KNOW YOUR CANDIDATE: Rick Thomas, Willows City Council
WILLOWS, Calif. — To help voters prepare for the November election KRCR sent a survey to candidates for public office. KRCR used email addresses provided by election officials on the list of certified candidates. The same 15 questions were sent to all the candidates.
1.What are three things you want voters to know about you?
a.I am a fiscal conservative.
b.I chose to Retire in Willows and enjoy living here.
c.I want my town to thrive and prosper, which requires a change in thinking from our current leadership.
2.What inspired you to run for public office?
I want Willows to thrive and prosper, which requires a change in thinking from our current leadership.
I have always been active and trying to give back to the Community that supports my employment and lifestyle. I have served as President of Rotary, Willows Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Medical Foundation Board, Orland Economic Development Commission and several non-profits.
3.What about your background makes you the best candidate for the job?
I spent over 45 years in the Title and Escrow Industry overseeing operations in 9 different Counties. I have seen what works and what doesn’t to grow economically and correctly. In my employment, I have received and disbursed over 1 billion dollars of Escrow Monies without the loss of a single cent. As a fiduciary, I will tend to the city finances with the same tenacity.
As Chair of the Orland Economic Development Commission for 4 years, along with my various leadership positions in multiple non-profit and service clubs, I know how to work within a group to get things done.
4.What are your top three priorities if elected?
a.Restore the peoples' trust in the Council through Action and Transparency.
b.Reducing Red-Tape and easing approval of Citizen and Business efforts.
c.Level the unequal application of the Sewer Base Rate for all users
d.Seek funding for the City Pool in an all-out effort to avoid another summer without a pool.
5.How do you plan to accomplish this?
a.Listen to the people, address their past and present issues, be forthright.
b.Meet with Staff and review their procedures, direct them that their goal is to find a solution to obstacles," no" is the last of answers. Establish a Committee of a Planning Commissioner and Council Member to review and assist in Building and Planning Applications.
c.Bring the Sewer Fee back before the Council for reconsideration.
d.Seek Grant Funding, additional bids as soon as possible.
6.What are the biggest challenges people are facing right now?
Housing, Jobs and Inflation.
7.What steps can you take to address these challenges if elected?
Reducing Red-Tape in the approval process through the City. Actively seek and solicit Companies to come to Willows. We have land which has been approved for housing, we need new business and jobs to support their construction.
8.Given the divided nature of politics how do you plan to bring people together to accomplish your goals?
Share the facts, no blame. Then a plan to correct issues and the process for moving forward.
9.What is the biggest misconception about you?
Willows is a small town and most people are familiar with my history as Owner of the Title Company. I don’t know of any misconceptions as I have always tried to be fair and honest.
10.What is a challenge you’ve faced that has helped to prepare you for public office?
As Chair of the Orland EDC, we developed a plan to place directional signs to the various points of interest within the city. We found funding through a 2-year, auto sunsetting increase in the City Business License of $25.00. That process took months, and approval of the City Council and the understanding of the Business Community. Private industry moves quickly, because government is for the people, their involvement and participation are a must.
11.Homelessness is a major concern for the community, what do you think needs to be done to address it?
Willows is fortunate to have few homeless, most of which do not cause problems. It is a National Issue which needs to address the root cause. A good place to start is to attack the Drug problem which leads to many of them to becoming homeless.
12.Jail staffing levels have become an increasing concern with many sheriff’s departments struggling to maintain operations at the necessary levels. What can be done to encourage people to take on public safety jobs and to keep qualified employees?
Currently, the Sheriff’s department provides policing for the City of Willows. I have done a ride-along with Deputy Rassmussen in an effort to better understand the needs of the Sheriff and the City of Willows. I will continue to work with Sheriff-Elect Gibbs to provide for the safety of the Citizens of Willows. The Jail is outside the purview of the Willows City Council.
13.Fentanyl and substance abuse are growing issues in the community and can lead to other public safety concerns. What can the government do to address this?
Work with the Sheriff and School Districts to provide education and awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs. The Federal and State need to protect our border and stop the flow of all drugs into our Country.
14.Do you think there is enough affordable housing available?
Currently, there is a shortage of affordable housing of over 800 units according to the Housing Authority. In addition, we have a shortage of mid-level and executive homes, which allow those with growing families to move up which creates more availability of affordable homes. Smart Growth is a focus of mine Jobs + Houses = Growing economy.
15.What is one thing the state government could do to help rural communities facing drought?
Moving forward on the Sites Reservoir project. California needs additional Water Storage, and has for a long time. The Grants which help extend Municipal water service to homes who have had their wells go dry is a big help. Efforts on water shed plans are complex and ongoing.
If you are a candidate for public office on the November ballot and would like to be included in the survey please email the editorial team.