La Quinta candidates' answer about CV Link

Updated 2016.11.09
The editorial board of the Desert Sun asked this question of all candidates for City Council:

"Are you in favor of La Quinta being part of the CV Link? Why or why not?"

Here are the Mayoral candidate responses:

• Linda Evans, winner 2016 with 83%: "I support La Quinta being part of the CV Link. It provides a safe route for cyclists, runners, and walkers. It offers the option to take cars off the roads, resulting in less environmental impact. It provides a safe, free passage for a healthy lifestyle, like our other hiking/biking trails and parks. It connects our valley as an alternative transportation option, allowing access to shopping, dining, schools, and other amenities. The two-mile plus stretch in La Quinta will be one of the least impactful sections; the route is visible and non-intrusive to private areas. The maintenance costs will likely be similar or less than the City’s current spend on Bear Creek Trail and Cove hiking trails. Many states across the country have similar paths that are used for transportation, recreation, and tourism. I invite people to walk LQ’s section with me and experience its potential for our city and valley. "
  
  I endorse this wholehearted support of CV Link and the safe corridor it will provide for all types of alternative transportation. Evans' insight that CV Link has benefits similar to a park shows her flexibility and foresight.
  
  
• Paula Maietta, not winner 2016: "Based upon the information we have, no, I am not in favor of this project. When do these ridiculous Council decisions end?  Construction cost is estimated at $100 million, and CVAG does not know where all that money is coming from. I believe that this project will provide greatest benefit to Goldenvoice/AEG and their concertgoers.  Let’s privatize this project and contract it out to them, like the toll roads.  This should be a decision made by the voters who will be paying maintenance costs for this boondoggle, as we are for Silverrock.  There’s discussion that the additional money needed for this project might come from TOT taxes; here we go again.  Our TOT taxes will go to this project instead of into our general fund to pay our bills, so the City will propose a TOT tax increase to make up for that loss. And on and on it goes."
  
  Maietta reveals an insular and provincial attitude as well as the fact she hasn't become informed about the project. Likely she has heard and bought into the Hobart Boondoggle and its misleading arguments against CV Link.
  
  

 Here are the council candidate responses:

• Kathleen Fitzpatrick, winner 2016 with 24%: "I think the CV Link would be great for La Quinta. It would be a complement to our brand promoting healthy living. In La Quinta the CV Link would also open up commercial opportunities along the back of the 111 corridor to Link users. However, while we need recreational opportunities that increase our activity and enhance tourism, we need to fully evaluate the costs of maintenance of the trail for the City. In light of our other economic challenges we need to be sure the link can be maintained before we commit to construction."
  
  Fitzpatrick seems to be a qualified supporter, and it might help her to read Section 8 of the CV Link Conceptual Master Plan, which offers over 20 sources to combine for funding O&M costs.
  
  
• Kristy Franklin, not winner 2016 with 22%: "I am not going to vote for this project without knowing what it will cost my taxpayers to maintain it. When we spend tax dollars, there will always be some citizens who benefit indirectly, and in the case of CV Link it appears that most of our residents would fall into that category. I’ve been asked by the Cove and Southside citizens why they would want to drive such a distance to ride bikes, walk, run, etc. when La Quinta already has great trails and bike lanes. In addition arteries moving southward from the Link would have to be built and maintained by the City."
  
  Franklin has not yet considered cycling and neighborhood electric vehicles as transportation. To her, they are merely another leisure activity, and it seems she believes leisure can be relegated to isolated areas that already exist.
  
  
• Joe Johnson, not winner 2016 with 14%: "The CV Link is not a terrible idea for a bike path.  It isn’t suitable for pedestrians, walking dogs on hot concrete, or for electric carts.  The proposed section going through La Quinta is troubling.  The limited access here makes it almost useless for anything except bike riders.  We have a new item, maintenance.  This will cost us another $100,000-$250,000 a year, not including the cost of Sheriff patrols (this is just like any other street and needs constant patrol).  Due to its desolate environment and 24-hour access, our few miles are just a problem waiting to happen."
  
