Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2016 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 eight candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Amor Taylor, businesswoman | Age: 51
Basic bio: “I have lived in an unincorporated neighborhood of Citrus Heights for 20+ years. I sold my primary residence and moved 1 mile, to be within city limits. With a strong desire to serve, I stepped out in faith. From Boonton, NJ, I have a BA from Belmont Abbey College and an MA in HR from USF. As the previous Director of Public Policy Services for CFILC, I helped to educate policy makers about the need for Universal Design in new construction, which led to the passage of AB 1400 and AB 2787. My husband passed 5 years ago, I have two teens.”
Why are you running for city council?
“With a background in public policy, a business owner and an individual with a disability, I feel I have a unique perspective.”
What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“The community, the friends, the business services.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“Rick Warren’s ‘Purpose Driven Life’ and Joyce Meyer’s ‘Be Anxious for Nothing.’ Five years ago, I lost my husband of 18 yrs and 2 months later, I lost my mom. I could have been anxious about a lot. Instead, I moved through the grief process, focusing on the positive, being purposeful, having faith and trust and support of friends.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?
“Is what is being voted on good for the city Citrus Heights? Is it financially good for the city? As a council, are we doing the most good, for the most people?”
What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?
“It seems our teens who are not involved in sports or after school activities need something productive to do until their parents are home from work. Many teens are from single parent families. They need a safe meeting place for friends. Parks are not for teens. Teens are smoking weed at our parks. Would like to see this change. It seems that less people are shopping at our Sunrise Mall, or Malls in general. Lots of people walk the mall in the morning for exercise. Good health is important. Would love to see this area grow and change with the times.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“Through Bayside Citrus Heights, as a food bank volunteer, I am in community each week, picking up donations at various Starbucks, 7-11 and Chipotle. Through Holy Family Church, as part of a ministry to the sick, I have brought communion to individuals at Manor Care. As part of a ministry to individuals with disabilities, I have provided rides to individuals who may not have any other way to get to work, or driving a single mom to her out patient surgery because her car has just overheated. The small things we do can often make a big difference. I am also part of the Homeless Assistance Resource Team.”
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?
“My understanding is that most council members work full time. While my Menchies (frozen yogurt) franchise is planned for spring of 2017 in Citrus Heights, if elected, I will be hiring an individual to assist me.”
>>See other candidate profiles: “Meet the 8 candidates running for Citrus Heights city council”
