RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — Voters will fill three Rancho Cordova City Council seats in the election next month.
The election decides Districts 1, 3 and 4. The council adopted a by-district elections map in October 2023. Mayor David Sander, who also serves as president of the National League of Cities, is running unopposed for District 1.
The following candidates (in alphabetical order by last name) seek to lead District 3:
- Joe Little
- Chris Mann
- Sergiy Pronin
Amber Verdugo, a fourth District 3 candidate, said she suspended her campaign for personal reasons.
ABC10 sent the same seven questions to candidates about their stances. Here are their responses:
Joe Little
Little, 32, said he is an attorney for cities and counties in the Sacramento area. He identified as a registered Democrat.
Why are you running for Rancho Cordova City Council?
This is the first time in city history that my working class neighborhood has a dedicated seat on the council thanks to a threatened lawsuit against the city last year. It’s the most important election in my neighborhood’s history. As for me, I have a background of being a voice for the voiceless and forgotten. My neighborhood has been voiceless and forgotten for 21 years. I’m running to get us our fair shake for City Hall.
How do you believe homelessness in Rancho Cordova 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?
I’m a housing-first person. Being out on the street intensifies all the issues our homeless experience, worsens mental health and intensifies substance abuse issues. We need more shelter beds, to convert blighted motels into housing and to stop the pointless sweeps. Right now, our city has neither compassion nor pragmatism. We need both.
Roughly 1 in 7 people in Rancho Cordova (about 6.71) experience poverty, according to 2023 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you are elected, what would be your approach to addressing these numbers?
My district accounts for many of those living in poverty in the city. We can turn that around by incentivizing businesses to hire persons who live in the city, building more affordable housing, preventing rent hikes against our most vulnerable persons, etc. Poverty is complex, and it will take years and many different solutions to uplift our community, but we have to start somewhere, and we have to start now.
Council often discusses city development plans while a large portion of its budget goes to public safety. What is your perception of Rancho Cordova law enforcement and their practices? Are there changes, or perhaps improvements, you would make if elected? If so, what?
We don’t have a true dedicated police force. We contract with the (Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office) for (a Rancho Cordova Police Department) unit. RCPD has high officer turnover, and they rarely come to my side of the city and mostly just stick to the wealthier neighborhoods. Instead, for my neighborhood, the county generally sends either the park ranger or actual sheriff deputies. The rangers and deputies are rude to us and do everything they can to avoid helping us, solving crime and preventing crime. It’s disappointing. I’m running to form our own dedicated force that is accountable to our community.
Rancho Cordova has a large private business park, and employees at high-paying jobs work in the city while low-income earners often leave the city to go to work. How would you best address bringing more Rancho Cordova citizens to work in the city?
Incentivize local businesses to both move here and to hire local. Grants, tax breaks, etc. Whatever it takes. Rancho Cordova has nearly as bad of an office vacancy problem as San Francisco. My district is full of empty commercial buildings. And, my working class neighborhood is severely underemployed for complex reasons like the fact that many jobs for which they qualify are a distance away. This is something voters have been telling me when I’ve been knocking on doors.
What do you think the future of Rancho Cordova looks like?
A continuation of the growth and progress we’ve seen while also uplifting forgotten neighborhoods like mine. We deserve to share in the gains the rest of the city receives. We need to end “contract city,” where our City Hall is short-staffed, is not represented by a labor union and experiences high turnover. Other cities of our size have at least double the amount of dedicated, long-term staff who possess invaluable institutional knowledge. The outsourcing experiment must end. Local governments aren’t businesses, they are service providers.
Should you be elected, are there other issue(s) you would 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.
My top 3 issues are traffic safety, the cost of living crisis and public safety. I’ve already mentioned above how we can begin to have better public safety with a more responsive police force. As for traffic safety, I will work with city workers to study more areas of the city for traffic calming measures, speed up the existing slow process for getting recognized dangerous areas the calming measures they need and apply for and lobby for state and federal funding to meet these needs. For the cost of living crisis, I want to bring rent control to the city, help form resident unions at our apartments and mobile home parks to stop them from continuing to get beat down by landlords and management, and explore community land trusts on the many vacant lots in my district.
