Torrance City Council Election Awards

When it comes to picking four candidates out of a field of 10 viable ones it becomes difficult for anyone to say which four candidates fit the needs of all Torrance residents. That is why I have decided to give out the Torrance City Council Election awards rather than endorse any four particular candidates. There are 10 awards in all and they are given to the four city council candidates who would do the best job promoting or dealing with that issue on the city council. Without further ado here are the Torrance City Council Candidates Election Awards.

The Arts:
+As a member of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation Kurt Weideman would promote the Arts on the city council. Kurt believes that the city of Torrance and the private arts organization in the city of Torrance need to work together and have a "go to guy" to solve problems that arise such as scheduling conflicts.

+ Rod Guyton bravely recognized budget concerns could be an issue when funding the arts and has stood on a platform of cutting non-educational productions by the city if a budget shortfall occurs. This would ensure that positive and educational productions will continue to be well funded despite slowing economic times.

+Cliff Numark as vice president of the Torrance Symphony has a deep understanding of arts and will coordinate among the Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation and other groups two to three times a year to resolve current and upcoming problems.

+As a member of the Western Museum of Flight Pat also appreciates the arts and would work with all the stake holders in Torrance Arts. He would appoint an executive of some sort to solve problems the art organization are facing.

Balanced Budget:
+ Kurt Weideman worked for the Hi Shear Corporation for 26 years as a vice president and general manager and general manager. Kurt has the experiences meeting deadline and budget bottom lines.

+ As a business owner Rod Guyton has experience in balancing a budget . He can do the same for Torrance only on a larger scale.

+ Cliff Numark as director of the Red Cross turned a company that could not make payroll into a dynamic and thriving business. If worse scenarios take place in Torrance Cliff's Zero-based budget would be the best idea to return our budget to fiscally soundness.

+ Susan Rhilinger's "Bread, Butter and Cake" metaphor makes perfect sense as she looks at what is necessary for Torrance, what could we cut and what we could just do without. Susan was also a fiscal hawk when it came to balancing the budget for the Torrance Police Department.

Business Grower:
+Tim Goodrich foresees a new industry flourishing in Torrance, the "Green" business industry. With new technology on the rise to create alternative energy and energy saving devices Tim would court those businesses to stay and reside in Torrance.

+ Cliff wants a strong working relationship with the three biggest businesses in Torrance: automotive, health care and foreign businesses. Cliff advocates a one stop permit shop for new business in Torrance and customer service business center.

+ Rod has a great working relationship with the Japanese business community and has lived in Japan for 2.5 years. Since then he has traveled back there over 24 different times for Torrance business ventures to continue and strengthen a working relationship with the Japanese Business Community in Torrance.

+ Gene Barnett was the first to envision a possible convention center where the old Montgomery Ward use to be. He also supports the brining in an anchor store to further expand Del Amo Mall and increase foot traffic in the mall.

Education:
+ Pat Furey's 3rd term as President of the Torrance Education Foundation and being chair of the TUSD Personnel Commission makes him more than qualified to be the education candidate. Pat also has raise close if not more than a million dollars for our schools during his life time and has set out a deal with Scott Robinson Honda to give $100 for every car they sell. He also received an Honorary Service Award from the PTA for his work with Torrance schools.

+ Rod Guyton like all the education award candidates is endorsed by school board president Michael Ernst. Rod actively campaigned for the Torrance school bond measure and has entered into agreement with Power Ford to give $50 to our schools for every car they sell.

+ Cliff Numark seeks to have a side by side analysis of school and city services in order to consolidate and make them more effective. Cliff will ensure the school bond measure is used for infrastructure only and as a park and recreations commissioner fought for our schools to have top priority over use of the plunge.

+ Gene Barnett seeks to create joint city and school programs in order to achieve greater efficiency and better established communications between the school district and they city of Torrance.

Environment:
+ Tim Goodrich was the first to mention about the Exxon Mobil contaminations spill that contaminated 10 homes near the refinery. Tim would hold Exxon Mobil accountable for actions like this in the future. Tim also supports more green businesses to help kick our addiction to oil in the city of Torrance.

+ Cliff supports the Torrance environmental quality commission to reduce green house gases to pre 1990 levels by 2010 and would also expand the cities green waste program city wide.

+ Pat like all the environmental award winners opposes the sale of jet fuel at Torrance airport which if not banned would have devastating impacts to our environment. Pat like Tim and Cliff have been endorsed by the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters.

+ Gene Barnett while on the Madrona Marsh Foundation fought for the preservation of the Madrona Marsh and for open space for neighborhood parks within our community. He is also a supporter of expanding the green waste program city wide.

Government Transparency:
+ Cliff Numark's innovative Torrance 2.0 would ensure that people through e-mail could see what is going on in the city of Torrance. Possible concerns facing resident could be e-mailed to them instead of having to search through the city website to decode hard to read language about vital issues.

+ A member of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Ethics and Integrity Pat Furey ensured government was open and honest to the people and that those who violated election laws were punished.

