Jim Ortega is one of six candidates running for a seat on the Folsom City Council this November, campaigning for the fourth district. As part of an effort to provide balanced and unbiased insight into each candidate, Folsom Times compiled a list of key topics and questions, many of which were submitted by residents who participated in the project. In total, more than two dozen topics were addressed by the candidates, offering voters an in-depth look at their visions and positions.
According to his responses, Ortega brings over 33 years of experience in law enforcement and community leadership to his campaign. Having lived in Folsom since 2007, Ortega is deeply connected to the community. His career includes nearly 30 years with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, where he retired as a captain, followed by a three-year stint as police chief in Placerville. Beyond his professional background, Ortega has been active in local service, including coaching youth sports and participating in the Rotary Club of Folsom.
If elected, Ortega plans to address key challenges facing Folsom, including understaffing in the police department, rising crime rates, and the city’s growing homeless-mentally ill population. He emphasizes the need for more police officers and support staff to keep pace with population growth and public safety demands. Ortega also aims to foster collaboration between the city’s Homeless Outreach Team and Sacramento County, as well as local nonprofits, to address homelessness more effectively.
Ortega’s vision for Folsom includes strengthening economic development and ensuring housing options are available for residents across all income levels. He supports Measure G, which would raise additional revenue for city services, including public safety, parks, and trail maintenance. Ortega also stresses the importance of creating a welcoming environment for new professionals, offering housing options that will allow teachers, nurses, and first responders to live and work in Folsom, thereby reducing traffic and pollution. Below, is Jim Ortega’s full Q&A with Folsom Times:
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Q: How long have you resided in Folsom, and what do you love most about the city?
My wife and I purchased our home in 2007. There is so much to love about Folsom. From the beginning, we have always felt a sense of community. Everyone seems to care about their neighborhood, parks, schools, and overall quality of life. We love being close to the trail system and the California State Parks access points. We have a Poppy Pass and use it regularly.
Q: Candidates running for City Council have a variety of experiences in life and the city that they feel make them the most qualified to be on the City Council. What experiences do you bring to the table to make you the most qualified person to help lead our city?
I have served in local government for over 33 years. I served for almost 30 years with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office where I retired as a captain. I then served as the police chief in Placerville for 3 years. I understand how to work collaboratively within a city to address challenges. I have led large and small diverse teams of employees as a supervisor, manager, executive and department head. I have been involved in community service. I have coached sports here in Folsom, been a guest speaker at different schools, and I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Folsom for over 8 years.
Q: What motivates you most to serve on the Folsom City Council?
A large reason I decided to run for city council is the fact that our city has less police officers on our police department today than we had in 2008. Our population has grown and continues to grow. There has not been a consistent plan on how to provide resources to our police department to address the growing population, and the on-going challenges with the unhoused-mentally ill members of our community. As I have met with the city department directors and some employees, I have learned that all city departments have less personnel than they had a few years ago. Our employees are being asked to do more with less. This has caused some employees to leave Folsom and go to work for other cities in our region. Folsom should be a city where experienced professionals are going to, not leaving.
Q: What do you feel are the top three challenges facing Folsom that need the most attention?
Number one is the low staffing of the police department. There were dramatic increases in crime in 2023. Rising crime is not due to the lack of effort from our police department. Chief Hillman and his staff do an outstanding job with the resources provided to them. The police department needs more officers for a variety of duties including traffic enforcement. There is a need for more support staff, including dispatchers.
The second challenge for Folsom is the on-going crisis with the unhoused-mentally ill population. The most recent Point In Time (PIT) count saw a drastic increase in our homeless population in Folsom. That is not acceptable. The city of Folsom relies on 3 existing nonprofit groups to address this challenged population. These nonprofit groups do not always collaborate as they are trying to help the same population. A missing link to all of this is the County of Sacramento. The County funds all Department of Health and Human Services for this population.
I have talked with County Supervisor-elect Rosario Rodriguez about working with Sacramento County to better serve our unhoused-mentally ill population. If we can have our police department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) collaborate with the County and our nonprofit groups here in Folsom, we can make some positive changes and reduce our homeless population.
VISION AND GOVERNANCE
Q: What is your overall vision for the City of Folsom over the next five years?
