Get to know candidates in Placer County races in Auburn, Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville and Loomis

Title/occupation: Farmer/Small Businessman

Education: Bachelor’s degree, agricultural business, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 1989

Work experience: Farming my entire career.

Civic engagement: This is my fourth year as Placer County Planning Commissioner, representing District 3

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

When I speak to District 3 residents, the main issue I hear about is the cost of living. Placer County used to be an affordable place to live, work and raise a family. Now, people are worried that housing is too expensive. Their concerned that their kids won’t be able to stay in Placer County when they start families of their own.

As the next District 3 supervisor, one of my top priorities will be to increase the local housing supply specifically, the types of neighborhoods and homes that are affordable and attractive to young families and the middle class. This “missing middle” housing supply hasn’t been prioritized, and our residents are the ones paying the price. By prioritizing the “missing middle” housing supply, we can encourage developers to build market-rate homes that working-class people can afford to purchase. This will not only help keep our kids local, but it will allow our teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers and other working residents with the opportunity to live in the communities in which they work.

Placer County used to be affordable. As your next supervisor, I’ll make affordability my No. 1 issue.

MIKE MURRAY

Age: 39

Residence: Rocklin, Loomis, Newcastle and Penryn

Title/occupation: Rocklin Businessman

Education:

Rocklin Unified School District graduate
Sierra College
Bachelor’s degree, criminal justice, Chico State
Paralegal certificate, Chico State
Law degree, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego

Work experience: I have worked on national and local politics for the past decade, helping good candidates get elected and fighting for taxpayers and good causes.

Civic engagement: As an active member of the community, I have coached baseball, basketball and softball for my kids and others. I have served on school Site Council and the RUSD LCAP advisory board. I have previous experience working for a nonprofit and have assisted candidates and elected officials throughout the area.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

The biggest issue or challenge facing our community is simply keeping Placer County the special place it is. As people and businesses flee from the state, people still flock to Placer County. We really do have something special here. Despite the state politicians making life in California increasingly undesirable, we must do everything we can locally to keep families and businesses here.

We must keep our community affordable by fighting for taxpayers and businesses. We must keep our community safe. We must strive for the best education and for comfortable living. We must fight for our way of life and not fundamentally change for communities. We cannot turn into the Bay Area or Sacramento. As a father of two young children, my focus is to help make Placer County a place where my children will want to raise their children someday. Placer County is worth fighting for.

Placer Supervisor, District 5

Two candidates

CINDY GUSTAFSON

Age: 66

Residence: North Lake Tahoe

Title/occupation: Placer County Supervisor

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, social science and education, Gustavus Adolphus College
Certificate, special district management
Certificate, New Supervisors Institute, California State Association of Counties
Certificate, Leadership Management International development program

Work experience: In April 2019, I was appointed as Placer County supervisor and then elected in March 2020. Before my appointment to the Board of Supervisors, I spent several decades at Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD), working my way to general manager for the last eight years. Under my leadership, we created a sustainable financial model that allowed for infrastructure replacement, expansion and improvement of parks, trails and beaches, all while keeping water and sewer rates below voter-approved levels. After TCPUD, I accepted a position as CEO North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, reorganizing the association to address community concerns.

Civic engagement: Prior to serving as a supervisor, I have held a wide variety of volunteer appointments with both statewide and local positions including the California Blue Ribbon Task Force for Marine Life Protection, the California Fish and Game Commission, the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Board of Trustees, the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, the Tahoe City Beautification Committee, and the founding nonprofit boards of both the Tahoe Fund and the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

The highest priority of local government is public safety, protecting our residents and businesses from crime and the critical danger of catastrophic wildfire. We must ensure that we invest to protect public safety.

I have worked diligently with fire first responders to ensure they have the resources and tools they need. We have brought record funding to promote forest health, firewise communities, and emergency preparedness. We made institutional changes like becoming the first county in the state to integrate law enforcement and fire together into the Office of Emergency Management and to create a dedicated office to forest health. Most importantly, when our agencies and county were actually tested, during the Mosquito Fire and River Fire, we were able to quickly respond to save lives and property.