+ Kurt Weideman was served the city for 26 years with honesty and integrity would continue to serve the city in that same fashion as a city councilmen.

+ Gene Barnett also a long time public servant would hold true to the promise of being the city of Torrance's "fiscal watch dog" and would ensure ethical conduct on the city council.

Historic Torrance Preservation:
+ A corner stone of Kurt Weideman's campaign is preserving the character of the city of Torrance. Kurt, a vice president of the Torrance historical society, would pass protection for historic homes to prevent them from being destroyed like has been done in the past.

+ Cliff Numark would do research to see what is best for homeowners and businesses within old town Torrance to see what ways of preservation works best for them in a historical preservation zone. He would also enforce the Mills act.

+ Gene Barnett would enact historical preservation zones and enforce the Mills act to give tax benefits for those who choose to opt into a preservation agreement in Old Town Torrance. Gene is a member of the Torrance Historical Society.

+ Mike Mauno was the first city council member to introduce sign age welcoming people into old town Torrance. Mauno is in favor the Mills act and would seek careful balance when implementing historical preservation zones.

Public Safety:
+Like all the Public Safety award winners Pat Furey is endorsed by Torrance Firefighters and Police Officers Association. He seeks to strengthen existing ties by holding regular meetings with police and firefighters to iron our present and future problems.

+ Cliff Numark vows to keep public safety as the #1 priority as a city councilmen. Cliff has participated in the city's Partners in Policing Program and will continue to strengthen and supports the Torrance Ranger program to keep Torrance a safe city.

Rod Guyton recognizes that public safety is tied to the revenue we bring in to the city of Torrance because 55% of our budgets goes to public safety. Guyton seeks to strengthen business ties (see business grower) in order to have the money to continue to pay for our top notch public safety.

+ Gene Barnett will continue to support and properly fund Torrance’s public safety services to provide crime prevention, law enforcement, fire, paramedic, and other vital emergency services and will assure that the City is prepared to respond to local and regional major emergencies.

Revenue Generator:
+ Cliff Numark would save the city of Torrance money and thus generate more revenue by consolidating city and school services and would consider placing ad's on the Torrance transit.

+ Mike Mauno generated a $10 million win fall for the city of Torrance while serving on the Re-Use Committee of the Chandler Rock Quarry and Ready-Mix Concrete Plant. He also would put forth an investigation to see of Exxon Mobil is paying their fair share of property taxes.

+ Pat Furey creatively was able to negotiate with Scott Robinson Honda to give $100 for every car they sell to the Torrance school district. Similar deals would be made with private enterprises to boost the cities revenue.

+ Rod Guyton similar to Pat Furey negotiated with Power Ford to give $50 for every car they sell to Torrance schools. Rod could capitalize with his strong ties to the Japaneses business community to help with other negotiations with private business to ameliorate the city fiscal status.

Traffic:
+ Tim Goodrich would work to get the city of Torrance on the L.A Country Traffic Management Center Board to see where streets need to be repaired and lights need to be synchronized. Tim would also lobby Sacramento for more funds to keep up with street repairs.

+ Pat Furey was the first to talk about acquiring PCH/Hawthorn intersection as responsibility of the city of Torrance. Pat would negotiate with the stat to ensure that Torrance tax payers would not foot the bill for acquiring the repairs of streets that the South Bay not just Torrance uses.

+ Kurt Weidman is also in favor of acquiring the PCH/Hawthorn intersection and believes we should expand Del Amo Boulevard to Crenshaw Boulevard and Praire Avenue.

+ Cliff Numark would implement the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control Softwear in Torrance which according to a UCLA study decreased travel time 12% and intersection delay time 32% in the city of Los Angeles.

Youth:
+ Tim Goodrich's campaign has been based on diversity and getting the youth more involved in the city. He would seek to actively go out to our schools and recruit more of the youth to be involved in the city and in non-profit organizations.

+ Rod Guyton has served as a Little League Rivera Baseball coach, promotes the need for the availability of fields for youth sports and was actively involved and co-founded the Leadership Torrance Alumni Association- Youth Leadership Program currently at North Torrance High School.

+ Cliff Numark like Rod is in favor of preserving and creating new fields for youth sports programs. He would create an official Torrance Facebook page to get the youth involved and would use Torrance 2.0 to send e-mails to our youth to let them know what events they can take part in within the community.

+ Pat Furey has been a baseball little league umpire, cub scout and boy scout leader in the city of Torrance. He is also heavily involved with the Torrance Education Foundation raising money to educate children in the city of Torrance.

Dont Forget to Vote June 3rd 2008 on election day!

Torrance Election 2008
"Because We Want More Than Sound Bites"

George Nakano Theater: Focus on the Arts Forum

The George Nakano Theater: Focus on the Arts Forum was video taped by the South Bay Conservatory. So instead of me summarizing a forum here is a chance to see one completely for yourself or become refreshed on what happened!