In the next 5 years, Folsom needs to have strong economic development. Folsom is in the process of becoming a medical hub as we watch 1 new medical complex under construction South of 50 just off East Bidwell. 2 more medical providers have plans for medical complexes as well. We need to continue to bring well-paying jobs in other sectors. These new jobs will bring a need for housing which is currently being planned and built. Folsom needs to make sure we have housing for all income levels. Several residents have expressed to me how they would like to see mid-level priced housing in the Folsom Plan Area. Currently there are affordable housing options for low-income households and high-income priced homes. What I have not yet seen are homes for the entry level homebuyer. If we want new teachers, nurses, public safety professionals and other young professionals to live in Folsom, we should be able to offer them an option for home ownership within reach of their entry level salary. Having Folsom based professionals live in Folsom will reduce traffic and air pollution.
Q: What will you bring to the table to make government work better for Folsom residents?
Having served in local government for 33 years, I have experience in determining what works and what doesn’t work. I will work to make sure our dedicated staff at City Hall have the tools necessary to serve the public in the most efficient manner possible. Currently there are technological needs at City Hall across some departments that have not been funded. Not funding I.T. projects can result in less efficiency for our citizens and business owners. I will also bring my skills as a leader of large and small groups of professionals. I have a history of success in ensuring employees are performing their roles at peak levels while maintaining employee morale and not burning them out.
We have to have a culture where the employees know the City Council respects their work and listens when necessary. If an employee feels they are heard and appreciated, they will always do more than necessary to ensure that our citizens are well served. I will request solutions to problems that are data driven. If we have a problem, attempt a solution and it does not work, we need to try a different solution.
Q: What has been working well with the City Council in the past year that you would like to continue? What would you change?
The city council appears to have a good working relationship with each of the department directors. It is my hope those relationships will continue with 2 new council members next year. There is some friction between some of the council members and the city manager. That will change as the current city manager has announced her retirement effective at the end of this year. I hope a new city manager and 2 new council members can bring a fresh start so there is no friction within the city leadership. Folsom should be the model for the region on how a city should function.
Q: You’re running for a seat on the city council where you’ll represent your district constituents and vote on many city-wide issues. Do you see a difference in issues affecting your district specifically, and those affecting another district that you’ll have to vote on?
Council district 4, the district I am running to represent, has some unique challenges. This district includes Natoma Station, a portion of Prairie Oaks, a portion of Willow Springs, and a portion of Broadstone. Natoma Station also includes the Folsom Premium Outlets and the Century Theater complex. Residents have raised concerns to me about the Outlets and theater complex. They are older and not as crowded as they were even 10 years ago. I am concerned about what possible developments could be planned for these complexes. I have reached out to the management team of the Outlets to discuss their future for the complex. I have not received any return emails or phone calls.
My concern starts with the fact that more housing may be planned in this area which would impact the schools that serve District 4. Natoma Station Elementary School, Sutter Middle School and Folsom High School are already above their capacity. Any housing built in this council district will have a direct impact on current residents. I realize this is a Folsom Cordova Unified School District issue, but it should concern the city council.
Traffic is another issue impacting District 4. There are planned interchanges and overpasses for residents to traverse across HWY 50. There is a planned interchange at Empire Ranch Drive. There is an interchange or overpass planned for Oak Avenue Parkway and an overpass planned for Rowberry Drive. Each of these planned projects will reduce the traffic on East Bidwell which is gridlocked daily. Prairie City Road is becoming busier as more development continues in the Folsom Plan Area.
Although I would represent District 4, there are projects in other parts of the city with which I would be concerned. The River District Master Plan and the Central Business District Master Plan are 2 major projects in the planning stages now. I look forward to seeing these projects getting started. Citywide, I am aware of a policy move to install roundabouts throughout the city to improve traffic safety and traffic flow.
In summary, although the city was forced to elect council members by district, I believe each council member will be concerned about issues impacting the entire city, not just their respective council district. For citizens, they now have a specific council member with whom they may share their concerns.
Q:What can the city do to be more responsive to the public and what role will you play as a City Council member to assure that Folsom is listening to resident’s concerns and is responsive to the public?
I believe our city is transparent in the way business is done, but there is always room for improvement. Council agendas are shared every 2 weeks across multiple platforms. I think the city website could use a minor update to make it more user friendly. With individual council members elected by district, the city may consider having a separate webpage for each council member listing high profile projects going on in each district.
Q:In your eyes, what is the role of the city manager in Folsom and what would you want to see in the talents and experience of an incoming city manager in Folsom?
