Please note that the www.rightondaily.com blog has endorsed Scott Yuill for re-election. There are two seats open and we are very kindly disposed to Diana Ruslin as her resume is impeccable and she is supported by Kathy Lund. No one running has the fire and passion of Diana Ruslin, end of story.
If Greg Janda had not emerged as such a strong candidate and Mark Klang not been a friend of several years – we’d have publicly endorsed Diana Ruslin already.
Translation – there are 4 excellent Republican candidates for Rocklin City Council – choose wisely.
From the desk of Diana Ruslin (who is probably out knocking on doors as I post this):
I have lived in Rocklin for 11 years. I am a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the PTC President at my son’s school, a founding member of the Rocklin Educational Excellence Foundation, a volunteer in a variety of Chamber of Commerce committees and activities, a graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and a former business owner.
Rocklin is a wonderful place to live. Recent recognition by Family Circle, Money Magazine and Sacramento Magazine says that we have been doing something right. But we also have to recognize that times change.
The biggest challenge facing Rocklin are declining revenues and the need to provide services to our residents. As a member of the city council I will look for ways to do things more efficiently. I support contracting out more services as a way to reduce costs. I will also seek more concessions in salaries and benefits, health plan costs, and retirement benefits. If we can’t get more concessions, I support a two-tier system of retirement benefits, with newer employees receiving lower benefits.
I hope the city council will set the salary and benefits of the new city manager in some relation to surrounding cities of our size. If they don’t do that and I am elected, I am ready to vote to freeze the salary and benefits until it is in line with our neighboring cities.
While some candidates say they have the silver bullet on economic activity, I have serious doubts that a single program or activity will solve our problem. The economy is hurting everyone and Rocklin is no exception. I think we have to do a number of things. First, we have to be “employer friendly” so that when businesses do think about locating in Rocklin we help them do that. Second, we should seek out those businesses that are thinking of expanding and meet with them to sell Rocklin. Third, the city should continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to review regulations and ordinances to see how they can be modified to be more business friendly.
In past two years, I have attended every city council meeting except three. I have attended every budget workshop. I have met with city staff to get briefed on city operations. I committed my time to understand how our city operates, to understand the problems facing the city and to listen to the debate so that I understand the issues. No other challenger in this election can say that.
The woman who would be LT. Governor wants you to know what a saintly volunteer she is. In fact, you’d be so impressed after listening to her – that you may feel led to donate to the Capitol Resource Institute.