Chris Mann
Mann, 57, said he is a supervisor at CalWORKS subsidized employment program and involved with Volunteers of America, Northern California and Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN). He said he is registered without a party preference.
Why are you running for Rancho Cordova City Council?
I have dedicated 22 years to serving the Rancho Cordova community, specifically District 3, and have worked at Mather for 27 years, focusing on our most vulnerable populations. Throughout my career, I have assisted thousands, including:
- Individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Former foster youth.
- Homeless veterans.
- CalWORKs and Welfare-to-Work recipients.
- Re-entry populations.
I have been instrumental in conceptualizing, designing and implementing seven distinct programs aimed at creating pathways out of homelessness. These initiatives have transformed the lives of many, enabling them to become successful, productive members of society.
My approach has been rooted in understanding community needs, identifying resources and building relationships to fulfill those needs. I have successfully developed funding streams and resources that are accessible at little to no cost to clients or taxpayers. My commitment to this cause goes beyond my professional role; it is my advocacy to serve the most vulnerable in our community.
How do you believe homelessness in Rancho Cordova 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 must acknowledge that the current "Housing First" policy, established in 2009, is not adequately addressing homelessness. It is essential to recognize that individuals require not only housing but also the necessary resources and community support to build successful lives. Our experience at Mather Community Campus from 1995 to 2016 demonstrated that comprehensive support services are crucial. The subsequent cuts to funding for mental health and treatment services have contributed to the rise in homelessness, as many individuals lack the skills to maintain stable housing without proper support.
We need to establish mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities to help individuals recover and rebuild their lives. Low-barrier shelters often exacerbate the issue, as evidence suggests that abstinence can be a foundational step toward recovery. It is essential to create our own shelters and treatment programs rather than relying solely on the Continuum of Care (COC), which may not prioritize the needs of those entering the programs.
Roughly 1 in 7 people in Rancho Cordova (about 6.71) experience poverty, according to 2023 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you are elected, what would be your approach to addressing these numbers?
Thank you for highlighting the census data, which I am already aware of. It is concerning that while we have an 85% graduation rate in our high schools, only 47.5% of students are proficient in math and English. This disparity underscores the need for a systematic approach to improve educational outcomes and proficiency levels among our youth.
To address these challenges, we must focus on providing resources for skills training and creating pathways to well-paying careers. I have collaborated with local trades and the small to medium business community to develop programs that enable residents to receive retraining at little to no cost. Additionally, I advocate for initiatives that allow children to participate in sports and arts programs, fostering well-rounded development and enhancing their future opportunities.
Council often discusses city development plans while a large portion of its budget goes to public safety. What is your perception of Rancho Cordova law enforcement and their practices? Are there changes, or perhaps improvements, you would make if elected? If so, what?
I am a big supporter of law enforcement and our (Rancho Cordova Police Department), (Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office), I find them to be very competent. We have a great force, and they have a good relationship with the community. The changes I see in District 3, the oldest and most uninvolved and uninformed community, is the relationship with code enforcement and speeding and unsafe driving. Our long-term residents have older vehicles and possibly trash and rubbish in their yards temporarily as they don’t have the funds to fix or clean up at that time. I need code enforcement to have relationships and the POP (problem-oriented policing) officers that have communication skills to have more understanding for our struggling residents. We need speed bumps and more stop signs in our neighborhoods to slow people down. Our streets are way down in more violent crimes but have theft that is still prevalent. My goal is to work with POP officers and community meetings to see how to launch neighborhood watch in each community to meet the needs of the community.
Rancho Cordova has a large private business park, and employees at high-paying jobs work in the city while low-income earners often leave the city to go to work. How would you best address bringing more Rancho Cordova citizens to work in the city?
We love our Rancho businesses as I work with them daily with our Welfare-to-Work candidates. In addressing this issue, I have many training programs and business networks that people can get into for FREE or at a low cost. Most people don’t get to dream due to their circumstances, but I have resources for training, mentoring, job placement and skills to meet the demand of the local labor market as we need to address the needs of the business community to meet the people looking to grow in their careers.
What do you think the future of Rancho Cordova looks like?
