New Palm Desert Mayor Vows To Fight Crime

The Palm Desert City Council voted unanimously Thursday to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Bob Spiegel as the city's mayor.

Spiegel, who has already been mayor four times, accepted the position by thanking his fellow council members and former Mayor Jean Benson, who has been recovering from hip surgery over the past six months.

Benson announced she will continue the next two years of her term, but that she will not seek reelection in 2014.

"I will be around for two more years, but I will not run again (in 2014) ... I do think someone who is 90 would be a little old. It’s been my priviledge to be the mayor for the sixth time," Benson said.

Spiegel encouraged his fellow council members to continue to work hard.

"We’ve gone through a very difficult year," Spiegel said. "We’ve slashed our staff by 27 percent to stay within our budget. The sales tax is getting better. The hotel occupancy tax is better. It looks like we are going to end this year with a nice surplus."

Spiegel said he plans to focus on the façade enhancement program, work to keep business in the city and help small businesses.

“We have to work with our police department because of all the parolees that are going to come to our city. I’m going to suggest that we possibly look for an additional position for an additional patrolman to do nothing  but look for the parolees,” Spiegel said.

The council also voted to appoint Councilman Bill Kroonen as mayor pro tem.

Kroonen said he was honored to accept the position.

"I’m looking forward to working with all four of you in the coming year. That is to continue to strive and see that our city of Palm Desert is the best that it can possibly be," Kroonen said.

Benson passed Spiegel the city's gavel at the end of the speeches, reminding him of one final rule.

"Remember the mayor always speaks last," Benson said with a smile.