The Desert Sun Picks Gary Jeandron for State Assembly

Gary Jeandron has specific plans on how to bring jobs to the Coachella Valley during tough economic times, and we believe he deserves a chance to make it happen.

The 53-year-old Palm Springs Unified School District board member and retired Palm Springs police chief is our choice for the 80th Assembly District, which is made up of Imperial County and parts of Riverside County. It includes Palm Springs, La Quinta, Coachella, Indio, Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City.

Jeandron undoubtedly understands law enforcement and education. He also has proven to be a consensus builder. He surrounds himself with people of different points of view. He’s received a number of endorsements from community members who have crossed over to support him.

We were particularly impressed by his ideas on economic development and how to restore the troubled Salton Sea.

Nevada, he says, is targeting California businesses and we are seeing the ramifications of not being more business friendly. In addition to attracting new business to the east valley through the existing enterprise zone, Jeandron would offer greater incentives to lure business back and attract other industries from outside the state. He also would expand tax breaks for existing businesses that want to expand. It’s one of the first pieces of legislation he said he would sponsor.

Jeandron plans to push California lawmakers to do more for the Salton Sea. He plans to move legislation forward that favors sensible restoration and local control.

He would promote more geothermal business around the Salton Sea and carve out more recreational opportunities. He would work to bring in more environment-related technology to the district. He said algae from California’s largest lake can be harvested to create fuel, which shows creative thinking…

During his campaign, he is making a point of opposing new taxes. We appreciate fiscal responsibility and Jeandron’s passion on the topic. We also agree with spending caps.