Breaking NewsSponsored by The Sullivan Auto Group
Subscribe: Home Delivery Special!
Editorial: Bill Santucci, citizen
Published 12:00 am PDT Monday, May 12, 2008
Story appeared in EDITORIALS section, Page B4
In an age of politically ambitious public servants and widespread cynicism about all politicians, pause for a moment to consider the career and contributions of Bill Santucci of Roseville.
Santucci's death last week at age 79 left a void in the public life of Roseville and Placer County that will be hard for any one person to fill. It's not that he was flashy or charismatic. But he was one of those elected leaders who was steady and reliable for so long that he improved life in his community.
Santucci's career in public life began in 1976, when he was appointed to Roseville's Project Design Review Committee. Five years later he was appointed to the Roseville Planning Commission. In 1986, he was chosen to fill a vacancy on the Roseville City Council.
He won two elections for a council seat and remained on the council until 1994, serving as mayor. That year, he was elected to the Placer County Board of Supervisors. He served 12 years, running unopposed in 1998 and 2002.
Others might have used such a record to launch a career in state politics, but that wasn't Santucci's way.
"He was the kind who didn't want to enact bills in the Senate or the Assembly," his wife, Norma Santucci, said last week. "He wanted to help his neighbor or the little guy down the street."
That help did not go unnoticed. Roseville named a park after him, and Placer has named its nearly completed Justice Center after him.
But it wasn't the recognition that motivated Santucci. He was not in it for the attention. He gave his time because he wanted to shape and influence the growth that was rolling into Roseville and Placer County.
Not everyone agreed with him on the specifics, but no one ever doubted his integrity and his dedication to improving life in his hometown. In that, Bill Santucci was like many other public officials who work quietly on local affairs outside the spotlight. Recognizing that may be the most appropriate way to honor his contributions.
Unique content, exceptional value. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Most Popular
More Stories in Opinion
News |
Sports |
Business |
Politics |
Opinion |
Entertainment |
Lifestyle |
Travel |
Blogs |
Cars |
Homes |
Jobs |
Classifieds/Shopping
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map | Advertise | Guide to The Bee | Bee Jobs | FAQs | RSS
Contact Us | e-edition | Subscribe | Manage Your Subscription | E-newsletters | Sacbeemail | Archives
sacbee.com | Sacramento.com | Capitol Alert | SacMomsClub.com | SacPaws.com | SacWineRegion.com
Copyright © The Sacramento Bee
2100 Q St. P.O. Box 15779 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 321-1000