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 Citrus Heights City Council District 2 candidate MariJane Lopez-Taff, who is running for reelection
Why are you running for reelection on the City Council?
Tangible action as a result of decisions takes time and I would like to see the great decisions that we made in my first four years as a Councilmember and then as Mayor become reality. While I have seen some results, such as creation of the Beautification Team — which resulted in a reduction of crime and calls for service, I would like to continue to support other efforts engaging our youth such as the first year of the Youth Advisory Commission.
While we created a partnership agreement with The Mettle Shop and Tallen Capital Partners, I would like to break ground and be there at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. *Edited for length
How long have you lived in Citrus Heights?
Since January 2000… 26 years.
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
- We are a city that has a lot of “small town” charm. This is something I heard from a resident at a recent City Scoop event and I have to agree!
- We are fiscally prudent and creative with our limited resources – smarter road paving/maintenance strategy, winning millions of dollars of grant dollars to fund police and infrastructure projects, innovative (and award-winning) public communication that keeps our residents informed and engaged.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
I love working with youth – teaching leadership and career skills as well as pose and etiquette. To that end, I volunteer as the Dream It Be It Chair (and main program teacher) for Soroptomist International of Citrus Heights, am an advisor to The Purple Pageant and on the Board of the Miss Glamorous International Pageant which helps empower women (who were formerly trafficked or experienced domestic violence) through their leadership and entrepreneurship programs.
What are three key principles that will guide your votes on the council?
- Does it align with the Mission of the City? Citrus Heights is committed to providing high quality, economical, responsive city services to our community.
- Does it align with the Core Values of the City? Diversity, Teamwork, Integrity, Responsive Customer Service, Innovation, Trust and Respect.
- Will it lead us closer to achieving our Vision? Citrus Heights will be the city of choice for resident and businesses to prosper and thrive and a model of neighborhood engagement.
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in the next four years in Citrus Heights?
- Change – the OLD reputation that Citrus Heights. We are a vibrant, caring community that operates the betterment of our residents!
- Improve – Sunrise Mall. The current Sunrise Mall is the biggest and best opportunity to shift the way Citrus Heights is viewed in the Region. We are on our way in a positive direction with the Sunrise Sports Center and new owners, Tallen Capital Partners.
What are two votes the city council has made that you disagree with, and why?
- Woodside Homes development at Sylvan Corners: Citrus Heights has limited opportunities to build housing in our community and this would have been a great way to encourage young, first-time homeowners to invest in and be part of our City.
- Residential Waste Management Contract: I believe in open bidding processes to ensure transparency and the ability for us to demonstrate that we are making the best and most informed decisions on behalf of our residents.
