Sentinel staff report–
As part of The Sentinel’s coverage of local elections, each Citrus Heights City Council candidate was asked a series of identical questions. The questions are designed to give candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate prior to voting.
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.
Find out which voting district you reside in here.
Q&A with Jayna Karpinski-Costa, running for Citrus Heights City Council District 4
Why are you running for reelection on the City Council?
I have spent the last four years working with my fellow councilmembers to develop policies that further the goals of our strategic plan. The work is not done. We are in the midst of developing the Sunrise Mall, to envision Sunrise Tomorrow. We are just starting to tackle our inferior roadways (especially in my district).
This is a critical time for our city. While we have a balanced budget and a healthy reserve, revenues are decreasing, expenses are increasing. We need to meet the challenges without new taxes.
How long have you lived in Citrus Heights?
35 years
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
There are so many wonderful things about Citrus Heights, but what comes to mind first:
(1) The variety of housing opportunities. I have an acre; someone else may have a condo, There’s somethings for everyone! And housing is more affordable than in surrounding areas.
(2) Compared to 20 years ago, our city is a safe place to live with a city government that is responsive to its residents encouraging active participation through its neighborhoods. Compare today to the times before incorporation!
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
I’m active through my neighborhood association, Sylvan Old Auburn Road (SOAR), a non-profit I created in 1998 to improve the quality of life for our city residents. We raise money by selling fireworks in front to Sprouts, often partnering with other nonprofits that can share proceeds. Through SOAR, I deliver food to seniors at Christmas and Easter. We partner with Sunrise Parks to develop amenities at Arcade Creek Park.
I assisted our Animal Services department at microchipping events “Chip. Chip. Hooray!” I donated over $5,000 to purchase these chips with the hope that all lost pets in Citrus Heights can be reunited with their families.
What are three key principles that will guide your votes on the council?
1) Ask: Do we want it? Do we need it? Can we afford it?
(2) No new taxes
(3) How does my vote affect our residents, businesses and our regional position?
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in the next four years in Citrus Heights?
(1) roads – we need to stay on track and look for opportunities that warrant adding more roads to our list each year- until every road in Citrus Heights has a high pavement condition index (PCI)
(2) Sunrise Mall is a given but we need to incentivize redevelopment of our deteriorating strip malls and promote full occupancy
What are two votes the city council has made that you disagree with, and why?
(1) The vote was 4-1 to change the street cleaning contract to be included in our residential waste contract. By changing the funding source from Measure A and gas tax and placing it on individual homeowners, this was a tax in disguise. In addition, many residents live on private or dirt roads and don’t get swept.
(2) I can’t offhand recall another example. Our council is generally on the same page because our staff presents full and complete analysis and options in their recommendations.