To see it for yourself click here

Torrance Election 2008
"Because We Want More Than Sound Bites"

Torrance Think Tank 2008: Mike Mauno

Mike Mauno is the fifth to answer the questions posed to him by Torrance Think Tank 2008. The answers to the following questions have been posted verbatim. Analysis on Mr.Mauno's answers will be provided soon. Here now is Torrance Think Tank 2008 with Mr. Mike Mauno

1. Governments ability to respond to the wishes and desires of it citizens is always a key to making a city prosperous and its residents happy. How will you make government more accountable to it citizens and what would you propose in order to make citizens feel at ease when discussing ideas with local government officials?

Firstly, one needs to be available and responsive. Next you have to listen to what the need(s) might be. Third, you need to provide options and educate the requester. By educate I mean you have to explain why the situation might be happening and if there is a solution, it might create a more undesirable side effect.

2. Torrance prides it self as a great place to run a business and achieve the American dream. What would you do to strengthen existing business ties within in the city of Torrance ? Are there any businesses in particular you would encourage to come to Torrance or would you try to decrease the flow of new business coming into the city in order to strike more of a balance between the residential and commerce aspect of Torrance? If you plan to expand business within the city how will you account for the increase in traffic and congestion as a result of the new businesses?
   
   I would continue the outreach and programs the city is already undertaking. The one business I would like to encourage to come to Torrance is the entertainment business, i.e. movie production, specifically animation. This is a clean and high paying type of jobs generator that needs to have a large labor force. If you have ever looked at the credits to any movie animation, you will see the numbers of individuals who worked on the project. We have some of the best young minds in the country who happen to be top notch computer experts. The match is perfect.

3. Historic Downtown Torrance is considered by many in the city to be a treasure that should be protected and preserved.. At the same time we also went to keep Torrance a fresh and exciting city allowing new people to visit and enjoy all that Torrance has to offer. How will you attract new people to visit Torrance and at the same time preserve the historic tradition of the city?
   
   I would continue doing what the city has started. First, awareness. Have you noticed the signs when approaching Old Torrance? That was my idea and we made it happen. Next I recommended architectural guidelines for the old stately homes. Why this is important, because if someone will need to re-build a home, the architectural style will be maintained and will fit the neighborhood.

4. When it comes to traffic congestion many have suggested that Torrance assume from the State of California responsibility for Hawthorne Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway . As a member of the city council do you believe this is a good idea and what else do you propose to improve traffic flow throughout the city? Also how will we as a city be able to pay for traffic fixtures that you suggest if Torrance assumes more traffic responsibilities from the state government?
   
   I do not believe this is a good idea. I would like to take Hawthorne Blvd. as an example. The state of California did a re-surface project there approximately 10 years ago. Many sections of the roadway are all ready cracking, ahead of schedule. If Torrance would have received ownership of this roadway 10 years ago, we will be spending tens of millions in the next ten years to improve it again. The taxpayers of Torrance will pay for this repair, but the people of the region use it. This is a regional highway and the region needs to pay for its repair. It might be great initially, but in the long run it will cost the people of Torrance more that their fair share.

5. Complete the following statement "When I think of Torrance the first thing I think of is...." Growing up in the community as a little boy riding his bike to downtown Torrance and playing in the open fields

Torrance Tutor: Study Guide For The Election

All of us have busy lives and if you just have not had the time to look at all the information I have posted on the blog, which I recommend all of you do of course, then just take a look at all the information the Daily Breeze has complied on all the candidates and the Q & A they did with me.

I picked all the candidates I believed would be a great addition to the city council.

Candidate Essay's:

Gene Barnett
Rod Guyton
Mike Mauno
Pat Furey
Tim Goodrich
Cliff Numark
Susan Rhilinger
Kurt Weideman
Gavin Wasserman

Measure T:
Yes on T
No on T

Candidates Open Mike Segment:
(These are the candidates that have put there open mike segments on You Tube, I will encourage the other candidates to do the same).

Cliff Numark
Mike Mauno

Financial postings as of May 30th:

Numark $74,054
Wasserman $64,922
Rhilinger $51,169
Barnett $49,228
Goodrich $48,975
Weideman $46,587
Furey $45,345
Guyton $45,297
Mauno $34,480

Q & A with me:
Interview

The Torrance City Council Candidates Awards are coming!

Torrance Eleciton 2008
"Because We Want More Than Sound Bites"

Torrance Think Tank 2008 Round Two: Cliff Numark

I sat down with Cliff Numark about week ago to discuss issues facing the city of Torrance. Here are the highlights and some of the ideas Cliff said he would look into and implement if on the city council.

1. California is going through massive budget cuts which affect everyday services many in the state are use to, one of them being public education. With the strain faced on our public schools what do you propose we do to make our public schools properly funded and more accountable with the money they receive? Would you consider a raise in property taxes, any other taxes or taking out bond debt to add more money to our schools? Also would you consider a voucher system in order to ease financial strains on our public schools?

+A side by side analysis of city and school functions so we can consolidate service making them more efficient.

