Redding voters will hear from Elise Ramirez Sloan, a longtime volunteer and community advocate, as she campaigns for one of the three open seats on the Redding City Council in the November election. Sloan’s background in education, hospitality and a family‑run winery has given her a practical understanding of tight budgets and the need for transparent government.
Professional and Educational Background
Sloan earned her degree from the University of California, Berkeley and has worked at Eureka High School and in several local restaurants. She says these experiences taught her to think quickly and consider every angle before making decisions.
Fiscal Transparency and Accountability
One of Sloan’s core priorities is opening city council deliberations to the public. She argues that recent large contracts have been awarded behind closed doors, a practice she intends to end. “You’re representing the community, so you need to open that up to have community voices give input to make sure you are making the right decision,” she said.
Sloan has been meeting with city directors to learn the details of Redding’s finances and processes. She stresses the importance of maintaining some of the lowest electric rates in California and wants the city to hire qualified accounting professionals rather than filling advisory roles with political appointees.
Strategic Hiring and Workforce Development
Redding is currently under a hiring freeze, but Sloan believes the city should strategically bring back skilled staff, especially for positions that do not strain the general fund. She advocates for permanent hires for the city manager and finance director roles, arguing that experienced personnel can help balance the budget without raising taxes.
Affordable Housing and Supportive Services
Sloan supports working with developers of all types to increase the supply of affordable housing. She also calls for supportive housing that includes in‑house psychologists to address mental‑health crises immediately. The issue is personal for her; a cousin who struggled with addiction and homelessness died after a car accident, reinforcing her belief that “people deserve care and compassion and our help.”
Homelessness Outreach and Information Coordination
After attending a Shasta Health and Human Services Agency event, Sloan was surprised by the breadth of services available but noted that many residents are unaware of them. She proposes a coordinated strategy to compile and disseminate information to those who interact with homeless individuals, ensuring they know which resources to connect people with.
Ethics and Recusal
Sloan says she would recuse herself from any council matter involving an influential group with which she has a relationship, reinforcing her commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
Sustainable Development and Community Values
Looking ahead, Sloan wants Redding to grow in a sustainable way that benefits future generations, rather than chasing short‑term cash from outside investors. She highlights Redding’s affordable cost of living, vibrant downtown, and strong arts and culture scene as assets to preserve.
“It’s not my city,” Sloan said. “It’s our city.” Her campaign centers on restoring fiscal responsibility, expanding affordable housing, and ensuring that every resident has a voice in how Redding is run.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