Wildfires are not the only public safety threat. Rising crime and homelessness, particularly spreading from urban areas, are continuing to pose a real challenge and threat to our quality of life. I have supported increased funding for law enforcement by supporting more positions and increasing pay for our Placer County Sheriff, Probation and District Attorney departments. We are also moving forward with a partnership with Sacramento State to establish a local crime lab here in Placer County. On homelessness, I have worked to establish partnerships with nonprofits, governmental agencies and the private sector to seek and implement effective strategies to get the homeless off our streets and receive the help they need.

I will continue to ensure that Placer County remains one of the safest places to call home in California. I am grateful to have the support of law enforcement leaders like Sheriff Wayne Woo and former Sheriff Ed Bonner as well as our front-line first responders, represented by the Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522, Roseville City Firefighters and Cal Fire Local 2881.

WAYNE NADER

Age: 72

Residence: Auburn

Title/occupation: Retired Financial Executive

Education:

Associate’s degree, business administration, Sierra College
Bachelor’s degree, business administration, Chico State

Work experience: Thirty-three years in the banking industry in the greater Sacramento area. Finished as regional manager for government banking at U.S. Bank, managing government accounts in a four-state region (California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah)

Civic engagement:

Chair, Placer County Audit Committee, 2008-2020
Planning commissioner, Placer County Planning Commission, 2012-2020
Director, Placer Consolidated Fire District, 1998-2006
Member, North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council, 1996-2005
Chair, Placer County Charter Review Committee, 2008

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

For those that live in the district that I would represent, fire risk and the challenges of getting fire insurance are top on their list of concerns. With my fire service background, I want to leverage that knowledge to ensure that resources to protect them are an urgent priority. On the insurance issue, I would work with our state legislative representatives to find workable solutions to getting legislation that would encourage more insurance providers to return to this market. Overdevelopment is another major concern. Infrastructure, particularly roadways, are getting pushed to the breaking point. There needs to be a balanced approach to development that does not erode the quality of life. I believe my background in land use allows me to ask the right questions to make sure that development is the right fit for our communities. The Placer County annual budget is now over $1.2 billion; with my financial background I would be making sure that every dollar is used wisely and efficiently.

Roseville City Council, District 5

Five candidates

KAREN ALVORD

Age: 59

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Local Businesswoman

Education:

Master’s degree, business administration, North Park University
Master’s degree, social work (MSW/LCSW), Sacramento State
Adjunct professor at North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management and former adjunct business professor at Jessup University

Work experience: I’ve spent my career bettering children’s lives, strengthening families and working to make communities stronger. As CEO of Lilliput Families, I helped over 10,000 youth find adoptive families while growing jobs and revenue from $3 million to $15 million before shepherding a merger that raised revenue to $45 million. As CEO of Make-A-Wish, I oversaw wish granting for hundreds of critically ill children. As a director at PRIDE Industries, I now help people with disabilities, veterans and trafficking survivors find meaningful work, which is what I did as well as co-owner of A Dash of Panache restaurant in downtown Roseville.

Civic engagement:

Member, Impact 100 Greater Sacramento, since 2024
Chair, City of Roseville Personnel Board, 2011-2018; 2 years as chair
Past president and board member, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, 2007-2014, 2019-2022
Member, Sacramento CPS Oversight Committee, 2012-2016
Founding board member, Roseville Coalition of Neighborhoods Pleasant Grove Neighborhood Association, 2013-2015
Graduate, Sacramento Metro Chamber Leadership Program
Graduate, Sierra Health Foundation Health Leadership Program
Graduate, Leadership California

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Roseville is an award-winning city and a success story in this region. The city is well-planned and designed and thriving economically. As one of the fastest growing cities in California, it is important that we manage our growth including continued investment in keeping our neighborhoods safe and healthy and businesses thriving. I will be a strong advocate for public safety and work to ensure fast response times for our residents. In addition to public safety, my priority will be to continue Roseville’s success while addressing current pain points which include traffic congestion, a lack of services and amenities in western Roseville, and the need for more good jobs in the city so that our residents have the opportunity to work closer to home. This will give valuable time back to families and improve the quality of life for our residents. I’ll also work to ensure that the next decade of planned development adheres to the same high standards Roseville has long upheld. Among our city’s assets that I’ll work to protect and preserve are a thriving library, parks and recreation program, numerous sporting complexes, parks and trails, and excellent city services and amenities.