+Supports the Torrance School Bond Measure and will ensure there is oversight and transparency so citizens see where the money is being spent and ensure that the money is spent for building, repairs and school infrastructure.

+Seek practical solutions to add revenue to school independent funding base.

+ Past accomplishment as a Parks and Recreations Commissioner ensuring schools received top priority of the use of the plunge.

2.Torrance prides it self as a great place to run a business and achieve the American dream. What would you do to strengthen existing business ties within in the city of Torrance ? Are there any businesses in particular you would encourage to come to Torrance or would you try to decrease the flow of new business coming into the city in order to strike more of a balance between the residential and commerce aspect of Torrance? If you plan to expand business within the city how will you account for the increase in traffic and congestion as a result of the new businesses?

+ Seek methods to retain and bring in more business to the city in order to increase revenue and maintain city services.

+ Advocates the city of Torrance have a customer service business center which can deal with complaints and a one-stop permit center to open a business within the city.

+ Inform businesses of local government programs that they are unaware of that can help and establish better communications for their business within the city.

+In particular look to retain, recruit and strengthen the health care industry, foreign businesses and the automotive industry which alone makes up 25% of the cities entire sales tax revenue base.

3. Historic Downtown Torrance is considered by many in the city to be a treasure that should be protected and preserved.. At the same time we also went to keep Torrance a fresh and exciting city allowing new people to visit and enjoy all that Torrance has to offer. How will you attract new people to visit Torrance and at the same time preserve the historic tradition of the city?

+ Conduct feedback surveys with businesses and residents in the area to see what would be best for them.

+Preserve historic tradition with historical preservation zones (HPZ) and ordinances.

+ Implement the Mills Act to give tax benefits to those in the HPZ.

+ Have someone trained in city staff to be knowledgeable in city preservation.

4. Many residents of Torrance suggest that the nearly decade long over development housing boom in Torrance has led to an increase in traffic congestion and a strain on municipal services throughout the city. Even currently there are still 6 large scale housing projects going on in the city that will make up for an additional 750 homes in Torrance. As a member of the city council what will you do to stop the over development of the city of Torrance , deal with the problems over development has caused and finally will Torrance ever regain that “small town feel” it once had?

+Compensate for bad over development decisions that have been made by improving current infrastructure.

+ Coordinate between north, south, east and west highways to synchronize lights. Accept responsibility for Hawthorn and PCH.

+ Implement the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control Softwear in Torrance which according to a UCLA study decreased travel time 12% and intersection delay time 32% in the city of Los Angeles.

+Optimize bus routes to meet the desire of the citizens of Torrance and placed advertisements on Torrance transit to increase city’s revenue.

5. Many Torrance resident have suggested that the city work to strengthen youth sports programs and other recreational activities for the younger generations of Torrance residents. What ideas do you propose to allow the youth to have more opportunities to enjoy all current and future programs Torrance will have to offer?

+ Decrease strain of impacted recreation field use by allowing recreational activities to take place on Torrance school fields during off hours.

+ Possible creation of a recreational field’s czar that would be responsible for overseeing off site usage of school fields and city property/fields.

+ Use Torrance 2.0, mass e-mail marketing, to give Torrance residents and city organizations a more than two week advantage in getting priority use of Torrance parks and creations facilities.

+ Start a city of Torrance Facebook page to get the youth involved within the city of Torrance.

Torrance Election 2008

"Because We Want More Than Sound Bites"

Torrance Election Forum Review: North High School

The last forum in a series of eight forums took place Thursday May 22nd at North High School where candidates answered a verity of questions weighing on the voter’s minds. All the candidates were asked new and interesting questions while a few older questions were posed to refresh voters minds on where the candidates stood on the issues. Also the introduction of the yellow card came about where candidates could wave a yellow card one time during the forum to answer a question they had not received or use the card to add one minute to their closing statement.

The first question was a series of background questions asking how long the candidates have lived in Torrance, if they owned a home and if they were part of a Home Owners Association. To save space on the this post I also added if the candidates are oppose to selling jet fuel at Torrance Airport and if they have taken money from developers.

The rest of the questions were asked in sets of four candidates a piece with the exception of the yellow card.

Tim Goodirch had another good performance as he explained what qualifies him to be on the city council, mentioning his service in the military brining him a service of tradition, service before self, integrity and honor. Tim also mentioned his volunteer work he does as a Torrance active services volunteer. When asked how he would improve senior services in the city of Torrance, Tim discussed how we need to expand our revenue base in the city of Torrance and how that would be the best way to pay for senior services. He in particular wants more Green businesses to enter the city of Torrance. With the threat of losing 87 teaching positions with state budgets cuts Tim said he would use his past experience in lobbying for veterans to lobby Sacramento for more funds to our schools. Tim closed his last question saying that is work with L.A county traffic management center gives him insight into Torrance traffic problem and how if elected he would get Torrance on the board of L.A county traffic management center.

