Torrance Issues

By Dave Ouwerkerk

Over the last few years there has been a large increase in the conversion of industrial, commercial, and retail properties for high density residential development. This is changing the character and balanced nature of Torrance. It is putting a considerable strain on the infrastructure and traffic in Torrance (see below). I am an advocate of Smart Development for a Balanced Torrance. Torrance needs to maintain a balance in land utilization in order to provide for an enjoyable place to live and work. Property zoning should not be changed for the convenience of profits. Land owners should have a right to improve and develop property within the existing zoning, hillside overlay, and building codes. We must develop smartly and not just massively in order to preserve our quality of life. This includes preserving downtown Torrance's unique character for future generations.

Sale of Jet Fuel at Torrance Airport

This is a specific issue that is likely to come before the new City Council. In this regard I remain open to understanding all input before rendering a firm position. I believe in looking at the big picture in order to assess the impact of changing this longstanding jet fuel sale ban. I think there are four major areas that warrant assessment and understanding. These are: safety, noise, number of operations, and value. The sale of jet fuel at Torrance Airport will impact all of these, some negatively and some positively. No one area will dominate my decision. I am not opposed to the sale of jet fuel but think careful consideration and a full understanding is needed before any change is made.

Campaign Finance

Campaigning costs seemed to have spiraled out of sight with more and more money needed to mount a campaign for public office. This disadvantages many qualified candidates. The idea of having to raise and spend $50K to get a $100 per month job does not make sense. I don't advocate government funding of campaigns but something needs to be done. I am mounting a grassroots campaign and believe even more funding restrictions or other limitations are needed. We need a return to government that is by the people and for the people. If elected to the Torrance City Council I would support the appointment of a blue ribbon committee to study the issue and make recommendations for moderating campaign spending with the goal of enticing qualified candidates to run.

Public Safety

We enjoy excellent police and fire protection services in the City of Torrance. These are necessary to ensure the quality of life we have come to expect and enjoy. I support efforts and funding to make sure that Torrance safety services keep pace with the community needs.

Ageing Infrastructure

Torrance has been growing old. I remember as a child going to the Del Amo Mall past many open fields as we drove down Hawthorne Blvd. The infrastructure to support the citizens of Torrance has been in place a long time and in many instances is in bad need of replacement or refurbishment. We need to assess and plan for replacing or refurbishing this ageing infrastructure. We cannot wait until it fails due to age or overuse. This needs to be a priority consideration in all future growth.

Traffic

Over the last several years the traffic along the major thoroughfares in Torrance has seen a rapid increase in the number of vehicles. It certainly takes longer now to get anywhere in Torrance. This is mostly due to the rapid growth within Torrance without an accompanying growth in traffic capacity. I favor having Torrance seek control over Hawthorne Blvd (currently state controlled by CALTRANS) to optimize not only traffic on Hawthorne but also on crossing intersections. A more detailed study of options is needed to identify and plan for traffic capacity. Traffic must also be considered in all future Torrance development. I also believe that Torrance needs to identify and develop a public transportation center to replace the one we previously had behind he Del Amo Mall and is no longer there.

Ethics In Government

I think most public officials are trustworthy and act in the best interest of the citizens of Torrance. We need openness and participation to ensure continued trust in our government. I support the Blue Ribbon Panel's recommendations to foster ethics in government.

Environment

We must continue to take action to improve the environment. Each generation is responsible to leave to future generations a better place in which to live. We must continue to take the necessary steps to reduce pollution. Government along with every citizen must contribute to a better tomorrow.
Personally I enjoy working on Hybrid and Fuel Cell Vehicles. They are certainly a step in the right direction to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and eliminate automotive emissions.

City Services

We take for granted the services offered by the City of Torrance. We enjoy well maintained and clean streets, a good number of parks and recreation activities, and many other services. The people who provide these services are really unsung heros that deserve our support for all the good work they do. We need to continue to maintain our support for these services.