What's Happening?
The La Mesa City Council has appointed Emmett Stewart, a 20-year-old UCLA student, as the city's new treasurer. This appointment makes Stewart the youngest officeholder in San Diego County. The decision was made during a September 8 meeting, where a majority
of council members voted in favor of Stewart over Bill Exeter, a financial analyst with decades of experience. Stewart and Exeter are also set to compete in November for a full four-year term as treasurer. The council opted to appoint someone to the position following the resignation of former treasurer Matt Strabone in July, choosing this path over an expensive special election. Republican Councilmember Laura Lothian opposed Stewart's appointment, citing his lack of experience and knowledge for the role, particularly regarding the city's $70 million portfolio. Stewart acknowledged he did not know the direct amount of money he would be overseeing and that his only prior portfolio management experience was personal.
Why It's Important?
This appointment is significant as it highlights a debate between experience and fresh perspectives in local government. Stewart's youth and limited professional experience, contrasted with Exeter's four decades in finance, bring to the forefront discussions about the qualifications necessary for public office. The role of La Mesa treasurer, a part-time position with a salary of $1,100 per month, manages the city's $70 million portfolio. The decision to appoint a young, less experienced individual to oversee such a substantial sum could set a precedent for future appointments in other municipalities, potentially encouraging younger individuals to seek public office but also raising concerns about financial stewardship. The upcoming November election will further test public sentiment on this issue, as voters will decide between the incumbent Stewart and the more experienced Exeter.
What's Next?
Emmett Stewart will serve as the appointed city treasurer until the November election. In November, he will face Bill Exeter for a full four-year term. Although Stewart will have the advantage of incumbency, the ballot will list him as a 'Financial Analyst' and Exeter as 'Treasurer/CFO/CEO,' reflecting their respective backgrounds. The campaign leading up to the election is likely to continue focusing on the candidates' experience levels and qualifications for managing the city's finances. The outcome of this election will indicate whether La Mesa voters prioritize a fresh perspective or extensive experience for a critical financial role within their local government. The debate surrounding ageism and the value of youth versus experience in public service is expected to remain a central theme.
Beyond the Headlines
The appointment of Emmett Stewart transcends a simple personnel decision, touching upon broader societal views regarding age, experience, and public service. It challenges traditional notions that extensive professional experience is a prerequisite for significant governmental roles, suggesting a potential shift towards valuing new perspectives and youth representation. This event could inspire other young individuals to engage in local politics, but it also raises questions about the due diligence required for such appointments, especially concerning financial oversight. The ethical dimension involves balancing the desire for fresh ideas with the practical need for proven competence in managing public funds. Long-term, this could influence how cities approach filling elected and appointed positions, potentially leading to more diverse candidate pools but also necessitating clearer guidelines on qualifications for financial responsibilities.
