Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2020 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights City Council. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Thomas Goetz: Technical Engineer | Age: not listed
Why are you running for City Council?
“I see areas in the community that need to be addressed and no one is doing it. So I decided I would address it myself, with the input and feedback of the community.”
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“I love the variety of small businesses we have, particularly restaurants. Nothing is quite like a meal from a neighbor. I also enjoy our sense of community. From the many talks I have had with people, it is heartwarming to see such compassion.”
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
“I believe a rising tide lifts all ships. With that in mind, I want to provide housing to our homeless and provide real jobs to our graduating high school students. We provide Tiny Houses to our homeless neighbors and trade apprenticeships to students and everyone will prosper.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“The Giver by Lois Lowry is a memorable one. The Giver showed me that just because some people are happy, does not mean that everything in the society is morally acceptable.
The book that has the most influence in my life currently is the USA Hockey rulebook, since I play twice a week.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
“My votes will be guided by: what’s best for individuals; what’s best for each neighborhood, and what’s best for the city as a whole. By building up each person, we can build up each neighborhood and the city will prosper.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“As a teen, I volunteered at my local church a few times. In my adult life, I have volunteered my time by repairing older and dysfunctional laptops and providing them to students or other people in need. I have helped lead, organize, support, speak and even direct traffic at various political rallies.”
City Council members are paid a small monthly stipend of $600 for their service. If elected, how do you plan to balance work life elsewhere with council responsibilities?
“I have already found it. Each and every day, I spend a minimum of one to three hours communicating with people, researching laws and different projects to better the community.”
- Key endorsements: Green Party, Peace & Freedom Party.
- Two largest donors: “a coworker and my girlfriend’s mom.”
Campaign website: www.goetzcitrusheights.com
"I see areas in the community that need to be addressed and no one is doing it. So I decided I would address it myself, with the input and feedback of the community."
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