Rancho Cordova is in the best position of any city in the region. We are centrally located on the (Highway) 50 corridor. The investments that the city is making in large companies from overseas is impressive. The new community of some 25,000 houses and the new $25 million thoroughfare makes Rancho accessible from Highway 99 now. We also have a great investment in a civic center and land for large corporations to create new enterprises. We need to look at sports and entertainment as we spoke of a pro Soccer team for years, with the Oakland A’s and our Sacramento Kings and the fastest most attractive housing market in the region, we are in a great position to grow and bring jobs and companies from all over the world to the region. Why shouldn’t Rancho be a destination place as it is right off the freeway and 1.5 hours from San Francisco and 1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe?
Should you be elected, are there other issue(s) you would 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 have always fought for those that don’t have a voice that is why my tagline is “a voice for Lincoln Village,” as our District is old and has never had a city council member on it, and I don’t know anyone else that is as active in our city and has the relationship in our county that I have. I have developed a reputation that not only serves his community but fights for the voiceless. To get our District to use their voice to be heard in their park and school district, to create a place that is for new first-time homeowners that have lived in our apartments but have a new career and want to raise a family here…it is important that the city invest in District 3 in their parks, to build free sports programs for our youth in places that are adequate, safe and well maintained. To bring small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community to grow and have their business thrive. In our older community, we need to have them continue to be safe and have resources to thrive and create a community to do that with our Senior Center and volunteers for activities.
In closing, Rancho Cordova has become a place to stay. It no longer is a place you need to leave but it is all you can afford, especially in our district. We have great new first-time homebuyers, schools with great teachers, a great park in Lincoln Village but they haven’t invested in the people who pay the taxes, the residents. So, I will continue to fight for the voiceless, the apathetic that feel unheard and get those resources to my constituents to raise up a “Village.”
Sergiy Pronin
Pronin, 41, said he serves as principal and CEO of Bryte Christian Academy, a private K-12 school in West Sacramento. He said he is nonpartisan.
Why are you running for Rancho Cordova City Council?
I am running for city council because I want to make life of our residents more comfortable and happier. As a Christian, I want to share my values with our residents, and these values are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. My goals as a member of our city council will be:
- to keep our city safe and clean,
- promote the well-being and prosperity of our city's residents,
- make our city more attractive to young families and families with children,
- and encourage business development to create new jobs.
How do you believe homelessness in Rancho Cordova 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?
Homelessness is a very big problem in our region and in California in general. In Rancho Cordova specifically, I think compared to other cities, we don't have as many homeless people on the streets, and we don't have the big encampments that other cities have. So, a big thank you to our current city council, our city management and Micah Runner as a city manager, and the Rancho Cordova Police Department for their efforts to address this issue. However, the problem still exists and should be solved.
This problem is complex and in some ways is not even within the city's control because cities do not have enough resources and authority to properly address this problem. This problem needs to be addressed at all levels of California government, from the city to the governor.
In many cases, the problem is not a housing shortage or a job shortage. According to current statistics, about 67% of homeless people have some kind of mental disorder, many of them in very severe forms. (Approximately) 77% currently have some kind of mental disorder or have had one in the recent past. These include substance use disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD and personality disorders. These people need professional medical and psychological treatment. In my opinion, the state should create special clinics where such people would receive adequate treatment and attitude.
On a city level, to address the issues and challenges facing our unhoused community, the city needs to effectively leverage federal and state funding. As an idea, to do this, the city needs to create a community committee that includes community leaders, business leaders and leaders of nonprofits (religious groups, missions and charities) whose members are already active in the work with homeless people. This committee will help the city understand the needs and challenges of unhoused communities and find ways to address them appropriately. Personally, I am ready to serve on this committee to address the issues of homelessness.
Roughly 1 in 7 people in Rancho Cordova (about 6.71) experience poverty, according to 2023 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you are elected, what would be your approach to addressing these numbers?
My goal is to promote the prosperity of our District 3 residents and all residents of Rancho Cordova. The primary goal of city council members is to make the community they represent and serve happier. Personally, I want to see more smiling and happy faces in our community. Our residents should feel that the city authorities care about them and do everything possible to make people's lives better and comfortable. In my opinion, to reduce the level of poverty, the city must stimulate business development and create new high-paying jobs.
