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Development
1) How will you ensure that the inevitable growth South of 50
doesn't have an adverse impact on those of us North of 50?
Measure W was passed in 2004 as a blueprint for future growth,
should it occur in S.O.I. Measure W did address most issues that
might have an effect such as a separate water supply,
transportation fee impact, 30% Open Space requirement, School
funding, and Environmental Impact. It’s the first time in Folsom
where any area of future development has specifically been
forbidden to have an impact on existing residents. Let’s be
clear that Measure W does not mandate growth, only how it would
look should it occur. Light Rail needs to be added to Measure W
as an integral part of any development plan.
2) What is your position on future housing and commercial
development in Folsom?
Current City boundaries are almost built out on both Residential
and Commercial. In fact it’s difficult to find a house for rent
in some neighborhoods of Folsom. S.O.I. residential and
commercial initially has higher density off of E. Bidwell St.,
lower density off of Prairie City Rd, and commercial along Hwy
50. I do favor the basic layout, but am keeping an open mind as
there were recent public sessions where feedback was gathered
from residents.
3) Do you believe in keeping open space for future generations?
Once land is approved for open space in a development it should
remain as such. Developments are approved around this for the
enjoyment of the residents and I can’t see the reason for
proposing such a change.
4) Would you support or oppose the annexation of the Aerojet
Property into the City of Folsom?
If this is a benefit to our current City I might, but there are
so many questions surrounding this I don’t think anyone can come
out definitely for or against this. It needs to make fiscal
sense, and not be a drain on our City.
5) Many of the older neighborhoods (50 years and older) in
Folsom were neglected in terms of street paving, sewer and water
pipeline maintenance, and the like while the building boon was
going on. What will you do to not only correct that situation
but also make sure it doesn't happen to existing Folsom
neighborhoods as they age and building begins South of 50?
We should establish a maintenance schedule based on the
estimated service life of the improvements. This is what we do
with our vehicle fleet and the public improvements are no
different.
6) Would you support the placement on ballot the proposition -
with a very simple language and no gimmicks - around people
voting on development south of 50?
I do not support this type of “Ballot Box Zoning”. It has been
tried in other areas and not been successful. I would support
something like we did for the Railroad Block of community
involvement and input that leads to a final product that has
great support. The phrase “with a very simple language and no
gimmicks” is an insult to Folsom voters.
Johnny Cash Bridge:
7) What's your take on the Johnny Cash Bridge situation?...
My “take” is that the City had a naming contest with many
entries and narrowed it down to 1 winner.
8) Would you consider renaming the bridge to the Johnny Cash
Memorial Bridge?
No, I would not as a Council member. If a group wants to name
something in Folsom after Johnny Cash they should be open to
looking at all options for some kind of memorial , then find the
best option in the City. I don’t think that has been done yet.
9) Would you consider a city wide vote to change the name to the
new bridge (something other than Folsom Lake Crossing)?
I would not solely for the reason that this would cost the
Folsom taxpayers more money and is fiscally irresponsible.
Priorities:
10) What do you think are Folsom's top 3 priorities that you
plan to address as a member of city council?
- Traffic mitigation -- We have 2 large projects being built in
the near future, Palladio Mall and Railroad Block. I approved
both of these as I am on the Planning Commission and the
Historic District Commission. We can look at projections,
trends, traffic studies, and other tools to help what something
will be like when it’s complete. However, we always need to
evaluate the finished product to see if it came out like we
thought.
- Budget – Although the City just made some cuts recently, we
likely will need to evaluate this soon after the election.
Folsom has a new Finance Director who has just started in
September, so Council should be getting a fresh view on the
health of City finances soon.
- Economic Development -- we need to promote Folsom as a place you
want to locate your business in.
11) What is your vision for the city of Folsom? How do you
picture Folsom five years from now? 10 years from now?
Folsom in 5 years will look very much the same; except for a few
of the infill lots will be filled. When I moved here in 1990
there was a sign on E. Bidwell St. that said “Future Mall Site”
from what I recall. Who would have thought it would take another
19 years? I think people need to keep this in mind when talking
about South of 50. We’re in an economic downturn and I don’t see
anything happening there for a long time. We are in a period of
taking care of unfinished business such as a 5th Fire Station,
finishing parks, and finishing bike trails. Sutter St. in 5
years will have the Railroad Block completed along with
streetscape improvements and will be the jewel of the City.
