Julian Stern, Candidate for Redondo Beach District 4

Julian Stern, a lifelong resident of Redondo Beach, is running against two other candidates to represent Redondo Beach City Council District 4. A senior at Environmental Charter High School, Stern has never held public office.

Below are Stern's responses to a questionnaire compiled by Patch editors with suggestions from readers.

Redondo Beach Patch: Why are you running to represent Redondo Beach's District 4?

Julian Stern: I am running for council because I love Redondo Beach. It is a great place; it could be better. I have a detailed plan and specfic ideas to get it to that better place. I'd like to bring a new voice to the council—the voice of the city's future. I am running because I want to serve my community.

Patch: In your opinion, what is the No. 1 issue facing District 4?

Stern: The number one issue in my district is ensuring that our top-notch city services remain that way. Public works, police, fire, and senior services must be well funded. A strong economic base is the foundation needed for the stability of these services. Redondo Beach must be a business-friendly city.

Patch: What is your position on AES' plans to repower its power plant on Harbor Drive?

Stern: If the California Energy Commission  and the Independant Service Operators decide the energy is needed, I would support a plan to repower with a plant that has a smaller impact on the community. If it is detemined that this site is not essential, then I would not support a new plant.

Patch: What is your position on Measure A, the ballot initiative that would rezone the Harbor Drive property in hopes of preventing the construction of a new power plant?

Stern: I have actually read the entire text of the intiative. Only after that extensive process did I decide that I would not be supporting Measure A. My two main concerns are the measure's restrictive zoning is not economically viable and that the ultimate decision regarding a power plant is not a local one.

Patch: If elected, what are your top three priorities?

Stern:

1. Making the City more business friendly, to encourage commerce to ensure a strong revenue base. This would would strenghten the social services for the Redondo residents. A flourishing Galleria is central to the econmic well being of District 4.
2. Enhance the quality of life for the people of Redondo Beach. This could be done by focusing our resources on education,public saftey and building a community of which we can be proud. I would work to expand the North Branch Library hours. I'd like to see a Farmer's Market in North Redondo and expanded parks and recreation programs in our area.
3. Government responsiveness—what is important to you is important to me. I would be your direct link to city hall and city services.

Patch: Share one specific example of demonstrating your leadership and execution skills.

Stern: I led a group that went to Sacramento to discuss concerns regarding health related legislation. We were able to directly discuss the issues with the assembly and senate members. We were sucessful in our efforts, and the bills we supported were passed.

Patch: Why should people vote for you?

Stern: When elected, I will not forget why the people voted for me. What is important to them is important to me. I am committed to serving our community, making decisions with you. I have the energy, dedication, and desire to bring your needs before the city council. I will promise to approach council with an open mind, and work in a fair, analytical and balanced fashion.  I would be honored to have your vote.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Stern: This has been a fantastic experience. Walking door-to-door and speaking to Redondo Beach has been great. I have met so many people of character and alot of real characters as well. I am honored by the support and endorsements that I have been given, the Redondo Beach Chamber of  Commerce, Councilman Steve Diels, Councilman Matt Kilroy, former mayor Greg Hill , former councilman Don Szerlip, former president of the Redondo Beach School Board Carl Clark, previous District Four candidates Lee Fink and Bruce Szeles and gratefully many more.

I am ready to be your councilman.

Related:

• Julian Stern 4 Redondo Beach
• Julian Stern [Patch]
• Redondo council District 4 candidates answer questions from The Beach Reporter [Beach Reporter]

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