As a real estate agent, I can say Measure A is already having effects in La Quinta
A yes vote on Measure A will have devastating consequences on the City of La Quinta. My family loves La Quinta and we enjoy sharing our home with others. When we vacation, we prefer to rent a home rather than a hotel. The ability to rent an affordable home is often a deciding factor in where we vacation, as it is for many families who visit La Quinta.
As a real estate agent, I've already witnessed the negative consequences. When the push for Measure A started, numerous people chose not to buy or chose to sell. Second homeowners nearing retirement age that purchased in La Quinta years ago due to the ability to short-term rent that had planned to retire and live full time in La Quinta have now chosen to sell and move to other areas.
The consequences of a yes vote on Measure A are many but they include a huge loss of tax revenue, illegal operators will remain and increase, demand for real estate will drop while supply will increase, thus hurting home values. Businesses will close. I hope the city joins together for a no vote on Measure A.
Shevy Akason, La Quinta and Dana Point
Duran would be an asset on DSUSD board
I am honored to endorse Mr. Michael Duran for the Desert Sands Unified School District Trustee Area 5 board seat. He is a dedicated and caring counselor with over 16 years of experience. Mr. Duran epitomizes determination, fairness and compassion. He listens to the needs of parents, children, and teachers in the school district and acts upon those interests.
Mr. Duran has a rare combination of approachability and fierce commitment that will allow him to work with diverse personalities and optimally serve the stakeholders of our education system. In addition, Mr. Duran is passionate about bringing transparency and clear communication to our community. If elected, he will work on behalf of the children, parents, and teachers to enhance Desert Sands Unified School District’s level of excellence.
Mr. Duran will work diligently to promote strong reading, math, and science skills and expand access to career and technical education to prepare students for jobs. Additionally, he will work persistently to reduce class sizes, allowing for more individualized instruction and attention.
Please join me and the many others who enthusiastically support Mr. Michael Duran’s candidacy because our students deserve a school board that will champion our public schools.
Tara Baldwin, Cathedral City
Advice for those seeking public office
As the midterms get closer, I have a thought for the country's candidates. The best advice today's politicians could ever take, regardless of party affiliation, comes from Jiminy Cricket when he said to Pinocchio in the 1940 Walt Disney film, "Always let your conscience be your guide."
Hopefully, they will take these sound words of advice to heart.
Tom Hurd, Palm Desert
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: As a real estate agent, I see Measure A is already affecting La Quinta
