Rick Doyle on the issues, in his own words

Note: In the interest of providing voter information and fair election coverage, The Sentinel has given all eight Citrus Heights city council candidates an equal opportunity to submit 100-word written statements on a variety of local issues. Rick Doyle’s full responses can be found below. See other candidate responses in the article: “Citrus Heights city council candidates on the issues, in their own words”

Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. He also heads up a local neighborhood watch group and has served as a volunteer with the Citrus Heights Police Department since 2008. (Click to read full candidate profile)

Homelessness is ranked among the top issues faced by businesses and residents in Citrus Heights. What is your plan to address this and what role do you see private organizations playing? (Be specific)

“For now, the newly funded ‘Navigator’ program started by the HART team seems to be getting great results in ‘navigating’ a large number of the homeless into programs that can help those that want to help themselves onto a path that can help to transition them to self sustainment. We can’t help them all, and will never eliminate homelessness, but this seems to be a program that is working to reduce the numbers significantly. On a small city budget, there is only so much we can do, but this seems to be getting the best results.”

Measure B would raise the sales tax by half a cent throughout Sacramento County to pay for roads and Regional Transit projects. If the vote were held today, would you vote “yes” or “no” on Measure B, and why?

“Like everyone, I’m not in favor of any tax increase. However, because it was drafted to require a two-thirds majority to pass, I can be sure that the funds raised will not be diverted to other causes and will address our badly needed street repairs throughout Sacramento County. Some of the major streets in Citrus Heights would include Auburn Boulevard; San Juan Avenue; Antelope Road; Greenback Lane; and Sunrise Boulevard. It also includes an annual audit and a taxpayer oversight committee. So I will be supporting Measure B.”

One of the City’s strategic planning goals is to enhance public safety. What specifically would you advocate doing to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?

“With our new police chief, I would be encouraging a continuation of the monthly DUI checkpoints that have already been funded with grant funds. Also, at this point we don’t know what the results of the upcoming election will be, but two propositions ( Prop 57 Early Prison Release and Prop 64 Recreational Marijuana) could both be contributors to public safety. IF they both pass, I would like an assessment from Chief Lawrence to the city council as to his plans to address both.”

Body-worn cameras have been praised by many as a way to increase accountability and decrease false claims against police. Do you believe CHPD should implement body-worn cameras within the next two years? Why, or why not?

“CHPD has already established a solid ‘community oriented’ police dept. in Citrus Heights, and as such has the full faith and support of our citizens.  They have reduced crime in every category every year since their inception in 2006.  Body cameras will eventually become a necessary piece of equipment for all police forces, but because of the rapport that is already established, I think we could wait for a couple of years before it becomes necessary in our city.  It will not be cheap, but I think we should wait for now.”

Many of you have advocated for a fiscally conservative policy and maintaining the City’s history of operating debt free. What is your specific plan to address the growing cost of pensions and maintaining a balanced budget with healthy reserves?

“We need to remain focused on remaining debt free and set priorities as we move forward so that we never overspend beyond our income and continue to maintain a healthy reserve and keep taxes low. Remembering that we don’t receive property tax revenue until 2022, discipline is an absolute necessity as we continue to move forward.  We’ve already designated the 6.9 million dollars we will be receiving from Dignity Health to be dedicated to the reserve fund. The utility savings as a result of the new ‘LEED Gold Certified’ city hall can be focused on other expenses as well as other cost saving measures.”

In August, the city council voted 4-0 to oppose Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana in California. Do you agree with the council’s decision?

“Yes I agree. If we hadn’t taken the initiative to do something before the November election, we would not have been able to have any say so at all. So the decision was to enact city ordinances that would prohibit the establishment of any dispensaries and prohibit any deliveries of product inside the city limits of Citrus Heights. It would involve both medical and recreational marijuana and be triggered only if Proposition 64 is passed. It would include the grow area limits that currently exist with medical marijuana.”

It is well-known that many homeowners choose to ignore required building permits while doing remodel or construction work on their properties, citing permit costs or “excessive regulations.” What would you do to address this?

“The requirement of a building permit is for the protection of the homeowner to insure that they use properly licensed and insured contractors that know the guidelines that are established to be sure the work is done properly and provide the necessary safety protocols. Without such, the homeowner is legally liable in the event of someone being hurt on the job, or workmanship failures that could endanger many lives including the homeowner. A better job of communicating these facts to the intended participant with a brochure depicting the consequences of not proceeding with a proper permit might help.”

What, if any, are two existing city regulations/codes that you think should be changed, and why?

“I’m not personally familiar with all the existing regulations or codes, but those that I’ve been personally exposed to due to a recent remodeling of my personal home, I found to be well thought out and not unreasonable to comply with in any way.”

>>See other candidate responses: “Citrus Heights city council candidates on the issues, in their own words”