Lincoln deserves leadership that puts Lincoln first

As a business owner and taxpayer who has called Lincoln home since 2006, I believe progress must be measured by results, not political talking points. Financial stability must be demonstrated by the numbers, not simply declared. The incumbent canceled her appearance at the candidate forum and instead made her case through a letter to the editor so I'll use that same platform. The city's adopted 2025-2027 budget identifies a $3.6 million structural operating deficit, declining General Fund reserves, and a fiscal emergency. With more than 20 years managing, operating and growing construction businesses, I know the difference between managing a financial problem and solving one. When expenses outpace sustainable revenue, we must examine operations, identify underlying causes and make decisions. I would never accept a recurring deficit in business. Why should taxpayers accept one from their city? Residents cannot keep paying more while the fundamental problem remains unresolved. Placer County's temporary funding for police and fire gives Lincoln valuable time to evaluate spending, identify efficiencies and develop sustainable revenue through a more diversified economy. Instead, residents are being asked to consider an additional 1% sales tax to add to the General Fund against the city's $3.6 million General Fund deficit. I wholeheartedly support public safety. But supporting police and firefighters does not mean asking taxpayers to pay more before the city demonstrates how it is addressing the underlying financial problem. We should use this temporary funding that the City has received over these past years to develop a lasting plan, not treat another tax as a substitute for one. Residents also deserve a clear accounting of the ongoing costs of expanded services and how those commitments will be funded in the future. When it comes to housing, I am opposed to an unbalanced approach that overlooks quality of life and the long-term financial consequences for current residents. There is a difference between building a city and simply building more houses. Lincoln needs commercial investment, job creating businesses and a broader revenue base. When commercially designated land is converted to housing, we must ask what that means for future business investment, revenue diversification and the city's ability to fund services. In 2014, I was told Lincoln needed 50,000 residents to attract meaningful businesses. Now I hear 80,000. When do we stop moving the goalposts? I've seen businesses invest in smaller communities because they recognize responsible leadership, sound financial planning, and a city prepared for sustainable growth. Businesses look for opportunity, infrastructure, and a city prepared to support investment, not just population growth. Homebuilding lobbyists are spending money on mailers and social media ads supporting the incumbents. Developers want to protect their investments, so when special interests support officials with predictable voting records, residents have every right to ask whose priorities are really being served. My responsibility is to Lincoln's residents, not developers, political organizations, or anyone expecting an elected official to advance their agenda. I entered this race to represent the people who pay the bills. Responsible leadership means having the courage to say no when a decision does not serve Lincoln's long-term interests. Lincoln deserves leadership that confronts financial realities, scrutinizes development decisions, protects taxpayers, attracts commercial investment, works with regional partners and demands accountability. I will ask the hard questions, challenge decisions that warrant scrutiny and put Lincoln's long-term interests ahead of political convenience. I am running for City Council because residents deserve that leadership. I am ready to do the work. Christine Colvin Treshchuk is a Lincoln City Council, District 1 candidate.