La Mesa has a new city treasurer, and he's just 20. Emmett Stewart, a 20-year-old UCLA student, was appointed to the post on a 4-1 city council vote. He now steps into a job overseeing a municipal investment portfolio as large as $90 million while finishing his math and economics degree.
The vacancy opened up after Matt Strabone resigned as treasurer to accept an overseas position with NATO, with his resignation effective Aug. 12, 2026, according to Times of San Diego. Strabone had held the office since winning election in 2022, when he defeated Bill Exeter, per the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. Rather than call a costly special election so close to the midterms, the council opted to appoint a replacement to serve out the term, per the seed reporting from Times of San Diego.
Stewart wasn't the only name on the table. Exeter, the 64-year-old applicant, applied for the same interim seat, and the council chose the college sophomore over a candidate with more than four decades in financial services. Stewart will serve until the November 2026 general election, where he and Exeter could compete for a full four-year term.
Council Grills Stewart Over His Academic Schedule
During his appointment interview at a September city council meeting, Vice Mayor Genevieve Suzuki pressed Stewart on his academic timeline; he told the council he anticipates graduating from UCLA in 2027, according to KPBS. Stewart's resume includes a business-operations internship at Expeditors and work with other organizations. The supplied reports do not detail experience managing funds for outside clients or companies.
Not every councilmember was convinced. Laura Lothian cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that Stewart lacked the experience and knowledge the treasurer role demands, even as she called the position very important. The same KPBS report notes that Lothian's objection landed amid a tense budget backdrop: La Mesa is currently navigating deficit spending, a citywide hiring freeze, and mandatory 10% department budget cuts.
Youth as an Asset, Not a Liability
Councilmember Lauren Cazares, 28, pushed back on the age concerns during the meeting. She argued that councilmembers themselves learn municipal budgeting on the job, and that Stewart brings valuable representation for younger residents. Cazares also described the treasurer's day-to-day scope as limited, noting the interim term would last until the November election settles the seat for good.
Stewart has framed his own appointment in similar terms, saying he brings a fresh set of young eyes and ears to local government. Exeter, who has more than 41 years in financial services, countered that La Mesa needs a treasurer who has already proven himself. He has said he sought the office to give back to his community.
How the Names Will Appear on the Ballot
The ballot language itself could shape the November race. Stewart and Exeter are competing for the seat. The supplied sources do not establish whether candidates must file Form 501 before raising or spending campaign funds.
The treasurer's race isn't happening in isolation. La Mesa's Nov. 3, 2026 municipal election will bring voters to the polls, according to the City of La Mesa.
Does La Mesa Even Need an Elected Treasurer?
Strabone used his exit to reopen a structural debate that predates this year's appointment fight. He argued publicly that La Mesa does not need an elected treasurer at all, noting the position pays just $1,100 a month — $13,200 a year — and that the elected format creates unnecessary political friction and risk. He advocated instead for shifting financial oversight to the city's professional finance department, which he said had improved the city's finances and posted record-breaking returns during his tenure. Strabone also said finding qualified, willing treasurer candidates has been a persistent challenge, and he worried some candidates might chase ideological projects unrelated to the job's actual scope.
State law gives cities a path to make that kind of change. Under California Government Code Section 36501, general law cities like La Mesa are required to maintain an elected treasurer post, but Government Code Section 36508 allows a city council to place a ballot measure before voters to convert the office into an appointed staff role, according to Justia Law.
Whoever wins in November will take responsibility for the city's investment portfolio, regardless of the political debate.
