Candidate qualifying ended Thursday Dec. 11, and Brian Stenberg is the only candidate running for the same city council seat as incumbent Councilwoman and CRA chair Monica Mayotte.
Some Boca Square parents know him from the push to keep Addison Mizner a neighborhood school after the rebuild. Others know him as a board member with the Federation of Boca Raton Homeowners Association that draws city and county elected officials to meetings.
Here’s everything registered city voters will want to know about Stenberg for the March 9 Municipal Election.
Q: Tell people about yourself.
A: My wife Jen and I have four children and have owned our home in Boca Raton since 1997. I’m originally from Hollywood, Fla. I’m a partner in a Boca Raton medical office building property management, leasing and development company. My brother-in-law started the Greenfield Group and Greenfield Properties. I’m a partner and vice president. I’m treasurer of the Sunset Rotary Club.
Q: Keep going.
A: I’m the baby of six siblings and we all live here. I was 51 on Feb. 25. My wife and her family have lived in Boca since 1978. We met at the University of Florida. I graduated with a public relations degree and started my career in communications.
Q: Are the kids mostly grown?
A: Katie, 21, and Sarah, 18, are at the University of Florida. Matthew, 15, is at Dreyfoos School of Arts, and Andrew, 13, is at Bak Middle School of the Arts. They’re both vocalists. Jen is a team manager for Team Boca traveling team with SABR soccer. She’s a nurse.
Q: Do you have a campaign platform?
A: The city council campaign centers on the phrase “Stand Up, Boca!” I am putting this phrase into action through volunteerism and love of neighbor. With this campaign, I seek to encourage more of our neighbors to stand up and take deeper ownership of our community.
Q: Why is that important to you?
A: The recent temporary appointment to vacant Seat C provided a glimpse of the volunteer energy we have in Boca Raton. My interview for that job, along with engaging in other community efforts over the years, helped solidify in my mind the importance of investing time, talent and treasure in our backyard.
Q: What was the trajectory of your decision to run for office?
A: Having all four kids go to Addison Mizner. Getting involved in changing the speed limit and getting traffic calming in Boca Square as part of the neighborhood association. Figuring out funding and approvals.
Q: Did you stay active?
A: The Rainbow of Love preschool property went up for sale and neighbors always used that as a defacto park. It was 12 acres in the middle of Boca Square. I put in an offer to $100 to buy the property and give it to the city. They didn’t accept the offer but I pitched the idea to the park and recreation board. They agreed, so Leif [city manager Leif Ahnell] drew up an offer. The church turned them down and it has been on the market for a year.
Q: Was that your turning point?
A: I’ve always been inclined to run. I’m a politician at heart. I like to talk about what’s important to me and my neighbors to make a place work so it works for everybody.
By Marci Shatzman
Who’s Brian Stenberg?
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