Cliff Numark had a great performance at forum as well. When asked what qualified him to be on the city council Cliff mentioned his executive work with the Red Cross turning a company that could not make payroll into a thriving business. He is also trained in public affairs with a degree from Princeton University. Cliff mentioned that with his Torrance 2.0, mass e-mail marketing, more Torrance residents could be informed about various Torrance issues such as Torrance Cultural Arts Events, what is on the city council's agenda and crime in their neighborhood. When it came to contributions he made to the city Cliff talked about how he instituted Open Mike Night a forum where the city council candidates could talk directly to the voters. Cliff also on the Parks and Recreations Commission got our schools top priority when it came to usage of the plunge. Finally when trying to fix the expected decline in city revenue Cliff said he would use our general anomaly fund to fix temporary budget deficits and would institute a zero based budget while brining more business into the city to fix a more structural deficit problem.

Pat Furey showed his credentials when he talked about his work with the Torrance Education Foundation and in the North Torrance Homeowners Association fighting over development. When it came to getting citizens more involved in government Pat said he would advocate the use of the city's website and would also tap into information technology such as e-mail marketing. Pat also said if elected to the city council he would champion for efforts to improve services the city provided. He committed to fixing the "dry wall and patched up roofs" that are the existing state of the senior center and said he would raise money for our schools like he did in the past. His most recent accomplishment being to get Scott Robinson Honda dealership to give $100 to Torrance schools for every car they sell.

By the time the 3rd question rolled around it was Gene Barnett's term to make an impact. When asked what he would change in the city of Torrance Gene mentioned the need to improve traffic and limit congestion in the city by taking responsibility for PCH and Hawthorn. Gene also advocated as a Parks and Recreations Commissioner open space preservations adding to our local parks and the Madrona Marsh in an attempt to Green the city. Gene is opposed to converting industrial to residential zoning and believes the condominiums at Wilson Park are a bad example of doing so. Gene believes more business is need in the city of Torrance and in particular expanding Del Amo mall with an anchor store and a convention center where Montgomery Ward use to be.

Susan also began on the 3^rd question as she discussed changing our budget to reflect fiscally sound principles, stability and a revision of the strategic plan. Her experience with the Torrance Police Department as a captain for 32 years brings her a reputable resume of community service along with the her time as a member of the Exxon Mobile Citizens Advisory Board and the Torrance Airport Commission among other things. Susan also advocated having a strong relationship with out schools and the Torrance Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues in the city, listen to different perspectives and achieve the same goal.

When Rod Guyton took to the podium he discussed how people must have a desire to get involved in the civics process and it is the city council’s job to provide an enthusiastic atmosphere for them. He mentioned how his involvement in the Torrance Youth council got younger generations of Torrance involved and they told their parents so they got involved and so forth. Rod is against over-development in the city of Torrance and would seek to re-zone the north east side of the mall in order to prevent developers from building high-density housing. Guyton said he would try to make up for the expected loss revenue of the school district to the tune of $9 million because of state budget cuts and talked about how he has set up an agreement for Power Ford to give $50 for every car they sell to Torrance schools. Rod is also in favor of setting up a Torrance chamber program that would allow local business to give a certain percentage of their revenue to our schools. Finally on traffic Rod believes it is a South Bay problem not a just a Torrance problem and would seek a joint effort to reduce congestion within the South Bay. Rod is also considering promoting more schools buses to take children to school instead of congesting our streets in the morning with parents taking their kids to school.

Kurt Weideman was more than ready to answer about the contributions he has made to the city of Torrance which include him being a Torrance Planning Commissioner, Northwest Torrance Homeowner’s Board Member, Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation Vice President, Torrance Education Foundation Member, Torrance Historical Society Vice President, Torrance Public Library Foundation Board Member and a member of the Torrance Sister City Association. When it came to discussing over-development in Torrance Kurt remembers strawberry fields before there was a Del Amo mall and said over development was a threat to our quality of life, parking, infrastructure, traffic and Torrance’s small town feel. Kurt ended by saying Torrance needs to always bee in touch with its historic roots.

Mike Mauno who did not get involved into the question part of the forum until the 7^th question began by saying his creativity and outside of the box thinking was what led him to create a $10 million windfall for the city of Torrance while on the Re-Use Committee of the Chandler Rock Quarry and Ready-Mix Concrete Plant discussing the re-use of industrial property into open space, recreational and single family homes. Mike also believes that Torrance must remain a balanced city but also change with the global economy and stay modern to adapt to an ever changing world. Mike also discussed his support for the school bond measure as he feels our schools reflect the state of our city with our kids representing Torrance’s future.

Also mentioned in the forum were talks about the state of California forcing Torrance to add 2,000 more homes to the city through the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Act in order to meet population concerns. If you ask me Torrance has done it’s fair share when it comes to housing. Looking into the matter it seems as if this is an empty mandate for I see no punishment of any kind outlined by the state if a city does not comply with that states request/demand to build more housing. To put in the simplest terms it seems California’s housing threat to Torrance “has no teeth”, but I will keep my eye on this issue.

