14 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

With the election upon us, and Folsom's future at stake, the candidates vying for 2 seats on the Folsom City Council were given the opportunity to reach out to voters via MyFolsom.com.

 

Incumbent Jeff Starsky, along with challengers Roger Gaylord and Chad Vander Veen have answered the call.

 

Note that Challenger Rob Ross has added his response as of November 6.

 

Incumbent Ernie Sheldon has not responded.

 

Here are their statements, the order of which was chosen at random:

 

Jeff Starsky

Incumbent Jeff Starsky

As your representative on the Folsom City Council for the last sixteen years, your former Mayor, and most importantly, your neighbor for the last 32 years, I am asking for your vote to let me continue to serve you and keep Folsom a vibrant, prosperous and great place to live, work and play. I know governmental processes and continue to work to improve efficiencies in the City’s systems to deliver cost-effective services to our residents.

 

I bring 35 years of business and legal expertise as well as 20 years of public agency management experience to the City. My fiscally conservative approach to government has resulted in a balanced budget for 16 straight years. I have streamlined your city government through increased efficiencies and tough negotiations with the City’s employee unions. We’ve maintained our senior services, library services and youth sports programs while cities around us are eliminating theirs. As a result of my commitment to public safety, we are and will continue to be one of the safest communities in California.

 

Folsom has one of the lowest unemployment rates of any city in California because of my efforts to recruit and retain both large and small businesses in Folsom. Just this year I helped bring Voxpro, Mikuni and Vision Service Plan to Folsom, adding over 1000 new jobs. I’ve help shepherd this City through the worst recession in its 70 year history and have been part of the team that has built a City that today stands as one of the best cities in California.

 

Folsom is recognized nationally for the quality of life and livability of our great City. In the last two years, our city has been named the Best City to Raise a Family, Best Suburb, Best City for Young Families, Best City for Young Professionals, and Best City for Job Seekers in Northern California. We were recently named one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live and the 33rd Wealthiest City in America.

 

These awards do not happen by accident. I am part of a great team of City Leaders who worked hard to make this happen.

 

Folsom’s future is very bright. Folsom is and will continue to be one of the most desirable places to live in California if I am re-elected. Our strong employment base and my plan to bring more diverse employers to the City will guarantee our tax base for years to come. My conservative approach to government will assure that the city staffing levels will not exceed our budgets and our city government will remain efficient and effective. Public safety will remain my highest priority and I will commit the necessary resources to keep Folsom families safe.

 

My careful approach to growth will assure that our existing property values will remain high and the cost of public services will remain low. I will continue to bring new parks and recreational opportunities to Folsom including the development of the Johnny Cash Park. Folsom’s opportunities are limitless. With the right leadership, Folsom will continue to be the best city in California.

 

Vote for me on November 8th and let’s Keep Folsom Strong

 

For more info about Jeff, go to www.facebook.com/JeffStarsky2016/

 

Chad Vander Veen

Folsom City Council Challenger Chad Vander Veen

My name is Chad Vander Veen and I want to represent you. I want to represent your family and your values. I want to represent the future you hope is in store for the next generation of Folsom residents.

Looking around our city today you may be wondering why it makes any sense to vote for a challenger. After all, Folsom is a fabulous place to live and I am grateful every day to call Folsom my home. There was a time, in the mid -1900s, when residents of cities like Buffalo, Detroit, Akron, Youngstown, St. Louis and Pittsburgh probably asked themselves the same thing. Everything was great so why make any changes?

 

Sixty and seventy years later, a few of those cities are only now starting to recapture a portion of their former glory. It’s not that they had poor leadership. Rather, it’s that their leadership wasn’t visionary. I’m not running for Folsom of 2016. I’m running for Folsom of 2036 and 2056.

Our council, to date, has done by most measures an admirable job. However, in looking forward the council seems content to count on solutions from the 1960s and 70s to handle challenges of the 21st century.

 

For more than a decade I worked with state and local government officials across the country. I traveled to dozens of cities and met with hundreds of mayors, governors, councilmembers, bureaucrats and department heads. In that job my goal was to find out what in government worked best – and what didn’t – to make cities, counties and states work more efficiently and more effectively with ever fewer resources.

