All Five Candidates Commit to September 14 City Council Candidate Forum
All Five Candidates Commit to September 14 City Council Candidate Forum
Forum is first opportunity for residents to engage with the five candidates
The first in-person City Council candidate forum since 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 14, at the Twentynine Palms Community Center and gym in Freedom Plaza.
Hosted by the Desert Trumpet with support from the Desert Trail, the free event kicks off at 3 pm with an opportunity for residents to fill out candidate question cards. Moderators Cindy Bernard (Desert Trumpet) and Kurt Schauppner (Desert Trail) will begin a 90-minute candidate Q&A session at 3:30 to be followed by an informal meet and greet at 5 pm.
Questions from the public may also submitted prior to September 13 by emailing editor@deserttrumpet.org. Residents are asked to include their name and district number in their email and ensure their questions are on local issues and suitable for all candidates — partisan questions, personal attacks and profane comments are not allowed. All questions will be screened in advance to ensure adherence to these ground rules.
Candidates will be invited to make a brief two-minute statement. Public questions will be read by one of the moderators who may ask a follow-up question should clarification be needed. Moderators may also ask questions of their own. Candidates will each be given one minute to respond to the initial question and one minute to respond to any follow-up question. Candidates will not have access to questions in advance of the forum.
The Twentynine Palms City Council Candidate Forum is supported by our Desert Trumpet paid subscribers, the Desert Trail, a fee waiver from the City of Twentynine Palms Department of Parks and Recreation, and Aha Projects, our fiscal sponsor. Thanks to Rediscover 29 for media support.
DISTRICT ONE
Steven Bilderain
Bio
Steven Bilderain and his family made Twentynine Palms their home after their return to Twentynine Palms from Okinawa in 2007. Mr. Bilderain retired from the Marine Corps in December 2015 from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. A combat veteran, he served multiple tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and held leadership positions in other countries around the world. Mr. Bilderain continues to stay active in coaching youth sports within the city and has continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Technical Management from DeVry University (2019) and a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Southern California (2023).
Statement
As I announce my candidacy for re-election, I am cognizant of the arduous tasks and unwavering dedication required to enhance our City's prosperity. My commitment to my fellow neighbors and my pursuit of making our City an exemplary place to raise a family motivates me to continue serving with empathy and unwavering dedication. I look forward to persisting in our joint endeavor to make 29 Palms a safe, vibrant, thriving community, while simultaneously protecting our small city identity with your continued support.
Carrie Williams
Bio
I am a native of Queens, New York, and have lived in 29 Palms for over 30 years.
Working for the Marine Corp Community Services (MCCS) for more than a decade provided me with professional certifications, diverse work experience, and the opportunity to see the world.
As a small business owner and non-profit founder, I understand that at-risk groups and families have unique needs within the city. I plan to collaborate with surrounding populations in the Morongo Basin to develop a cohesive approach to understanding and meeting the changing needs of our community.
Statement
What excites me most about leading the 29 Palms community and District 1 is the opportunity to build an inclusive future: I believe the future success of 29 Palms depends on it. My “Future Forward Platform” for 29 Palms includes Educational Development, Youth Programs, and providing Golden Years and Golden Opportunities for our seniors.
If elected, my priorities will involve leveraging organizations and community leaders to identify County, State, and Federal resources to help develop programs valuable to the future of our city.
DISTRICT TWO
Jim Krushat
Bio
My name is Jim Krushat and I am a third-generation resident of Twentynine Palms. After retiring from Federal Service in 2015, my wife Beverly and I returned to 29 Palms. I have been active in the community with the 29 Palms Historical Society, Kiwanis International, and the Joshua Tree National Park Council for the Arts.
I am an Army Veteran and graduate of West Point having served in the United States and overseas. As a civilian intelligence officer, I completed multiple deployments to the Middle East. In addition to my military and government service, I spent 16 years working in manufacturing as an engineer and in senior management. During which I earned my MBA from the University of Redlands.
Statement
I have served as a City Planning Commissioner since 2017, working on a myriad of issues affecting our city. I will continue to champion projects that boost economic growth and benefit our city while maintaining the beauty and uniqueness of our desert community. I will work to reinvigorate efforts to obtain funding for significant infrastructure projects and more affordable housing options. I look forward to using my years of leadership, management and work experience to serve both the interests of District 2 and the entire 29 Palms community.
April Ramirez
Bio
34 y/o Latina -Mother of 2, Nurse, Military Spouse, Philanthropist, 3 time DAISY Award Nominee and 2023 recipient of a Silver Medal Presidential Service Award April Ramirez is proud to be able to make a difference everywhere she goes. Born and raised in Texas, but lived in California her entire adult life, April believes in fair, transparent government for the people. Recently accepted into a "fast track" 3 year Juris Doctor Program April is on her way to educating herself to be able to fight for and empower our under-serviced populations.
Statement
I don't believe in wasting time. Making the wrong decision the first time is just as detrimental as making the right decision too late. Vote April Ramirez for Council Woman District 2 "A change you can see, in real time"
Paul Razo
Bio
I’m a proud Inland Empire native from a rural unincorporated area of San Bernardino County called Bloomington. I first came to Twentynine Palms in 2017 and was immediately drawn to its stunning landscapes and close knit community. As a local business owner and member of the city’s Public Arts Advisory Committee, I’ve already had the pleasure of serving our residents, from behind a retail counter and in City Hall. I’ve worked closely with city officials and built the relationships needed to start coordinating collaborations on day one. I’m excited to get started.
Statement
I would like to run for City Council because I believe Twentynine Palms should be more than a nice place to visit, it should be a place we’re proud to call home! If elected I would advocate for sustainably conscious growth, boosting our local economy, and preserving the legacy of our city.
Disclosures: Paul Razo is the graphic designer for the Desert Trumpet and Steven Bilderain is currently serving as Mayor for the City of Twentynine Palms, which is the landlord of the Desert Trail. The Desert Trumpet operates as a 501c3 non profit under the auspices of Aha Projects, our fiscal receiver. Per federal tax code, 501c3 nonprofits are “prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in – or intervening in – any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office.”
Note: Candidates’ statements and bios are their own representations.
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