The city manager is the chief executive officer for the City of Folsom. The city manager takes direction from the city council over a wide range of policy decisions. It is then the role of the city manager to implement the vision of the city council.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Q: Obviously, public safety is a top priority in our community – police and fire. We still have fewer police officers in Folsom than we did in 2008, fewer officers dedicated to traffic enforcement and fewer detectives. Is this a concern and what can be done about it?
Public safety concerns are the main reason I entered the race for this council seat. When I learned that Folsom had fewer officers today than we did in 2008, I was shocked. We need to address this lack of police staffing soon. In the current budget year, funding was provided for a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). While that is a good start, we need more staffing just to catch up with population growth in the past 16 years. Fire department staffing has kept up with the population growth, so we need to continue doing for the police department what we have done for the fire department.
Funding is always the challenge. Measure G will help address the funding gap across the city, not just in public safety. We not only have fewer officers in our city than we did in 2008, but several city departments, including parks and planning, are serving with fewer staff members. We cannot continue to do more with less. Measure G can help address the budget shortfall.
Q: Homelessness is on the minds of a number of people. What is your assessment on this issue and what should the city be doing to address it?
Folsom continues to see an increase in our homeless-mentally ill population. I have had success in addressing this issue and would bring more collaboration to this issue for Folsom (see full answer in part two of this topic below).
Q: There are many people concerned about camps in some of the woodland areas and parks. Is that a concern of yours and what can or should be done to address that, and certainly, there are many homeless people who would be willing to get assistance. What can and should be done by the city to help those who want help?
The city is once again able to enforce its no camping ordinance in open space with the Grants Pass decision from the United States Supreme Court. While we will not arrest our way out of the homeless-mental health crisis, we need to keep our open space safe from fires. As mentioned earlier, we need to collaborate with Sacramento County and existing local nonprofit groups in assisting this population. For those who are not mentally ill and refuse assistance, a traditional law enforcement response is necessary. We cannot allow our city to become a large homeless camp. It is inhumane to allow human beings to sleep in dangerous situations. Crime regularly occurs in homeless camps if they are allowed to grow.
Q: Proposition 36 on the November ballot seeks to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, particularly involving retail theft and fentanyl. Do you support this proposition? Please explain your stance and how it relates to Folsom.
I support this proposition 100%! I was still serving with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office when Proposition 47 passed in 2014. Several law enforcement organizations in California correctly predicted the outcome of Proposition 47. It was hard to fight this measure because the California State Attorney General allowed it to be labeled as the “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act”. It has been a miserable failure. Retail theft is up across our state and many retailers have closed in several communities.
In Folsom, our retailers have suffered because of reduced consequences for theft. We need to increase penalties for all theft. We also need to bring back the option of “treatment or jail” for minor narcotic offenses. Proposition 36 provides these tools to address theft and the fentanyl epidemic. Fentanyl is a problem in Folsom. Our first responders see overdoses regularly.
BUDGET AND ECONOMY
Q: What will be your budget priorities if elected, and how will you work to balance the city’s budget in the coming years?
There needs to be dedicated staff members who will apply for various state and federal grants available to cities each year. At one time, Folsom had staff who applied for grants. At some point, these staff members were cut. Grants will not solve all our budget problems, but grants can move the city forward with various projects in technology, traffic mitigation, and other challenges.
Q: Measure G, on the November ballot, proposes a 1-cent sales tax to raise an estimated $29 F-million annually for police, fire, parks, trails, and economic development in Folsom. Do you support this measure? Explain the reasons behind your stance.
I support Measure G. I have attended city council meetings for the past 18 months which included 2 budget cycles. I have studied the city budget. I see how city expenses are exceeding expenditures. Most of this problem is due to the “Amazon effect”. More people shop online. The city does not receive as much of the sales tax revenue from the current online sales tax formula due to state law. Measure G will provide the city with $29 million in additional revenue each year. These funds are specifically designated to be spent in certain areas. The city council will have little discretion on where to spend these funds, which is one of the reasons I support the measure. With Measure G, we can improve the staffing to our police and fire departments. We will also start catching up on our deferred maintenance in our parks and on our trails. We are millions of dollars behind on maintaining our city assets. Measure G will allow us to catch up on current deferred maintenance and plan for future maintenance.
Q: There has been discussion about privatizing or forming public-private partnerships for city amenities like the Aquatic Center and the Zoo. What are your thoughts on this idea?
I am in favor of public-private partnerships as has been discussed at length in city council meetings over the past year. Partnerships are good and may increase revenue for the city for maintenance of our assets. I am not in favor of relinquishing these city assets including the land where these assets are situated.