As an experienced businesswoman, I know what it takes for businesses to succeed and look forward to participating as an elected official in city and regional economic and workforce development efforts as we collaborate to assure a thriving Greater Sacramento region now and in the future.

NICK BUSSE

Age: 38

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Veterans Nonprofit CEO

Education:

Associate’s degree, business administration and management
Currently completing: Bachelor’s degree, political science, San Francisco State

Work experience:

United States Army, 13 years with two tours in Iraq
Former small business owner
Head of military talent, Leaf Home
CEO, Changing Cadence Veteran’s, first-responder nonprofit

Civic engagement:

Founder and organizer, Nicole Gee Memorial Walk
Graduate, Roseville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Roseville
Board member, Greater Sacramento Veteran Workforce Collaborative
Proud West Park junior cheerleading parent

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Safe neighborhoods is always the most important issue facing any community. I will continue Roseville’s earned reputation as one of the safest places to live and do business in the country.

For families and small businesses to thrive, we need to prioritize crime prevention tools to reduce property theft, vandalism, assault, and drug violations. We must support policies to attract the best police, firefighters, and medical professionals to Roseville, and reduce response times.

I will encourage community hubs around small business centers and create more activities for kids, to safely connect neighborhood residents with one another.

I will promote programs like myRSVL which expedites the repair of broken street lights and park equipment, and resolves dangerous situations more quickly.

I will also connect residents with crime prevention and reporting resources through the Roseville Police Department, and our amazing Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (RCONA).

Safe neighborhoods also mean quickly building infrastructure like bike trails, roads, parks, schools, and retail so residents don’t have to spend so much time commuting across town.

As a veteran myself, I’ll be proactive in fighting the cause of veteran homelessness, and attract mental health service partners tailored to the unique needs of veterans. Roseville military veterans serve as an amazing resource for community public safety, vitality, and job creation.

One of the most important jobs of any city council is creating a fiscally sound budget. This is so important for public safety, and I take this part of the job very seriously. That’s why I propose a “rainy day” fund, so Roseville never has to worry if we can pay for police, fire, and prevention services during tough economic times.

Most importantly, I will listen to neighborhood residents and their ideas when making City Council decisions that keep our community safe and thriving.

PETE CONSTANT

Age: 61

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Roseville Joint Union High School District Board Trustee

Education:

Doctoral candidate, organizational leadership, University of La Verne, 2024
Master’s degree, leadership, St. Mary’s College, Moraga, 2007
Bachelor’s degree, management, St. Mary’s College, Moraga, 2005

Work experience: I am a retired police officer. I am currently a professor of political science on criminal justice and the public policy department chair at William Jessup University. I was formerly the CEO of Retirement Security Initiative, a nonprofit, national public policy advocacy organization. I am a founding board member of three nonprofit organizations: Equable Institute, based in New York; Throwing Starfish Foundation, Roseville; and the Roseville Bourbon Society. Over the years, my wife and I have owned a number of small businesses.

Civic engagement: Currently, I am the board president for the Roseville Joint Union High School District and a member of the Roseville Board of Appeals. Previously, I served as the vice chair of the Roseville Charter Review Commission and the Community Priorities Advisory Committee. Additionally, I have served on over two dozen community and government boards and commissions. Before moving to Roseville, I served as council member for the city of San Jose for eight years and was a police officer for the city of San Jose, where I served for 14 years until a serious on-duty injury forced my early retirement.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Our community is served by the best and brightest in the Roseville PD and Fire, making our community one of the safest in California. Unfortunately, that safety is continually threatened by decisions at the state and regional level. With rising crime throughout our state, we simply cannot afford to rest. I will make sure our police and firefighters have what they need to continue to keep us safe and protect our quality of life. As a retired police officer, I will bring my decades of law enforcement and public safety experience to the decision-making at City Hall.

