New Member Derrick Seaver Tells All

Derrick hails from a very small town in Ohio and as a 17 year old was active in politics.  As chairman of the local Democratic organization he asked his high school history teacher to run for office.  The teacher declined, but suggested to Derrick, "why don't you do it?"  He did!

Derrick's first campaign speech was to a local Rotary.  Starting with only $600 in his checking account, Derrick manage to get lots of publicity because of his young age.  He was on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno giving his campaign a huge boost.  Today he credits the power of television as being responsible for his successful election.

In November of 2000, 2 weeks after his 18th birthday making him eligable to cast his own ballot, Derrick was elected by the slim margin of only 247 votes.   His very first visit to the State Capital was to take occupancy of his new office. At one of the election parties he was introduced as "the caucus's new designated driver" since everyone else was drunk and he not yet of legal age.

As a youth only 8 months out of high school, Derrick was on the Agricultural, Environmental and Criminal Justice committees.  Because of his political career, in 2005 he was still a Freshman in college.  After serving 3 terms, Derrick decided not to run for a 4th so he could finish college.

Derrick Met and married Carli Urbanic, a Santa Cruz native.  In 2004, after moving to Santa Cruz he was asked who he supported for President.  He said he didn't really know, so the Republicans convinced him to be involved in the Bush campaign.

Today Derrick is head of the Republican Party here in Santa Cruz.  He owns and operates Red Ladder Consulting, a political consulting firm in Monterey.  His involvement in Rotary is a natural since he as very involved in Rotaract in Ohio.

We are delighted to have Derrick as a new Sunrise member!