 

A good portion of that decade was spent looking specifically at how cities prepare themselves for the future. In short, cities that prosper in the 21st century will do so because they understand what it takes to be a smart city. As the former editor of a magazine dedicated to smart cities, I know that what it will take to maintain our quality of life in Folsom is a holistic understanding of our city systems – transportation, energy, water, waste and infrastructure.

 

Binding them all together is technology. All of these things within those systems – traffic signals, sewer pipes, emergency vehicles, smartphones…even each of us, provide useful data on how to make our city work better for everyone.

 

So you see, that’s why I believe it’s important to elect people who understand the future is going to be about much more than uninspired suburban sprawl and property taxes. That’s why I believe we must start electing people who aren’t content with the idea that the way we’ve always done things is good enough.

 

I’m Chad Vander Veen and I’m running for the future of Folsom. I hope you’ll join my effort to ensure that we don’t look back one day and remember when things used to be great. Together we can create a better future starting November 8th.  

 

Thank you.

 

For more info about Chad, go to www.facebook.com/chadforfolsom/

 

Folsom City Council Challenger Roger Gaylord

Roger Gaylord

I represent homegrown leadership. My background is uniquely suited to serve our city. I was RAISED in Folsom. I care about Folsom, both issues we’ve faced previously, and those we'll face in the future. I'm an entrepreneur, Utility Commissioner, father, volunteer coach and professional security expert. I’m just one of the first who like me, will step forward & lead Folsom into the future. I envision a city that honors its unique history and positions itself as a city of the future. Folsom is that city.

 

When elected, I will help create a transparent government that will include all stakeholders while avoiding any conflicts of interest, like we see today. I'll level set with South of 50 shareholders, ensuring the development process benefits both North & South of 50; including the water issues. I’ll ensure Folsom has a smart growth agenda, not a growth for growth sake agenda. This includes eliminating the close ties between our elected officials, and outside influences who use the Chamber's BizPAC as a financing tool to prop up certain candidates. We'll do this by introducing a vote to amend our city charter, adding term limits, and a voted mayor.

 

I’ll focus on updating Folsom’s social/ technological footprint, bringing Folsom initiatives, directly to residents. This includes streamlining online business permits, citywide social media platforms & real time info via status updates from the city. My goal is to attract what I call “foundation employers” like Intel to Folsom. I’ll work with these campus style companies to organically produce higher paying jobs from within Folsom. Our unemployment rate is indeed low, however it's made up of lower wage, retail based jobs which doesn’t produce enough earnings to live in Folsom. 

 

Picture the town you grew up in, picture going back to the elementary school you went to. It holds a special value to you. Folsom is that city for me. It has a special place in my heart.

 

I represent Folsom's youth who grew up to get involved!

 

For more info about Roger, go to www.facebook.com/VoteGaylord4Folsom/

 

Updated here with Rob Ross' response:

 

Rob Ross

Challenger Rob Ross

 

Folsom is amazing; that’s why it has been my home for over 15 years. My daughter was raised in Folsom and is a proud graduate of Folsom High School. I am running for City Council to offer new vision to make our city an even better place to live and raise a family. I have the passion, experience and energy to improve our city and my platform is clear so you can choose whether my priorities are right for you.

 

Our current City Council has done an admirable job running our city and I have a great working relationship with all of our current council members.

 

As the Chairman of the Folsom Parks and Recreation Commission for the past 6 years, I understand how our city runs and have the experience to represent you from day one. I have been proud to add more than 20 miles of trails, open parks and bridges, and incorporate a trail which allows anyone including those with disabilities to access our waterfront. I am committed to Folsom's way of life and will continue to approve the expansion of our parks, trails, and amenities ensuring that Folsom’s families will always have a place to take in a game or go for a walk. As a local technology business owner I understand the complexities of running Folsom.

 

We currently do not have a councilmember with a technology background and there are so many low cost projects that can improve citizen representation. Our residents are technologically savvy and they want information presented in real time and in bite sizes that they can quickly digest.

