By Casey Sublette
Sports Editor
While most high school seniors worry about getting into the colleges of their dreams, former Manhattan Beach resident and current Environmental Charter School senior Julian Stern used his time this year to run for a Redondo Beach City Council position.
Stern’s interest in politics stemmed from the excitement he gained from national election nights and the suspense he felt during the tallying of the votes. Stern, who recently turned 18 years old, has had his eye on a seat in local government from an early age.
“I have always been interested in politics,” Stern said. “I want to be the one making decisions for our city.”
After watching numerous national elections for most of his life, Stern decided to try and make an impact in his city by running for Redondo Beach City Council. Despite Stern’s concerted efforts, he ended winning third place on March 5, with 502 votes.
The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce endorsed Stern on Jan. 31. He also received endorsements from Redondo Beach City Council members Matt Kilroy, Steve Diels and former Redondo Beach Mayor Greg Hill.
“Julian is a pretty bright kid,” Kilroy said. “Julian really takes the time to listen to what other people have to say before he makes a decision on his own.”
With the help of friends and parents, Stern was able to run his campaign with pamphlets and lawn signs. According to Stern, running for Redondo Beach City Council was a beneficial social experience that gave him the opportunity to meet a variety of people while going door-to-door to try to get votes.
“He just saw an opportunity to enhance the Redondo value of life there,” Julian’s father, Dr. Randolph Stern, said.
Referred to as “the kid” by other members of the City Council, Stern was originally going to be a write-in candidate because he was still a minor. In order to be considered as a candidate for council, Stern had to get his registration form verified before he could be placed on the ballot during the final day of registration.
“I felt optimistic about the whole experience of trying to get onto the ballot and that things would turn out the right way,” Stern said. “I felt really excited after all of that and ready to go start campaigning.”
Several Redondo Beach residents were skeptical of Stern’s competence because he was so much younger than the rest of the City Council candidates. According to Stern, his age should not have been looked down upon because he was just as qualified as the other fellow candidates.
“The nickname ‘the kid’ is really a term of endearment for me,” Stern said. “People realize that I do not come with any baggage.”
While politics and campaigning play a big role in Stern’s life, he has many other talents and hobbies that keep him busy. Stern has participated on Environmental Charter School’s baseball, basketball and cross country teams. In addition to participating in athletics, Stern also sings, dances and even composes music.
“I do anything and everything I possibly can in the community and my personal life,” Stern said. “I enjoy everything I do.”
Stern has received offers to work as a campaign manager for local Redondo Beach elections. Recently elected Manhattan Beach City Councilman Mark Burton has even reached out to Stern as well. Stern is confident that he will run again as an even more competitive and prepared candidate with all the campaigning experience he has gained so far.
“I have met so many different interesting people, and the whole experience of running for City Council is really great,” Stern said. “I have had so much fun running for a city council position.”
Leave a Reply