My life is woven deeply into the fabric of this community. I am running for Supervisor because, like you, I care about my home, our home, and want to make it a better place to live, work, and play.
Our community is truly exceptional. The American River Parkway is one of California’s finest outdoor recreation spaces. Our neighborhoods hold breathtaking tree canopies that are one of a kind. We take pride in our well-designed parks and shopping areas that complement our affordable residential neighborhoods. We are strengthened and enriched by incredibly diverse neighborhoods that work together to improve our quality of life. Above all, we are fortunate to have highly dedicated first responders protecting our community day in and day out.
However, our community stands at a crucial crossroads. Hard-working California families are struggling. We have a choice to make: either protect the California Dream or cave to the mounting cost of living, homelessness, and crime afflicting our community. Right now, we need experienced leadership that understands our community, has the know-how to tackle tough issues, and remains committed to Sacramento families. We need to continue to fight homelessness humanely, build trust with our law enforcement, create economic freedom, and keep paving those roads!
It’s easy to forget that the person on the street is someone’s neighbor, family member, or brother. As your County Supervisor, I have focused on a compassionate approach that focuses on treating drug addiction and mental illness. We need humane solutions when solving homelessness while keeping our families, schools, and properties safe. I am committed to getting more people off our streets, into housing, and back to work by expanding treatment and housing resources while insisting that people use them.
Together with my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, I have worked to cultivate a culture rooted in economic freedom, empowering our local businesses and opening doors for community investment. As Sacramento Supervisor, I helped direct grant funding to our small businesses harmed by the COVID pandemic and am working every day to reduce red tape and expensive County regulations.
Our roads are crumbling under the strain of increased traffic and a staggering $850 million maintenance backlog. I have prioritized transportation initiatives, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people throughout Sacramento County. Together, we will actively work to fill potholes and repair roads, street by street.
Our mission is not complete, and there is still work to be done. But Sacramento County residents are tough and resilient. Together, we will overcome challenging times and build a better, stronger community than ever before. I hope you will take this journey with me.
- Rich Desmond