FOLSOM, Calif. — Folsom voters will elect two new city council members to the dais in November.
Folsom City Council has two seats up for grabs in the Nov. 5 general election. The slots are currently occupied by YK Chalamcherla and Rosario Rodriguez, who were elected as at-large council members in 2020. The city moved to a by-district election system in March 2022, and seats for Districts 1, 3 and 5 were filled in the 2022 general election.
This year’s general election decides Districts 2 and 4 council members. District 4 contains central and southwestern portions of the city. Coverage on District 2 candidates can be found HERE.
The following candidates (in alphabetical order by last name) seek to lead District 4:
- Gul Khan
- Barbara Leary
- Jim Ortega
ABC10 sent the same seven questions to each candidate about their stances. Here are their responses.
Gul Khan
Khan, 48, said he is an entrepreneur who’s operated his company, IT & Technology Solutions, since 2009. He identified as a Democrat, but since a Folsom City Council seat is a nonpartisan office, he said he’s running as a moderate candidate committed to working across party lines.
Why are you running for Folsom City Council?
Deciding to run for Folsom City Council stemmed from my deep commitment to the community and a desire to contribute to its growth and well-being.
I believe that with my skills, experience and passion, I can contribute positively to the development and prosperity of our city. My candidacy is driven by a desire to address key issues, listen to the concerns of residents and implement effective solutions.
Having lived here for many years, I've seen both the strengths and challenges we face, and I'm committed to working towards solutions that benefit all residents.
During my tenure, I’m committed to accomplish several key objectives. First and foremost, I want to ensure that Folsom remains a safe, vibrant and inclusive place to live and work. This means supporting initiatives that promote public safety, enhance infrastructure and foster economic development while preserving our unique character.
Additionally, I aim to prioritize environmental sustainability and responsible growth, finding ways to balance our city's growth with the need to protect our natural resources and maintain our quality of life.
Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering transparent and accountable government, where residents feel heard and involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
My goal is to serve the best interests of all Folsom residents, make Folsom a better place for everyone, where all residents can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. I am committed to working hard, listening to the community and making informed decisions that will benefit our city now and in the future.
How do you believe homelessness in Folsom can best be addressed? Is there any specific program or practice you would like the city to implement with regard to homelessness, should you be elected to council? We ask in the context of Sacramento County's latest point-in-time count in 2024, which showed a 565% increase in nightly unsheltered homelessness in Folsom since 2022.
Addressing homelessness in Folsom requires a comprehensive, compassionate and collaborative approach. The alarming 565% increase in nightly unsheltered homelessness since 2022 signals the urgency of taking action. I believe the most effective way to tackle this issue is through a combination of prevention, housing solutions and supportive services.
First, we need to expand partnerships with non-profits like Jake’s Journey Home, American Muslim Voice and HART of Folsom, which are already on the ground providing assistance to the unhoused. These organizations offer valuable resources, from temporary shelters to long-term housing and support programs, and the city should work closely with them to amplify their impact.
Second, I propose the city adopt a Housing First approach, focusing on providing stable, permanent housing before addressing other issues like mental health or substance abuse. Research has shown that Housing First is highly effective in reducing chronic homelessness. Alongside this, we must ensure access to Wraparound Services — mental health care, job training and addiction recovery programs — so individuals can maintain housing stability long term.
Third, we should explore the possibility of creating affordable housing through public private partnerships. By incentivizing developers to build affordable units or repurpose existing structures, Folsom can increase housing options without straining the city’s budget. The city should also collaborate with county and state governments to secure funding and resources to address this crisis.
When elected to city council, I will prioritize these strategies, working with all stakeholders to ensure that Folsom addresses homelessness effectively and humanely.
What are your thoughts on creating affordable housing in Folsom? Separately, where do you stand on Angelo Tsakopoulos’ “Community for Health and Independence” project, which, if it came to fruition as it is currently proposed, would expand Folsom’s land area and add at least 4,000 housing units to Folsom alone?