Overall the last Torrance Forum of the election season was a great success and I can honestly say that all the candidates mentioned above would be a great addition to our city council. Too bad we can only pick four.

Also stay tuned for my Torrance City Council Candidate awards that will be coming soon!

Torrance Election 2008

“Because We Want More Than Sound Bites”

Torrance Think Tank 2008: Pat Furey

Pat Furey is the forth to answer the questions posed to him by Torrance Think Tank 2008. The answers to the following questions have been posted verbatim. Analysis on Mr.Furey's answers is provided below. Here now is Torrance Think Tank 2008 with Mr.Pat Furey.

1. A recent issue worrying many Torrance residents is the threat of the long-standing ban on jet fuel being sold at the Torrance airport being lifted. Lifting the ban is practically universal condemned by those who live near the airport as they suspect that if Torrance sells jet fuel they would only battle more loud jet noises flying over their houses disturbing their peace and disrupting their way of life. Mayor Scotto has already said he does not support lifting the ban on selling jet fuel. What is your position on this issue and if you support lifting the ban what do you say to those residents it would directly effect?

The issue of jet fuel sales at the airport bothers me for many reasons. The obvious reasons are safety, increased noise and environmental impact. The subtle problem is how and why this issue came about – basically – what is the agenda of those that are making this an issue?

Apparently a sub-committee was formed by the Airport Commission to study jet fuel – without direction from the City Council. Then, informational letters and questionnaires were sent to Homeowner Association presidents. I received one of the questionnaires, which was not created on city letterhead and/or mailed at city expense. And, even though it did not appear t be an “official” request for information, I provided it to the board of the NTHOA for action.

The action from the board was a unanimous objection to jet fuel sales at the Torrance Airport and full support for the Southwood-Riviera HOA in its opposition.

In the future things may change. However, information must be provided as to the need for jet fuel sales, as well as its impact on those most directly affected. At the present time there just has not been appropriate and/or compelling data that would support a change in current city “ban” of jet fuel at the airport.

2. California is going through massive budget cuts which affect everyday services many in the state are use to, one of them being public education. With the strain faced on our public schools what do you propose we do to make our public schools properly funded and more accountable with the money they receive? Would you consider a raise in property taxes, any other taxes or taking out bond debt to add more money to our schools? Also would you consider a voucher system in order to ease financial strains on our public schools?

I have publicly stated my support for an appropriate bond measure to bring our schools up to the standards our community deserves. Such a bond measure necessarily includes an increase in property taxes. However, what the public must know is that any increase in property taxes will be at the assessed value – not the market value of the property. So, a long-time homeowner will be paying substantially less tax than someone who recently purchased a home in Torrance.

My support for a bond measure is conditioned on proper oversight, which I will insist is provided.

The bond issue is separate and distinct from the present day budget cuts. The cuts to the 2008-09 school district budget are massive and will cause an immediate detrimental impact on the quality of our children’s education – larger class sizes, loss of programs, etc.

I have recently brought together the district, the school board, the Torrance Council of PTAs, and other concerned citizens to partner with the Torrance Education Foundation in a massive outreach to the community to help fund the current budget shortfall. Letters have already been sent to parents of students and to the business community seeking support. In the near future letters will be sent to every household in Torrance asking for financial help.

This out-reach is not the end of the financial crisis of our schools. However, it is a start.

In the future the city and the school district leaders must work together to resolve budgetary issues. Our schools have long been a source of pride in our community. It is horrible that the physical conditions of the school properties have been allowed to deteriorate. It is even worse that our state government has proposed balancing its budget shortfall on the backs of our children.

I will provide leadership to bridge the relationship between the two entities and continue to lobby our state leaders for more realistic funding for our schools.

3. Measure T, the telephone utility users’ tax will be placed on the ballot this coming June, many Torrance residents are tired of paying taxes knowing that government in general seems to take in money and than waste it only to ask for more money later on. Do you support measure T and if so how will you ensure that the additional tax dollars Torrance receives from this measure is used appropriately and that city of Torrance will not come begging back in 2010 for more money through higher taxes?

Actually, Measure T does not seek a tax increase of any kind. It merely is asking the voters to ratify a change in the wording of the present tax scheme to comport with a change in IRS language.

When the Utility Users Tax was created in the mid 70s, it was tied to specific IRS language, which was recently changed to include newer technology such as cell phones and voice over internet. The city must update the language or suffer the possibility of a loss of a very important revenue stream that may reach up to $8 million.

The money generated by the Utility Users Tax helps the city provide the important police, fire, recreation and other services our community demands. These are very important services that the city provides.

Finding another funding stream or cutting city services to make up for the utility users tax income would be most difficult. Therefore, I support Measure T and encourage all citizens to vote YES on this very important measure.

4. When it comes to traffic congestion you discussed that Torrance assume from the State of California responsibility for Hawthorne Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway. As a member of the city council how will you be able to convince the State of California to hand over the responsibility of Hawthorn Blvd and PCH to the city of Torrance and how will we as a city be able to pay for traffic fixtures that you suggest if Torrance assumes more traffic responsibilities?

