The local political campaign of 2007 was full of promises. I methodically sorted through the candidates in an attempt to find a credible candidate who I believed would keep their promises. There was no bigger promise than Steve Pougnet made about his priority for the downtown development including his willingness to seek other alternatives (possibly eminent domain) should Wessman not have a workable plan on the table within 90 days of him taking office. I thought this promise was unrealistic, yet I couldn't find any evidence that candidate Pougnet would not carry out his promise. The downtown development was something Palm Springs desperately needed and candidate Steve Pougnet had the guts to put it out there in a promise. The day he was elected, I took my calendar and targeted that 90 day promise. I allowed a couple weeks to adjust and set up office. Then I subtracted holidays and counted the working days beyond those exceptions. I projected the ninety days would be around April 22 and yesterday, April 29th, Wessman present his plan for the Museum Market Plaza to City Council. That's close enough to my projected date . . . Mayor Pougnet kept his word and continues to push for timelines as the project goes through the necessary process.
I am pleased that Wessman laid out the plan for the Museum Market Plaza. Afterwards Mayor Pougnet summarized . . . He set new 'timelines' for the project progress. THIS IS IMPRESSIVE when so many political promises tend to be nothing more than marketing ploys used during the campaign. Mayor Steve Pougnet has done an amazing job since taking office. The City Council meetings are more professional, timely, and his summations and clarifications are so valuable to the public. I especially appreciated his summation statement after Wessman's presenation, that he won't settle for anyone dragging their feet on the project.
It is important that I say a word or two about Mr. Wessman and his plans. Although I thought the presentation wasn't very comprehensive, I must acknowledge that the allotment of 30 minutes was limiting. . . However, I didn't need Wessman and his staff spending time on the history of Palm Springs, nor their comments from others who shaped yesteryear . . . I just wanted a clear picture of the project with projected timelines. I felt the presentation was very lacking . . . It seemed like the same stuff Wessman presented last year. However, City Council members Henderson and Foat assured us that this is a priority and that was followed up by Mayor Pougnet's clear direction and timelines. This is an amazing plan that I fully support. Mr. Wessman's vision for Palm Springs is something I strongly believe in. It will revitalize the tourist industry plus it's a wonderful plan for the residents of Palm Springs. After yesterday meeting, I felt Palm Springs was finally moving again. . . My hat is off to Mayor Pougnet for his relentless determination to move Palm Springs into a new tomorrow.