  Johnson has freely expressed his opposition to CV Link elsewhere, and he seems to revel in the half-truths expounded by other opponents. I must correct his statements about the cost of maintenance: The project document (CV Link Conceptual Master Plan, Section 8) lists over 20 sources of funding for O&M costs, which are estimated to be about $10K to 30K per mile annually. These O&M costs include maintenance, safety and security patrols, marketing and events, insurance and risk management, and general management.
  
  
•  Victoria Llort, not winner 2016 with 18%: "CV link is an innovative concept that, when realized, would benefit the Coachella Valley as a whole. Due to La Quinta’s 10 year projected $50 million deficit, all financial costs must be considered. Currently, CVAG (Coachella Valley Association of Governments) is not requesting any funding from participating cities for construction or maintenance of CV Link; foreseeable maintenance expenses are estimated to equal Bear Creek Trail in La Quinta. CV Link would be a great addition that brings potential for La Quinta and tourism enthusiasm."
  
  I appreciate Llort's considered, deliberate approach. I believe she would fully support CV Link after she has pored through the CV Link project document.
  
  
• Steve Sanchez, winner 2016 with 22%: "I love waking up at 0400 to run my dogs, workout, or go for a long run; I try to do a half marathon every few months. At first, I was 100% opposed to La Quinta being a part of CV Link; I felt it was a waste of money. But, after learning more about CV Link, how La Quinta’s portion will be funded, I’ve had more of an open mind to it. As a La Quinta City Council member I would never tell another city what they should do, but for La Quinta, I want to see what the EIR report says."
  
  Sanchez would be a valuable voice for those who hope to see CV Link come to La Quinta.
  
  

Of course, there were other questions. See more at the Desert Sun Election Questionnaire. 

Indian Wells candidates' answer about CV Link

Updated 2016.11.09

The ballot Measure H was enacted with a majority vote of  68% (1118 votes of 1642 total). The measure text was:

Section 2.08.180 be added to the Indian Wells Municipal Code to prohibit the City Council from taking any action to approve the establishment, development or installation of all or any part of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ “CV Link” Project within the City, unless approved by a majority of City voters?

 
The editorial board of the Desert Sun asked this question of all candidates for City Council:

"The city is asking voters if they would approve of Indian Wells being part of the proposed CV Link. What is your opinion of the CV Link? Explain."

Here are the candidate responses:

• Doug Hanson, not a winner 2016 with 21%: "The reason we put CV Link on the ballot was to find out how our residents feel about CV Link. The issue for Indian Wells is not what you think about CV Link but how does the link traverse the city. We clearly could not put it in the middle of the golf course. That would present a humongous hazard to the people on the link and create havoc with our golfers. In addition, the use of Highway 111 is not a viable route because of a previous ballot measure and the inability to widen the roadway."
  
  Hanson is clear that his objections are focused on the exact routing of CV Link. We can work with that, as long as it is not merely a bait-and-switch tactic to obstruct the corridor, as was practiced by Hobart and Rancho Mirage.
  
  
• Ted Mertens, winner 2016 with 28%: "The CV Link project is a major and costly undertaking. I proposed the ballot measure (Measure H) to give residents a voice. I have not seen adequate evidence to support the claims relating to the benefits of this project. Initial construction costs estimated at $100M, will probably exceed that amount when completed. On-going maintenance costs are unknown. Cities will be expected to pay for these costs. The proposed routing through the IWGR or along Highway 111 is simply unacceptable. When approved, Measure H will prevent any future council from taking action without first obtaining the approval of a majority of voters."
  
  At least Mertens states clearly that he has his reasons for rejecting CV Link, even if the objections sound suspiciously like the obstructions from Hobart and Rancho Mirage.
  
