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.
Steven Durham, District 2
Steven Durham
Why are you running for City Council? I want to help. I can bring a broad spectrum of education and experience to the City Council and the residents of Citrus Heights. I earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975. I spent over 40 years in corporate business in advertising, mergers and acquisition and tech support, at the VP level or above. I’ve negotiated dozens of contracts and written over 100 business plans. I also taught at the college level. I am a political centrist, in that I believe in supporting our business community while having a strong and broad social consciousness.
What are two aspects you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
People here are a whole lot friendlier than what we experienced in 30 years in Southern California. I can feel a strong sense of community and it makes me want to “join in”.
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
I’ll work with the SJUSD to improve our schools, as that will lead to improved housing values, better employment opportunities and increased safety. We need to improve personal and traffic safety through a strong police force.
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
When I was 14 my summer reading list for school included, “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” by William L. Shirer. It is meaningful to me, in that it covers in detail how the beliefs and actions of the citizenry can be manipulated. It is a true, cautionary tale of how power can be rapidly abused.
The same summer, I read Rachel Carson’s “The Sea Around Us”, which was an eye-opener to me about how important our world’s oceans are, how they developed and nurtured life and how susceptible they are to human interference.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
They are (1) understanding what our constituents want and need; (2) weighing these needs with a fiscal, moral and social awareness, and (3) keeping an open mind.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
My wife and I sold our house of 30 years in Orange County and moved to our home in Citrus Heights in 2017. In Orange County, for years, I was active in volunteer matters pertaining to Orange Lutheran High School, where our youngest daughter attended and to the YMCA. The Pandemic certainly helped curtail any volunteer work here is Citrus Heights, but that is precisely why I want to “give back” by running for City Council, District 2.
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 75 years old and retired. Luckily, my wife and I were good earners during our business careers, and we receive close to the maximum Social Security Benefits each month. We also have no mortgage payments on our home. That’s why I can devote so much time to the people of Citrus Heights.
Key endorsements:
Town and Country Democratic Club
JFK Democratic Club of Sacramento County
Top donations: “My top two donors are my brother, David, and Ric Barretto, a prominent Postal Workers Union official.”
Citrus Heights Council Candidates for 2022. Top left to right: Albert Fox, Manuel Perez, Jayna Karpinski-Costa (District 4). Porsche Middleton, Natalee Price (District 5). Lower, left to right: Michael Nishimura, Steven Durham, James Tipton, MariJane Lopez-Taff (District 2). // Compiled by M. Hazlip
Sentinel staff report–
A total of nine residents are running for three seats up for election this year on the five-member Citrus Heights City Council — and at least two new faces will join the council, due to a pair of current members retiring.
Council districts 2, 4 and 5 are all up for election, with only District 5 having a current council member vying for the seat: Porsche Middleton. Council members Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller are both not on the ballot, leaving the District 2 and District 4 seats up for a newcomer to join the council.
The Sentinel asked each candidate to submit a 100-word biographical statement, which is included word-for-word below, unless edited due to excessive length. Their statements and campaign websites are provided below.
District 2 Race:
Steven Durham. “I will turn 76 by Election Day. I grew up in Massapequa, NY, but most of my adult life, I’ve lived in California. My wife, Sharon and I retired to Citrus Heights in 2017, after 30 years in Orange County. I have 3 degrees: BA in Geology (Hofstra, 1970), MA in Urban Geography (South Carolina, 1972) and MBA in Marketing (Harvard Business School, 1975). (George W. Bush was a Harvard classmate!). My 40-year business career includes Marketing (General Mills), VP Advertising, Sr. VP Mergers & Acquisitions, Sr. VP Sales for a Television network, and COO for a 1,000-person tech support company.”
Website: not submitted.
Full candidate profile: Meet Steven Durham
MariJane Lopez-Taff. “MariJane Lopez-Taff (aka Jane Taff) is a 49-year-old San Francisco native who discovered Citrus Heights while looking for a safe community to move to with her then fiancé in 2000. Jane is a Certified Professional Life Coach serving business owners in the areas of Leadership, Management and Communication since 2011. Her professional career in non-profit fundraising and volunteer management began at the age of 17 and she has been involved in both paid and volunteer community organizations since such as the Citrus Heights Chamber, ABBA, Women’s Club and Soroptimists. Jane supports a thriving Citrus Heights community – safe streets, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility.”
Website: voteforjane.com
Full candidate profile: Meet MariJane Lopez-Taff
Michael Nishimura. “I have lived in the City of Citrus Heights for forty years. Currently, I sit on the City’s Planning Commission, I am the President of the Resident’s Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights
(REACH), I am on the Board of Citrus Heights Areas Seven, Eight, Nine (CHASEN), I am a volunteer Wrestling Coach at Bella Vista High School, and I am active with Citrus Heights HART acting as coordinator for one week of its Winter Sanctuary. I sat on the Board of the Sunrise Marketplace PBID for 12 years while I was the General Manager of the Elephant Bar Restaurant…”
Website: michaelnishimura.com
Full candidate profile: Meet Michael Nishimura *Editor’s note: Nishimura did not submit a bio statement by deadline. However, in the interest of informing residents, his statement above is taken from his official ballot statement and shortened due to length.
