City Manager speak on it during the 9/19 council meeting, both made it clear that this new resolution is far more reaching than what is in place now.

Protection from council acting in their own self-interest are already in place. The Fair Political Practice Commission currently has jurisdiction over conflicts of interest…and if there is a conflict the council person recuses themself from voting.

Let me clarify how this new resolution will work. If a council member owns a business, the city will not engage in business with any company that does business with the council member’s business.

This is a direct attack on my business, basically saying if you advertise on one of my stations then the city will not do business with you. Such actions are vindictive… punitive and likely unconstitutional.

The resolution is bad for the city because the city should do its best to deliver the best products at the best prices and offer the residents the best services. By limiting who you can do business with will not deliver these results.

In my opinion, this resolution will discourage successful business people from sitting on city council. If you want the best and brightest regardless of age, sex or social status on your council this resolution will detour them from running. I love the City of Rancho Mirage and I was elected to be a voice for a younger generation.

Marker was elected to the Rancho Mirage City Council during the November 2022 election.

According to her bio on the city page, Marker is a 30-year resident of Rancho Mirage and co-owner of Marker Broadcasting, which has played an integral role in broadcasting radio stations and producing events and concerts throughout the desert since 1996. 

The city council will discuss how to handle this sudden vacancy during their next meeting.

We'll have the latest updates starting at 4:00 p.m. on News Channel 3.