 

My proposal is to create a Citizen Dashboard where you can create your own dashboard of only the information that is important to you and create alerts that automatically notify you if the information changes. I will deliver a system where government is transparent and access is easy for everyone.

 

We can also use technology to help address the increasing problem of traffic in our city. Often traffic congestion happens right next to a road that is open and congestion free. These detours go unused because most drivers are unaware of their existence. Adaptive Traffic Control sensors married with Smart changeable signage could detect traffic and automatically create temporary traffic detours to help alleviate slowness in the most congested areas. This information could then be collected and analyzed with a goal of creating a longer term street improvement system to permanently reduce traffic congestion.

 

My plan for Folsom’s future includes: continued investment in first responders, build and attract new businesses, provide jobs both organically and through my Higher Education and Smart Cities initiatives, and continue our strong relationship with our school district. I will expand our parks, trails, arts and library programs. Finally, I will only vote for growth that is fiscally and environmentally responsible. It would be my honor to serve as your next Folsom City Council Member.

 

Call me directly at 916-842-3798 if you want to discuss or learn more at RobForFolsom.com.

 

So, what do you think? Who do you think is best-suited to lead Folsom in the future? 

[camay2327]

Ernie Sheldon is running. He has one of my votes. My wife's vote too.

[SCA]

Thanks for posting this, Steve! I appreciate anyone who is willing to stick his/her neck out and run for elected office.

I'd like to know more about what Chad means by a "smart city". I assume he's talking about requiring homes to use recycled water, etc. His idea of a street car does intrigue me.

With regard to Roger's desire to bring more large employers to town, I think the city, chamber, and economic development corporation are doing a great job of that already, although I'm sure there's always room for improvement. In the last couple of years we've added SAFE Credit Union, VoxPro, and PowerSchool. I was emailing with the CEO of PowerSchool today who told me they recently hired another 200 employees, have filled their current office space, and are looking to expand.

Philosophically, I disagree with Roger on term limits. I think term limits have been a disaster for the legislature. It used to be that legislators of different parties had long-term relationships built on mutual respect. They knew what was sacred to the other side and they'd compromise on the stuff in between. It's not like that anymore. The revolving door created by term limits means staff and lobbyists have more power, not our elected representatives whom we can actually hold accountable by voting them out.

I am thankful there are five people who love this city enough to want to represent us on the council and that we voters can actually vote for the two who most closely represent our values. We haven't had a school board election in six years! In 2012, 2014, and 2016 the number of candidates matched the number of seats available. Although it makes running for office really easy it's pretty sad when you think about it.

[Steve Heard]

Thanks for posting this, Steve! I appreciate anyone who is willing to stick his/her neck out and run for elected office.

 

 

My pleasure. Let me ask you, as our unofficial resident political process expert; People often ask why we don't have an elected Mayor, rather than  the City Council/City Manager form of government. 

 

What would changing to a 'strong mayor' government entail? 

[SCA]

Here's a link I found. http://www.nlc.org/b...ipal-government

I'll have to think more about the pros and cons of having a strong mayor versus the council/city manager system we have now.

[SCA]

I don't know if most or all strong-mayor cities also elect their council members by district. I personally think Folsom is too small to have the council members represent individual districts.

[giacomo]

I will vote for Roger Gaylord and Ernie Sheldon.  As a side note and I don't feel like starting a new topic, my Gaylord yard sign was stolen last night. My neighbor across the street also had a Gaylord sign and there's was also stolen. this is not some neighborhood prank or whatever, but a concerted effort by a Gaylord opponent to think this is easiest way to being elected, well guess what WRONG,   I don't know how low some candidates will stoop, but this  will probably fall under the "plausible  deniability"     What utter BS by the opponents of Gaylord.  I am so pissed off and I certainly don't know who is responsible  for this, but shame on them!! 

Regardless of your party affiliation please be sure to vote on Tuesday

[2 Aces]

I'll be voting for Starsky and Ernie. Would I like a new crew in there? Yes. But the alternatives aren't that great.