MURIAL MOORE

Age: 70

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: School Crossing Guard

Education:

Graduate, DuSable High School, Chicago
Two years, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Bachelor’s degree, English, Roosevelt University, Chicago
Bachelor’s degree, communications, Roosevelt University, Chicago

Work experience:

School and church crossing guard, Roseville, since 2017
Business Partner, FEG (Freedom Equity Group), licensed life agent, since 2022
SAT test scorer, McGraw-Hill, McClellan Park, 4 years
Campus monitor, Western Placer Unified School District (Lincoln High), 2 years
Subscriptions/accounts receivable, Gold Country Media, Auburn and Roseville, 6 years
Office manager and HR, Biggs-Cardosa Associates, San Jose, 2 years
Accountant, Family Services of SCV/Adult & Child Guidance Center, San Jose, 4 years
Office manager/bookkeeper, Burkart & Associates, Santa Clara, 8 years
Fiscal officer and office manager, San Juan Bautista CDC, San Jose, 4 years
Price Waterhouse, Chicago, 3 years

Civic engagement:

Commission member, Older Adults Advisory Commission of Placer County, 7 years
CAT member, California Alliance of Retired Americans, 6 years
Member, California Schools Employees Association - Retired Division, 5 years
Mentor and advocate, Court Appointed Special Advocates, 9 years
Volunteer police officer, Rocklin (assigned to children’s programs), 8 years
Member, Placer County Childcare Advisory Commission, 3 years

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

My campaign is based upon seniors, safety and inclusion. Roseville District 5 has the fastest growing and diverse immigrant population within Placer County. Starting with safety, the current infrastructure is lagging behind the explosive housing and population growth in the district. With the nearest police station 10 to 15 minutes away from middle and high schools, and Heritage’s Senior Community, and the main thoroughfare (Pleasant Grove Boulevard) divided into two lanes for traffic in either direction, with a plant and concrete barrier separation, has concerns of “When, not What If” a catastrophic event occurs. And, just today, plans were solidified for a turnabout in the area. City and council, what are you thinking? I strongly oppose any more big box stores coming into the area until District 5 has the small businesses that sustain a community, open for business (i.e. gas stations, cleaners, barber/beauty shops, mini-mart stores, community bank/credit union, specialty, local restaurants, etc.).

With more than 40 identifiable ethnic and immigrant groups residing in District 5, many are three- or four-generational households, the city has to provide more programs of inclusion through our parks and recreation department on this side of Roseville (not Maidu Center)! Many of the older, senior residents can be employed (they have the skills) in the small businesses. They feel safer working within the community they live.

I’ve identified the important issues, to me, affecting District. 5. I do have a “doable plan” to get things moving in a direction the city and residents would both embrace. And it starts with all stakeholder groups at the table.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: David Powell

Rocklin City Council

Three seats open among four candidates

KEN BROADWAY

Age: 58

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Councilmember

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, business administration, University of Nevada at Reno
Bachelor’s degree, criminal justice, University of Nevada at Reno
Master’s degree, marketing, University of Phoenix

Work experience: I am a 38-year United Parcel Service (UPS) team member and I retired in 2023. I held positions of increasing responsibility beginning my career as an unloader, serving as a delivery driver and retiring as a member of the management team as a corporate pricing manager.

Civic engagement: I was elected in November 2016 to my first term on the Rocklin City Council and served as mayor in 2018 and 2023. My civic involvement includes serving as the community representative for the Rocklin Public Safety Foundation, secretary for the Rocklin Educational Excellence Foundation, president of the Rocklin Girls Fast Pitch Softball League, as well as serving on the Rocklin Parks and Recreation Commission and the Rocklin Planning Commission. Additionally, I am a member of the South Placer Rotary Club serving as the Projects chair and the president of the South Placer Rotary Foundation.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

A key issue for Rocklin residents is we manage the city’s “build-out” as we approach full development. The challenge is balancing growth while maintaining a sustainable community. This includes thoughtful planning for residential, commercial, and recreational areas to ensure the city’s infrastructure, including transportation, water, and power, can support current and future demands. Addressing these concerns requires promoting a diverse local economy, attracting businesses, and ensuring the city remains both vibrant and livable.

