Senior political science major Tyler Fischella has lived in the San Dimas area for 24 years and is running for City Council in order to help build his hometown, he said. He comes with a few fresh ideas and wants to help bring back a sense of what was once in San Dimas.
“We used to have a lot of downtown community events that have been moved all over the place because of various disagreements from business owners,” Fischella said. “I think if someone my age was there, who had more energy and more of a persuasive personality, then negotiations would produce better results.”
If elected as a City Council member, Fischella hopes to bring back a bit of the past to the present.
“San Dimas used to be known for its farmers’ market and other historic events like the rodeo club,” Fischella said. “Those activities have slowly died off because the town needs new blood. I would like to stand up for new families, new businesses and those who care about the community.”
According to Fischella, he said that is very important to reach young demographics in San Dimas. He wants to encourage students to think about the things they can get involved in at a local level.
“Something I noticed in my own city is that nobody my age shows up to anything that is relatively fun,” Fischella said. “Part of my campaign, and if I get elected, is to really bring these groups to people my age rather than trying to attract them to come to the groups.”
Community building and local events are two items he would like to push if elected. Fischella is the only candidate known to be walking door-to-door in the city.
He posts daily on his Facebook page in order to inform supporters about his day-to-day plans.
“People have been very supportive, which I was surprised by,” Fischella said. “They see that I am young and energetic, and I am completely against the status quo, in a good way, not a bad one, and so I have been getting a lot of affirmation and encouragement, which I didn’t expect.”
According to Fischella, Dr. Keith Reeves, an APU biblical studies professor, has encouraged him to run for council. Additionally, Dr. Reeves has endorsed Fischella’s campaign.
“I think Tyler will bring energy and perspective to the office. He understands the proper limits of government and will not use his power for personal gain,” said Reeves. “Legitimate government protects the God-given and constitutionally protected rights of the people. Tyler will also be a positive influence on the community of San Dimas.”
Along with Fischella, Dina Higgins is another candidate for city council member. She served on the council in Mesa, Arizona, for five years and worked alongside a 24-year-old who had just graduated.
“It is a wonderful thing to see young people running. I don’t think age should be a relevant thing,” Higgins said.
To her, the requirements of having a passion for the community and willingness to learn are two main aspects to being a part of the city council.
Additionally, city council candidate and Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Casey Higgins has talked with Fischella during the campaign process.
“Tyler has a lot of energy, which the city council is always in need of, and it would be great experience for him to have and to bring into future elections,” Casey Higgins said.
He expressed that for young adults, participation in government and the areas where they live is essential in order to have a successful democracy.
If neither Fischella or himself are elected as city council members, Casey Higgins hopes that they have inspired the community to go out and make the downtown area as vibrant as it once was.
Fischella has also expressed that “if he wins the candidacy he would be grateful but would not lose faith” if he lost.
“If all else fails, this is a dress rehearsal for 2016; I would probably just run again,” Fischella said.
He has also been endorsed by The California Republican Party and Paul Hannosh.
Fischella manages and runs both his campaign and website on his own. For more information on the campaign visit www.tylerfischella.com. Voting will be March 3.