Who Can Keep Big Business from Bailing?

By now most Torrance residents have probably heard the bad news. Toyota is packing up and moving to Texas, taking upwards of 5,000 jobs with them. There is no official word yet on how many workers will be asked to relocate or possibly be laid off although some reports have said 3,000 jobs are moving to the company’s planned new headquarters in Suburban Dallas. The complete departure will not happen overnight and will take several years to fully execute. Although it’s a blow to Southern California, the move makes perfect sense for the international auto-maker.

When Toyota first set up shop in the U.S. in the early 1950s, California was the perfect location. Being a coastal city on the Pacific Ocean, Torrance and So-Cal were the closest ports to Japan. Shipping cars and parts the shortest distance for U.S. distribution was a logical business choice. Today, however, Toyota has manufacturing plants in Mississippi, Kentucky and Texas. There is no longer the same need for major importing and being headquartered close to manufacturing is basically a no-brainer. In addition, Texas offers things California doesn’t - tax breaks, less regulation and a cheaper, easier place to do business.

According to Torrance Mayor, Frank Scotto, both New York state and Texas have actively pursued major California corporations through significant financial incentives for relocation.

"When any major corporation is courted by another state, it's very difficult to combat that," Scotto said after Monday's surprise announcement of the move. "We don't have the tools we need to keep major corporations here.” Workers' compensation and liability insurance are just some of the expenses businesses must bear that are higher in California.

"A company can easily see where it would benefit by relocating someplace else," Scotto said.

So, where does this leave Torrance in the future? The upcoming June election now carries more weight than ever, with the need to place forward thinking pro-business (large and small) candidates in office. City Council candidate Aurelio Mattucci is one candidate who has his eye on this issue with plans to keep businesses in Torrance and to foster new opportunities for economic growth.

“We need to fill up our commercial vacancies by offering new businesses true incentives and help out our many existing and loyal small businesses succeed and not just survive. We need to be a truly business friendly city and not just say we are. We also need to streamline permits and plan check process to encourage new growth,” says Mattucci.

With the largest employer in the city pulling up roots, having city leadership that is focused on planting them is more important than ever. Learn more about City Council candidate Aurelio Mattucci at www.VoteforMattucci.com.

Message from Aurelio Mattucci

Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council 2014:
See the VIDEO

Torrance City Council candidate Aurelio Mattucci

Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council 2014:

Check out the SPEECH

Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council 2014

Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council 2014:

Political speech by Aurelio Mattucci

Voter Registration Available Until May 19

It’s not too late to register to vote for the June 3rd election day.  The deadline to register is May 19, 2014 and can be done on-line or by mail. There are many easy ways to register. Voter registration forms are available at local libraries and post offices or call 1-800-345-8783 to have one mailed to you. Registration forms submitted by mail must be postmarked by May 19. Register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov.

The June 3rd election is an important one for Californians. Local elections, such as for Torrance City Council and Mayor, will be held as well as primaries for the offices representing the entire state.

Primaries will be held for:
* Governor
* Lieutenant Governor
* Secretary of State
* Controller
* Treasurer
* Attorney General
* Insurance Commissioner
* Superintendent of Public Instruction
* Representatives for U.S. Congress
* State Senator (even numbered districts)
* State Assembly
* State Board of Equalization

Many voters may not be aware of new changes to the way California primaries now work. In 2012, California adopted a “Top Two” system. The main change from the previous system is that the candidates with the two highest number of votes will advance to run against each other in November. This can mean that the final two winners may even be from the same party. Voters will see all candidates for office and are able to select any candidate no matter what their political party affiliation.

June’s ballot will also include two propositions, 41 and 42. Proposition 41 “Bonds for Veterans’ Housing and Homeless Prevention” would allow the state to sell state bonds to pay for housing for low-income or homeless veterans. The fund from bond sales would go toward affordable multi-family residences and apartment complexes, which would include support programs and services.  Proposition 42 “Public Records. Open Meetings. State and Local Governments.” would shift the responsibility of paying for complying with the Public Records Act to local governments. It would also add requiring local governments to obey the Public Records and Brown Act to the California Constitution.