Assuming control of Hawthorne Boulevard and PCH is just one important aspect of traffic control in our city. As I pointed out at the Chamber Forum, there is already movement from the state by way of an Assembly Bill that would actually streamline the process. This is not an unprecedented procedure. And, taking control of these two highways will not cost the city. Rather, the state will pay the city to take over control and responsibility.

Just a few years ago the city successfully negotiated Artesia Boulevard. Clearly, the city had the wherewithal to make the appropriate repairs to the infrastructure and regulate traffic flow on that busy street. And, Artesia Boulevard will be viable for the next 20 years. And, all of the Artesia repairs/improvements were completed with state funds and funds from other sources – not the city tax payers. The same can be achieved with the appropriate acquisition of Hawthorne Blvd. and PCH.

5. Complete the following statement “When I think of Torrance the first thing I think of is….”

This is a full-service community where quality of life is most essential. The residents and businesses in our city enjoy safe streets, great schools, and all of the other wonderful city services. Torrance is a great city. And, the present mayor and council have made many strides to improve every aspect of our government from responsibility to visibility.

For example, one of the first acts the mayor performed after his election was to create an Ethics and Integrity Committee to address city-wide concerns raised in the last few years. I am honored to have served on that committee and to have helped draft an ethics code for all elected and appointed officials in Torrance.

In addition, the city recently recognized businesses and volunteers in our city that help to make Torrance a better place to live, work and play. Providing recognition to these important elements of our community will help to ensure that Torrance remains the vibrant city it is.

Celebrating “Students in Government Day” is a wonderful way to involve our school children into the governmental process and at the same time forge a meaningful relationship with the school district.

We have come along way in the last two years. But, more needs to be done. And, I have the personal knowledge, skills and ability to get the job done.

6. Is there anything not addressed in the above questions that you would like Torrance residents to know about you personally or why you should receive one of the four votes we will cast on June 3rd 2008?

The issues that face us in Torrance are very apparent. In fact one would have to have been stranded on a desert island for the last few years to not recognize that public safety; traffic; overdevelopment; education; the environment; and public ethics are major issues in this city.

What sets me apart from the other candidates is that I have been advocating and fighting for resolution of the identified issues for many years.

As a homeowner association president for eight years, I have consistently advocated for quality of life issues in North Torrance. As a civil service and personnel commissioner, I have worked to ensure that our city and our school district have the best employees possible and that those employees are treated and compensated fairly. As a sometimes spokesperson for the coalition of homeowners associations I fought against the rampant overdevelopment – when it was occurring. And, as president or vice president of the Torrance Education Foundation for the last five years, I have raised well more than $1 million to benefit the children of the Torrance schools.

Analysis of Pat Furey's Answers:

Pat Furey’s detailed and elaborate answers were just what many Torrance residents were looking for when deciding who they should elect to the city council. It is comforting to know that Pat Furey is adamantly opposed to selling jet fuel at Torrance airport and how he took action with the North Torrance Homeowners association to fight there attempts to lift the ban. Pat’s work on the Torrance Education Foundation emphasizes his commitment to keeping our schools well-funded and a priority for the city as he supports the school bond measure. His explanation on measure T was precise and reasoned and I support his desire for all Torrance residents to vote Yes on T. Pat points out the success we had when acquiring Artesia Boulevard under the cities control and how traffic flow has greatly improved on that street. It is clear the same can be done with the intersection Hawthorn and PCH using only state and other funds, not tax payer money. Furey’s service on the Torrance Education Foundation, The Blue Ribbon Ethics and Integrity Committee and his work with North Torrance Home Owners Association to stop over-development in Torrance makes him a well rounded and experienced candidate for the Torrance City Council.

Torrance Election 2008
"Because We Want More Than Sound Bites"

Torrance Election Forum Review: Bert Lynn Middle School

* The 6th forum took place at the George Nakano Theater and focused solely on Torrance Arts. Since the other forums focus on a verity of issues I personally believe they are more deserving of intimidate coverage. Therefore the Geoerge Nakano Theater will be given a review at a later date.

The 7^th forum in a series of eight forums took place Monday May 19^th at Bert Lynn Middle School where candidates answered a verity of questions weighing on the voter’s minds. All the candidates were asked new and interesting questions while a couple older questions were posed to refresh voters minds on where the candidates stood on the issues. Also a few humors questions and responses were given out as well.

Cliff Numark had an excellent showing at the forum. When asked what was the first thing he thought of when Torrance came to mind, Cliff spoke of a great community, which held many local events and had incredible city services. If they city were to ever take in less then it spent Cliff would find the source of the deficit. If it was short term he would use the economic anomaly fund to get through the minor economic decline. If it was more long term he would institute a zero-based budget starting a budget from scratch where every thing is on the table to be cut in order to create a new, stable and balanced budget. Finally Cliff addressed being a good listener is the key to being a team player and how he uses team work to achieve results at his job at the American Red Cross.

