La Mesa has appointed 20-year-old UCLA student Emmett Stewart as city treasurer, making him the youngest officeholder in the city's history, according to Times of San Diego.

The La Mesa City Council voted Sept. 8 to appoint Stewart after former treasurer Matt Strabone resigned in July. Stewart and longtime financial analyst Bill Exeter were the only applicants, and both are also running in November for the full four-year treasurer term.

The treasurer role oversees La Mesa's $70 million portfolio and pays $1,100 per month, Times of San Diego reported. Council discussion focused partly on Stewart's age and experience, with supporters saying he would bring a younger perspective and critics questioning whether he had enough financial background for the post.

The November contest will decide whether Stewart keeps the job beyond the short appointment window or voters choose Exeter for the four-year term.