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.
Porsche Middleton, businesswoman | Age: 32
Basic bio: “I am a married mother of two children and I own a small engineering consulting and project management firm. We have lived in Citrus Heights for two years. I grew up in Louisville Kentucky where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and later earned a MBA in Project Management. Growing up in a military family we moved a lot, so prior to moving to Citrus Heights we have lived in Alabama, Reno Nevada and Roseville. I have dedicated my free time to being an advocate for veterans and the homeless.”
Why are you running for city council?
“I decided to run for City Council because I wanted to be a part of the ongoing and future development of Citrus Heights.”
What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“The community is amazing, no matter where I go, everyone I have met either at the farmer’s markets, the library or at the local park are friendly. The second thing would be the local businesses. There is such an eclectic mix of businesses in our area, you just have to know where to find them. Third would be the City Police, I enjoy interacting with them at local community events and they are always quick to help even in non-emergency situations.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“The two books that have made a huge impact on my life are Timothy Ferriss’ ‘4 Hour Work Week’ and John C. Maxwell, ‘Everyone Communicates, Few Connect’. The ‘4 Hour Work Week’, helped me with work life balance so that I am able to do the things I enjoy and run a business. Maxwell’s book taught me that we all communicate but connecting is something we all need to learn to do well so that our communication is more effective and this book gives solid practices that I use whenever I am talking with anyone.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?
“The principles that will guide my votes on the City Council are; is it necessary, is it accurate and most importantly, what is the overall impact on the community.”
What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?
“Citrus Heights is heading in the right direction. I would like to see more of the homeless connected the resources available to them. I would also like to see more local businesses in our community. Third I would like to see the roads repaired and maintained in local neighborhoods.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“Prior to moving to Citrus Heights I volunteered with the Veterans Administration connecting our veterans to necessary resources and Habitat for Humanity. I also helped develop a merchants’ association in Reno, NV and ran a nonprofit art gallery.”
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?
“With two small children and a small business, I have learned the importance of time management. My family is very supportive and my business is able to run without needing constant attention from me. The monthly stipend is not important, as I want to be of service and give back to my community.”
>>See other candidate profiles: “Meet the 8 candidates running for Citrus Heights city council”
