Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2022 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.
MariJane Lopez-Taff, District 2
Why are you running for City Council? Our city’s future depends on a forward facing, visionary City Council. I am a very positive and practical individual who recognizes challenges and, ultimately, wants to see solutions. The City of Citrus Heights is made up of business owners, homeowners and taxpayers who need a voice to represent their unique needs. As a member of all three of these important groups, I want to give back what the community has given to me by listening deeply, making decisions that represent all in a well-balanced way and guiding our city to a thriving future.
What are two aspects you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
We came to Citrus Heights because it is a city with affordable homes, and we have stayed because it is a family-friendly community where we have created life-long connections and friendships.
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
- Improve: The overall image of Citrus Heights. Citrus Heights is a very family-friendly, family-oriented city that caters to working class people. We are proud of the hard-working people who make up our City and I want other like-minded families to consider being part of our community.
- Change: How we market opportunities for businesses in our city. We have miles of heavily traveled roads that businesses can take advantage of…it’s not about moving your business to Citrus Heights; it’s about moving your business to a strong commercial location where your customers are passing by every day.
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
There are so many books that have influenced me, but I will mention the two that I always recommend to others who aspire to be leaders:
- “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell – gave me foundational knowledge of how leadership works and the important relationship between leaders and those being led.
- “5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman – helped me understand that not everyone thinks or hears things the same way and to relate to people who may think differently from me.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
As a certified professional life coach, I am trained to ask questions to guide thinking. My guiding questions to make good decisions as a City Councilmember would be:
- Do I have all the information? Have I asked enough questions?
- Does it make sense? If not, see #1.
- Who will it help or harm if it is approved or not approved?
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
I have volunteered assembling cancer patient comfort kits with the Citrus Heights Women’s Club, collected toys for Toys for the Troops Kids, worked in the café at Sunrise Community Church, collected food at Woodside K-8 to benefit the Citrus Heights Food Closet, organized a program to share career options to Mesa Verde High School girls through Soroptomist International of Citrus Heights, and worked as a Legal Advocate for women experiencing Domestic Violence.
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 fall back on some time-tested basics to keep myself organized – I never commit to a meeting unless I have my calendar in front of me and I believe in being responsible to the things I commit to.
Key endorsements:
- Supervisor Sue Frost
- Vice Mayor Tim Shaefer
- Councilmember Bret Daniels
Top donors:
- Olivia Fiel-Peralta (my mother and #1 supporter)
- Sondra Nunez, President, Mountain Valley Petroleum
Campaign website: voteforjane.com
*Editor’s note: James Tipton, Michael Nishimura and Steven Durham are also running for District 2. To read more about each candidate, see article: Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?
Why are you running for City Council? Our city’s future depends on a forward facing, visionary City Council. I am a very positive and practical individual who recognizes challenges and, ultimately, wants to see solutions.
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