Creating affordable housing in Folsom is essential to ensuring that our city remains inclusive and accessible to people from all walks of life. As Folsom continues to grow, we must address the increasing need for housing that is affordable to working families, young professionals and seniors. Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter; it’s about fostering a diverse, vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
To achieve this, I support leveraging public-private partnerships to incentivize developers to include affordable units in new developments. Additionally, we should explore innovative solutions like mixed-use developments, which combine residential, commercial and recreational spaces to create dynamic communities. Preserving existing affordable housing and preventing displacement through rental assistance programs are also critical components of this strategy.
Regarding Angelo Tsakopoulos’ “Community for Health and Independence” project, which proposes expanding Folsom’s land area and adding at least 4,000 housing units, I have several considerations. On one hand, this project could significantly contribute to Folsom’s housing stock, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on housing availability and prices. It also presents an opportunity to incorporate affordable housing into a larger development, ensuring that we meet the needs of our growing population.
However, the expansion must be carefully evaluated to ensure it aligns with Folsom’s long-term vision and infrastructure capacity. We need to consider the impact on traffic, schools and public services, as well as the environmental implications of expanding into new land areas. Smart development is key — any new project should be designed to enhance Folsom’s quality of life, not strain our resources.
If the Community for Health and Independence project proceeds, I would advocate for a balanced approach that includes affordable housing, protects open spaces, and ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the new development. Community input will be crucial in shaping this project to meet the needs of Folsom residents.
Folsom is one of California’s fastest-growing cities, which often means more jobs, investment and business opportunities. Is Folsom’s growth something you would like to attempt contributing to should you be elected into office?
Absolutely, I see Folsom’s growth as an opportunity to enhance our local economy, create jobs and improve the quality of life for residents. As one of California’s fastest growing cities, Folsom has tremendous potential, and when elected to city council, I would work to ensure that this growth is sustainable, well-planned and benefits everyone in our community.
As a member of the city council, I would focus on fostering economic growth by attracting diverse businesses that provide good-paying jobs and contribute to the local economy. This includes supporting small businesses, encouraging innovation and leveraging Folsom’s strengths — such as its highly educated workforce and strategic location — to attract industries that align with our community values.
However, growth must be managed carefully to ensure that our infrastructure, public services and natural resources can support an expanding population. This means investing in transportation solutions to reduce traffic congestion, expanding public services like schools and healthcare facilities, and ensuring that new developments are environmentally sustainable. I would also prioritize maintaining Folsom’s open spaces and recreational areas, which are vital to our community’s well-being.
Moreover, I believe that growth should be inclusive. As Folsom grows, we must ensure that all residents, regardless of income or background, have access to the opportunities that come with it. This includes expanding affordable housing, supporting workforce development programs and promoting equitable access to city resources.
I would actively contribute to Folsom’s growth by promoting smart, sustainable development that enhances our economy, infrastructure and community life, while preserving the unique character of our city. By balancing progress with careful planning, we can ensure that Folsom continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Are you in support of adopting Folsom’s citizen-led, 1-cent sales tax initiative, which will appear on the ballot in November? Why or why not? What are other ways projected funding gaps posed by City Manager Elaine Andersen can be addressed? People turning to online sales is one factor contributing to this deficit.
I’m open to supporting Folsom’s citizen-led 1-cent sales tax initiative, but I believe it’s essential to carefully evaluate its long-term effects on residents, businesses and the overall economy. This initiative aims to address projected funding gaps in city services and infrastructure, as highlighted by City Manager Elaine Andersen. These gaps are largely due to increased demand for services driven by growth, inflation and the shift to online shopping, which reduces local tax revenue.
If enacted, the 1-cent sales tax would provide much-needed funds to maintain essential services like public safety, road maintenance and parks. Without this revenue, Folsom could face cuts to these vital services, potentially harming residents’ quality of life. Given that the revenue from this measure would stay within Folsom and be allocated locally, the tax is worth considering.
