Editor’s note: The Coronado News has invited all City Council and mayoral candidates to submit a first-person article about their background, civic involvement and reason for running for office. We intend to run articles in the order they are received.
For 37 years, Coronado has been my home. I first arrived as a Navy junior, and over time, this special island not only shaped my childhood but became the place where my husband, a retired Navy SEAL captain, and I chose to raise our daughter. Coronado isn’t just where I live; it’s where I’ve invested my heart. Now, I’m running for City Council because I want to give back to the community that has given me so much.
From the moment I set foot in Coronado, I felt the magic of this place — a small town with a vibrant sense of community and natural beauty. I’ve seen how Coronado has evolved over the years, and while I treasure all it offers, I also understand the importance of preparing for the challenges ahead to preserve the unique charm that defines our city.
For 28 years, I served as an educator with the Coronado Unified School District, taking on many roles from elementary and middle school teacher to summer school principal. I also founded the Coronado Speed Spinners jump rope team, co-chaired fundraising efforts for the Brian Bent Memorial Aquatics Complex, and launched “Take a Veteran to School Day”— the largest of its kind in the country. Each initiative was driven by my commitment to enriching student opportunities and strengthening the sense of community that makes Coronado so special.
A proud moment in my career was founding Emerald Keepers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental advocacy. Under my leadership, Emerald Keepers has made significant strides in sustainability — installing marine skimmers to continuously clean our bay and promoting the Island Express mini-shuttles, an eco-friendly solution to traffic congestion and parking challenges. These initiatives go beyond solving practical problems; they enhance our community’s charm while addressing vital environmental concerns.
Looking ahead, my campaign focuses on addressing some of Coronado’s most urgent challenges: cross-border sewage pollution, climate change and the need for infrastructure that can withstand rising sea levels and severe storms. These are not distant threats; they’re already impacting our lives. As a City Council member, I will prioritize expanding infrastructure to manage flooding and storm surges, work with regional and state officials to tackle cross-border pollution, and push for nature-based solutions to stabilize our shorelines.
My dedication to service extends beyond the classroom and environmental activism. I have been a Rotary Club member, co-chaired the Neighbor-to-Neighbor initiative during COVID-19 to connect neighbors and provide essential services, served on the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission, and sat on the board of the Coronado Schools Foundation. Through all these roles, I’ve remained committed to sustainability and fostering strong community ties.
While Coronado is undeniably magical, we must focus on solutions that balance preservation with progress. Fiscal responsibility is at the core of my platform. I want to ensure that our budget decisions align with residents’ needs and that we make long-term investments in infrastructure, local businesses, community safety and sustainability. Coronado’s appeal lies not just in its present beauty but in the potential to safeguard that beauty, safety and sense of community for future generations.
One of the key principles of my candidacy is nonpartisanship. National politics should not influence local governance. My track record reflects that I am a leader who listens, collaborates, and acts in the best interest of all citizens. I have not sought, nor will I accept, endorsements from any political party. My only agenda is to serve the people of Coronado. I am committed to hearing your concerns, studying all sides of an issue, and working with fellow council members to find solutions that benefit everyone.
Coronado is more than just where we live — it’s a community that deserves our dedication, energy, and commitment to a better future. I’m fully invested in preserving the special qualities that make our city unique while addressing the challenges ahead. Together, we can ensure that Coronado remains the beautiful, resilient and welcoming place we all call home.
There truly is no place like our home, and as your City Council member, my goal is to ensure our community stays as special as ever, for both current and future generations. We are neighbors, friends and a community united by our love for Coronado. Let’s keep it that way.
Amy Steward is running for a seat in City Council in the Nov. 5 elections. Andrew Gade, Mark Fleming, Christine Mott, Mark Warner and Laura Wilkinson Sinton are also running.
