City leaders get kudos from financial expert at Future Folsom event

A high-profile, nationally-recognized financial expert gave Folsom city leaders major kudos for their choice to make tough budget cuts this week. This came during a special event called Future Folsom, and the expert was veteran broadcaster Tom Sullivan. "Last night, you folks cut spending. I've never heard of that!" exclaimed Sullivan. "That should make national news!" The event was hosted by Choose Folsom at Lakeside Church and featured a compelling discussion about the local and global economy, along with the exciting developments on the horizon, such as AI, as well as challenges. Sullivan flew in for the event from his home base of New York to be the keynote speaker. Sullivan is a veteran in local and national broadcast media and considered an expert on business and financial issues. As a broadcaster, Sullivan began his career locally at KFBK, KCRA, and eventually became a national media persona with a radio show from New York; he currently hosts a daily podcast. As Sullivan began speaking to the crowd of attendees, he said it was an honor to be back in the area and admitted it's a bit shocking to view current-day Folsom versus the last time he saw it, in 2006. He also remarked on the dramatic changes his former hometown of Granite Bay has undergone. "I can't believe the economic development right before your eyes, and I can't imagine what's on the plan for the future." said Sullivan. "It wasn't that long ago, there were cows grazing on the side of Douglas Blvd. So people say it's a cow town and yes, actually it was! It was a cow town in those days, at least out in Placer County. And here (in Folsom), there were just jack rabbits." Sullivan said he loves New York, but California, and specifically the Sacramento region, will always have a special place in his heart. He praised SMUD for being the best utility he's ever dealt with in all the regions he's lived. "There's something in the water here," said Sullivan, adding his dear friend Rush Limbaugh used to echo the sentiment that something about the Sacramento area just felt like home. "There's something about this community, and I don't know what it is. But it's unique, and people, when they leave it, they remember it as being probably the best place they ever lived." Sullivan proceeded to discuss his take on such issues as inflation, which he predicts will continue to creep up, and the ever-changing dynamics of media, and his disdain for tariffs. And yet he said he was extremely impressed to find out the Folsom City Council unanimously approved a cost-cutting plan that is expected to help close a more than $3 million budget gap during its meeting this week. The plan includes difficult choices, including job cuts. "Have I griped for years about the fact that (politicians) never talk about cutting. All they talk about is spending more and what to do with the money that they're spending," said Sullivan. "And here you are, this morning I found out that the city of Folsom cut spending last night. And I applaud you. That should be a big story today." Sullivan said even though he and his wife love New York, there was a time they seriously considered also buying a home in California. "What we found out is California isn't the same California that we left 19 years ago. You have the highest taxes, and second-highest gas tax behind Seattle," explained Sullivan. "Its the regulatory environment and it's because California, New York, Illinois and Texas are one-party states. Somehow, people have to get active enough to actually change it to two parties. Two good, strong political parties is better for you than one monopoly by one particular party." Sullivan also spoke at length about the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play in the future. Sullivan said he is very bullish on AI, and the opportunities it will create in various sectors, from business to the medical field, are vast. While many worry AI will cause widespread job losses, Sullivan said there will also be job gains as industries evolve and needs change. "The automobile, the airplane, all of these have led to more jobs than before, but did they have to lay off the blacksmith? Yes, they didn't need as many horse shoes anymore," said Sullivan. "But they had to hire mechanics and people who knew how to fix automobiles." The conversation continued after Sullivan wrapped up his talk. He then moderated a panel discussion with a group of experts: Vidhu Shekhar, government strategy lead for Microsoft; Todd Eschelman, executive managing director, Newmark Sacramento & Roseville; Shelby Ryburn, co-owner, the MORE Real Estate Group; Christopher B. Cady, Northern California Division president, Woodside Homes; Joshua Rasin, manager of Advanced Technologies, SMUD; and Namrita Gogia, primary care physician, Mercy Medical Group - Dignity Health. The experts acknowledged challenges, such as home developer Cady discussing cost increases due to tariffs, and realtor Ryburn acknowledging interest rates and national media stories causing consumers to believe this isn't a good time to buy a home. Yet all also expressed optimism there is still a great deal of opportunity in Folsom and there are strategies to benefit in this market, with Ryburn even stating there's no better time to buy a home than now, in her opinion. A huge source of optimism expressed during the event was the future of healthcare in Folsom, and the fact there will be more facilities and resources in the community than ever before, making it an even more desirable place to live. The important role AI will play was further discussed by panel members; they said it will aid in the diagnosis of diseases and help complete tedious work such as note-taking post-medical appointments. While AI will no doubt result in job losses, such as in the radiology field, Dr. Gogia pointed out that doctor-patient relationships can never be replaced. "My guidance, my counsel to my patients will never be replaced by AI. It will only be enhanced by AI," said Gogia. This was a common theme echoed throughout the event: The future will no doubt bring challenges, innovations and growing pains, but what will remain a constant in Folsom is the human connection and that feeling of being "home."