Business is critical to the economic development and prosperity of Rancho Cordova. My goal as your city councilman will be to promote business growth in our city by attracting startups and small businesses and helping them thrive, engaging businesses of all sizes to enhance regional success and meeting community needs through workforce development.
Council often discusses city development plans while a large portion of its budget goes to public safety. What is your perception of Rancho Cordova law enforcement and their practices? Are there changes, or perhaps improvements, you would make if elected? If so, what?
Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of a municipal government. I believe the city should invest a significant portion of its budget in public safety. A safe city is essential to the well-being of our residents and the economic growth of our community. A safe city is more likely to attract new residents, businesses and investments, which will ultimately contribute to local job creation and economic development. As a city council member, I will be in constant communication with our city management team, the police department, the Sacramento (Metropolitan) Fire District, the County Emergency Management Agency and community organizations to ensure our neighborhood is safe.
According to city statistics over the past few years, we have seen a decrease in all types of crime. I am very grateful for this to the Rancho Cordova Police Department, Chief Matthew Tamayo and every police officer for their service to our community.
Rancho Cordova has a large private business park, and employees at high-paying jobs work in the city while low-income earners often leave the city to go to work. How would you best address bringing more Rancho Cordova citizens to work in the city?
One initiative to address this issue could be special educational programs for Rancho Cordova residents. The city of Rancho Cordova is investing $2 million into its local workforce to provide free educational and training opportunities to Rancho Cordova residents who are unemployed, underemployed or want to upskill to compete for higher wage jobs. Currently, the city offers two programs Trade Skills and Data & Technology:
- Trade Skills (are) provided by North State Building Industry Foundation. This program provides Rancho Cordova residents with the skills necessary to enter the workforce in skilled and professional occupations in energy, construction, utilities, manufacturing and more.
- Data & Technology is provided through Bay Valley Tech. This program provided Rancho Cordova residents with training to prepare them for entry-level careers as digital designers and marketers, project managers, web developers and more.
The city should continue to invest in educational incentives like these, as they help improve the quality of life for some of our residents and are especially helpful for our immigrant community. In addition, the city should work with local businesses to help their graduates find employment locally.
As a city council member, I will support investment and promotion of various educational programs, and I believe that in addition to these two programs, we need programs to train future office workers: administrative assistants, clerks and bookkeepers.
What do you think the future of Rancho Cordova looks like?
(The) city of Rancho Cordova is a very young city with a huge potential for growth and economic development. Currently, our city is working on its long-term strategic development plan. City council and city management already had several workshops and hired a consulting firm to conduct research and proposals. The strategy development process will take about 2-3 years, so I hope to be a part of that effort.
As for а father of seven children, it is important for me to make Rancho Cordova more attractive for the young families and for families with children. The city’s long term economic prosperity is possible only when (the) city invests its money and power in the development of infrastructure for joyful and happy life of our children and youth. They are the future of our city. We must do everything possible to improve the quality of life for families with children, so that when the children grow up, they want to live in Rancho Cordova, build their families and raise their own children in our city.
The important part of that is the building of new, modern and affordable houses and development of new and empty territories to the comfortable, safe, attractive areas for living. Rancho Cordova is already a leader in the new house permits in the region. The city approved around 1,100 permits for new buildings. (A) couple of weeks ago, I had a meeting with the representative for the North State Building Industry Association. He said that at this rate our city will be in first place in the construction of new houses. My goal as a city councilman will be to support this rate of construction and improvement of new territories in every possible way.
Should you be elected, are there other issue(s) you would 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 me as a school principal, school safety is a very important topic. Our children and families should not live in fear. Children should be happy and experience love, joy and peace in their childhood. The role of government leaders is to ensure that children have a happy childhood. We need to work together with school districts and schools to create (a) safe environment for our children for their academic and personal growth.
To make our schools much safer, schools should always have armed security on campus. This could be a private security company or even a police officer from the local police department. Also, at least one police crew should be on duty in the area around the school. In addition to this, schools must be equipped with the most modern equipment to monitor their territory for any danger.
