Banning City Councilman Don Peterson Resigns District 2 Seat

BANNING, CA — Effective Monday, Jan. 13, City Councilman Don Peterson will no longer represent Banning's District 2.

In a Jan. 2. letter to Mayor Art Welch and the Citizens of Banning, Peterson said he was resigning his seat after serving seven years.

In the letter, Peterson expressed "strong disagreement" with the direction the city is headed and said he had given up "all hopes" that his presence on the dais could change the city's "self-destructive course."

The letter was also sharply critical of City Manager Doug Schulze, Police Chief Matthew Hamner, Mayor Daniela Andrade and Mayor Pro Tem Colleen Wallace.

"It has been my observation that the City of Banning is led by unqualified, narcissistic and compromised individuals ... ," the letter stated.

According to the Jan. 14 Banning City Council meeting agenda, Schulze will provide a report to council members on the District 2 vacancy. He is recommending the city advertise and recruit a "qualified candidate" from District 2 for appointment to fill the vacancy until a candidate is elected by voters during the Nov. 3 general election.

Peterson was elected to the city council in November 2012. His current term was slated to end in December.

Peterson's career experience includes service in law enforcement; he is also a military veteran, according to his biography on the city's website.

The 5 p.m. city council meeting takes place at the Banning Civic Center, Council Chamber, 99 E. Ramsey Street. The public is encouraged to attend.