Meet Andrew Saunders: Candidate for Citrus Heights City Council, District 1

Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2024 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of five identical questions to each of the District 1 candidates running for 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. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word. Answers exceeding 100 words were edited for length.

Q&As were published on a first come-first-serve basis to ensure impartiality. Questionnaires for other candidates in this race will be published within the next week.

Andrew Saunders:

How do you envision the city in 5 or 10 years? What specific steps will you take to achieve this vision?
A redeveloped Sunrise Mall area with upscale Commercial Office Space along with mixed use Retail & Residential housing for Working Families who are the future of Citrus Heights. We move up the social and economic Ladder within the region. Working with Citrus Heights City Staff, Council, Business Community, Regional Leaders and Organizations we can develop a great future vision. Attracting the right development to the Sunrise Mall is a major piece and when elected I will focus my Business background on this effort to ensure it is moving forward with goals that best serve this community.

What are two budget allocations in the current city budget that you would advocate changing, if elected?
First, I would like to interject that the current City Council, Manager and Staff do a fine job, and if something is on the Budget there is a viable reason. I trust current Leadership to make good decisions and second guessing is not my goal here. That said, after looking at the current Budget. There is only one item I would question: Housing Grant for $500,000 – My opinion is that a better return could be made with this large sum by spreading over multiple projects. (see Question 2)

What are two votes the City Council has made that you disagree with, and why?
I have attended all Council meetings over the last 6 Months. I agree with everything voted on so far, I can only mention one item: Housing Grant for $500,000 – Spreading over multiple projects as opposed to a single redevelopment for only Low Income at Risk 55+ Residents? Also the project is not solely limited to Citrus Heights Residents. Tim Schaefer had asked why other neighboring Cities were not pitching in if able to access the program. I agree that the costs could have been shared and Citrus Heights total cost reduced if packaged with regional collaboration.

For residents who are concerned about the condition of local roads, how would you address such concerns if elected?
I have seen and read the current plan put out by the city to address the roads current conditions. Here is a link to city information.  I believe this is a solid plan, however citizens do need to be made aware of its implementation and I also believe we should utilize existing technology to help spread the word and to help citizens voice and document their concerns. See Click Fix Website (and App) should be utilized extensively to help Citizens communicate about needed road repairs in their areas. Flash Vote could be used to help prioritize repairs with Citizen votes/involvement.

For residents who are concerned about homelessness, how would you address such concerns if elected?
I believe we should utilize existing technology to help spread the word about recent changes by the City Council to aid Police with new enforcement tools. This existing technology allows citizens to better voice their concerns while also allowing City Staff to better document ongoing concerns.

• See Click Fix Website and App should be utilized more to help Citizens communicate about Homeless issues in their areas.
• Flash Vote could be used to help understand Citizen Response to changes in City policy with documented answers and would foster more community involvement.

Find out more about Andrew Saunders on his campaign website.

To read more about each candidate, see article: Election 2024: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?