I will work hard to ensure Rocklin remains a great place to live, work and play through smart growth, sustainable infrastructure, economic diversity and ongoing community engagement.

DAVID BASS

Age: 44

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Prosecutor/City Councilmember

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, legal studies
Law degree, University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Master’s degree, law, Baylor University

Work experience: I am a United States Coast Guard military veteran. After graduating law school I worked as a prosecutor before entering private practice defending small businesses. I returned to prosecution in 2023 and now work at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in the fraud and special investigations unit.

Civic engagement: I am a founding member of the Rocklin Police Activities League. I have been a member of the South Placer Rotary Club for many years. I have been a member of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce and graduated from their leadership program. I have been active in youth sports, including my daughter’s softball league, and routinely volunteer my time for food packaging events and creek clean-ups.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Local control and our cities ability to self-determine the character of our city, against mandates by the state that are incongruent with our city. Rocklin has, for years, contributed to the housing inventory and outpaced the closer urban areas that have lagged far behind in creating more housing opportunities. Now, the state is demanding more housing that will create budget deficits if followed. Our mix of commercial and residential zoning is being placed off balance by state mandates, while urban areas such as Sacramento and San Francisco do little to bridge the gap. I intend to keep our zoning as it is and continue to use what land we have left for commercial purposes that will keep our budgets on track.

GREG JANDA

Age: 62

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Rocklin Mayor / Rocklin Businessman

Education: Bachelor’s degree, business finance, San Jose State

Work experience:

Manager/controller, Applied Landscape Materials, since 2016: Manage accounting, procurement, HR, benefits and all local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
Founder, president and CEO; CADPros PCB Design Experts, 1997-2017: Owned and operated a Silicon Valley-based engineering services company specializing in printed circuit board layout and design services for the networking, telecommunications and medical fields. Managed accounting, HR and engineering services.
Senior PCB design engineer - Acuson Corp., 1983-1995: Lead designer on all circuit board product development, overseeing the PCB design services group managing resources and CAD tools to support electrical engineering.

Civic engagement:

Rocklin mayor, 2016, 2020, 2024
Rocklin councilmember since 2012
Board member, Pioneer Community Energy, 8 years
Board member, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, 10 years
Board member, Greater Sacramento Economic Council, 4 years
Board Member Alternate, Placer County Transportation Agency, Hwy. 65 JPA
Leadership Rocklin Steering Committee, 2006-2013
Community Involvement: Active parent volunteer since 2005

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Preserving Rocklin’s unique character and quality of life. Quality of life consistently ranks among the top reasons people move to Rocklin. This also includes top-ranked schools and one of the safest communities in California. Just this year, Safewise ranked Rocklin the ninth safest city in California and SmartAsset named Rocklin one of California’s safest suburbs. In 2021, Rocklin made Money magazine’s Top 50 Places to Live in the U.S. These independent accolades are not by accident.

Rocklin has benefited greatly from thoughtful, conservative and stable leadership throughout its growth. It is this stability that creates a clean, safe and business friendly environment for families, businesses and our employees to thrive. This also results in a healthy, vibrant and engaged community that preserves land values and attracts unique businesses and investment into Rocklin. All of this is essential for Rocklin to generate sufficient revenues to maintain the quality of life our residents demand.

During my years as Rocklin mayor and councilmember, I have applied my business expertise to local government and have continued to strengthen Rocklin financially, increasing revenues, building reserves and increasing our public safety and park systems all without increasing taxes. Rocklin is close to being fully built out and cannot grow beyond its current borders. California legislation requires cities across the entire state to designate land for high-density housing in a one-size-fits-all approach. This isn’t always the best solution for more rural communities like Rocklin.

As your mayor and councilmember, I am committed to working with my state Legislature counterparts, and pay close attention to the remaining development in our city, to ensure we balance land use that preserves Rocklin’s character while generating sufficient revenues to not only maintain but improve the quality of life for all Rocklin residents.

MATTHEW OLIVER

Age: 45

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Small Business Owner

Work experience: Matthew Oliver has served the Placer County region for over 25 years. House of Oliver Restaurant will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary this September, and he has just opened up House of Oliver at the Fountains in Roseville. Matthew and his wife, Siobhan, have been pastoring for over 25 years and have been the senior pastors at the Family Church in Roseville for the last 12 years.

