Candidates in attendance at the Oct. 18 Campaign Whistlestop luncheon included, from left, Joshua Arnold, Brian Faulconer, Rick Sloan, Josh Hoover and Michael Yearwood. Photo by Ornella Rossi

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, with the Cordova Community Council, hosted the second 2024 Campaign Whistlestop Luncheon as a platform for candidates vying for local office.

Community members on Oct. 18 heard from incumbent candidates and challengers from the Cordova Recreation and Park District, including District 3 and 4, and Assembly District 7 candidates.

Rancho Cordova's campaign whistlestop honors the tradition of political candidates making quick stops across town to share their pitches and garner support from voters.

“We have been doing this for over 20 years,” said Shelly Blanchard, Cordova Community Council executive director. “Getting the word out has always been job number one for candidates and for voters to get to hear how people plan to spend their years serving you in public office.”

In District 3, encompassing the Stone Creek and Anatolia neighborhoods of Rancho Cordova, candidates include Brian Faulconer and Michael Yearwood.

Faulconer, a challenger and lifelong resident of Rancho Cordova, emphasized his belief that with a change in leadership, Cordova Recreation and Park District could set the gold standard.

“What was once an organization devoted to serving our community has become lost in the fog of inefficiency and mismanagement,” Faulconer said. “Communities lack basic amenities and needs are going unmet.”

Yearwood, the incumbent and a lifelong resident of Rancho Cordova, defended the progress made by Cordova Recreation and Park District.

“The district is in a lot better shape than people think it is,” Yearwood stated, citing new parks and pools as evidence of positive developments. “The district is moving in the right direction. There is still more work to be done and projects we want to work on.”

In District 4, encompassing La Riviera, Mather and Lincoln Village, candidates include Joshua Arnold and Rick Sloan.

Challenger Arnold pointed out issues with sports field maintenance and scheduling for local teams.

“Rancho Cordova citizens should have priority,” Arnold said. “Deferred maintenance needs to be addressed along with the growth and implementation of new parks.”

Sloan, the incumbent, highlighted three focus key areas: commitment, accountability and passion.

“I will ensure our parks and facilities remain safe, clean and up- to-date for our next generations,” Sloan said. “District 4 deserves a strong passionate voice and as a long-time board member,  I will be that voice.”

Pam Garcia, business development manager for the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, sounds the three-minute whistle, signaling to candidates that their time is up during the Campaign Whistlestop Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Rick Sloan.

For Assembly District 7, candidates include Republican Assemblymember Josh Hoover and Democrat Porsche Middleton.

Middleton, a current Citrus Heights councilmember, emphasized her advocacy for legislation that directly supports local business communities.

“Actions beat words,” said Middleton. “My focus is to create opportunities for all. Be the voice of reason, common sense and fairness for our district.”

Hoover outlined main focuses, including lowering costs for families, making neighborhoods safer and holding bureaucracy accountable for tax dollar spendings.

“We are failing in this state and we desperately need change,” Hoover said. “We successfully passed the Phone Free School act and are working hard to get Proposition 36 across the finish line.”

The Rancho Cordova Luncheon returns at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15, featuring Erik Swanson Superintendent of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.