For more non-partisan information about this election and to find an Easy Voter Guide, visitwww.easyvoterguide.org, www.smartvoter.org or www.sos.ca.gov/elections or the County Registrar at www.lavote.net

For a complete list of Torrance candidates, such as City Council candidate Aurelio Mattucci,and for information about the local election visit www.torrancevotes.org.

Meet Torrance City Council Candidates at Bartlett Center Wednesday

The next public forum for Torrance City Council candidates will be held tomorrow night. The event begins at 6:30 pm at the Bartlett Senior Citizens Center located at 1318 Cravens Ave, Torrance, CA 90501. This forum is an opportunity to meet some of the candidates running for election in Torrance, including Aurelio Mattucci.

Mattucci is scheduled to appear at this public forum event and is expected to share details of his plans once he is elected. Mattucci’s platform follows four basic principles of Education, Public Safety, Curb Appeal and Budget.  He is committed to creating the safest community possible for families and providing local children with a quality education. His plans for responsible budgeting practices will ensure that the needs of the community are taken care of first and foremost. As a long time real estate broker, Mattucci understands the importance of curb appeal and making the City of Torrance as beautiful as it can be, followed by maintaining that beauty through community involvement and volunteerism.

A family man who grew up in this city, Mattucci is looking at the whole picture of what makes a city great in the long term. He is committed to leaving a beautiful legacy for not only his own children, but all the families and future generations fortunate enough to call this coastal community home.

Interested voters are encouraged take advantage of this public forum to meet the candidates in person, ask questions and get to know their future representatives. Every citizen holds some responsibility for the quality of life in the place where they live. One of the first and easiest ways to make a difference in a community is by electing the right people for the job. Take charge of your city and come on out to meet Torrance City Council candidate Aurelio Mattucci, and others, Wednesday, April 23 @ 6:30 pm!

Visit www.voteformattucci.com to learn more, support and endorse Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council.

Public Forum:
Wednesday, April 23 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Bartlett Seniors Center
1318 Cravens Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

Remedy Pharm, let's help make them the BEST Pharmacy in Town.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/VOTE-Remedy-Pharm-Best-Pharmacy.html?soid=1101779702582&aid=1bj3Wozdwb4

What ARE the Responsibilities of a Torrance City Council Member?

What does the Torrance City Council do and how does its work affect you?

As a Charter City, Torrance is governed by a Council/Manager form of government. The City Council consists of the Mayor and six City Council members. The Mayor and Council members are elected at large by registered voters of the City and each serve a four-year term. Elections are held every two years, on the even year.

Unlike some cities, such as Los Angeles, that have three or more or even no term limits, the City of Torrance has a two term limit for Council and Mayoral positions. Setting these kinds of term limits is one effective way to prevent corruption and stagnation due to career politicians holding office for decades or more.  With an eight year total for a single position, Torrance voters are able to ensure that their elected representatives, such as City Council candidate Aurelio Mattucci, will truly hold the best interests of the city and its residents at the forefront of the decision making process. Mattucci is a shining example of a long-term resident who deeply cares about his home town and its future.

In this type of Council/Manager form of government, the City Council carries a number of significant responsibilities that directly affect residents. They are responsible for:

• Adopting Legislation 
• Setting Policy 
• Adjudicating Issues 
• Establishing the Budget of the City. 

One of the Council’s most important duties is creating and managing the City’s budget, which is also one of the primary issues Aurelio Mattucci stands for.  Mattucci is concerned with planning a budget with a mind for the future because, “years from now we will have to deal with the decisions of today.”  When elected, he will take a conservative approach to spending, prioritizing expenditures by “necessity not popularity.”

Other functions of The City Council are to appoint the City Manager and City Attorney. The City Manager acts as the administering head of the government and works closely with the Council to implement policy and laws. In the capacity of their offices, Council members and the Mayor may serve as representatives on intergovernmental and regional boards, commissions and committees. The Council will also appoint volunteers to serve on various advisory boards, commissions and committees. 