Civic engagement: I am a small business leader who has fought for our community and neighborhoods. When Rocklin was shutting down businesses due to a construction delay with a roundabout, I was fighting to get our businesses open and keep them open. I have been a leader who has brought our business community together.

I am an advocate for education, standing with our students and parents to get our schools open and advocating for our rights and freedom.

I have been a part of the leadership of “Stop PG&E” meeting local electeds to find alternatives to the abusive practices of PG&E.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

The biggest issues facing Rocklin: the high cost of living, a budget deficit that could raise taxes and cut essentials like police and fire, and the mass exodus of businesses that help fund the city.

I will cut taxes and fees, address the rising costs of PG&E, bring back businesses that will help us fund our amazing police and fire.

We must address the congestion on our streets and sidewalks. I will fight for our green areas and stop the horrible rezoning that is destroying our beautiful community.

The biggest challenge facing Rocklin in regards to housing, is the fact that Rocklin has become one of the most expensive cities in Placer County in which to live. If you can afford to purchase a house, many can’t afford to live in the house they purchased.

Rising fees with sewer, water, trash, and the outrageous fees for PG&E, make Rocklin a difficult place to live. I not only want to address the housing needs but the needs of those in housing. Cutting rising fees, reducing taxes and starting the fight to address PG&E.

Lincoln City Council, District 3

Four candidates

DENNIS J. CLEAR

Age: 74

Residence: Lincoln

Title/occupation: Retired Legislative Director

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, Washington University in St. Louis, 1972
Master’s degree, public administration, Sacramento State, 1988

Work experience:

U.S. Air Force Navigator, 1973 to 1980.
Various management positions at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, 1982 to 2001 and 2007 to 2010
Legislative officer and assistant director for California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 2001 to 2007
Training consultant for California State Parks, 2012 to 2015

Civic engagement:

Member, Winn Park Neighborhood Association in midtown Sacramento, 1990-1995
Chair, Lincoln Park and Recreation Committee, 2019-2022

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Lincoln is one of the fastest-growing cities in California but lacks a diverse and stable revenue base. Recent fee increases for utilities will help but structural deficits in many funds will require additional sources of revenue to maintain public safety (police and fire), complete deferred public works projects and oversee the construction of the thousands of planned residential units. I will work with my colleagues and our business partners to pursue the economic development efforts needed to provide that revenue.

JOHN REEDY

Age:

Residence: Lincoln

Title/occupation: Small Business Owner / Planning Commissioner

Education: Bachelor’s degree, managerial economics, UC Davis

Work experience: Small business owner

Civic engagement:

Planning commissioner
Fiscal & Investments Oversight Committee member
Design Review Board member
Theme and Naming Committee member
Member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
President, PTC
Secretary, Rocklin Youth Soccer Club
Former president, Lincoln Crossing Community Association
Rotary

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

The city faces several interconnected fiscal challenges. First is finding a long-term replacement for the temporary tax-sharing agreement supporting Public Safety. Second is mitigating the impact some of our lighting and landscaping districts have on the general fund. Third is our heavy reliance on property tax revenue to fund services. The solution lies in smart growth and investment in economic development to close our sales tax leakage gap and diversify the city’s revenue stream.

JAMES ENSTEN

Age: 59

Residence: Lincoln

Title/occupation: Businessman

Work experience: Since 1991, I have been deeply involved in starting, building, growing, and eventually selling multiple companies. Name brands I have been associated with include HP, Cisco, Meraki, Verkada, Office Depot and more. I have successfully managed local, regional, national and global teams of people and budgets in excess of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Civic engagement: While I have lived in Lincoln Crossing District 3 for more than 15 years, and have attended numerous HOA and City Council meetings, this will be my inaugural participation as an elected city official.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

District 3, currently comprised entirely of Lincoln Crossing-area residents, will soon expand to include Liberty at Lincoln. Liberty at Lincoln will add thousands of additional residents to District 3. As a vital part of Lincoln’s diverse community, District 3 has unique needs and concerns.

