Van Tanner Kicks Off Campaign For City Council

Palm Desert Planning Commissioner Van Tanner announced Wednesday night to a crowd of more than 150 friends and supporters that he will be vying for one of three spots on the City Council that are up for election this November.

"I have a passion for this city that runs 31 years long. That's how long I've been here," Tanner said at the Desert Willow Golf Resort Cluhouse.

Mayor Bob Spiegel, Councilwoman Cindy Finerty and Mayor Pro Tem William Kroonen are all up for reelection, and all three want to keep their seats.

Spiegel and Kroonen attended Wednesday's event, as well as Councilwoman , Riverside County Superior Court Judge Harold Hopp, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Barbara deBoom and a representative of Rep. Mary Bono Mack's office.

The candidates cannot pull papers until July, but Tanner has already formed the Committee To Elect Van Tanner.

During the event, Harnik told Patch she will not be endorsing any candidate.

"Van will fit in well anywhere," Harnik said, adding that she is a long-time friend of the planning commissioner.

Tanner, a co-owner of the Palm Desert-based Desert Empire Insurance Services, has a long history of serving the city. He was on the Palm Desert Parks and Recreation Commission before he was appointed to the city's Planning Commission in 2005. 

During a 10-minute speech, Tanner said he will work toward keeping the youth and senior facilities "just exactly the way they are, and maybe make them a little better."

"As an experienced business man here in the valley in these tough economic times, I want to strive to make sure we keep public safety and all of the services as they currently are if not better," Tanner said.

He said wants to preserve the city's hillsides and ridge lines and make sure El Paseo gets "even better."

He also noted that he is running for his family, whom he introduced at the event.

"I love my family and I love the city of Palm Desert. This is truly the reason that I'm running ... I want my grandchildren and I want your grandchildren to be able to experience exactly what we've raised our children to come to know and that you all know as well," Tanner said.

Aurora Wilson, the widow of Supervisor Roy Wilson and the director of community resources at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, is also running.

She told MyDesert.com earlier this week that she will quit her position at CVAG to avoid any conflicts of interest.

“I feel with my background, my education, that I'm ready to jump in,” Wilson told the website. “I've got the experience in local government. And I was married to an incredible mentor who taught me what good government is and what it isn't.”

Both candidates have not said who they will be trying to unseat.