However, raising taxes is a significant decision, especially with the rising cost of living. That’s why I would prioritize ensuring transparency and accountability in how these funds are used, making sure they go toward the most critical needs and are not mismanaged. Additionally, we must consider how the tax might affect local businesses and low-income residents and find ways to minimize any negative impacts.
To address funding gaps, I believe Folsom should also explore a diversified revenue strategy. This could involve encouraging local business growth, expanding the tourism sector and seeking public-private partnerships to support key amenities. We should also look at improving city operations' efficiency to cut costs without compromising service quality
Folsom works to make its roads safer; for example, it’s studying roundabouts and adopting updated speed limits. What is your stance on traffic and road safety in Folsom, and how might you approach this subject if elected to council?
Traffic and road safety are crucial issues for Folsom as our city continues to grow. While roundabouts have historically been used in high-traffic cities like London to manage congestion and improve safety, it's important to recognize that transportation technology and best practices have evolved significantly since then.
Roundabouts, while effective in many cases, are now being complemented or even replaced by smart traffic management technologies in some of the world's busiest cities. Modern approaches such as adaptive traffic signals, real-time traffic monitoring systems and data-driven traffic flow management can offer more dynamic and responsive solutions to managing congestion and improving safety.
When elected to the city council, I would support continuing our study of roundabouts to understand their effectiveness in our specific context. However, I would also advocate for integrating contemporary traffic control technologies and practices. This includes exploring smart traffic signals that adjust in real-time based on current traffic conditions, implementing advanced pedestrian safety systems and using data analytics to optimize traffic flow.
By combining traditional methods with modern technology, we can create a comprehensive approach to traffic and road safety that addresses the unique needs of Folsom. This strategy will help ensure that our roads remain safe and efficient as our city grows, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.
Should you be elected, what other issue(s) would you like to address or continue to address as a council member, and can you briefly explain how you would tackle them? Perhaps there are district-specific issues you would like to mention.
When elected to the City Council, there are several key issues I am committed to addressing, particularly those affecting District 4 and the broader Folsom community.
1. Prevention of Retail Theft: District 4 is home to many retail businesses, and the rise in retail theft is not only affecting these businesses but also impacting Folsom’s economy as a whole. I would work to enhance collaboration between local law enforcement and retail businesses to implement stronger anti-theft measures and surveillance systems. Additionally, increasing community policing efforts and fostering partnerships with security experts could help in deterring theft and ensuring a safer shopping environment.
2. Youth Skill Development: Engaging our young generation through skill development programs is crucial for their future and for the city’s economic vitality. I propose initiatives that offer vocational training, internships and apprenticeships in emerging fields. By creating opportunities for youth to gain valuable skills, we can help them secure local jobs and contribute positively to Folsom’s workforce.
3. Partnership with Local Community Colleges: To prepare our workforce for future technological challenges, I would advocate for strong partnerships with local community colleges. These partnerships can focus on training programs for in-demand fields such as technology, generative AI and electric vehicle repairs and services. By aligning educational programs with industry needs, we can equip our residents with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow and attract businesses looking for a skilled workforce.
4. Smart and Sustainable Growth: As Folsom continues to grow, it’s essential that this growth is both smart and sustainable. I would support development plans that are aligned with our existing infrastructure to ensure that new housing and commercial projects are well-integrated into our city. This includes promoting sustainable building practices and ensuring that growth does not outpace our ability to provide essential services and maintain our quality of life.
By addressing these issues, we can enhance safety, create job opportunities, prepare our workforce for future demands and ensure that Folsom grows in a balanced and sustainable manner.
Barbara Leary
Leary, 75, said she is a retired nurse practitioner who worked at the UC Davis Medical Center. She identified as a fiscally conservative Democrat.
Why are you running for Folsom City Council?
I have been invested in the Folsom community for 30 years and actively initiated and participated in conservation efforts, addressed development proposals, land use and resident concerns as both a concerned citizen and commission member.
I served on the:
1) Parks & Recreation Commission working on park planning, funding, and implementation of recreational programs.
