FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:  Allison Miller, Communications

May 27, 2008

916-435-4845

www.betterrocklin.org

ROCKLIN CITIZENS FORM POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

160 Days to a New City Council

ROCKLIN, CA – Wednesday, May 28 is the official launch date of a newly-formed committee in Rocklin organized to bring change to city hall in November, 2008.  Using the title Rocklin Citizens for Council Change (RCCC), the political action committee begins their campaign with the announcement: “180 days to a new city council.” 

The committee organized during a series of community-wide meetings held in April and May; a steering committee was chosen and includes Tony Rakocija, chair; Louise Bachtold, Gary Susnara and Steve Blankenship – all Rocklin residents with a keen interest in the well-being of the Rocklin community. Among the issues of concern to the committee are: a deficit in the city’s operating budget, short-sighted economic development policies and council members who are out of touch with Rocklin citizens.

Chairman Tony Rakocija summed up the objective of Rocklin Citizens for Council Change, “This is the year for change. Rocklin needs new and creative leadership – the challenges and complexities the city faces demand fresh and proactive governance. We want every Rocklin resident to know our desire for change at City Hall.”

Rakocija, a Senior Business Manager for AT&T, with 29 years of managerial experience, said the RCCC used the results of a survey taken in Rocklin last summer to issue a citywide prompt for citizen input and involvement. RCCC is the result of many Rocklin residents who feel disenfranchised with the status quo; its membership represents all political parties.

One specific concern cited by residents is that the majority of the incumbent city council  members reside in the same neighborhood and have served on the council for a collective 74 years. “ Another major concern for residents is the growing traffic on Rocklin streets and, finally, the committee is extremely concerned with the lack of planning vision, resulting in a barren downtown. “Rocklin residents deserve better. A new downtown should be at the forefront of city planning – city hall is moving too slowly,” said Rakocija.

The goal of the RCCC is to support talented individuals who desire to run for city council and are willing to devote their time as civil servants to assure all Rocklin residents of a viable and financially sound city government.

The committee is hosting a website at: www.betterrocklin.org

 

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