Q: What specific ideas do you have to strengthen the business environment and facilitate economic development in Folsom?
The State of California discontinued all redevelopment agencies several years ago. These agencies allowed cities to provide incentives for redevelopment of older sections of communities. Redevelopment funds were used to make capital improvements to Sutter Street over 10 years ago. The city needs the ability to provide incentives to businesses as large businesses consider where they want to locate. Measure G provides some funds for economic development. I believe there are opportunities for other partnerships to create economic development projects as well. Folsom Lake College has discussed the possibility of a hotel and conference center on their property. Our city needs larger conference facilities to attract larger trade shows, training symposiums, and conferences. Making Folsom more of a destination for these events will increase business to our entertainment venues. With Folsom becoming a medical hub as the result of medical providers building facilities in the Folsom Plan Area, the need for larger training venues and conference centers is obvious.
Q: Folsom has been home to large companies like Intel and VSP, some of which have faced financial challenges and staffing reductions. Do you have any ideas for how the city could transition these large facilities if this trend continues?
First, I want to state that I hope these companies can remain in Folsom. They are vital to our economy today. However, if they are forced to leave due to the over regulations of the State of California, the City of Folsom should be prepared with some plans for the vacant commercial space. We should consider all options including mixed use retail and housing. An expansion of medical offices should be considered. We should also consider approaching Folsom Cordova Unified School District to determine if any vacant commercial property could be used for educational purposes. If these companies leave, it will be an opportunity to get creative!
Q: If major companies in Folsom continue to reduce their workforce, what ideas do you have to provide opportunities for displaced employees to remain in the Folsom community rather than relocating?
The city should partner with Folsom Lake College to determine what programs are available to retrain an existing workforce into a profession that allows the workforce to remain in Folsom. Folsom Lake College is another great asset in our city, and they would be a great partner here.
Q: Proposition 32, on the November ballot, would increase the minimum wage from $16 to $18 per hour by January 2026. Do you see this as beneficial or concerning, given current economic challenges? Please elaborate.
I am not in favor of raising the current minimum wage from $16 to $18 per hour. Minimum wage is not meant to be a living wage for a family. It is meant to be a starting point as it has been for at least the past 50 years. The minimum wage is designed today for high school students, college students, and those entering the workforce for the first time. When the current “fast food” minimum wage rose to $20, it caused several employees across California to lose their jobs. Businesses cannot simply raise all prices to keep up with labor costs to due to the State Legislature or voters raising minimum wage. Many business owners closed their businesses during the past year. So, the very people the proponents of Proposition 32 claim they want to help will be harmed the most. The proponents of this proposition have tried this proposition on voters at least 2 times in the past 8 years. It failed both times and it needs to fail this time or more employees in California will lose their jobs.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
Q: Many residents express concerns about traffic in Folsom. What are your ideas for improving traffic safety and congestion?
As mentioned previously, we need the overpasses and interchange projects over HWY 50 to be funded and completed sooner rather than later. The roundabout plan for the city will ease congestion.
Q: City staff has reported that just a few years ago, Folsom had the highest rating for street conditions in the region – called the Pavement Condition Index. Staff also report that we are now 3rd and sinking quickly. Recently, the city also had to reject bids for a repaving contract as they came much higher than the amount budgeted. Further, the city is only able to invest a fraction of what’s needed each year in pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalk repair. Millions more dollars are needed. Do you have any ideas on what should be done to address this problem?
There should be a line item in the budget for street maintenance. Each year, set aside a certain portion of the budget for maintenance. We should do this even if Measure G passes. Measure G will help the city repave our roads in a timelier manner.
LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND PARKS
Q: The city’s General Plan has called for certain forward-thinking planning projects that are now in process – the Central Business District and the River District. Are those important to the city and why?
Yes. The Central Business District is an area of the city that is older and needs to be updated with modern traffic controls, better pedestrian and bike access. There is vacant land in this district that is underused and could be put to better use to generate tax revenue and provide jobs.
The River District is an area that needs attention, and I believe the current draft for this area is good. The challenge here is much of the land involved in this development is owned by the State of California. This project will require heaving collaboration between the State of California and Folsom. It will also be important to not overdevelop the land in this area. Our city prides itself on our open space, trails, and being “distinctive by nature”. Some commercial and residential development in this project area would be acceptable as long as we do not overdevelop and create congestion in the area.
