By Brett Callwood
As we build up to the General Municipal Election on June 2, the GVN will be speaking to the candidates, continuing with Julie Nystrom, who is standing for City Council…
Can you give us a brief summary of your career / life in politics? What makes you an ideal candidate for this role?
My working years have covered many areas. Creating and coordinating conference events for computer companies, personal events such as Weddings, Receptions, and Reunions.General Manager for a 10,000 square foot cage free outdoor/indoor Dog franchise including grooming and a Cat boarding facility and Cat Cafe. I have owned my own income tax business and worked with others in their businesses completing personal and corporate returns, quarterly sales tax forms, bookkeeping needs and other financial programs. Volunteered as an AYSO coach, Girl Scout Leader, Room Parent and Children’s Ministry Leader. I also volunteer with Infinite Love Animal Rescue, a Gardena based group as their Vendor Manager for the “Furbaby Lovefest” Event in October. Currently working with volunteers and staff members for the City of Gardena’s Home Delivered Meals Program as the Meals Service Coordinator. As well as monthly Candlelight Dinners and many other activities in the Senior Bureau. Previously worked in the Cities Recreation Department in the After School and Camp Programs, all events including Jazz Festivals, Food, Wine and Brew, Too Cute To Spook, Winter Wonderland, National Night Out only to name a very few.
What makes me an ideal candidate is my wide range of skills: Human Resources, Finance, working with seniors, kids, teens and young adults. Creating programs, finalizing paperwork, leading employees to be knowledgeable in their position making them a valuable employee. Striving to see where improvements can be made for a better overall result.
What makes Gardena special?
Gardena is a special place for many reasons. Smaller town with cozy home feeling restaurants, parks, businesses and local events. Being here for over 30 years, a home owner of a 100 year old home, raising two kids, we’ve used our local programs for gymnastics, swimming and church events. I was able to get our Neighborhood Watch Program restarted with Officer Bartlebaugh after moving into our current home where we have been for over 21 years. We know our neighbors by name and make sure we are all well.
If successful, what would your first act be? What are your priorities?
Successfully obtaining a Council Seat would have me delving into the Cities budget and finances. Where did the millions of dollars in Federal and State Covid Relief Funds end up? Why are some salaries and benefits exorbitant within our cities means, while others are lower comparatively? Priority is to get our finances to the best programs for the best results for the residents of Gardena. Zoning and opening new businesses needs to be addressed immediately also. As well as keeping current businesses open and thriving.
Where have the current council been successful, and where have they been less so?
Some members are very visible when they need or want to be. Less successful being in contact with the city’s residents based on what I have been hearing from the parents, seniors and other groups in the city that I speak with.
How is the campaign going so far?
The residents I have been speaking with are excited for me to be running and are very supportive of me taking on a Council Seat and look forward to the difference that I will make. On the other side of campaigning, I am getting quite a bit of concern from residents that my signs are continually being covered by another candidate’s signs as well as many signs disappearing altogether.
What would you like to say to the people of Gardena?
Thank you for your trust, friendship, advice and encouragement. You spoke up with your concerns – hoping “someone” would do something. I took that to heart and plan on doing something with you to better our community in every way I can. I hear you and I am here for you.