2) Arts & Cultural Commission and was able to expand our programming to include multi-cultural events and initiated the repair and conservation of valuable art work within the City.
3) Planning Commission, using knowledge I had gained through past efforts to ensure that businesses near neighborhoods was resident friendly, that new development planning was interconnected with a trail system to make it walkable, that housing met the goals of the approved development plans, and state requirements (met) our Regional Housing Needs Allocation.
4) As a volunteer before and in between commission appointments I worked on the City’s General Plan and Climate Action Plan. I worked to enhance the conservation of open space and retention of valuable forested lands, saving greater than 100 oaks and 3 acres of open space at the entrance to Folsom at Highway 50 through submitting Landmark Tree applications and working with the city arborist.
I have valuable historical knowledge of our town that will help with future planning, addressing current and future resident needs and concerns. Institutional knowledge at City Hall is largely missing because of staff turnover, some due to severe cutbacks over the last decade. We do not need to keep reinventing approaches that have not worked in the past.
How do you believe homelessness in Folsom can best be addressed? Is there any specific program or practice you would like the city to implement with regard to homelessness, should you be elected to council? We ask in the context of Sacramento County's latest point-in-time count in 2024, which showed a 565% increase in nightly unsheltered homelessness in Folsom since 2022.
Per volunteer counts, the point-in-time count has been lowered since earlier this year, largely due to the efforts of volunteer programs such as Jake’s Journey Home, HART and Powerhouse Ministries. At last count by the staff of Jake’s Journey home, the count was down to the mid-70s from the 133 reported in the referenced article. Of note, that count did not reflect how many unhoused individuals were transient and how many were long term campers in the area. In addition, the city established a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) team that began operating in July and which is working to contact individuals, make referrals for help and clearing camps once the inhabitants have moved on.
The critical missing piece is the lack of resources and some kind of shelter/housing for the unhoused in the city and county, as well as state wide, that must be addressed. A cooperative effort on the part of all of our areas cities and the county is needed to stop the revolving door of the unhoused moving from one municipality to another — this should be solved by sharing the development of sites for facilities — tiny homes, recovery homes for the chemically dependent and repurposing of unused facilities for shelter near public transportation corridors. Prop. 1 funds must be secured by the county and a broader based mental health system restored. There are clearly multiple challenges but elected officials must stand firm on making hard choices when it comes to sharing the burden. The bipartisan bill being introduced by McCarty, Hoover (and) Nguyen to establish a JPA (joint powers authority) in Sacramento County could be a powerful step in addressing this issue.
What are your thoughts on creating affordable housing in Folsom? Separately, where do you stand on Angelo Tsakopoulos’ “Community for Health and Independence” project, which, if it came to fruition as it is currently proposed, would expand Folsom’s land area and add at least 4,000 housing units to Folsom alone?
The city is undertaking the rezoning of multiple sites both north and south of Highway 50 which will allow for the development of more affordable housing over the next 7-8 years. The affordable housing entities that have been participating to date, St. Anton’s in particular, only provide rental housing, although Habitat for Humanity is now taking applications from qualifying parties to build 10 homes for purchase in the Historic District. What is of great concern to me is that we are sorely lacking in homes that the “missing middle” income residents can afford to own.
We must work towards establishing development goals with builders to provide such residences for “life stage” housing — for young workers, retirees who want to downsize but cannot afford to due to the overwhelming costs of most single-family homes. Hence, we need more town homes, condominiums, garden style cottages homes and duplexes to accommodate this need. Young workers deserve to create generational wealth and retirees can pass on the savings created by not renting in expensive retiree communities. The ability of retirees to move into less expensive housing will also create more housing opportunities for families when their homes go on the market.
