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.
Treston Shull, Labor Relations Manager | Age: 34
Top Endorsements: Supervisor Sue Frost, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC and Sacramento County Probation Officers.
Basic bio: “I’ve lived in Citrus Heights for 5 years. I grew up in Foothill Farms by Foothill High School. I attended American River College and New Mexico Military Institute, I wanted to be an Officer in the Army, but because I’m color blind I was unable to. I’ve been in many leadership positions, JROTC in H.S., Best Squad Leader in the Squadron at NMMI, Lead Foreman on construction jobs, Lead Labor Relations Manager in 8 Counties in CA and Treasurer for the Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association. I’ve been married for 6 years, no children yet, and I’ll be 34 this month.”
Why are you running for City Council?
“Citrus Heights needs new energy and new ideas to rebuild our economic base and get the budget back on the right track. The budget is projected to be out of balance until 2022 – if there is no economic downturn – and the city has spent nearly all its reserves. That puts critical services like police at risk. The Sunrise Mall is the perfect illustration of the need to rebuild our economic base, bring in new businesses so residents can live and work here.”
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“Citrus Heights has real neighborhoods — and we have great representation from 11 different Neighborhood Associations. The city needs to listen to them more about their needs and how to preserve what makes them great. There is a sense community and volunteerism here — a real small town charm. We need to preserve that feel and need elected officials who will stand up for Citrus Heights.”
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
“We need to rebuild our economic base – there has been a steady decline – Sunrise Mall is the perfect illustration. Second (and third), we need to tackle the growing homeless problem and fix our roads. Those are big challenges – and we need to engage and listen to the public more – the city is here to serve them, not the other way around. That’s why I have published my email and phone number on all of my material and website.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“It Doesn’t Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General Norman Schwarzkopf, this has one of the most memorable quotes that I have ever read and I’ll summarize it; Norman, you can leave the army now because you’re discouraged, or you can stay and hopefully one day be in a position where you can make the changes you think are needed. That quote taught me to tough it out, one day I might be able to make the changes I think are needed. Atlas Shrugged, taught me to let people be and don’t over-regulate citizens who deserve to make their own choices.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
1) Honesty. Elected officials should be held to a higher standard, and the public has the right to expect them to be honest about public business.
2) Respect. We need to treat each other with respect, and more importantly, treat the public with respect. That means listening to them, protecting THEIR tax dollars, and ensuring we are working on their behalf.
3) Liberty. Liberty is the foundation of our country — I will never support efforts to take or restrict the liberty of our citizens.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“I have been a longtime member of The Elks Lodge and contributor to the Elks National Foundation. I have volunteered now for 5 years with the Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association as member and Treasurer. We have supplied our neighborhood and schools with over $7,500 worth of park and school equipment, supplies and backpacks. We’ve also adopted a family every Christmas who was in need and vetted by the Citrus Heights PD. For the last 2 years I’ve sponsored a team at the Citrus Heights Police Activities League Trap Shoot.”
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’m not running to become a full-time politician, but I am no stranger to hard work — I’ve done it all my life. I expect long hours of study, meetings, and lots of outreach to the community. I am fortunate to have advanced to a position that gives me flexibility and an employer who supports civic involvement, and a wife who shares my commitment to the community. The only promises I have made are to work hard, listen to the public, and show up prepared.”
See all candidate profiles: Election 2018: Meet the 5 candidates running for Citrus Heights City Council