12) Why are you running for City Council?
I am solely running because I love my community. I have no
further aspirations. It would be an honor and a privilege to
serve Folsom’s citizens.
13) Do you think the mayor should be elected?
The Mayor currently is an elected position. They are elected by
their peers. This is how Planning Commission and Historic
District Commission elect their Chair and I have been through
this many times.
14) What would you do to improve Folsom and make it nicer for
the community?
Folsom is getting national recognition from the cycling
community due to possible visit of Lance Armstrong next year. We
should try to complete bike trails that make connections if
possible to make Folsom an ever better, bike friendly community.
An example is the bridge needed over E. Bidwell St. near Peet’s
coffee.
Etc.
15) do you support the arts in Folsom? (art, music, events)
As a Historic District Commissioner one of the key components of
the Railroad Block that I approved was the amphitheater. Why? It
is this type of amenity that promotes a sense of community. I do
love live music and attend Music in the Park regularly. I also
attended Folsom Live and the Gourd Festival this weekend. I
would also like to see the Rodeo grounds used for more events in
a given year than just Rodeo week. We are not getting full use
out of that facility.
16) Which is smarter? Keeping within a given budget by reducing
expenses or raising utility rates/city taxes to help with budget
overruns?
Both could be “smarter” given any particular situation. Ideally,
I’d prefer to reduce expenses on any budget where there is the
capacity to do so over tax increase.
17) What would you do to promote bringing more jobs to Folsom?
Long term large employers are looking for great communities to
be a part of. The best thing I can do is always keep in mind why
Folsom is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live
in the nation. Great schools, safe neighborhoods, bike trails,
and other amenities do draw companies to Folsom. I would not be
looking at any fee reductions to any City fee unless it was a
clear win/win situation.
18) As the city continues to grow and more schools are built it
will become difficult to keep a large portion of Folsom's youth
in sports and Park and Rec. activities; especially during non
school periods. What would you like to see promoted for our
youth, in the future?
I am not aware that this is going to be a large increase in need
from what we currently have, but if there is a need demonstrated
I would consider suggestions. I assume you mean an alternative
to Sports or Recreation. After Russell Ranch elementary was
built, I don’t believe Folsom will be getting any new schools.
Youth currently have things like the Cave and Sports Complex
available. While attending Leadership Academy last year we
sponsored a Computer Lab for Powerhouse Ministries which should
be opening soon. I currently have a 6th grader at Folsom Middle
School and an 11th grader at Vista Del Lago. Completing homework
and studying for tests/quizzes requires a large time commitment
on their part already.
19) There has been some speculation that the Folsom PD and the
Folsom Fire department has not been able to stay funded and
manned with the ratio of city
development and growth. Can you give us an example on what types
of ideas you would propose or support to ensure the safety of
our quickly growing city?
This speculation is not 100% correct. The PD has increased
dramatically in the last 8 years and officers I have spoken with
are satisfied with their and our level of safety. The FD still
has 4 stations but they have added an additional company at
Station 35. We need to get a Fire Station built in Empire Ranch
area and then move this company there as soon as we can. In the
current economic climate maintaining these levels will be of the
utmost importance. For S.O.I. area I would want basic services
in place before any residents are there.
20) Besides basic safety and health what would you consider a
priority to services most needing attention to our fair city?
SEE # 14
21) How will the city mitigate the huge increase in traffic once
the new Mall is operational?
All traffic mitigation measures were incorporated into the
approval of the Mall and will be in place by the time it opens.
Additionally, there will be an off ramp at Oak Ave in the future
that will move traffic away from E. Bidwell and Iron Point.
22) We waste a lot of water in this city. As a city council
member, what would you do to see that our parks start using
recycled water?
This could be looked at and weighed against the cost. We really
should start with easier items such as not overwatering,
installing drip in median, drought resistant landscaping, etc.
 Thank You , John Arnaz
www.johnarnaz.com
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