Q: The South of 50 portion of Folsom is obviously booming and we have many new residents. How do you see the City incorporating the residents of Folsom Ranch into the whole Folsom community so we don’t have two separate areas?
Our city has gone through growing pains over the past 35 years. I am confident there were residents who did not want Natoma Station, Prairie Oaks, Broadstone or Lexington Hills built, but here we are. The master plan for Folsom Ranch includes trails and parks that will be part of the entire city trail system. As the Folsom Plan Area is completed over the next 10 years, we will grow into one, slightly larger, thriving city just as we have in decades prior to today. I do not consider the new residents South of 50 as “them”. Residents in the Folsom Plan Area-South of 50 are our neighbors and part of our community. They have a voice, and they are just as much a part of our community as those of us who have lived here for some time. A message of “one community” needs to be echoed from the city council. I intend to be at least one voice who will do just that.
Q: Folsom’s slogan is Distinctive by Nature, yet the city has not been able to put money into renovations in our parks and trails. Maintenance has already been significantly reduced in our parks and on our trails. What are your thoughts on that and any proposals to address these key features in our community?
Please see my response regarding Measure G.
Q: City staff estimates that the accrued deferred maintenance costs in parks and recreation facilities is in excess of $20 million, and another $2 million just in trails. These are BIG numbers. What ideas to address this problem will you bring to the city council discussion on this topic?
As explained on a previous topic, I support Measure G. I have attended city council meetings for the past 18 months which included 2 budget cycles. I have studied the city budget. I see how city expenses are exceeding expenditures. Most of this problem is due to the “Amazon effect”. More people shop online. The city does not receive as much of the sales tax revenue from the current online sales tax formula due to state law. Measure G will provide the city with $29 million in additional revenue each year. These funds are specifically designated to be spent in certain areas. The city council will have little discretion on where to spend these funds, which is one of the reasons I support the measure. With Measure G, we can improve the staffing to our police and fire departments. We will also start catching up on our deferred maintenance in our parks and on our trails. We are millions of dollars behind on maintaining our city assets. Measure G will allow us to catch up on current deferred maintenance and plan for future maintenance.
Q: With Folsom’s growing need for schools, the city has been working with Rancho Cordova, the School Board, and developers to discuss options, particularly concerning rising costs. As a council member, what do you believe is the best plan for addressing school needs, student welfare, and school safety in Folsom?
First, it was a mistake for the Folsom Cordova School District (FCUSD) to reduce the number of school resource officers (SROs) in Folsom. SROs do not create a “pathway to prison” as one FCUSD board member suggested over 2 years ago. SROs are a true resource for the education community. SROs develop trust and mutual respect with students and staff. SROs provide staff with many opportunities to create a more positive atmosphere for a troubled student’s educational experience. I know at least 2 candidates for the FCUSD Board are in favor of restoring the staffing of the SROs in Folsom and Rancho Cordova.
Regarding the rising costs of schools, that is complicated. In Folsom, we need at least one more high school, a middle school, and 2 or 3 more elementary schools in the Folsom Ranch area. The school district should stop building expensive newly designed schools at each site and return to building simple and practical school sites. It appears that the district was in favor of building expensive, individually designed schools for each site. This is not necessary, and it is expensive. To reduce costs, we should return to what appears to have been a past practice. Use an existing design for 3 similar looking elementary schools. Natoma Station and Sandra Gallardo Elementary Schools look similar in design and were probably less expensive to build because the same design was used. Let’s follow that example. It is more important to have a practical campus that better serves our students rather than spending resources on fancy looking buildings. This pragmatic mindset has always been my approach to public budgets.
Q: Additional topic: If there is something you feel is important regarding an issue we haven’t asked about, please share
This has been the most detailed questionnaire I have completed for this election.
LOOKING TOWARDS AND BEYOND ELECTION DAY
Q: In the event that you are not elected, do you expect to remain involved in city affairs? If so, in what capacity?
If I am not elected, I will apply to serve on another board or commission within Folsom city government. I will continue to volunteer in different groups associated with our schools and the Rotary Club of Folsom where I am a member.
If a voter has not learned enough about you here, what is the best way for them to meet you or learn more?
Voters can go to my website to learn more about me; https://jimortega.org. They can email me at: jimmyortega151@gmail.com. I am happy to meet with voters in person. I have met several neighborhood groups who gather and have me answer questions. Thank you, Folsom Times, for this opportunity to answer these important questions!
