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.
Bret Daniels, independent contractor | Age: 60
Basic bio: “My family moved to Citrus Heights when I was 12 years old and I have been here for most of the time since then. I am married with four amazing kids and four beautiful granddaughters. I have an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and thousands of training hours in law enforcement. I previously served on the council from 1999-2005 and returned in 2016.”
Why are you running for City Council?
“Citrus Heights has been my home forever and it will continue to be so. I love this city. We have seen so much progress since becoming our own city but there is so much more to do. The impact of my previous time on the council is still being felt today in a very positive way and I want to impact to continue on the council.”
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“It’s home… The people, the lifestyle, the job opportunities, and the local control all come together to make you feel at home. I like that we know who we are and what we will be for years to come. Being almost built out, we don’t have to be consumed by big development decisions… That lets us spend our tax dollars wisely and most importantly on what is best for the people that live here. And finally, my church. In Heights Church, I have found a church that cares just as much about the people and success of our city as I do.”
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
“We simply must do a better job at beautifying the city. And I promise to paint the fence in the middle of Greenback Lane within the next four years!”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“While I have not read it cover to cover, the Bible has had the biggest impact in my life because it is what keeps me grounded. Ultimately, we come into this world equal and we leave this world equal. What we do between those two moments is so much more rewarding when we do it with a guiding hand. Beyond that, my life has been more shaped by those around me than by a book.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?
“As a compassionate conservative, I believe it is much more compassionate to give a man a hand up than a hand out. All of us need to do more to help people get OUT of their difficulties with the goal of them sustaining that achievement on their own. We are all entitled to equal opportunity but no one is entitled to an equal outcome. And finally, government is at its best when it is least needed and not obtrusive. We must respect private property rights and we must oppose any effort to raise taxes on our citizens and businesses.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“I have been involved with a charity for the past 17 years that provides toys to the kids of our military troops during Christmas and I have been involved with a charity for the past 8 years that provides financial support to the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I also serve on the Security Team of my church.”
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?
“During my 10 years on the city council, I have worked fulltime. It’s a challenge at times but easiest sacrifice has been to simply turn the TV off.”
- Key endorsements: Sacramento Association of Realtors, Central Valley Taxpayers Association, Citrus Heights Planning Commissioner Tim Schaefer
- Key donors: “My campaign is mostly self-funded with just a few hundred dollars received from friends and family.”
Campaign website: bretdanielsforcitycouncil.com
Basic bio: “My family moved to Citrus Heights when I was 12 years old and I have been here for most of the time since then. I am married with four amazing kids and four beautiful granddaughters.
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