  
• Kimberly Muzik, winner 2016 with 24%: "This has been such a controversial item! I am glad it is going before our residents for their vote November 8th. Personally, do we really want the CV link to go through our beautiful IW Golf Resort?  What about costs of future maintenance and safety?"
  
  I see Muzik's gambit: don't answer the question by posing other questions. However, the very phrasing of her questions reveals her belief that CV Link is not for her.
  
  
• Ty Peabody, winner 2016 with 27%: "I am adamantly opposed to CV Link as it is being presented:
  
  • Our residents voted to not allow widening of Highway 111 without a majority vote.
  • Building the Link as an elevated road adjacent to our golf course would be detrimental to golfers and spoil our views.
  • Our city would be required to build access roads or bridges connecting the Link to the clubhouse area.
  • Our city does not have capital to cover O&M costs.
  • There are serious potential liability issues related to the Link.
  • There is attempt by CVAG to use dedicated funds from Measure A for repair of existing roads and bridges for CV Link."
  
  Peabody has bought the Hobart Boondoggle, hook, line, and stinker. He clearly has not read the "Conceptual Master Plan" for the project, and he misunderstands the many alternatives floated for funding O&M costs.
  
  

Of course, there were other questions. See more at the Desert Sun Election Questionnaire. 

Cathedral City candidates' answer about CV Link

Updated 2016.11.09
The editorial board of the Desert Sun asked this question of all candidates for City Council:

"Do you support CV Link? And if so, how do you think it will benefit Cathedral City residents?"

Here are the candidate responses:

• John Aguilar winner, 2016 with 37%: "Yes, I along with the Mayor and colleagues on the City Council full support the development of the CV Link. This will provide a substantial recreational opportunity for our citizens, promote tourism which will help create new job opportunities, and help reduce greenhouse emissions by reducing vehicular traffic and helping to build/grow a stronger neighborhood community."
  
  Aguilar is among three candidates with unequivocal support of CV Link. I suggest that voters use this endorsement along with other considerations in their decision November 8.
  
  
• Sergio Espericueta not winner, 2016 with 23%: "Right now, I do not feel like I can support something that is not too clear about how it will impact residents in order to make it function. I think that it is necessary to from a committee, that includes residents, to debate this topic so that together we can discuss a project that would be costly. More people need to be informed and involved from the beginning and not just towards the end when the final concept is being presented."
  
  Espericueta has not done homework on CV Link. The community meetings about CV Link occurred in 2014 and 2015, meeting near-unanimous support from Cathedral City citizens in attendance and receiving many helpful suggestions on implementing the project. I suggest that the candidate read at least the CV Link Conceptual Master Plan to understand the current state of the project.
  
  
• Stan Henry unupposed for 2016 mayor: "Yes, I support CV Link, and feel it will give the residents of Cathedral City better opportunities to use other sources of transportation in a safe environment to get around the valley and safe physical exercise. We had a Cathedral City disabled resident testify that he rides a bike every day from Cathedral City to College of the Desert and he is looking forward to the CV Link to have a safe path to get to school. If you look at the Valley’s tourism studies, it shows people are looking for other safe outdoor recreational facilities like CV Link. With Cathedral City having four major hotels along the route of CV Link this is a great opportunity for us to market to these tourists. We held a local community meeting regarding CV Link, and the majority was in favor."
  
  Henry is among three candidates with unequivocal support of CV Link. I suggest that voters use this endorsement along with other considerations in their decision November 8.
  
  
• Greg Pettis winner, 2016 with 39%: "I support CV Link. Any additional recreation opportunities for our residents is welcome. We have a higher rate of obesity than some of our neighbors so this will also help in that regard. Additionally, the bike path is slated to run through one of our most economically challenged neighborhoods giving them an avenue for recreation that they may not have otherwise."
  
  Pettis is among three candidates with unequivocal support of CV Link. I hesitate with endorsement because he evidently considers CV Link to be merely a recreational amenity, rather than a necessary transportation corridor.
  