James Tipton. “My name is James J. Tipton, I am a 28 year old Native American from the Wiyot tribe in Loleta, California. I am a Christian conservative and I do not stray from my beliefs to obtain votes. I grew up in Sacramento County, in a middle class household. I have worked extensively in both legal and government fields. I am a local business owner and second amendment advocate. I support our law enforcement and would like to see an increase in police funding. I am community focused and accountable to my constituency.”
Website: None currently
Full candidate profile: *Did not submit response.
District 4 Race:
Albert Fox. “Retired law enforcement and 21-year resident. Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration. College Director of Criminal Justice. Graduate of Citrus Heights Leadership Academy, the Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee; member and chairman of the Planning Commission and appointed City Council member. During COVID I coordinated a charitable effort in support of 12 local schools to improve distant learning for students and families through our Impact Campaign. Our campaign supplied equipment, headphones, e-tablets, gift cards and supplies. to the Elementary, Middle and High Schools. I look forward to serving Citrus Heights District 4.”
Website: ajfox.org
Full candidate profile: Meet Albert Fox
Jayna Karpinski-Costa. 31 years in Citrus Heights, married to Ted Costa, no children, lots of critters. Professional: Veterinarian and attorney. Education: B.S., Colorado State University, Microbiology, cum laude 1974. D.V.M., Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1980. J.D. University of Santa Clara School of Law, 1986. Leadership Experience: Elected to Citrus Heights city council in 2004 and 2008, served as Mayor in 2011; served on several regional boards during this time. Since 1998, served as president of Sylvan Old Auburn Road Neighborhood (Area 10). Represented People’s Advocate in the US Supreme Court to defend Prop 13.
Website: www.drjayna.com Full candidate profile: Meet Jayna Karpinski-Costa
Manuel Israel Perez-Salazar. “My name is Manuel Perez. I am 40 years old, married for 21 years and have 3 kids. I have lived in Citrus Heights for the last 20 years. I grew up in Sacramento and moved here when I met my wife. I have been a Class A driver for 19 years, I attended ARC for EMT, I have been a volunteer at the Marysville PD since 2018, also completed the Citizens Academy, I was also on the Construction Board of Appeals for Citrus Heights. When you see me around please say hello, I look forward to getting to know everyone.”
Website: none currently.
Full candidate profile: Meet Manuel Salazar
District 5 Race:
Porsche Middleton. “Growing up the middle child of nine and traveling all over the United States, my roots in service to others began in childhood. My family has served our country for several generations, including my late father, SGM Rayford. My husband of nearly 15 years and I have called Citrus Heights home for seven years, raising two boys who attend schools in our city. For the last four years, I have served as a councilmember and Mayor of our city, proudly earning my master’s degree while educating my two boys at home during one of the most challenging times in recent history.”
Website: www.porschemiddleton.com
Full candidate profile: Meet Porsche Middleton
Natalee Price. “As a mother, I am committed to giving Citrus Heights a safe, sustainable future with improved quality of life for its residents. A 7-year member of Lions Club International and a 10-year resident of Citrus Heights with a BA in Cultural Anthropology. Since 2008, my local restaurant, Taste of Tuscany, has been a community resource. Securing partnerships during COVID-19, I co-designed and implemented a community grocery program feeding over 10,000 people and earning a 2020 ‘Kindness Matters’ service award, one of 20 given globally. With proven management and leadership qualities, a vote for Natalee Price is right for Citrus Heights.”
Website: www.nataleepriceforcitycouncil.com
Full candidate profile: Meet Natalee Price
The Sentinel will be continuing local election coverage over the next two months leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, 2022. Future articles will address each candidate’s position on various local issues.
See all candidate answers to three top local issues:
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A 1950 Chevy Fleetline sits on a field at Rusch Park, part of the Nor Cal Cruisers Car Show held on Aug. 13, 2022. // S. Williams
Latest local news briefs include plans for a $10 million-plus trail project moving forward, nine residents qualifying to run in this year’s City Council races, and a car show and movie night drawing residents out to Rusch Park over the weekend.
2.9-mile trail moves forward after 4-0 vote
Following public comment from more than a dozen speakers on Thursday night, Citrus Heights City Council members voted 4-0 to approve around $10 million in funding to go towards construction of a 2.9-mile trail through the city. Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins was not present for the vote. See full story in The Sentinel’s upcoming Aug. 18th Midweek Edition.
Nine residents qualify for City Council races this November
The City Clerk’s Office reported a total of nine residents have qualified to run for City Council, as of Friday’s filing deadline. Four residents will compete for the District 2 seat: MariJane Lopez-Taff, Michael Nishimura, James Tipton, and Steven Durham. In the District 4 race, the three candidates are: Manuel Perez-Salazar, Jayna Karpinski-Costa, and Albert Fox. For District 5: Mayor Porsche Middleton will compete for the seat with Natalee Price.
Hot August Movie Night draws residents to Rusch Park
The Sunrise Recreation and Park District hosted Hot August Movie Night at Rusch Community Park on Saturday, Aug. 13, with attendees setting up chairs on a grassy hill at the park to view an outdoor showing of the movie “Luca.” The event also featured a car show put on by Nor Cal Cruisers, various food trucks, live music by the band Mike’s Lost & Found, and free swimming for all attendees.