While the effort to establish a research center for aging and the disabled is a laudable effort, expanding the city limits by adding 4,000 additional housing units would create a burden on Folsom that would further jeopardize our ability to provide services for our existing and the already approved areas for development. The research project itself is only 10% of the proposed total project of over 8,000 homes between what AKT ( Angelo K. Tsakopoulos Investments) wishes to develop across the Sacramento and El Dorado County lines. This development will considerably tax or exceed our regional water supply, affect our already heavily impacted roadways and increase VMT (vehicle-miles traveled) above the state goal for the region by creating an even greater need for travel outside of that area for jobs, goods (and) services. Exceeding state mandates for VMT will negatively impact our ability to obtain transportation funding for much needed road improvements and repairs. Additionally, Folsom’s schools are already over-impacted with the growth to date in the Plan Area with the proposed construction of a high school there now delayed by 8+ years. It is clear that another bond measure will be needed to comply with the educational needs of our families in the area already approved for more housing.
An alternative that should be sought is identifying another site for the research center for the UC Davis research facility in the region, near lands already approved for development and near supportive housing for seniors, instead of hinging it to an expansion of Folsom.
Folsom is one of California’s fastest-growing cities, which often means more jobs, investment and business opportunities. Is Folsom’s growth something you would like to attempt contributing to should you be elected into office?
To be very clear, I am not anti-growth! Folsom has the opportunity to transition from a bedroom/commuter community to a place where people can live and work.
Cultivation of more housing and economic development is necessary but can and must be managed in a way that does not further impact the livability of the city. With zoning changes, zoning of the Bidwell Street Corridor and other sites on the north and south sides of Highway 50 along transit corridors there is much room for mixed-use housing and commercial space.
Along with the impending development of a “town center” within the Plan Area, the recently proposed sports complex with an ice rink and changes in the use of some of the city’s lands such as the Rodeo Arena and Corporation yard, the city has the opportunity for growth in both diverse housing opportunities and economic opportunities without creating more sprawl. With only half of the area S-50 being developed at this point there are more opportunities to take the pressure off of providing the majority of tourism activities in the Historic District.
Are you in support of adopting Folsom’s citizen-led, 1-cent sales tax initiative, which will appear on the ballot in November? Why or why not? What are other ways projected funding gaps posed by City Manager Elaine Andersen can be addressed? People turning to online sales is one factor contributing to this deficit.
The city is facing daunting issues resulting from years of staff cutbacks and delayed repairs and improvements in public facilities. Certainly, increasing the annual income is needed to address each of the issues that City Manager Andersen has identified during the budget hearings this year. I also fully understand the concerns of the residents who are financially strapped or philosophically opposed to additional taxes. I strongly encourage each voter to look into the measures, evaluate the deficits in city services and amenities while making their decision. I personally support it, but if it fails will work hard to identify various resources for funding including aiding staff, perhaps augmented by college students working for class credits, to research and write grants for services that quality such as, but not limited to, roadway improvements, repair and enhancement of existing recreational facilities and trails, equipment needs for maintenance and repairs. If the current initiative does not pass, I would support a ½ cent sales tax increase for the 2026 ballot. Public/private partnerships can be expanded but not to the detriment of the city’s oversight and management of its facilities. Nonprofit foundations and corporations can be identified and engaged to support city partnerships and create agreements that are mutually beneficial. I do not support the privatization of or sale of public amenities.
Folsom works to make its roads safer; for example, it’s studying roundabouts and adopting updated speed limits. What is your stance on traffic and road safety in Folsom, and how might you approach this subject if elected to council?
I have long fought for better traffic calming throughout the city, both as a resident whose neighborhood was negatively impacted by poor planning at the outset. As a resident and later as a Planning Commissioner, I sought to create better traffic calming methods in new development. Better traffic calming for the major arterial collector streets in all older neighborhoods throughout the city needs to be undertaken, as well as ensuring that all new areas start with such measures instead of deferring them until they are a problem for residents. Traffic-calming measures should include not just roundabouts but incorporate class 2 bike lanes on lengthy arterials to allow for alternative transportation as well as narrowing the streets, qualifying them for state-allowed lower speed limits. Other methods include speed bumps, flashing lights and colored striping for crosswalks on major roadway crossings and crossings near parks and schools. Funding for a traffic patrol focusing on problem areas on a regular basis would be a valuable addition to saving lives as well.
