Robert Radi won't seek reelection to La Quinta council in November
La Quinta Councilmember Robert Radi will not seek a third term in the November election.
Radi made the announcement in an email to The Desert Sun, saying he believes it is time for a new voice on the council.
“With the counsel of my amazing wife, Charlotte, I have decided not to seek a third term,” Radi said. “It was not an easy decision as we considered several factors in our deliberation. However, what prevailed was our belief that the principle of term limits is paramount in strengthening a self-governing society.”
He expressed “immense gratitude” for the opportunity to serve and the support he has received over the years from La Quinta residents and voters.
“It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life to serve our city, and it has been an honor and privilege to represent you,” Radi said.
Radi’s term ends in December, with the swearing-in of new and reelected council members and mayor.
“I am looking forward to continuing my service for the balance of my time on council, with the same zest, energy, dedication, and determination up to the very moment a new council member is sworn in during the first council meeting in December 2022,” Radi said.
He’s making the announcement now that he won’t run to give candidates time to build a campaign.
“It takes time, dedication, and resources to ramp up a successful campaign,” Radi said.
Radi said he will support the candidate he believes has track record for engaging with the community, who will serve with “integrity, intellectual honesty and the willingness to learn and craft a campaign platform cemented on facts.”
Radi, a businessman and educator with master’s and Ph.D. degrees, was first elected to the council in 2014.
Over the past seven years, the council has addressed many challenging issues, including short-term vacation rentals, and won voter approval for Measure G. The initiative raised the sales tax in La Quinta by 1 percentage point to 8.75%, bringing in added revenue used to help cover increasing public safety costs and capital improvement projects.
Radi led the effort to get security cameras installed at major intersections and parks, a project that was completed last year. He also serves as a city representative on a variety of boards and committees, including SunLine and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Transportation Committee.
“La Quinta’s positive trend in all metrics is undeniable, the way forward trajectory is clear, and the future is bright. It would be a tragedy to derail. Challenges are always present, but there are no opportunities if there are no challenges,” Radi said.
“I love La Quinta, our beautiful and vibrant community,” he said.
Once off council, Radi said he will look for other opportunities to serve in the community, with a focus on youth leadership development.
The current terms for Councilmember John Pena and Mayor Linda Evans also end this year. Council members serve four-year terms, and the mayor is elected every two years. Pena has been serving since 2014 but also served from 1984 to 2002, which included time as mayor.
“I have decided to seek reelection this year and will be making an announcement in the near future,” Pena said.
Evans, who has been serving on the council since 2009 and as mayor since 2014, said, “Absolutely,” she will be running for another term.
Desert Sun reporter Sherry Barkas covers the cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. She can be reached at sherry.barkas@thedesertsun.com. Follow her on Twitter @TDSsherryBarkas
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Robert Radi won't seek reelection to La Quinta council in November
