Consejo Municipal — Ciudad de Soledad

My name is Carla Stewart, and I was born and raised on the Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County before moving to Monterey County in 1999. The city of Soledad has been my home since 2004. I am a graduate of Templeton High School and Santa Barbara Business College, as well as a graduate of the CSUMB Administrative Professionals Certificate Program. I have five classes remaining to receive my degree in Social Science. All of this I have accomplished while working full time, and contributing to my community by volunteering for many organizations in Soledad!  

I have a passion for local government - my work experience spans the County of Monterey - Office of Economic Development, City of Soledad (working directly with the City Council and City Manager), and presently with the Monterey County Office of Education.  During my employment working for the City of Soledad, I was nominated by peers and received the Employee of the Quarter award. Currently, I work for the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools (elected), where I was nominated by peers and received the “Light the Fire Within – Unsung Hero” award, which recognizes those who have given unselfishly of themselves to the benefit of others. My early career began at the Northern California Golf Association in 1999, where I was quickly promoted in 2001 to Executive Assistant to the CEO.  

Since 2005, I have been an active community volunteer in Soledad. I have helped organize, fundraise for, and manage the Soledad High Sober Grad night since 2008. This is my biggest pride and joy even though I do not have children of my own. I feel strongly that it is important to share the good in people with our youth, to let them know, and show by example that there are people in their community that care about them and their future. Additionally, I have helped with the following organizations between 2007 and present: Soledad-Mission Chamber of Commerce, Oldtown Soledad Beautification Association, Soledad Christmas Parade, Soledad Fiesta Days, and Wind & Wine Festival. I was appointed by the City Council to serve as a member of the City of Soledad Measure Y Citizen’s Oversight Committee, and by the Soledad Unified School District Board of Trustees to serve as a member of the Measure C Bond Citizen’s Oversight Committee. Recently, I've joined the Board of the newly formed South County Animal Rescue. I was recently honored by KRKC Radio with the “Superstar Citizen of the Week” award for my dedication to the Soledad Community!

Working for multiple government agencies provides me the benefit of being able to manage and complete tasks in a high pressure environment, while working as part of a team. I believe in having flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. Working directly for an elected official, I am experienced in working with other elected officials and their support staff, and also familiar with ethics code and the Brown Act.

My vision is for Soledad to no longer serve as a training ground for new police officers. It is time that we promote a safe Soledad by supporting a strong, highly trained, dedicated police force by expanding our police department, encouraging our officers to grow with Soledad, and encouraging community engagement between residents and the Police Department. We also need to work to create partnerships that provide recreational and educational opportunities for our youth of all ages, to keep them active and engaged. We need to support our small businesses, but also bring in new businesses that benefit the residents in ways that not only provide resources and employment - not to mention additional property and sales tax revenue to our city - but also save our residents money by not having to drive to Salinas.

It is my hope and dream that Soledad will continue to grow in ways that combine social equity, regional cooperation, and economic competitiveness, all while still maintaining our love of our small town.  I will bring a unique, proactive perspective to all city functions.  My voice on the Council will be strong, yet balanced to protect the future and quality of life for all of us in this city we love. I respectfully ask for your vote and commit to serving my community with honesty, integrity, passion and heart.