Candidate for
United States Representative; District 50

Del Stewart; Activist, Entrepreneur, Leader

Del Stewart's political philosophy is firmly rooted in the basic Democratic ideal of "the best quality of life for the largest number of Americans." He is, however a dedicated centrist, enthusiastic for all sectors of American life based more on individual work ethic than on any ideology.

A strong work ethic and dedication to the task at hand has guided Del through many challenges. He has gained a fundamental understanding of how to achieve goals through leadership, organization, and effective communication. Following graduation from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1982, Del took an initial investment of $5000, and founded a computer software company. Supplying software and hardware for retail stores, OCI (http://www.ociretail.com) has grown from a local business to a global enterprise. Yet one that stays close to home by creating a career path for scores of high tech workers in San Diego County. Del and OCI have also created opportunities for local small businesses. The total financial contribution OCI has made since being founded is in the multi-million dollar range.

Active in the public forum for most of his life, Del has written opinion articles for local newspapers on social, political, and business issues. Del is committed to the business community in San Diego County, working on regional and global issues such as NAFTA and promotion of US exports. The Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce recognized his dedication, when they chose him as a key spokesperson for the NAFTA treaty, in 1992.

Del Stewart, a Californian since birth, grew up in Redlands. The son of two professional parents-a college professor and a social worker-who taught him that dreams, dedication and hard work were important ideals. Del has had the opportunity to live overseas and speaks a number of languages. He is comfortable in a variety to cultural situations. Accomplishments overseas include promoting American economic and political systems to emerging countries, and gauging the risk of American troops and other U.S. citizens in hostile situations. Our national security, as it always has been, is secured outside U.S. borders, and Del has worked to make sure the goals of our presence in such places are clear and attainable.

Del has a degree in Political Science, and intends to bring that knowledge as well as his practical understanding of business to the goals of public life. American democracy and its society will always be faced with challenges. As we enter the 3rd Millennium, our society is in overall good health. Del's objective is to participate in a government that maintains that good health, and provides continued opportunities for the average, hardworking American.