In a spirit of transparency and accountability, Council members and the Mayor are directly accountable to the electorate. In their work, they must constantly weigh the interests of individuals and groups with the needs of the entire community. For a candidate like Aurelio Mattucci, that is just what he plans to do when serving the city of Torrance that he has loved for over 30 years.

The Council meets every Tuesday in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3031 Torrance Boulevard, unless specifically adjourned to another time or place. Regular business generally starts at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise publicly noticed.  Closed door Executive Sessions may occasionally convene, as authorized under the Ralph M. Brown Act, at 5:30 p.m. 

Aurelio Mattucci Plans for Responsible Budget Practices

With this week’s guilty pleas and sentencing for officials involved in the City of Bell misappropriation of funds scandal, many So-Cal voters are likely concerned about responsible budgeting. When a population elects their local representatives, they are entrusting their future, finances and peace of mind to their new representatives. Scandals like what occurred in Bell terribly damage the public’s faith in local government.

For Torrance City Council candidate, Aurelio Mattucci, maintaining the public’s trust is extremely important. This will begin with careful and conservative budget management with forethought and planning for the future. Mattucci’s stance on managing the city budget includes these points:

• “…We must always take into consideration the fact that years from now we will have to deal with the decisions of today.”  
• Maintaining “a conservative approach to spending and prioritizes expenditures by necessity not popularity.”  
• Regarding pensions, “I want to make sure both the tax payers and employees are protected and treated fairly.” 
• Consider “the cost of living in our area and make sure we can continue to hold on to good employees and not just give them a job but a career with a retirement that will allow them and their families to remain residents of Torrance.”  
• Listening to residents to “make sure the tax payers are also in the decision process and not unilaterally make decisions that benefit a few and burden all.”

Candidate Mattucci has lived in Torrance since 1977 and is invested in the future of his city. He will be appearing at upcoming public forum events to meet with voters and answer questions. The next forums at which he is scheduled to appear are:

• April 17th 8:00 am - Nakano Theater Torrance, 3330 Civic Center Dr., 90503
• April 23rd 6:30 pm - Bartlett Center Old Torrance, 1318 Cravens Ave., 90501

Visit www.voteformattucci.com to learn more about what Aurelio Mattucci stands for and his position on the issues.




Torrance City Council

 

Redondo Beach Mayor Endorses Torrance City Council Candidate Aurelio Mattucci

Redondo Beach Mayor, Steve Aspel, has endorsed Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council. Aspel and Mattucci sat down for a radio chat on HealthyLife.Net an internet site and station focused on “all positive talk radio”.  Mayor Aspel hosts “Aspel on the Esplanade” every Tuesday afternoon on HealthyLife. Aspel’s show covers South Bay issues, news & views, featuring heart warming and humorous interviews with South Bay locals from all walks of life.

Aspel is an enthusiastic supporter of Aurelio Mattucci and had this to say about Tuesday’s conversation with the candidate, “I had the pleasure of spending some time interviewing Aurelio Mattucci on HealthyLife.net! Many of you Redondo Beach people will know the Mattucci name as the famous tailor located on PCH. I have always considered the Mattucci's as one of the first families of Redondo Beach! But Aurelio is a Torrance guy! He's a cool family guy, Realtor, philanthropist and has MY endorsement for Torrance City Council.”

Interested voters and listeners can access the Mattucci interview on www.healthylife.net or click these links for the Aspel on the Esplanade archives or Tuesday's interview with Aurelio.

Listen to Mayor Steve Aspel’s “Aspel on the Esplanade” LIVE every Tuesday from 1:00 - 2:00 pm, with an encore airing at midnight.  HealthyLife.net was founded in 2002 by Linda Mackenzie in response to the dearth of non-sensational, information based local programming.  HelathyLife is “driven to provide all positive radio shows to help eliminate fear, advance positive thought and encourage that we are all one - here for the greater good of all.”