  

Of course, there were other questions. See more at the Desert Sun Election Questionnaire. Meanwhile, the first segment of what will be CV Link is coming to Cathedral City in the next few months, from Vista Chino to Ramon Road. The map of the full, planned CV Link through the city is at the right.

Palm Desert candidates' answer about CV Link

updated 2016.11.09
The editorial board of the Desert Sun asked this question of all candidates for City Council:

"Are you in favor of Palm Desert being part of the CV Link? Why or why not?"

Here are the council candidate responses:

• Kathleen Kelly, winner 2016 with 23%: "As the question suggests, CV Link will happen because of numerous cities supporting it and funding that cannot be used for anything else. It would not be to Palm Desert’s advantage to resist participation. The proposed route uses existing roadways along Magnesia Falls, and could feed visitors to the proposed “city center” on San Pablo. I will work for implementation to be as advantageous to Palm Desert as possible, guarding funds intended for other uses."
  
  I endorse Kelly's support of CV Link and an implied opposition to the isolationist attitudes of neighboring cities. Her reasons for support exhibit appreciation of how CV Link can build on and build up other development projects in the city.
  
• Jerry Martin, not winner 2016 with 10%: "The CV Link is an exciting opportunity for our city. It is a long process and I believe that it will be a benefit for our city’s residence and visitors."
  
  Martin expresses support for CV Link, but I think his short statement reveals that the topic is low on his priorities.
  
  

• Gina Nestande, winner 2016 with 26%: "As a former Professional Ironman Triathlete, I understand the health benefits of physical activity. The CV Link can benefit many in our community, provide a venue to hold sporting events, give the tourism industry another marketing tool thereby bringing more tourists to our area – even in the summer months. My support ultimately depends upon evaluating the final environmental and financial documents when made available within the next several months."
  
  Nestande evidences the greatest support of CV Link and the broadest understanding of its positive impact. In addition, she expresses a fiscal reserve that might be eased by reading Section 8 of the CV Link Conceptual Master Plan, which itemizes the expected services that provide O&M and which offers over 20 sources to combine for funding O&M costs.
  
  
• Van Tanner, not winner 2016 with 19%: "In the very near future there is going to be an Environmental Impact Study Report showing what the potential impact CV link will have on our valley cities.  My thoughts are that the link will bring the East Valley together with the West Valley and everything in between.  In doing this the public needs to know the benefits and the costs involved.  This study will go a long way in telling me what the overall impact will be.  At this time I am favorable to the idea but reserve final opinion until after the report is completed."
  
  Turner expresses an overarching understanding that CV Link is a transportation corridor, and not merely a recreational amenity. A bit concerning is his apparent reliance on the Environmental Impact Study to reveal CV Link impacts on the cities. (I understand the EIS might be limited to the impacts on the natural environment and habitats of native flora and fauna. Perhaps I'm wrong in this assumption.) 
  
  
• Susan Marie Weber, winner 2016 with 22%: "Throughout all my campaigns, I have commented on having a cross-valley method of transportation. I spoke to SunLine representatives, thinking a bus line would help solve the problem. "As an accountant, I look at the costs, not just the design/construction, but long-term maintenance and operational costs, such as lighting, trash, loitering, and vandalism.
  When the long-term costs are more fully defined, I think we will all be able to make a more educated decision on the value of the CV Link."
  
  Weber, like Tanner, understands the transportation advantages of CV Link—a positive sign. I must advise her to reread the project document (CV Link Conceptual Master Plan, Section 8) to be reminded of over 20 sources of funding for O&M costs, which are estimated to be about $10K to 30K per mile annually. These O&M costs include regular maintenance, safety patrols and security measures, marketing and events, insurance and risk management, and general management.
  
  

Of course, there were other questions. See more at the Desert Sun Election Questionnaire.