By Kermit Schayltz–
As a resident of Citrus Heights from 1979 until 1989 and the owner of a Citrus Heights business from 1990 until present, I have watched with great pride what the community has accomplished in those 40 years.
The 10-year effort to incorporate, the establishment of a Police Department, a business-friendly city versus what we were previously faced with, a council that would willingly listen to the residents and take appropriate action, a balanced budget and financial responsibility, to just name a few improvements that those of us that live and work here can truly be proud of.
There are many of us that remember the Sacramento Bee op-ed articles stating that because of the revenue neutrality, “Citrus Heights would become like a beggar on a street corner with a tin cup in its hand.” I responded with indignation that it “remained to be seen who in the future the beggar would be.” Needless to say, the administrations of this city — past and present — have proven that like many others with similar opinions, they were very wrong indeed.
Former City Manager Henry Tingle built on the foundation that the leaders of the community in the 80s and 90s established, and, in my humble opinion, his excellent leadership can be seen in much of Citrus Heights. Having said that, there were many candidates that Mr. Tingle could have considered for his successor, but he chose someone he obviously became very close with and developed a trust with. That person was our present city manager.
Over the 11 years Chris Boyd built and led the Citrus Heights Police Department, he showed Mr. Tingle, the City Council, and the majority of this city that he would accept difficult challenges, had honor and integrity, supported not only law enforcement but the military as well, was a family man that lived and worked here, and truly did come to love where that was occurring.
One other consideration we must not forget, Chris Boyd was the force behind the chief of police now sitting at his previous desk. Chief Ron Lawrence is not only the leader of our police department, but was elected by his peers to head the California Police Chiefs Association.
Related: Citrus Heights police chief elected to head statewide advocacy group
I for one can tell you: if Ron Lawrence is good enough to head that association, there can be little doubt this community’s police department is in great hands — and it’s just one more reason why this community should be grateful that Chris Boyd is in the position he is in.
I share the optimistic view of Mr. Boyd’s, and I would hope the majority of this community does as well.
Related Opinion: Why I’m optimistic about the future of Citrus Heights
Kermit Schayltz is the co-owner of Stones Gambling Hall and has lived or had a business in Citrus Heights since 1979. He was named business person of the year in 2015 by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.
