A Citizen for City Council

By Laura Taylor

"The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can." John Gardner, founder Common Cause (citizen advocacy group)

People who are currently seated on the City Council have been a positive influence on my decision to run. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, one of the strongest representatives of the people on Citrus Heights City Council, has been a very vocal supporter of my candidacy. James Shelby, speaking at a neighborhood meeting earlier this year, said that we need to get more young people on City Council - and I took this encouragement to heart. And our Mayor, Jeannie Bruins, has been an inspiration through her leadership and strong advocacy for both business and the community.

Some of those who have served on the Council in the past have been an influence on my decision to run. County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan graciously appointed me to the Community Services and Facilities Committee (the Community Center Committee) when she was a member of the Citrus Heights City Council. Working with other citizens to advise City Council and City Staff provided an excellent opportunity to obtain an in-depth understanding of how our City works.

And, of course, Bill Hughes, the father of our neighborhood associations and our first Mayor was a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. He would become so impassioned during our conversations about how to get the citizens of Citrus Heights involved in local government. He was excited about the opportunity that the neighborhood associations and REACH (Residents' Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights) would provide for ordinary citizens to grow and develop into the local government leaders of tomorrow. Together we would talk about the need to "build a bench" of leaders ready to serve our community.

With all this inspiration and encouragement I feel that now, more than ever, I have something positive to contribute to my community. In my years of service I have witnessed and been a part of much that has worked well in Citrus Heights. The one area that still needs improvement is our government's accountability to its people. I hope to be a voice for the people on Citrus Heights City Council; someone who will remember those who helped her achieve political office and never forget who she serves. I am a Citizen for City Council.