Genres and subjects for discussion on HealthyLife.net include: Local South Bay Radio, Natural Health, Science & Technology, Conscious Business, Variety & the Arts, Men, Women, Family and Pet Issues, Inspiration, Motivation, Spirituality and the Paranormal.

A station that began with only its founder, Mackenzie, broadcasting 5 days a week, the site now features 45 different hosts providing all positive programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HealthyLife.Net continues to grow with a worldwide audience in 108 countries and 1,240 cities in all 50 U.S. states in America.  Syndication has increased to 58 channels of distribution, also available on all smartphones and Ipad apps through a partnership with TuneIn.com.

Learn more, endorse and support Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council at www.voteformattucci.com.

List of Candidates for Torrance 2014

List of Candidates for Torrance 2014
http://www.torranceca.gov/PDF/2014_candidates_public_Information_03142014_Final.pdf



List of Candidates for Torrance 2014

Uptick in Burglaries Raises Public Safety Concerns in Torrance

Residents of Torrance, California generally feel safe in their homes. Some feel so safe that they may even forget to lock windows and doors at night. But that sense of security has been threatened recently by a spree of cat burglaries.

The DailyBreeze.com has reported on three different cases of burglars slipping into homes in the middle of the night while the residents were home and sleeping.  The cat burglars found entry through an unlocked window in one case and in the other two through an unlocked sliding glass side door and even an unlocked front door. 

Torrance police are reminding residents that taking this simple precaution of locking doors and windows is the first step in home security and can prevent not only loss of property but also protect against violent crimes.  Torrance police Sgt. Bob Watt said. “People are breaking into houses when people are home. We’re a bit concerned of the safety issue. They take very little property and are doing it for the adrenaline rush.”

On March 21, a man sneaked into a home in the 22900 block of Anza Avenue at 2:30 a.m., but ran away when the sleeping resident woke up and screamed. Another burglary occurred around 3:30 a.m. six days later in the 21800 block of Linda Drive. There, a male in his late teens or early twenties entered a home through an unlocked front door, and stole a few electronics. Again, the intruder fled after being confronted by a resident. And the third incident occurred about midnight March 30 when someone snuck into a home in the 4800 block of Via El Sereno through a sliding glass door and stole a laptop computer.

Torrance also saw a jump in “distraction” burglaries in February. In a distraction burglary, a suspect knocks on the front door to talk to and distract residents while other suspects break in through another entrance to steal.  Both of these types of crimes may often be committed by young people seeking excitement but criminals looking for a thrill are unpredictable. While fortunately no one was harmed in any of these recent cases, if Torrance becomes known as an easy place to target such crimes could escalate in frequency and severity.

For Torrance City Council Candidate, Aurelio Mattucci, Public Safety is at the top of his priority list. He strives to foster a community where residents continue to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods, never living in fear.  Candidate Mattucci is a strong supporter of the Police Department and will work to ensure all their needs are met when he is elected to City Council. And, just like the police department encourages residents to take appropriate precautions to protect their homes, Mattucci believes in protection through community involvement.  Volunteering, neighborhood watch programs, and landlord participation are all part of his Public Safety plan.

Anyone with information about the above-mentioned crimes can call the Torrance Police Department at 310-618-5571. To learn more, contribute or endorse Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council, please visit www.voteformattucci.com.

Tim Goodrich, Aurelio Mattucci, Torrance City Council

Aurelio Mattucci Torrance City Council Candidate - Frank Scotto endorsed his own group of candidates.  Aurelio says "No more politics as usual"

A letter from Aurelio Mattucci. 

