Sentinel staff report–
A Citrus Heights City Council candidate forum organized by The Sentinel took place on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at City Hall, offering residents the chance to hear directly from local candidates ahead of the upcoming Nov. 5 election.
Several dozen residents attended the forum, including city leaders and current councilmembers. The forum covered a range of policy topics and local concerns, from the Sunrise Mall to roads, local education, and homelessness, as candidates outlined their visions for the city’s future.
City Council candidates from District 1 and District 3 were invited to speak on a panel. Councilmember Tim Schaefer, representing District 3, opted to decline to answer forum questions, saying that he wanted to “defer” to the candidates running in District 1 instead of taking up time to answer questions in an election where he is running unopposed.
On the topic of education, candidate Andrew Saunders advocated in support of creating a Citrus Heights Unified School District and said he “doesn’t understand” the reasons why the City Council chose not to move forward with pursuing one when the city developed its own Police Department.
“We need to take control at the local level of what our kids are learning,” Saunders said.
Candidate Kelsey Nelson said she was “open to the possibility” of creating a local school district. Referencing her attending local schools as a student, she said “it could have been better.”
Candidate Amie Burgundy Brown said she agreed with the City Council’s previous decision from March to not pursue a local school district, and said she wanted to focus on “making the current school district better.”
In discussing law enforcement on school campuses, Saunders, Nelson, and Brown, all agreed that law enforcement officers should be placed on local high school campuses. Saunders said schools need to “change with the changing dynamic of society.” Nelson said having officers in schools creates a “connection” with kids early on. Brown said law enforcement on campus would be there to “listen to kids,” who could help warn officers of other children exhibiting concerning behavior.
In discussing the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan, Brown said the plan was a “great idea” and added she wants to see more revenue for the city, and more “family-oriented” attractions.
Nelson described the current plan as “super exciting,” but said a recent proposed amendment to the plan announced last week is “concerning.” The proposal seeks allowance of eight quick-service restaurants and drive-thru businesses along Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane, as well as allowing building and landscape materials sales, light industrial and storage uses, and automotive uses. The proposal also seeks to remove requirements for open space, according to the city’s Oct. 1 announcement.
“It’s a pillar of our community, and we need to cherish it,” Nelson said, referring to the Sunrise Mall.
Saunders also disagreed with the new proposed amendment, and added that the city should “follow in the footsteps of Folsom” and build “upscale” office space and hotels. Saunders acknowledged that the city should consider every option but “be very careful” about what they approve.
Related: Developer proposes plan for Sunrise Mall including In-N-Out, Home Depot
In reference to many residents’ concerns regarding the condition of roads in Citrus Heights, all three candidates agreed that road repairs needed to be expedited.
In response to audience member questions about funding road repairs, Nelson and Brown frowned on the idea of supporting any extra taxes to help support road repairs. Saunders said because the city is “behind” on repairing roads, he would support a temporary sales tax increase to “get us caught up” on road repair and maintenance.
In discussing homelessness and the Beautification Crew, all three candidates agreed that funding for the program should be extended after 2026. Brown acknowledged there has been a “lot of trash” piled up in the past but wants to make sure that if the program continues, any seized personal possessions are properly stored, and not thrown out, so owners have the opportunity to retrieve them.
“The Beautification Crew has made a huge difference,” Brown said.
In regards to cannabis dispensaries, all three candidates said they did not see the need or benefit of allowing cannabis dispensary storefronts within city limits. Citrus Heights currently prohibits cannabis dispensaries, and after over an hour of discussion with almost two dozen public comments during an April 18 City Council meeting, the council made the decision to hold off on changing an ordinance to allow cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights.
Residents can view the 1-hour video forum on The Sentinel’s Facebook page, or on Youtube.
- Find out more about each of the candidates here. Election 2024: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council? – Citrus Heights Sentinel
- Vote-by-mail ballots are scheduled to be mailed on Oct. 7. Visit the city’s website to learn more about when voting begins and where polling locations will be located.