Should you be elected, what other issue(s) would you like to address or continue to address as a council member, and can you briefly explain how you would tackle them? Perhaps there are district-specific issues you would like to mention.
I want to ensure the repair of our aging parks in the older neighborhoods of District 4 and the completion of parks which have long been underfunded, and ensure that new parks are available and funded in the Plan Area (S-50). I want to ensure that all areas with Lighting and Landscaping Districts are brought up to date on their fees before their communities become downtrodden due to lack of funding. My neighborhood is one that has not received enough support for that effort to date. I want to continue to work on building and maintaining a collegial relationship with Folsom Lake State Recreational Area to enhance the areas ability to support both the goals of the park, maintain its natural elements, and support the Native American tribal goals of preservation and conservation while taking advantage of good-sense tourism opportunities. Another of my prime goals is to enhance our economic development program to encourage the influx of new, vibrant businesses that will attract younger people to live, work and play. Engaging an Economic Development Director within the city to identify such businesses could accomplish this goal.
I would like to see the Police Department reinvigorate the Neighborhood Watch program. Many were established years ago and many residents have since moved on, and I’ve found many neighborhoods where very few neighbors know each other and no contact info/alert system has been reinstituted. This could be carried out through the use of volunteer personnel.
I would also like to create a mentoring program for young adults at our high schools and junior college, which could engage future leaders in our area. Though, we often see students attending a council meeting or so, more active programs could be created in conjunction with the schools and local homeowner’s associations and community organizations to further engage both youth and adults who would like to step into the decision-making process at the city level.
Jim Ortega
Ortega, 59, said he is a retired police chief. He identified as a Republican.
Why are you running for Folsom City Council?
Throughout my career in law enforcement, I worked to keep our families, businesses, neighborhoods and community safe. I was privileged to have a long and successful career serving the public, maintaining the highest levels of integrity and never losing sight of the public trust that must be earned each and every day. I will bring all of this with me to the Folsom City Council.
My wife and I have lived in Folsom for over 17 years. I love this community and am running for City Council to take my experience and put it to work making local government work better for our residents. I believe we can tackle our pressing issues, like public safety, homelessness and long-term fiscal responsibility. It will take experienced leadership and a willingness to make hard decisions, but the future of Folsom is worth fighting for.
How do you believe homelessness in Folsom can best be addressed? Is there any specific program or practice you would like the city to implement with regard to homelessness, should you be elected to council? We ask in the context of Sacramento County's latest point-in-time count in 2024, which showed a 565% increase in nightly unsheltered homelessness in Folsom since 2022.
Yes, the most recent 2024 Point-in-Time Count showed the city of Folsom experienced the largest increase in homelessness of any jurisdiction in Sacramento County. That is unacceptable and demands immediate solutions.
While serving as chief of police in Placerville, I helped initiate a collaborative effort between the El Dorado County and the city of Placerville to better address those in the homeless-mentally ill community. Prior to retiring from the Placerville Police Department, the first six months of this collaboration resulted in a 37% decrease in calls for service related to the homeless population.
I would advocate for a similar approach in Folsom. We must address the underlying causes of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, if we are going to get people off the streets and on the path to stable housing and long-term self-sustainability.
I support partnering with Sacramento County and local nonprofit organizations to provide mental health, substance abuse and social services to those experiencing homelessness and making sure that shelters and transitional housing opportunities are providing those critical services to those in need.
What are your thoughts on creating affordable housing in Folsom? Separately, where do you stand on Angelo Tsakopoulos’ “Community for Health and Independence” project, which, if it came to fruition as it is currently proposed, would expand Folsom’s land area and add at least 4,000 housing units to Folsom alone?
