Tim Reed
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Tim Reed ran for election to the Galt City Council At-large in California. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Reed completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
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Biography
Tim Reed provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 17, 2024:
- Birth date: October 11, 1979
- Birth place: Solvang, California
- High school: E.I.E. Academy
- Associate: San Joaquin Delta College, 2011
- Bachelor's: US Stanislaus, 2013
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Christian
- Profession: Emergency Responder
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Strengthening All Emergency Services, Stronger Parks, Smarter Spending, and Solutions for All.
- Campaign website
- Campaign endorsements
- Campaign Facebook
- LinkedIn
Elections
General election
Election results
Endorsements
To view Reed's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Reed in this election.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tim Reed completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Reed's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Tim Reed, and I’ve spent the past 27 years serving as a first responder, dedicating my life to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public. My career has been built around protecting people during emergencies, and I currently serve as the Disaster Medical Services Division Chief at EMSA, where I manage emergency medical operations and coordinate disaster response efforts across the state. My experience working in high-pressure situations has given me a deep understanding of public safety, crisis management, and the importance of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to protect our communities.
For the past 14 years, my family and I have called Galt home. My wife Kristy and I are raising our two boys here, and I am passionate about making Galt a great place for all families. Beyond my professional career, I have been actively involved in our community, serving on the Public Safety Committee and as the co-chair of the Hospital Incident Command System. My time in these roles has allowed me to see firsthand the challenges our community faces, from emergency response to public health and safety. It’s also deepened my commitment to working with our residents to find solutions.
I am running for Galt City Council because I believe in the future of our city. I want to ensure that we make smart, responsible decisions that promote reasonable growth, improve our parks and recreational opportunities, and enhance public safety services. - Strengthening Public Safety: With 27 years as a first responder, I know firsthand how critical public safety is to the well-being of a community. My top priority is to improve emergency response times, ensuring our police, fire, and medical services are well-equipped and supported to respond quickly and effectively to any situation. I will work closely with local law enforcement to provide them with the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe, while also addressing concerns about emergency medical and fire response capabilities. By focusing on public safety, we can build a community where residents feel secure and protected in their daily lives.
- Enhancing Parks and Recreation: I believe that parks and recreational opportunities are vital to a thriving community. My campaign is focused on creating more family-friendly recreational spaces like splash pads and basketball courts, ensuring that Galt’s parks are accessible, well-maintained, and welcoming to all residents. I will push for projects that not only improve existing facilities but also expand options for outdoor activities, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy lifestyles. By investing in our parks, we provide our children and families with places to gather, play, and build memories, contributing to the overall quality of life in Galt.
- Responsible Spending: I am committed to managing Galt’s budget in a way that maximizes value for our residents. My focus is on reducing unnecessary spending and ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely. This includes cutting back on excessive contracting and making smarter financial decisions that reflect the needs of the community without putting undue strain on our resources. I will advocate for reasonable growth that covers the rising costs of city operations while prioritizing projects that deliver real benefits. Fiscal responsibility is key to building a sustainable future for Galt, where we can balance growth with affordability.
I am deeply passionate about addressing the homelessness issue in Galt. My focus is on finding practical, compassionate solutions that balance the needs of the homeless population with the safety and well-being of our community. I believe we need to coordinate more effectively with county resources to implement comprehensive solutions, such as permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs. Additionally, increasing outreach and crisis services to connect individuals with the help they need is essential. By working together, we can create a safer, healthier environment while helping people transition off the streets and into stable housing.
This office plays a unique and vital role in connecting state government decisions with the everyday lives of local residents. It serves as a direct link between the community and broader state policies, ensuring that the needs, concerns, and priorities of the local population are heard and addressed. The office is critical for implementing state laws and regulations at the local level, shaping policies that impact everything from public safety and infrastructure to education and economic development. Its importance lies in being a responsive and accessible part of the legal and government system, directly influencing how state resources and programs are applied to benefit the community.
I look up to my father, Bill Reed. He has always been a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication. My father taught me the importance of serving others, staying true to my values, and never giving up, even in the face of challenges. His commitment to doing what’s right and his strong work ethic are qualities I admire and strive to emulate in my own life. Following his example, I’ve learned that leadership is about responsibility and that success comes from persistence, honesty, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
I would recommend "Hal Moore on Leadership: Winning when Outgunned and Outmanned" to anyone who wants to understand my political philosophy. The book highlights General Hal Moore’s leadership principles of resilience, adaptability, and putting the mission and people first, even in the most challenging situations. These values deeply resonate with me, as I believe that true leadership is about staying calm under pressure, making strategic decisions, and never giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Moore’s emphasis on leading from the front and taking responsibility for both successes and failures reflects my approach to serving the community with integrity, strength, and a focus on collective success.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, transparency, empathy, and a strong commitment to public service. Each of these qualities forms the foundation for effective leadership and public trust.
Integrity is perhaps the most critical characteristic. Elected officials must consistently make decisions that are honest, ethical, and in the best interest of their constituents. Integrity means standing by your values, even when it is difficult or unpopular, and resisting external pressures that may lead to compromised decision-making. The public deserves representatives who are truthful, reliable, and principled in all aspects of their role. When officials act with integrity, they earn the trust of the people, and that trust is essential for a healthy and functional relationship between government and citizens.
Accountability is equally vital. Elected officials must be answerable to the people they serve, ensuring that their actions align with their promises and the community’s needs. This means regularly engaging with constituents, being open to feedback, and being willing to admit when mistakes are made. A good leader doesn't shy away from criticism but instead uses it as an opportunity to grow and better serve their community. Additionally, accountability means following through on commitments and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Voters expect their leaders to be fiscally responsible and to manage public resources with care and diligence.
