Meet Doug Stewart, Candidate For Malibu City Council

MALIBU, CA — As ballots start to hit Malibu mailboxes, it’s time for locals to get to know their candidates.

Come Nov. 8, six candidates will vie for two open Malibu City Council seats as Karen Farrer and Mikke Pierson have terms ending this year. Neither will run for reelection.

Malibu residents will also weigh in on a number of other local elections, including the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

Visit this link for more information about the upcoming Malibu election.

A number of City Council candidates answered questions to introduce themselves to Patch readers. Get to know Doug Stewart:

Age

74

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

Married 41 years to wife Sharon. One son Doug (“Chip”) Jr.

Does anyone in family work in politics or government?

Not now nor in the past.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), University of Memphis / Master of Arts, Management (M.A.M.), Drucker School of Management, Claremont Graduate University.

Occupation

Business Owner

Previous or current elected or appointed office

Appointed 2019 to Malibu Public Safety Commission. No other public service elected or appointed positions.

Campaign website

www.stewart4malibu.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

For nearly 23 years, my wife Sharon and I have called Malibu our home. Like many of our residents, I am worried about the future of Malibu. With outside forces working against Malibu’s best interests, wildfires, and a very noticeable decrease in civility, the Malibu we all have known and loved is in danger and we need to do something about it.

Malibu is strongest when we are united. I am running for City Council to restore a kinder, safer Malibu. I am running to increase transparency at City Hall and promote a healthy dialogue between our residents and the City. My unique background as a successful business leader in banking and management along with my experience as a consistent volunteer giving back to Malibu is what I feel the City needs right now to put us back on track to a better future.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:
My over 30 years experience of business leadership in banking and management is unique compared to the other candidates. I have been repeatedly tasked with turning around problem businesses and strengthening their operations. Building consensus, managing, and leading to results is what I have done all my career both in the private sector and as a volunteer. That success has played out with positive results for all concerned most recently with one of the businesses I am associated with named as one of the best places to work in Southern California.

My skill set is based in finance and leading large groups of people. Malibu has an annual budget of about $90 Million, and a staff of nearly 100 people. This is not new territory for me which sets me apart from the other candidates. Furthermore, I have been actively working on our City’s law enforcement and fire safety as one of the Public Safety Commissioners which is also unique as none of the other candidates are currently on any City of Malibu Commissions.

If a challenger, what sets you apart from the current board or officeholder?
Malibu’s City Council has found itself mired in divisiveness and bickering for at least the last two years. The result has been frustrating for all due to a lack of material accomplishments for our residents while at the same time breaking down long-established essential communication channels with outside agencies and governing bodies. At the center of much of this is a recent disposition to fight or hold a lawsuit out as an option rather than to work collaboratively and/or build a consensus both inside and outside the City. My approach is just the opposite with my attempts always to build pathways to find the common ground and build confidence in working to a successful outcome that benefits all concerned. That doesn’t mean we won’t fight. It just means that is the last option, not the first choice as it has been more recently.

Describe the issues that define your platform.

On my website, I have 12 key headings for my platform and a summary of how I will approach accomplishing each of those objectives. The ones demanding the most immediate attention are: (1.) Law Enforcement, (2.) Fire Prevention & Safety, (3) Build a solution for Short Term Rentals “STRs”, (4.) Address Homelessness, (5) Develop Parks and Recreation Programs, and (6.) School Separation. The others dealing with bringing more women into local government, Developing a “Kinder” Malibu, Protecting the environment, Preserving Malibu, Supporting the Mission Statement, and Better Intergovernmental Relationships are longer-term but consistent themes that will be the “heartbeat” of my time in office.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My entire working career has been focused in the banking and management world with a history of success and ever-expanding job responsibilities. This has culminated with my having senior positions with broad responsibilities at two of California’s then largest banks and then as Chief Operating Officer at the then largest commercial printing company on the west coast. Leading people, managing through difficult times, and accomplishing the best results possible for all concerned is my track record. Whether in the private sector or public sector these are the essential skills needed to meet the challenges of being a Malibu City Council Member.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There are two pieces of advice I will never forget. (1.) You can’t change history only the future. (2.) Every person who wants to be successful has to be mentored by someone and they have to return the favor.

What else would you like the voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My reason for asking to be elected to the Malibu City Council is because I feel this is a moment when Malibu needs to have the best qualified and dedicated people to lead the City. All I ask is that the voters objectively decide if I measure up to the task and if so, then cast their vote for me.