And I know enough about Rob Ross that automatically disqualifies him, in my opinion. Is he worthy of being on Council? No way. I'll expand on that after consulting my attorney.

[2 Aces]

Rob Ross, not long ago, was investigated for false imprisonment involving a woman, a cell phone, and his vehicle. It was plea-bargained.

These issues are known to many people in the community. I can provide details, but as they say, "be careful what you ask for".

2 Aces.

[Steve Heard]

I will vote for Roger Gaylord and Ernie Sheldon.  As a side note and I don't feel like starting a new topic, my Gaylord yard sign was stolen last night. My neighbor across the street also had a Gaylord sign and there's was also stolen. this is not some neighborhood prank or whatever, but a concerted effort by a Gaylord opponent to think this is easiest way to being elected, well guess what WRONG,   I don't know how low some candidates will stoop, but this  will probably fall under the "plausible  deniability"     What utter BS by the opponents of Gaylord.  I am so pissed off and I certainly don't know who is responsible  for this, but shame on them!! 

Regardless of your party affiliation please be sure to vote on Tuesday

 

Unfortunately, that happens during election campaigns around the country. People feel so strongly about a candidate that they do unethical things.  

 

Rob Ross, not long ago, was investigated for false imprisonment involving a woman, a cell phone, and his vehicle. It was plea-bargained.

These issues are known to many people in the community. I can provide details, but as they say, "be careful what you ask for".

2 Aces.

 

I did a partial edit. Yes, Mr. Ross' past made the news and the local Facebook chats. I have not spoken to him about it, but he did offer to speak directly to anyone interested. 

[Rich_T]

Well, same old same old...  three challengers dilute the vote just enough for both incumbents to win.  I think Gaylord would have gotten in, if only one of the other two challengers had not been present.

[john]

I've followed Folsom politics since I moved here in 1999... I think the reason incumbents always win is because nothing is currently broken. Home values are strong, jobs are strong, great schools and parks. Folsom is a desirable place to live. As a voter, it is a safe bet to not change a system that is working well.

 

We all have our gripes, but at the end of the day, we love this city. Many of us have concerns about South of 50, but until there are notable problems from it, I don't expect this trend to change. Many had grave concerns about affordable housing and light rail... however we've weathered these storms with barely a ripple. Many cities should be so lucky!

[camay2327]

John, I agree with you on this one.

 

 

I've followed Folsom politics since I moved here in 1999... I think the reason incumbents always win is because nothing is currently broken. Home values are strong, jobs are strong, great schools and parks. Folsom is a desirable place to live. As a voter, it is a safe bet to not change a system that is working well.

 

We all have our gripes, but at the end of the day, we love this city. Many of us have concerns about South of 50, but until there are notable problems from it, I don't expect this trend to change. Many had grave concerns about affordable housing and light rail... however we've weathered these storms with barely a ripple. Many cities should be so lucky!

[Steve Heard]

Well, same old same old...  three challengers dilute the vote just enough for both incumbents to win.  I think Gaylord would have gotten in, if only one of the other two challengers had not been present.

 

That may be true, but who wants to be the one to step aside? Every election cycle it is suggested that only one person runs and the other challengers bow out.  The problem is, all of the challengers feel that they are the best for the job. 

 

I've followed Folsom politics since I moved here in 1999... I think the reason incumbents always win is because nothing is currently broken. Home values are strong, jobs are strong, great schools and parks. Folsom is a desirable place to live. As a voter, it is a safe bet to not change a system that is working well.

 

We all have our gripes, but at the end of the day, we love this city. Many of us have concerns about South of 50, but until there are notable problems from it, I don't expect this trend to change. Many had grave concerns about affordable housing and light rail... however we've weathered these storms with barely a ripple. Many cities should be so lucky!

 

I think you're right on that one. Most people would agree that Folsom is a clean, safe, well-run place with an excellent quality of life. Until that changes, or until someone screws up while in office, the people are going to vote for incumbents. 

[The Average Joe]

Perhaps have each seat be in a district and have specified challengers for each seat. Or even just have challenges by seat.