Torrance and Toyota No Longer Doing Business

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.

Register to Vote for Torrance Election

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.

Torrance Candidates Talk to Constituents Tomorrow Night

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

City of Torrance needs new blood on City Council

City of Torrance needs new blood on City Council.

I am concerned at the fact that Mayor Frank Scotto is pushing his "Fantastic Four" team into office with teeth and nails.  I just can't understand why he couldn't just endorse them and move on with his life.  Instead he is trying to steamroll all the other candidates, so his people can make it to power.  Is this because termed out Mayor Scotto wants to retain power within city hall?  Is it because the Mayor will need majority vote to get his tow contracts back.  Is it because the Mayor is having a hard time letting go of his power within the city?  Maybe it's all of the above and on one hand I can see why he would feel that way, but on the other I think it's bad that he will be dictating orders to his people long after he stepped down from office.  I say Torrance needs some new blood.  Individuals that are truly Independent candidates and that owe no political favors to anyone.
I am that candidate.
Vote Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council come June 3rd 2014



City of Torrance needs new blood on City Council.

What Does the Torrance City Council Do?

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. 

Redondo Beach Mayor Aspel on the Radio with 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.

Complete List of Candidates for Torrance 2014

Complete list of Candidates for City of Torrance 2014
http://www.torranceca.gov/PDF/2014_candidates_public_Information_03142014_Final.pdf

Make your 1 out of 4 votes really count.  Vote Aurelio Mattucci for Torrance City Council 2014
www.voteformattucci.com



Heidi Ashcraft

Aurelio Mattucci Shares Thoughts on Education & More at South High School

Meet Torrance City Council candidate, Aurelio Mattucci this Wednesday, April 2nd at South High School. The open forum event will take place in the South High School cafeteria at 4801 Pacific Coast Highway, starting at 7:00 pm.

Come out to this event to learn more about Mattucci’s platform, which centers around four basic issues. These are concerns that all cities face but are too often neglected.  As the next member of the Torrance City Council Mattucci will focus his energy on:

• Public Safety
• Education
• Budget
• Curb Appeal

Mattucci believes in a hands-on approach to all of these issues that includes community involvement and volunteerism. The neighborhoods and schools belong to the residents of Torrance and we are all responsible for making them the safest, most beautiful and most efficient they can be. The more that residents support public safety, police and fire departments, form neighborhood watch programs and pick up a paint brush to improve school facilities, the more the whole city can thrive. Everyone wants to feel safe and we can all contribute.

Aurelio Mattucci will also work toward responsible budgeting that plans for today and tomorrow.  “I want to make sure our City takes a conservative approach to spending and prioritizes expenditures by necessity not popularity.”  At the same time, Mattucci still wants that all important community involvement with allocating funds for education and other necessary services that any city oversees. “The tax payers should be in control of where the funds go on all levels,” says Mattucci.

As a real estate broker, Aurelio Mattucci also understands the very real importance of curb appeal. It’s that element of delight when pulling up to a location that is inviting and exciting. Curb appeal makes a prospective home or business owner want to take a closer look and to make the crucial decision of whether or not to call a place home. Drawing new residents and businesses to Torrance is an all important factor in the future growth and prosperity of the city as a whole. But if buildings are abandoned, sidewalks are cracked and cluttered with weeds and streets are deteriorating, that inviting and exciting feeling will never flourish. Mattucci will work toward planting trees, removing concrete and beautifying the City of Torrance with the help and support of its residents.  This is your home and when you come home, it should feel like home.

Show your support for public safety, education, budget control and curb appeal when you meet City Council Candidate Aurelio Mattucci at any of these upcoming events.

• April 2nd 7:00 pm - South High Cafeteria 

• April 3rd 7:00 pm - Nakano Theater Torrance

• April 17th 8:00 am - Nakano Theater Torrance

• April 23rd 6:30 pm - Bartlett Center Old Torrance

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

 

I have a question.  Why would it be a good thing to have Mayor Frank Scotto endorse and promote four candidates?  I personally have not asked nor do I want the endorsement of any politician as to not owe any favors to anyone.  Mayor Frank Scotto has been putting a lot of effort in promoting his dream team and you can't help but wonder, WHY?
I am truly an Independent candidate that the only people he is indebted to is the voters of Torrance.  If you feel Torrance needs a fresh start, then I am your man.  If you feel you need a representative and not another political offspring, then I am your man.
Come June 3rd, you have the power to clean up city hall and elect individuals that will represent your best interest.
Vote Aurelio Mattucci, a true independent.
www.voteformattucci.com