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Tag: Mel Turner

City council challengers urge change, incumbents say ‘continue’ path

Although mild for the most part, accusations of “backroom deals,” poor decisions and “PR mistakes” highlights some of the controversial remarks made during a second candidate forum for the Citrus Heights city council race, Thursday night.

Councilman Steve Miller responds to a question at Thursday night’s candidate forum, as challenger Bridget Duffy listens.

“I think we’ve done a heck of a job,” said current mayor and candidate Mel Turner, highlighting the opening of Stones Casino, which he says created jobs for 51 Citrus Heights residents. “No, we’re not perfect — yes, we can improve.”

Turner’s current colleagues Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller likewise focused on their accomplishments while in office and expressed support for continuing in the same direction, while challenger Bridget Duffy criticized the council’s support of a failed 2012 local tax measure to pay for roads and more police.

“What kind of report card you would give your city council that’s in place today?” Challenger Tim Schaefer asked the audience, urging a vote for a “fresh perspective” on the council. “We’ve talked about economic development, we’ve talked about jobs, and I can’t say that I’ve seen much of that change in the last 12 years.”

Sponsored by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, each of the five city council candidates were asked a series of nine questions, all focusing on local issues and candidate qualifications and goals.

During opening statements, Miller emphasized his family focus and 30-year marriage, while Bruins highlighted her experience and involvement in the early cityhood effort. Schaefer and Duffy both focused on their opposition to a new city hall and concerns with budgetary issues, and Turner cited his “servant leadership” philosophy and 30-year residency.

*Editor’s note: check back soon for full audio and additional coverage of the forum, or listen to candidate answers to eight questions during the first forum here: VOTER FORUM: City candidates divided on taxes, new hall & Prop 47.

October 17, 2014
VOTER FORUM: City Candidates Divided on Taxes, New Hall & Prop 47

Updated audio on Oct. 29, 1:58 p.m. —
A Citrus Heights city council candidate forum was broadcast live on Metro 14 television Saturday, revealing significant differences between the five candidates on a variety of local issues, with each candidate also being asked to tell voters who their top two donors were.

The five city council candidates, seated next to a League of Women Voters moderator at Saturday’s forum.

Hosted and moderated by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, two media panelists asked a series of eight questions to the candidates, ranging from if-and-why they would support a local tax increase, to whether they support the controversial proposal to move and build a new city hall and allow a medical office building in its place.

*Editor’s note: see audio below and check back soon for our exclusive highlights on how candidates Mel Turner, Tim Schaefer, Bridget Duffy, Steve “Sparky” Miller, and Jeannie Bruins answered the media panelists’ questions listed below.

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1. Public Safety: “Two days ago, the Citrus Heights city council voted unanimously to oppose Prop 47, with our Police Chief stating that the proposition would ‘virtually assure’ the release of 10,000 inmates into local communities. What is your position on Prop 47, and what is your plan to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?”

Candidate answers (5:01)

2. New City Hall Proposal “What is your position on the City of Citrus Heights’ proposal to relocate city hall and can you tell and explain why this is — or is not — beneficial to taxpayers?”

Candidate answers (5:27)

3. Taxes: “The local tax increase known as Measure K was shot down by Citrus Heights voters in 2012 — although it was supported by councilmembers at the time. Would you support future tax increases, and did you support Measure K? Why, or why not?”

Candidate answers (5:47)

4. Special Interests: “Each election, there’s a lot of talk about special interests controlling candidates. On October 6, you all filed a campaign disclosure form, showing who donated to you and how much. Take a minute to share with voters who your top two donors are, and how these donations would — or would not – have an influence on decisions you would make.”

Candidate answers (5:01)

5. Homelessness: “Vice Mayor Sue Frost has said she questions whether it is the proper role of government to solve the problem of homelessness – or whether most aspects of the problem are best solved by private charity. Given the complaints about homelessness in Citrus Heights, what do you believe the proper role of government is in regard to homelessness in our community?”

Candidate answers: (5:58)

6. Schools: “Although the City and San Juan Unified School Districts are two different government entities, many citrus heights residents have expressed concern about the plans for Sylvan Middle School. What role, if any, should city councilmembers have in this matter?”

Candidate answers (5:46)

7. Business: “Citrus Heights has sought to create a City that is business-friendly, with stores like Stein Mart opening earlier this month and HD Supply opening next week. What specifically would you do to keep and attract businesses in Citrus Heights?”

Candidate answers (5:50)

8. Measuring Success: “If you are elected — or re-elected — to the city council, how will you personally measure your success as a councilmember after four years?”

Candidate answers (5:44)

October 12, 2014
Local Elections: Two Upcoming Forums for City Council Race

Want to know more about who’s running for Citrus Heights city council this year?

With candidate forums set for October 11 and October 16, voters in Citrus Heights will soon have a chance to learn more about the five candidates running for three city council seats in the November 4 election.

Signs for candidates in the Citrus Heights city council race are seen outside Walmart on Auburn Boulevard.

Contestants include current council members Jeannie Bruins, Mel Turner and Steve Miller, with businessman Tim Schaefer and homemaker Bridget Duffy entering the race this year, both known for their public opposition to moving city hall.

The first forum has been organized by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, and will be a one-hour event held at the Board of Supervisors chambers in Sacramento, with live stream video available on Metro Cable 14. Candidates will respond to various questions offered by a panel of media members and the League, and will also be offered one-minute opening and closing statements.

