Political Action Committee
BIA undergoes an exhaustive process interviewing political candidates to determine who will be the best representatives for our industry. We also track and work to influence legislation to the benefit of our industry and members.
Endorsements
After a lengthy interview process and careful consideration of each candidate and measure on the local ballot, the Building Industry Association Desert Chapter (BIADC) Political Action Advisory Committee and our Board of Directors, are pleased to offer our candidate endorsements for the November 7th Coachella and Imperial Valley elections. The building industry's support will be critical in the coming election. We encourage you to pass along the BIADC endorsements to your employees and sub-contractors.
Coachella Valley
Cathedral City:
Mayor Kathy DeRosa - Cathedral City, City Council - Incumbent
Councilman Chuck Vasquez - Cathedral City, City Council - Incumbent
James Warlin - Cathedral City, City Council - Challenger for City Council
Cathedral City:
Juan De Lara - Coachella City Council - Incumbent council person running for Mayor Seat.
Indian Wells:
No Position
Indio:
Councilman Gene Gilbert - Indio City Council - Incumbent
Councilman Ben Godfrey - Indio City Council - Incumbent
Councilwoman Melanie Fesmire - Indio City Council - Incumbent
La Quinta:
Councilwoman Terry Henderson - La Quinta City Council - Incumbent
Councilman Tom Kirk - La Quinta City Council - Appointed Incumbent
Palm Desert:
Councilman Jim Ferguson - Palm Desert City Council - Incumbent
Councilwoman Jean Benson - Palm Desert City Council - Incumbent
Sabby Jonathon - Palm Desert City Council - Challenger for vacant City Council position
Coachella Valley Water District - CVWD:
John Mc Fadden, Board Member, Division 1 - Incumbent
Edward Muzik - Challenger for Division 5 position.
Coachella Valley Unified School District
Gloria Maldonado, Board Member - Incumbent Board Member
Gary Funtas - Challenger for Board seat
Elizabeth Romero - Challenger for Board seat
Imperial Valley
Imperial County:
Victor Carrillo, County Supervisor - Incumbent District 1
Imperial Irrigation District (IID):
John Renison - Challenger for vacant District 5 seat
Positions
Local Measures:
Measure "Q" - Cathedral City Sales Tax Initiative: The BIADC Board took no position on this Measure.
Measure "M" - Indio General Plan Amendments and Changes of Zone - The BIADC Board has taken a policy position to oppose any attempt by groups seeking to circumvent the established process of determination for County/Municipal Zoning and Land Use policies, regardless of the impact - in favor of - or against - the building industry (commonly known in the press as "Ballot Box Zoning").
State Propositions
Proposition 90 - Aimed at limiting the use of eminent domain powers in California - The BIADC Board
voted to oppose this initiative. Their position is consistent with the California Building Industry Association
(CBIA), which has also elected to oppose the Proposition. CBIA is prepared to support meaningful reforms
in the legislature next year designed to provide appropriate protection for private property owners. BIADC
will support these efforts where appropriate.
Proposition 84 - "Clean Water, Parks & Costal Protection Bond" - The BIADC Board voted to support Proposition.
Proposition 1A - Closes a legal loophole and prevents gas taxes from being diverted from transportation projects. The BIADC Board voted to support this Proposition.
Proposition 1B - Provides $20 billion to expand and repair the most dangerous and congested highways, fund public transit and reduce air pollution. The BIADC Board voted to support this Proposition.
Proposition 1C - Provides $3 billion for emergency shelters for battered women and affordable housing for seniors, low income families and the disabled. The BIADC Board voted to support this Proposition.
Proposition 1D - Provides $10 billion to make public schools earthquake safe and relieve overcrowding. The BIADC Board voted to support this Proposition.
Proposition 1E - Provides $4 billion to strengthen river levees to prevent devastating floods and protect our drinking water supplies. The BIADC Board voted to support this Proposition.
*Note (The BIADC Board Positions on Propositions 90, 84, 1A through 1E are consistant with the California Building Industry Association.)
Learn more about how you can participate by calling or emailing the Desert Chapter at bia@desertchapter.com.
IMC Inc.