Transparency goes hand-in-hand with accountability. Elected officials must operate in a way that allows the public to see how decisions are made and why certain actions are taken. This involves clear communication, sharing information openly, and ensuring that government processes are accessible and understandable. When officials are transparent, it creates a culture of trust, as people feel informed and involved in the decision-making process I believe the qualities that would make me a successful officeholder include strong leadership, a commitment to service, and a deep understanding of public safety. My 27 years as a first responder have taught me how to remain calm under pressure, make critical decisions in high-stress situations, and put the needs of others first. I am also dedicated to transparency and accountability, ensuring that I remain open and responsive to the community. Additionally, my experience managing emergency services and working with various agencies has equipped me with problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively to find solutions that benefit the entire community.
The core responsibilities of an elected official, particularly at the local level, are to represent the community’s interests, ensure effective governance, promote public safety, support economic development, and maintain transparency and accountability. As a representative, an elected official's duty is to listen to the concerns and needs of their constituents and make decisions that benefit the entire community. Engaging with residents and being accessible while creating open communication channels is key to understanding diverse perspectives within the city.
Effective governance means ensuring that the city’s resources are managed efficiently, with a focus on delivering high-quality public services. Elected officials oversee budgets, prioritize spending, and make critical decisions regarding infrastructure, public safety, and programs. Balancing financial responsibility with community needs requires thoughtful planning and understanding both short-term and long-term impacts of decisions.
Promoting public safety is vital. Citizens expect their elected leaders to ensure that police, fire, and emergency services are well-equipped to respond to crises. This includes improving response times and ensuring that residents feel safe in their neighborhoods. Public safety policies should also address underlying issues such as homelessness and mental health.
Supporting economic development is crucial for a thriving community. Elected officials should work to attract businesses, create jobs, and provide opportunities for growth that benefit residents and the local economy. This includes policies that support small businesses and infrastructure projects that promote sustainable economic growth.
Transparency and accountability are key to building trust. Elected officials must communicate clearly on decisions, budgets, and policies while being open to feedback. Accountability ensures leaders follow through on promises and remain responsive to the community. I would like to leave a legacy of service, integrity, faith, and community improvement. As a Christian, my beliefs guide me in putting others first and serving with humility and compassion. I want to be remembered as someone who not only worked to make Galt safer and stronger but also demonstrated the values of faith, kindness, and unity in every decision. I strive to improve public safety, enhance parks and recreational opportunities, and encourage responsible growth that benefits all residents. Ultimately, I hope my legacy reflects a leader who lived by Christian principles, brought people together, listened to their concerns, and made lasting, positive changes that honor God and serve the community for future generations.
My very first job was working as an EMT on an ambulance, which I started shortly after graduating high school. I had taken an EMT course during my senior year and immediately entered the field of public safety. This early experience sparked my passion for helping others, and I have continued working in public safety ever since, dedicating my career to protecting and serving the community. That first job laid the foundation for my long career as a first responder and shaped my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of others.
One little-known but significant responsibility of this office is its ability to influence local economic development through zoning and land use decisions. These choices can shape the future growth of the community, determining where businesses, housing, and public services are located. Additionally, the office plays a key role in securing and managing grants or state funds that can be used to improve local infrastructure, parks, and public safety. By carefully managing these powers, the office can drive meaningful change that directly enhances the quality of life for residents, making it a crucial part of local governance that many people may not fully realize.
While previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for holders of this office, it is not always necessary. What matters most is a deep understanding of the community, a strong commitment to public service, and the ability to listen and collaborate with others. Experience in government can help navigate the complexities of policies and procedures, but fresh perspectives from those with backgrounds in business, public safety, or community service can bring innovative solutions and new ideas. Ultimately, it’s about having the right leadership qualities, a willingness to learn, and a dedication to serving the best interests of the people.
The most helpful skills for holders of this office include strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Leadership is essential for guiding the community through challenges, making tough decisions, and inspiring confidence. Communication skills are crucial for engaging with residents, understanding their needs, and effectively conveying policies and solutions. Additionally, expertise in fiscal responsibility ensures that the city’s budget is managed wisely, maximizing resources for public benefit. Finally, a deep understanding of public safety, infrastructure, and economic development helps address the key issues facing the community, allowing the officeholder to implement meaningful, lasting improvements.
This office is unique and important to local government because it serves as a direct advocate for the community, ensuring that the voices of Galt residents are heard and acted upon. It plays a crucial role in shaping policies that impact daily life, from public safety to parks and recreation, and it holds the power to make decisions on local economic development, zoning, and resource allocation. What sets this office apart is its ability to bridge the gap between state regulations and local needs, ensuring that the city's growth and development align with the values and priorities of its residents. This position provides the leadership necessary to drive meaningful change at a community level.
My campaign has been endorsed by several key leaders in our community, including City Council Member Shawn Farmer, Jay Vandenburg, Senate Candidate Tom Silva, and school board member Katherine Harper. I am also proud to have the support of the Sacramento Republican Committee. These endorsements reflect the trust and confidence these leaders and organizations have in my ability to serve Galt and make positive changes for our city.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to building trust between elected officials and the community. Citizens have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent and to feel confident that their government is making responsible, ethical decisions. Transparency ensures that financial processes and decisions are open for public scrutiny, preventing waste, fraud, and abuse. Accountability goes hand-in-hand with this, as elected officials must be responsible for their actions, deliver on their promises, and remain open to feedback. By upholding these principles, we can create a government that is truly by the people and for the people.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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