There are other ways that the city can play a role in helping the private sector along in creating more housing opportunities, including identifying surplus public land for housing development and reviewing and revising building codes and regulations to allow for alternative housing types, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). I have also expressed my desire to see more housing available at the mid-level price point. We have a good supply of high-end and affordable housing, including high density rental housing. I would like to see more homes priced for entry-level professionals including our teachers, police officers, fire fighters and expanding medical professionals.
Regarding the proposal by Angelo Tsakopoulos for a community split between two counties and currently outside of our city limits, I am not in favor of it as it is currently planned. This area of land is outside of the Folsom city limits and split between El Dorado and Sacramento counties. Mr. Tsakopoulos is completing more studies at his expense to determine if this is a feasible project. I am happy to view his proposal.
I support the concept of a research facility and housing for the elderly developmentally disabled. I believe there are more suitable locations within the Folsom Plan Area for this project.
As a councilmember, I am committed to making sure the city is playing a proactive and supportive role in increasing our housing stock, making our city more livable and accessible for all residents.
Folsom is one of California’s fastest-growing cities, which often means more jobs, investment and business opportunities. Is Folsom’s growth something you would like to attempt contributing to should you be elected into office?
Folsom’s growth has meant great economic expansion and job opportunities for residents. With this growth comes cost pressures to local government, as demands for services grow. It is important that we balance strategic investments in our neighborhoods and community to preserve our quality of life. We can maintain Folsom’s historic roots while meeting the demands of the modern economy.
Are you in support of adopting Folsom’s citizen-led, 1-cent sales tax initiative, which will appear on the ballot in November? Why or why not? What are other ways projected funding gaps posed by City Manager Elaine Andersen can be addressed? People turning to online sales is one factor contributing to this deficit.
I am supportive of Measure G as providing our first responders with resources is critical to preserving the quality of life in Folsom. Declining revenues and increasing costs have strained our city finances and hindered our public safety professionals. We need to provide the Folsom police and fire departments with the resources they need and bring staffing to the appropriate levels to protect all of Folsom.
Folsom works to make its roads safer; for example, it’s studying roundabouts and adopting updated speed limits. What is your stance on traffic and road safety in Folsom, and how might you approach this subject if elected to council?
With a career spent working in law enforcement, I have a unique insight into the public safety challenges facing our community and how we can best address them. Keeping our roads safe is of the utmost importance, and I will approach traffic safety with a careful approach that balances traffic volume and construction costs. It is also important that new development in Folsom pays its fair share of costs to upgrade our roads and expand traffic capacity as a result of new growth. I have seen the proposal for roundabouts in Folsom, and I support the idea as I believe it will reduce traffic in our existing neighborhoods as well as mitigate traffic in our new developments.
Should you be elected, what other issue(s) would you like to address or continue to address as a council member, and can you briefly explain how you would tackle them? Perhaps there are district-specific issues you would like to mention.
For much of my career in law enforcement, I oversaw multi-million-dollar public budgets. I understand how to budget, run public organizations effectively, and protect taxpayers. At the city of Folsom, we need to cultivate a culture of respect for taxpayer dollars and understand that all our revenue is entrusted to us for the public good from hard working Folsom families. I will always seek efficient, effective local government that delivers results to residents without waste. We can balance strategic investments in our neighborhoods and community while still making smart long-term fiscal decisions.
I am concerned about portions of council District 4 that are beginning to show its age. The Folsom Premium Outlets and the adjacent shopping complex that houses the Century Theaters and other retailers are not as busy as they have been in the past. I would like to work with the property owners to ensure these areas remain a thriving part of Folsom’s commercial business community. I am also concerned about recent workforce reductions by Intel.
Where are current council members going?
Council members Chalamcherla and Rodriguez look elsewhere in the Folsom region for political careers.
Chalamcherla is running against Dianna Laney, a local business owner, for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 2 seat currently occupied by the board’s president, Tim Hooey, who is not running for reelection.
In the March 5 primary election, Supervisor-elect Rodriguez won 51.47% of the vote in the District 4 Sacramento County Board of Supervisors race. She needed 50% plus one vote to win and is expected to be sworn into office in January.