The city of Lincoln’s financial future is deeply troubling. Despite rising expenses, revenue remains stagnant. Critical projects like road repair, parks, and infrastructure are being neglected while questionable spending decisions drain our tax dollars.

I aim to shed light on these issues and empower District 3 residents to make informed choices. By working collaboratively with the City Council, city manager, and city staff, we can ensure that our tax dollars are invested wisely in areas that enhance our quality of life. This includes prioritizing police and fire services, parks, local businesses, mitigating traffic and creating a robust and durable “economic core” where local and national business can thrive.

Regionally, I will advocate for Lincoln’s interests with Placer County, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, PCWA, NID, PG&E and other key agencies to secure more revenue for the city while lowering the city’s costs for services.

As your elected representative, I am committed to representing your voice, championing the needs of District 3 and of Lincoln, and securing the best possible outcomes for our community and our future.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Anthony C. Bersamin II

Lincoln City Council, District 4

One candidate

Richard Pearl

Auburn City Council

Two candidates

ALICE DOWDIN CALVILLO

Residence: Auburn

Title/occupation: Auburn City Councilmember

Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science-public service, UC Davis

Work experience: I have dedicated my 38-year career to public service at the state and local levels. I have advised two California governors, served as a chief committee consultant in the California Assembly, and chaired the California Public Employment Relations Board. Since 2013, I have been the CEO of the Civil Service Commission for one of the largest counties in Northern California.

Civic engagement:

Placer County Parks Commission, chair, 1997-2000
Auburn City Councilmember, 1998-2005; mayor, 2000, 2004
Auburn City Planning Commission, chair, 2015-2020
Rocklin Academy Family of Schools Board of Directors, member, since 2015
Auburn City Councilmember, since 2020; mayor, 2023
League of California Cities Board of Directors, member, 2022-2024; elected for 2024-2026
Pioneer Community Energy, member and chair, since 2020

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Starting with the next fiscal year, the city of Auburn will face a structural deficiency that must be addressed. We must make mindful spending cuts and create new revenue streams, in part, through aggressive economic development. We must be bold in our approach and be willing to consider smart annexation as part of the solution. In addition, with the threat of wildfire high in our community, and concerns around homelessness, working hard to ensure a safe, enjoyable and prosperous community is crucial. I will continue to work in-step with our fire and police departments to ensure they have the reasonable resources needed to protect Auburn. I will also continue to foster regional, state, and federal partnerships to help us accomplish these goals. As Auburn’s representative to the Pioneer Community Energy Board of Directors where I have served as chair since 2022, I will continue to ensure our rate payers have lower rates for electricity than our direct competition while promoting fiscal responsibility for our non-profit organization.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Rachel Radell-Harris

Auburn City Council, short-term

Two candidates

MICHELLE SIERRA-SAMMONS

Age: 52

Residence: Auburn

Title/occupation: Appointed City Councilwoman

Education: UC Santa Cruz, 1990-1992

Work experience:

Assessment supervisor, Placer County Assessor’s Office, since 1999.
Education Committee member, California Assessors Administrative Services Association, since 2003

Civic engagement:

Auburn Union School District Board of Trustees, 2014-2022
California Latino School Boards Association Treasurer, 2019-2022
City of Auburn Planning Commission, 2023
Appointed City Council member since 2023

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

The city of Auburn is facing an over $800,000 deficit. The City Council made the difficult decision to declare a fiscal emergency and had to reverse already negotiated wage increases. As a councilwoman, I will advocate for fiscal responsibility. We need to continue to make hard but necessary choices and own it. This may include cuts to programs or even layoffs. Once the budget is balanced and can allow it, I will advocate to restore the raises already negotiated. We need to right-size our budget and make it right with our city employees.

