Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2018 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 five 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, Citrus Heights Planning Commissioner | Age: 34
Top Endorsements: Firefighters Local 522, California Apartment Association and the Sacramento Association of Realtors
Basic bio: “My family has lived in Citrus Heights for 4 years. My family was military and we traveled around the country. My husband and I met in Engineering school and I have a bachelor’s degree from University of Louisville. The past several years I have been actively involved in our community including serving as a member of several boards that serve our youth and support local businesses, Rotary club member, graduate of the Citrus Heights Chamber, Leadership Program and serve as a Planning Commissioner.”
Why are you running for City Council?
“It is important that city governments understand that working families are the backbone and the economic engine of local communities. My top three issues are; economic development, public safety, and quality of life. I am running for city council because I can bring a unique perspective and utilize my dynamic background to ensure that we continue to move in the right direction.”
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“My family enjoys the open spaces and the family friendly community events in our city. We are annual participants of many city sponsored events like Sunday Funday and the annual Christmas tree lighting. We also attend events sponsored by our local community organizations such as the GFWC Taste of Citrus Heights that supports the CHPD and the American Legion Battle of the Bands and BBQ which supports the Vets Helping Vets Fund.”
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
“As a previous small business owner for over a decade, I have a strong understanding of what small and emerging businesses need to be successful. I have worked with other business owners and chambers of commerce to determine how we can address fees and utilize city partnerships to create opportunities for small businesses to succeed; this includes the development of incubator spaces and small grant programs. Homelessness is a challenge for Citrus Heights. I will continue the efforts of working with the County to increase services which includes additional funding for mental health issues. Citrus Heights must be an active partner with the County on investing in homeless services. Thus far, we have successfully established a Navigator program that works with the CHPD and local community organizations such as HART.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
- The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. I rediscovered this book with my boys; it is a powerful story about a tree who loves a little boy and gives anything that she can without regard for what she will receive in return and it serves as a reminder about the gift of giving, and accepting different the ways in with others return affection.
- Do the Work, by Steven Pressfield. I stumbled upon this book a few years ago. Simply put it’s not about better ideas; it’s about actually doing the work necessary to be successful, find fulfillment and create a meaningful life. It serves as a reminder that no one else can do the work for you because the goal is about finding your limits and growing past them, combating your inner doubts and you can only accomplish this by showing up and doing the work everyday.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
“It is the most important job of an elected official to listen to the people who they represent. Being a city leader involves gathering all available information to make informed decisions on what would most benefit the community. What will guide my votes on the council are: a) Is it necessary and does it fall in line with wants/needs of the community. b) How will this vote impact the city budget. c) What is the overall impact of this vote.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“I have true desire to represent the community of Citrus Heights and my husband and I volunteer in every possible manner to set an example for our two boys; I serve as a planning commissioner, I sit on the board of several organizations whose focus is improving local communities and offering pathways for our youth to be successful. I volunteer my time to work with Veterans and their spouses to fill out the necessary paperwork to help them receive their VA benefits. I am a Rotarian, VFW member and Citrus Heights American Legion Auxiliary member.”
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?
“I have an amazing support system; between grandma, family, and friends, I have been able to stay at home and care for my family like my parents did with me. This also allows me the flexibility to set my own schedule and participate in an extensive amount to community and volunteer work. It’s never easy to balance a life full of commitments but a strong foundation of support will continue to be the key to my success.”
See all candidate profiles: Election 2018: Meet the 5 candidates running for Citrus Heights City Council
