Measure K: Where Each Council Candidate Stands

Citrus Heights voters have a few big decisions to make before the Nov. 6 election: Who to vote for in the Citrus Heights City Council race and where they stand on .

Citrus Heights Patch asked each of the Citrus Heights City Council candidates where they stand on Measure K. Seven candidates are running; two seats are available. Read their responses below:

Bret Daniels:

"Unlike all of my opponents, I strongly oppose Measure K, the City’s misguided effort to raise our Utility Taxes. We simply must live within our means. We already pay more than enough taxes and I will oppose any effort to increase them. With $33,000,000 in the bank, it is an insult to ask the residents and businesses of Citrus Hts to pay more, especially after coming in under budget last year and giving out $500,000 in bonuses not required by contract. 

"Misinformation continues to flow from those supporting Measure K in regards to AB109. Prisoners are NOT being released early. Prisoners are NOT being released without any supervision. Sacramento County has received $30,000,000 to monitor these releases, more money than was previously spent monitoring them.  

"Road repairs are badly needed in our neighborhoods and we have the money to do that now. Plenty of money from regional sources is being spent now on our major roads (have you tried driving on Sunrise Blvd, Auburn Blvd, or Antelope Rd lately).  

"We can have the desired outcomes for the concerns Measure K addresses without a tax increase. There are alternatives that do not require a tax increase. The City does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem."

Trish Dawson:

"I have owned a home in Citrus Heights for 26 years. The sense of community and safety has vastly improved with the formation of the City and especially with the creation of our own Police Department. I have always put my trust in the management of public funds in City Staff and have been rewarded with the prudent financial management displayed.

"A small tax investment to increase the maintenance of our streets and providing the resources our police service needs will not only raise the value of my property, but also fuel the sense of well-being in the community."

Sue Frost:

"I support YES on Measure K. 

"Citrus Heights is one of the only cities in California who can boast they have a balanced budget, are debt free and they have money in the bank.  Our city leaders have earned our trust.

"Citrus Heights has suffered revenue take-aways and AB109 Prison Re-alignment is releasing prisoners into our neighborhoods under community supervision.

"Citrus Height roads are old and as the conditions worsen the cost of repair becomes exponentially higher. If we do not address this problem now, we will be forced to face even higher costs to repair them later.

"For approximately $6 per month per household we solve real problems that directly impact our property values and our ability to attract businesses to Citrus Heights.  It’s also important to note that it is still important to minimize the loss of the city’s reserves so to protect against possible future State take-aways."

Jim Monteton:

"I am for Measure K. Normally I would be against any form of a tax increase — especially in these tough economic times. We are all struggling. However with the recent events in Vallejo, Stockton and other California cities that are going bankrupt I believe that we have to get ahead of the crippling effect the economy is having.

"Keeping the city moving forward without bankruptcy, repairing streets and continuing to be safe and secure will continue the quality of life as well as maintain property values."

Jeff Slowey:

"I placed it on the ballot so it is no surprise that I support it. We became a city to beef up our Law Enforcement and I think we have done that via our own Police Force (who I would put up against any in the country.)

"With over 600 validated gang members, 100 parolees, and 1,100 probationers, plus 300 sex registrants, I think we need the additional officers when you throw in recently released AB 109ers into the mix. I think anyone who drives our roads understands the street repair issue."

Charles Stone:

"Citrus Heights is one of the best run cities within the State. Unfortunately in recent years the State and the County have systematically cut away from this undermining YOUR Safety and our infrastructure in four ways. These are: Revenue neutrality; destruction redevelopment agencies; recalculation of the gas tax and the dumping of criminal in our City via Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109). Measure K, a utility tax increase of 1.75% is a response to this assault and on our local control. This is why I support Measure K.  

"... Citrus Heights does not receive any property tax until 2023, an annual loss of $4 million a year. In response to the State’s budget deficit and to seize the funds within Redevelopment agencies the State of California dissolved the mechanism the city uses for paving and redevelopment within the city. This was combined the recalculation of the gas tax where the State took $500,000 a year from the City.  

"Finally, AB 109, called prison realignment. Under this law, inmates in California overcrowded prisons are being released directly on the street without supervision. Citrus Heights police is modeled after having a both Parole and Probation supervise inmates. Under budget cuts these have been systematically reduced placing no oversight on these inmates. This duty will fall to the police, who are currently not staffed to address this threat.  

"... I support Measure K because I believe this tax serves a substantial taxpayer interest and is narrowly tailored to meet this interest."

Candidate David Blackburn did not respond to emails from Citrus Heights Patch.

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