KELLEY DAVIS

Age: 38

Residence: Auburn

Title/occupation: Nonprofit Director/Parent

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, applied nutrition, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 2009
Master’s degree, food and nutrition, Bowling Green State University, 2012

Work experience:

Clinical dietitian, Stanford Children’s Hospital, 2011-2016
Owner of private practice, since 2016
Executive director, Auburn Trails Alliance, since 2023

Civic engagement:

Auburn Trails Alliance, 2023-Present.
Auburn Sustainability Advisory Committee volunteer, 2023-Present
Project Peanut Butter volunteer, Ghana, 2016
Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers volunteer, 2004-2009

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Auburn is an incredible city with profound history, world-class recreation opportunities, and unbelievable charm yet it is struggling and facing very serious and difficult budget challenges. I will support and seek out creative solutions to increase revenue, help pursue grant funding opportunities to supplement the budget and work to build relationships across the community to move Auburn forward. I am a critical and creative thinker with experience evaluating complex problems, communicating with diverse groups of people, and building community to promote problem-solving. I want to see Auburn thrive and become the vibrant city I know it can be.

Loomis Town Council

Two seats open among four candidates

JAN CLARK-CRETS

Age: 61

Residence: Loomis

Title/occupation: Loomis Business Owner

Education:

Master’s degree, business administration, Sacramento State, 2015
Bachelor’s degree, business administration, Sacramento State, 2011
Associate’s degree, business administration, Sierra College, 2008
Associate’s degree, liberal arts, Sierra College, 2008
Associate’s degree, accounting, Sierra College, 1991
Academic memberships: Beta Gamma Sigma, 2011; Phi Theta Kappa, 2008

Work experience:

President/CEO, Indian Creek Country Club, Loomis, since 1996
Practice administrator, Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates, Sacramento, 2010-2017
Cost analyst and staff accountant, Clark Pacific, West Sacramento, 2008-2010
General manager/president, Indian Creek Country Club, 1996-2008
Staff accountant, Clark Pacific (formerly Tecon Pacific), 1991-1996
Full-time student, Sierra College, 1989-1991
Subcontract accounts payable, Continental Heller Corp., Sacramento, 1984-1989
Staff accountant, Tecon Pacific, 1982-1984

Civic engagement:

Councilmember, Loomis, 2018-2022
Board member & alternate, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, 2018-2022
Board member & alternate, Greater Sacramento Area Economic Council, 2018-2022
Board member & alternate, Placer County Economic Development Board, 2018-2022
Alternate, Pioneer Community Energy Board, 2018-2022
Alternate, Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, 2018-2022
Borders Committee member, Loomis, 2018-2022
Loomis Library representative, Loomis, 2018-2020
Chair, Land Use Umbrella Committee, Loomis General Plan, 2021-2022
Chair, 5 Land Use Subcommittees, Loomis General Plan, 2021-2022
Auxiliary member, Land Use Economic Development/Finance Subcommittee, Loomis General Plan, 2021-2022
Auxiliary member, Noise Committee, Loomis General Plan, 2021-2022
Mayor, Loomis, 2020
Planning commissioner, Loomis, 2017-2018

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

Loomis is our small-town gem that faces serious challenges in a region that’s exploding with growth and development all around us. Experience matters. We need leaders who can fight for Loomis so developers cannot take advantage of us. Inexperience on our town council along with staff turnover has made Loomis vulnerable. Also troubling is big developers and money in politics go hand in hand. Developers are spending large amounts of money to support council members who will make it easier for them to push projects through with little regard to the impact these projects have on our community. There’s a troubling pattern in Loomis of supporting naive candidates with minimal experience or candidates who are more focused on partisan agendas than good governance. Local governments like Loomis are nonpartisan and I am the only candidate who is not affiliated with any political party because my commitment is to my community and not politics.

I have the experience as a prior councilmember and a long-time businesswoman to shore up the misbalance on our town council. I worked hard on the Loomis general plan and know what’s needed to protect our community. I will fight for balanced growth which preserves our small-town charm.

As a leader who is fiscally responsible, once elected, I will revisit our strategic goals and forecasted budget to prioritize what Loomis needs and ensure the financial integrity of our town. We need to fix our roads and traffic issues and make sure that we have enough money to pay for important public safety services and other important town functions along with funding our beloved library. I am committed to being a good steward of your taxpayer dollars. I love my hometown and will always stand up for Loomis and protect our small town like it’s a big family.

JENNY KNISLEY

Age: 54

Residence: Loomis