Kurt Weideman also came out strong and energetic and had a phenomenal performance. Kurt brought up in his opening statement that he was not a politician but rather a neighborer and a citizen that would offer on the council a spirit of honor and integrity. Kurt showed his expertise in traffic stating that extending Del Amo Boulevard to Artisia would decrease traffic on 190th and Torrance Boulevard. If Kurt were able to tell the people in Sacramento something about the budget problems in California he would tell them to quit ignoring the budget problem and putting their heads in the sand. Kurt said balancing the budget is a non-partisan issue and he would bring fiscal-expertise to the council. Kurt opposes any attempt to allow the sale of jet fuel at Torrance airport because he has seen no objective study on the significant benefits it would bring to Torrance. Kurt also said he would fix the noise abatement system that measures the loudness of planes flying over the city. Kurt also said he would step down from various commissions and boards if he were elected to the city council but would keep his position on the Torrance historical society and Torrance Library Foundation.

Rod Guyton came out strong in the forum by saying he supports the extension of Del Amo Boulevard to Artisia for it would quickly get commuter traffic onto the freeway and lessen congestion on city streets. Rod also brought a humorous point when he said he wrote a letter to the Daily Breeze telling Fabien Nunez that in the private sector a pay raise from the legislature during times of debt would get him fired. Rod said his expertise on how to deal with a budget as a small business owner would help him deal with large scale city finances. When it came to Torrance Historical Preservation Zones he would give tax incentives to those who lived in those areas in Torrance as a financial incentive to keep and preserve their old town Torrance home. Rod has no boards or commission to step down from if he were to be elected to the city council but Rod says he would continue is commitment as a coach to Rivera Little League Sports.

Pat Furey came with his usual passion when talking about how the extension of Del Amo Boulevard to Artisia would open up a freer flow of traffic on the most congested hours and allow for more tolerable traffic during other hours of the day. Pat also came out roaring when talking about how the word "smart development" was a buzz word for nobody would ever oppose "smart" development just as somebody would never be in favor of dumb development. Pat said he fought the 917 condominium units places surrounding the Del Amo mall area and the 270 near it's financial center. Pat has worked with 11 homeowners associations to stop over development. Pat would gradually implement more Torrance Historical Preservation Zone (HPZ) for two, three or four houses at a time and would also enforce the Mills act giving tax breaks to those in the HPZ's. When asked what Pat would say to leaders in Sacramento about the states budget problem he said he would tell them to get their heads out of their... Ultimately he said the people will tell the legislators what they need to do at the ballot box.

Mike Mauno was enthusiastic about actively campaigning for the school bond and also pointed out that he would force Exxon Mobile to pay it's fair share in property taxes which would result in a little less than 1/2 of all Torrance property taxes going to the schools. Mike would tell the leaders in Sacramento who have created a budget mess to live within your means and plan for something. Mike said they were more irresponsible than your average teenager and was disappointed for their lack of leadership in balancing the budget. Mike would enforce the Mills Act giving tax breaks to those in HPZ's. Mike also said he would place more sign age around Old Town Torrance to promote it. Mauno said he had concerns about government telling people what it can and cannot do with their homes. Mike said smart development requires a look at each project on a case by case basis and said that while he was on the council he voted for only 50% of the projects that came to him, the lowest of anyone on the council at the time.

Susan Rhilinger came with a steady performance saying better communications is the key to more accountability when it came to school funding being used properly. She brought up how when it came to solving the city's possible budget crisis she would look what is "bread and butter, cake and frosting" and would cut the frosting, would cut the cake if necessary and would not touch the bread and butter. Before going forwards with a HPZ's Susan would ask what areas would be in the zone first and make sure it was in the best interest of Down Town Torrance. To Susan smart development is when you ask the question what impact will this development has on our schools, traffic, aesthetics and utilities.

Gene Barnett was brave to address the amount of cynicism that would come about if a school bond measure is passed but said that he would ensure that the public could have a say and be aware of where the money was being spent if the schools received the bond money. When deciding what would need to be cut when it came to making a more fiscally sound budget Gene said he would reach out to the community and ask them what city services would we do without. Instead or smart development Gene proclaimed we needed right development and said development should be guided by the general plan. Gene pointed to the houses near Wilson Park as an example of wrong development.

Finally the person at the end of the table but certainly not least was Tim Goodrich. Tim says that the schools receiving more money from a bond measure would be an investment in Torrance for if the schools are not up to par people will not move to Torrance and businesses will refuse to locate in a city where people would not want to move. Tim also when asked how he would work as a team player on the city council said that is service to the military taught him duty before self, honor, integrity, respect and the need to work as a team to complete a mission. He would bring that same quality and team work if he were in on the city council.

Those are my reviews of the candidates that made the most significant impact at the forum; there is only one more forum left so I encourage everyone to attend on the North High School Forum this Thursday!

Torrance Election 2008
"Because We Want More Than Sound Bites"