Felts seeks to restore integrity to Elk Grove city council

Eyes Sophia Scherman's seat in four-way race


Political newcomer Bob Felts is running for the Elk Grove city council district five seat in hopes of, among other things, restoring integrity to the council in the wake of the scathing 2005 Sacramento County Grand Jury report.

That report faulted the city council for among other things conflict of interest charges against council members Jim Cooper and Mike Leary. Felts also said the report noted that the council should avoid things that give the appearance of any improprieties.

"This recent bit with Leary and Reynolds & Brown revenue sharing plan is a good example," Felts said. "We have the appearance of improprieties."

Leary has received $6,000 from Reynolds & Brown so far this year. Reynolds & Brown was the recent recipient of a multi-million dollar tax incentive for developing a new hotel.

The restoration of integrity is but one of Felts' goals in running. Additionally Felts aims to slow expansion, cease annexation, establish term limits, enhance support for seniors and enhance public safety.

Felts believes the city has grown to fast and the rate of growth needs to be reigned in to the rate of the Gross National Product. "I think we have grown to rapidly," he said.

"I don't think we should annex anything right now," Felts said. "I don't think this constant expansion program is necessarily a good idea at this time."

While new to the face of local politics, the native Alabaman has an extensive resume that includes being a graduate of the US Air Force Academy followed by a 22-year military career as a pilot and a business career.

Felts also said as a city council member he would advocate for increased service for senior citizens and returning military veterans through a privately funded community fund. "My idea of a city and a person is that you don't achieve greatness without having a little compassion," he said.