My family and I originally moved to Torrance in 1977.  We moved here from Italy.  I was only six years old and soon discovered that Torrance was a pretty cool place to live.  My first memorable experience was my first grade teacher Mrs. Whipple from Seaside Elementary School.  She made learning English easy for me and in turn learned a few Italian words of her own.  My father is a Tailor and still working at age 76, my mother is a house wife and has always to this day taken care of all the kids in the family.  Most of my family eventually moved to South Redondo Beach, but my wife Celeste and I chose to come back and raise our son here in Torrance.  I am a Torrance homeowner, a Torrance business owner, a husband and a father.  I am the candidate that will represent you.  I feel we need to cut the chains that connect us to past administrations and start fresh.  I am that fresh start.
Aurelio Mattucci

www.voteformattucci.com



Tim Goodrich

Aurelio Mattucci Torrance City Council Candidate - Frank Scotto endorsed his own group of candidates.

Aurelio Mattucci Torrance City Council Candidate - Frank Scotto endorsed his own group of candidates.  Aurelio says "No more politics as usual"

A letter from Aurelio Mattucci. 

My family and I originally moved to Torrance in 1977.  We moved here from Italy.  I was only six years old and soon discovered that Torrance was a pretty cool place to live.  My first memorable experience was my first grade teacher Mrs. Whipple from Seaside Elementary School.  She made learning English easy for me and in turn learned a few Italian words of her own.  My father is a Tailor and still working at age 76, my mother is a house wife and has always to this day taken care of all the kids in the family.  Most of my family eventually moved to South Redondo Beach, but my wife Celeste and I chose to come back and raise our son here in Torrance.  I am a Torrance homeowner, a Torrance business owner, a husband and a father.  I am the candidate that will represent you.  I feel we need to cut the chains that connect us to past administrations and start fresh.  I am that fresh start.
Aurelio Mattucci

www.voteformattucci.com



Michael Griffiths

Torrance Candidates Make Public Forum Appearances

Torrance voters will have many opportunities in the upcoming weeks to meet their mayoral and city council candidates.  There are several public forum events scheduled throughout the month of April and into May. Each event will be structured a little differently as far format, but candidates will be answering questions on their plans and views at each event.

An event on Monday at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center showed that the voters and candidates are very committed to this race. Over 200 residents, including outgoing Mayor Frank Scotto, were in attendance. 15 of the 16 City Council candidates answered almost a dozen questions submitted prior to the event by residents. It was a great opportunity for candidates, such as real estate broker and long term resident Aurelio Mattucci, to meet voters face to face, shake hands with their future constituents and address their concerns head-on.

Tonight, voters can meet the candidates at South High School at 7:00 pm.  The campaigners should get even more time tonight to really get their points across and let the voters understand their stances on the issues. A Torrance Home Owners Association has prepared a list of just five questions that each of the candidates attending will answer in detail. City Council Candidate Aurelio Mattucci is expected to discuss his four main points of concern: Public Safety, Education, Budgetand Curb Appeal.  He also plans to attend more events, including on Thursday, April 17th and April 23rd. Visit www.voteformatttucci.com to stay up to date on more Mattucci appearances, to volunteer or support.

Here are all the public forum events scheduled for this week and through May.

Wednesday: City Council candidates forum at 7 p.m. at South High School, 4801 Pacific Coast Highway.
• Thursday: Mayoral candidates breakfast and forum at 8 a.m. at Doubletree Hotel, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd. Cost is $22. Registration: 310-543-3113 or www.TorranceChamber.com
• Thursday: Mayoral and City Council social at 7 p.m. at Nakano Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.
• April 10: Mayoral and city clerk forum at 6:30 p.m. at Bartlett Senior Center, 1318 Cravens Ave.
• April 16: Mayoral forum at 7 p.m. at Anza Elementary School, 21400 Ellinwood Drive.
• April 17: City Council candidates breakfast and forum at 7:30 a.m. at Nakano Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive. Cost is $17. Registration: 310-543-3113 or www.TorranceChamber.com.
• April 23: City Council forum at 6:30 p.m. at Barlett Senior Center, 1318 Cravens Ave.
• April 29: City Council forum at 6:30 p.m. at Toyota USA Automobile Museum, 19600 Van Ness Ave.
• May 8: Mayoral and city clerk forum at 7 p.m. at Toyota USA Automobile Museum, 19600 Van Ness Ave.



Heidi Ashcraft