Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2016 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights city council. The questions are designed to give each of the eight candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Jeff Slowey, current vice mayor | Age: 55
Basic bio: “I have lived in Citrus Heights for over 27 years. I have been married to my spouse Laurie for over 30 years. We have 3 adult daughters Veronica, Christina, and Kasondra – all college graduates and working professionals. I grew up in the Bay Area and went to college at U.C. Berkeley graduating with a BA in Political Science. I have worked at Bank of America as a Vice-President/Project Manager for over 21 years. I have been on the City Council since 2003.”
Why are you running for city council?
“When Roberta McGlashan decided not to run for Supervisor and one of my fellow Councilmembers Sue Frost ran for her open office, it created an open spot on the ballot for City Council. I had actually thought about retiring but you never want to go into an election with all ballot spots open and no incumbents. I have put a lot into making Citrus Heights what it is today and did not want to see that go sideways. I am committed to another 4 years of continuing my sound fiscal practices for the city and working with our new in-coming city manager to move the city forward.”
What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“Number one is the people. I love the fact that Citrus Heights citizens are just people. I travel for my day job at the Bank and get to see all sorts of folks who want something from you. For the most part I have not seen that in my interactions with the citizens and the businesses of Citrus Heights. Number two is its great Police Force under the leadership of Chief Christopher Boyd. Number three would have to be its affordability.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“The first two that come to mind are Steven Covey’s ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ and Lee Iacocca’s ‘Where have all the Leaders Gone.’ I read Covey’s book right out of college and it gave me some good habits and practices that I still follow today. Iacocca’s book I liked because it was told simply, it was a compelling story, and showed how one person who stuck to his guns made a huge difference in many lives. Oh course now that I have grandchildren the ‘Curious George’ series is pretty great as well.”
What are three key principles that guide your votes on the council?
“The principles that have guided me for the past 55 years (including 13 on the City Council) are to ask three simple questions. Is it the truth? Does it make sense for all concerned? How much does it cost and what is the return on the investment?”
What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?
“Overall I love the city and feel it is doing pretty good. Certainly I would like to have more funds to improve our aging roads and other infrastructure. The roads will always be in need of care and repair. I would also like to see a decrease in the Homeless population one occasionally sees around town – but that needs to be solved regionally vs. just within the city of Citrus Heights. Lastly I would like to see all of our business overflowing with more customers than they can handle – I have not been able to figure out how to achieve that one on my own yet.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“I have previously sat on the boards of several Non-profit organizations (The Domestic Violence Intervention Center and the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps.) I have participated in over 20 work days for ‘Rebuilding Together’ and ‘Habitat for Humanity.’ I am also an active member of the Citrus Heights Rotary Club and support most non-profits in the city.”
City council members are paid a small monthly stipend of $600 for their service. If elected, how do you plan to balance work life elsewhere with council responsibilities?
“I have been balancing that aspect of my life for 13 years. You don’t run for the money or the recognition, you do it because you want to make a difference and give back to your community. My day time employer had been very supportive of my Council endeavors and has given me time when needed to attend to city business. I would tell anyone who is interested in running that it is a time commitment. First talk to your spouse. Next, talk to your employer… If you are self-employed, can the business run while you are not around? If you are retired, good for you.”
>>See other candidate profiles: “Meet the 8 candidates running for Citrus Heights city council”