The second forum is set for October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Citrus Heights city council chambers, and is hosted by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), a non-partisan organization led by the city’s neighborhood association leaders. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Danielle Joesten from the Department of Government at California State University, Sacramento.

The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is October 20.

Candidate Forums:
Citrus Heights City Council

Sponsor: League of Women Voters
Saturday, October 11, 2014
1:30 p.m.
Board of Supervisor Chambers (or live online: http://www.sacmetrocable.tv/)
Sacramento, CA 95814

Sponsor: Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights
Thursday, October 16, 2014
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
City Council chambers
7117 Greenback Ln.
Citrus Heights, CA 95621

October 6, 2014
Council Postpones Vote on New City Hall Deal, After Lawsuit Threat

In a crowded room Thursday night, Citrus Heights council members voted 3-2 in favor of postponing a final decision on the controversial proposal to move city hall and allow construction of a three-story medical building in its place — expressing the need for more research after an environmental attorney threatened a lawsuit.

Council members listen as environmental attorney Chris Butcher criticizes parts of the proposal and threatens a lawsuit, Thursday night.

During nearly two hours of public comment, those in favor of the project accused opponents of being too emotional rather than fact-based, while opponents expressed their desire for city hall to remain in the centralized civic center.

Members of the business community spoke out in favor of the deal being good for the city’s economy, while many residents emphasized their attachment to the current civic center as a “one-stop-shop” for city hall, the community center, police department and post office.

The council will take up the matter again at their August 14 meeting, where a final vote is expected.

July 25, 2014
Mayor Highlights Strengths, Threats in ‘State of the City’ Address

Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner delivered the annual “State of the City” address to a sold-out business luncheon, Tuesday, highlighting a 13 percent drop in crime over the past year, a rise in home values and the newly opened Stones Gambling Hall.

Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner delivers his “State of the City” address to a sold-out business luncheon, Tuesday.

Defining Citrus Heights as “a city of promise,” Mayor Turner articulated his perspective on secrets to the city’s success: its voters and council members, a “caring city manager,” a community of involved volunteers, and the ability to manage change well.

“We don’t believe in change for the sake of change,” the mayor said, speaking highly of the city’s latest change in approving a 400-employee casino. “There needs to be a sound reason, with a return on investment to the community as a whole for the change.”

Citing opportunities for the city, the mayor highlighted plans for more change with additional business improvement districts, as well as new potential with Police Chief Christopher Boyd’s recent promotion to the head of the California Police Chief’s Association. He also cited the potential for change with a new medical office building and city hall in the Citrus Heights — a proposal the city council will take up later this month.

Highlighting accomplishments, the mayor cited construction beginning on the 46-home Autumn Woods housing development, the passage of a medical marijuana cultivation ordinance, and the recent completion of the Stock Ranch Nature Preserve — which he called “almost the best kept secret in Citrus Heights.”

Turning his attention to threats the City is facing, the mayor spoke of unfunded state mandates, increases in California Public Employees’ Retirement System obligations, and current litigation with the Department of Finance over redevelopment funds, where he said the City is being asked to give back $9 million.

The mayor also criticized changes in the State’s energy code, saying new policies have “some unrealistic expectations,” adding that the City is additionally working to address problems created by AB 109, a prisoner realignment plan passed by the legislature to reduce over-crowding in prisons.

Turning to focus on the city’s strengths, Mayor Turner praised a “strong, united city council,” and applauded a “dedicated, talented city staff” and an “innovative, fiscally responsible city manager.” The mayor also expressed gratitude for the volunteer-work done by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights and the city’s 11 neighborhood associations, which he called “the backbone” of the community.

“Kudo’s” were also given to the police department for its winning of the James Q. Wilson Award for Excellence in Community Policing, and for its work with youth through the Police Activities League.

The mayor closed out his 25-minute speech by citing several national and international awards that City employees had earned, emphasizing to the business-crowd that a city — like a business — “cannot be successful without good staff.”

Mayor Turner’s speech was held at Crosswood Oaks retirement center and was delivered during the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon.

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Listen to the mayor’s full speech below:

July 14, 2014
Community Celebrates Completion of Auburn Blvd ‘Phase 1’ Improvements

Council members, business owners and other elected officials gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the completion of “Phase 1” of Auburn Boulevard improvement work.

Council members, business owners and representatives from government agencies gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the long-awaited completion of “Phase 1” of Auburn Boulevard improvement work.

Business owners present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were particularly glad for the completion of the project, and expressed hope for increased business now that new sidewalks are open, power lines are under-grounded and lanes are no longer closed.

“I’m glad it’s done,” said business owner Rocky Moffitt, whose 7440 Club took a hit during the road work outside his doors. “The construction actually has hurt my business during the daytime… but overall it looks great. I love the finished project.”

Authorized in 2005, the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project envisioned a revitalized and enhanced section of Auburn Boulevard, from Sylvan corners to Interstate 80 — a corridor that is home to over 200 businesses. Due to the size and scope of the effort, the nearly 2-mile long project was broken into two phases, with Phase 1 covering the section from Sylvan corners to just beyond Antelope Road, and Phase 2 covering the remaining section up to Interstate 80.

“We’re not done yet,” said Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner at the event, referring to the upcoming work on “Phase II.” “But this is a huge step in the right direction.”

‘Phase II’ of the project has already received some funding for design work, according to Community and Economic Development Director Rhonda Sherman, and City staff are currently preparing to enter the design stage for this final phase.

Questions about the project can be directed to ABCTeam@citrusheights.net or (916) 727-4770. Updates are also available online at http://www.ABCupdate.net.

July 8, 2014