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Citrus Heights Messenger

Laying the Foundation for OUR Recovery

Sep 24, 2020 12:00AM ● By Letter to the Editor by Marcia Rayford

We are laying the foundation for post-COVID recovery. Measure M will affect the planning and construction of $10 million dollars per year of infrastructure and road improvements, including the development of $1.2 billion in construction work with the re-visioning of Sunrise Mall. Without Measure M working families in our city will continue to suffer.

There has been much debate within our community about whether this is “the right time” for Measure M. This is an important discussion to have and every resident, business owner, and their employees will be affected by and ultimately benefit from the passage of Measure M. There is no playbook for navigating these uncertain times and the looming economic crisis we face once restrictions have been completely lifted. Being proactive instead of reactive about our city’s future is paramount. In our lifetime we have never been through anything on the scale of what COVID-19 is unleashing.

The economic upheaval we are currently navigating is agonizing and heart-wrenching for individuals, families, and businesses. Without Measure M the upcoming economic recovery will be even harsher and more unforgiving. As our city government grapples with the public health consequences of COVID-19, we also must turn our attention to the economic disruption and worker dislocation that has been unleashed upon our entire city. 

We cannot afford missteps at this critical time; bold action, clear thinking, and new ways to ensure the success of doing business in Citrus Heights will see us through this crisis. Measure M will support our community and families so we can ensure that the City of Citrus Heights can continue to deliver on the promise and opportunity that has been defined by our residents.

We must support our local economy by continuing to build, repair, and maintain the critical infrastructure our community relies on and begin preparations for the long process of recovery.

These measures are not optional – they are the necessities of operating under the new reality we face today. In this time of great crisis, let us do everything that we can to help our families, businesses, and community meet the challenges ahead of us. We need to keep our community working, safe, and strong. Citrus Heights is resilient and we will rebuild.

                                                                    

Marcia Rayford
Business Owner and Citrus Height Resident