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.
Bret Daniels, independent contractor | Age: 56
Basic bio: “My family moved to Citrus Heights when I was 12 years old and I have been here for most of the time since then… I am married with three amazing kids and a miracle baby on the way who is supposed to be here on October 7th! I have an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and thousands of training hours in law enforcement. I am currently the President of a non-profit charitable organization that provides financial support to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty throughout our nation. I previously served on the council from 1999-2005.”
Why are you running for city council?
“Citrus Heights has been my home forever and it will continue to be so. I love this city. We have seen so much progress since becoming our own city but there is so much more to do. The impact of my previous time on the council is still being felt today in a very positive way and I want to bring that leadership back to the council.”
What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“It’s home… The people, the lifestyle, the job opportunities, and the local control all come together to make you feel at home. I like that we know who we are and what we will be for years to come. Being almost built out, we don’t have to be consumed by big development decisions… That lets us spend our tax dollars wisely and most importantly on what is best for the people that live here. And finally, my church. In Bayside Church of Citrus Heights, I have found a church that cares just as much about the people and success of our city as I do.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“While I have not read it cover to cover, the Bible has had the biggest impact in my life because it is what keeps me grounded. Ultimately, we come into this world equal and we leave this world equal. What we do between those two moments is so much more rewarding when we do it with a guiding hand. Beyond that, my life has been more shaped by those around me than by a book.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?
“As a compassionate conservative, I believe it is much more compassionate to give a man a hand up than a hand out. All of us need to do more to help people get OUT of their difficulties with the goal of them sustaining that achievement on their own. We are all entitled to equal opportunity but no one is entitled to an equal outcome… And finally, government is at its best when it is least needed and not obtrusive. We must respect private property rights and we must oppose any effort to raise taxes on our citizens and businesses.”
What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?
“We must find the formula to make Sunrise Mall a success. That which made cityhood possible cannot be neglected. That success will then flow to other businesses throughout the city.”
“We must find ways to make our city safer. A recent report indicated we are the 29th LEAST safest city out of nearly 500 cities in California. We cannot continue to ignore that reality.”
“We must address Quality of Life issues ranging from dirty streets and medians, to garbage and weeds in your neighbor’s yard, to unnecessarily extended road construction, to traffic signals that make no sense, to speeding cars in our neighborhoods…”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“I am currently a founding member and the President of a non-profit charitable organization that provides financial support to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty throughout our nation. I am also a founding member and President of another non-profit charitable organization that provides toys to the kids of our military members during Christmas. I am the Security Team Leader at our church. In the past, I have coached Little League baseball and been a PTA President.”
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?
“It is not easy to balance council responsibilities when it is also necessary to work to make a living but it can be done. The main thing to remember is to keep priorities right and don’t procrastinate. The reality is the council is not inundated with issues that you might see in other cities because we are mostly built out. But there are and always will be important matters before the council. We are blessed with a great staff and allowing them to do what they were hired to do is very important in that success.”
>>See other candidate profiles: “Meet the 8 candidates running for Citrus Heights city council”
