Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2022 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 candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Michael Nishimura, District 2
Why are you running for City Council? I am not a polished politician, and I’m not doing this as a stepping stone to further my political career or to boost my ego. I believe my knowledge and experience will be an asset to the city and I am doing this as a public servant, to try and make the city a better place to live and do business.
What are two aspects you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
This is my home and love everything about living here. It has been a very safe community and a good place to work and raise my family.
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
I want to drive economic development in the City. This enables us to enhance ; our Police, public safety, infrastructure, road improvements, homeless issues etc. I would also like to improve our community engagement and vibrancy, This will help make our City more attractive to potential businesses and homeowners.
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
- “Wooden on Leadership” by John Wooden. I have always admired John Wooden’s accomplishments, but more importantly, the morals and ethics he followed to accomplish them.
- I am almost through the new book “Becoming The City Of Citrus Heights” by Miranda Culp with Bill Van Duker. I thought I always understood the passion and intensity of the members of the Citrus Heights Incorporation Project, but now I understand a little bit more of the tenacity it took for incorporation. I now understand why there were tears in Jean Duncan’s eyes when the new City Hall was dedicated.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
Honesty, Integrity and Common Sense.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
I am currently on the City’s Planning Commission, I spent twelve years on the board of the Sunrise Marketplace PBID, I have been a member of the Citrus Heights Water District’s Customer Advisory Committee (CAC) since its inception, current President of REACH, former President of Neighborhood Area Nine (SONA), member of the CHASEN board, PTA President, 10 years as a volunteer wrestling coach at Bella Vista High School, former member of the Advisory Committee for San Juan High School’s Culinary Arts program, many hours volunteering for the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART)…
*Edited due to length.
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 am not doing this for the money. My wife passed away last December and our kids are grown now, so my family life does not require nearly as much time as it did when we were raising a young family, other than the Saturday afternoons I get to spend with our granddaughter Miranda. Now that I am no longer working 60-80 hours a week managing restaurants, I believe I can work my 30 hours a week for the school district and still be able to do a good job for the City of Citrus Heights.
Key Endorsements: (did not respond)
Key donors: (Did not respond)
Campaign website: michaelnishimura.com
*Editor’s note: James Tipton, Marijane Lopez-Taff and Steven Durham are also running for District 2. To read more about each candidate, see article: Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?
