Candidates Introduced at Old Torrance Neighborhood Association Forum

The six candidates for Torrance City Council were at the Bartlett center yesterday evening for a forum sponsored by the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association.  Below is a summary of the event and their positions on the issues.

Opening Statement

• Eng: Council was misled on the refinery and needs a scientist on the Council to protect the community from HF.
• Herring: I am a proven leader in the military with a proven track record.
• Rizzo: Business is booming under my leadership with 1100 new business licenses last year.
• Griffiths: I have a history of service to the community with a clear record of where I stand on the issues.
• Dagastino: I attend every Council meeting and am up to speed on what makes the City tick.
• Sheikh: I am an American success story coming here with only $600 in my pocket and working hard to obtain two MBA’s.

What is your position on Historic Preservation?

• Eng: It’s a good idea.  Something is better than nothing.
• Herring: I support hiring of expert to give City advice on issue.
• Rizzo: I support something that meets everyone’s needs.
• Griffiths: I support a balanced approach that preserves history and protects property rights.
• Dagastino:  Too bad it wasn’t addressed 10 years ago, but thanks to the Mayor it’s being discussed now.  I support a voluntary option that is revenue neutral.
• Sheikh: I admire Council for moving to hire an expert to advise on the issue.

Would you hire McCormick Ambulance (Yes/No)?

• Eng: Undecided
• Herring: No
• Rizzo: No
• Griffiths: No
• Dagastino:Yes
• Sheikh: No

Would you support a raise for Councilmembers?

• Eng: No
• Herring: No
• Rizzo: No
• Griffiths: Yes
• Dagastino: No
• Sheikh: No

Do you support City paying for Rose Float? All voted yes.

Do you support City funded Fireworks celebration?  All voted yes.

Do you support TFD providing its own patient transport?

• Eng: Yes
• Herring: Undecided
• Rizzo: Undecided
• Griffiths: Undecided
• Dagastino:  Undecided
• Sheikh: No

Any creative ideas to revitalize downtown?

• Eng: Ensure there is no HF disaster that will destroy downtown.
• Herring: Have City government create an economic empowerment zone.
• Rizzo: Create restaurant and cabaret atmosphere with music where people can listen and enjoy themselves.
• Griffiths: Incentivize property owners to bring in new business.
• Dagastino:  Bring a Japenese company to downtown.
• Sheikh: Hold a 5K run in downtown Torrance.

What are your top goals if elected?

• Eng: Reduce HF risk and fix streets.
• Herring: Create government economic empowerment zones.
• Rizzo: Complete Historic Preservation Ordinance and View Ordinance.
• Griffiths: Take care of our streets and sidewalks.
• Dagastino: Bring new business to Torrance; I’ve already brought 4.
• Sheikh: Reduce traffic and support police.

Are unfunded pension liabilities a concern?  If so, what would you do to alleviate the issue?

• Eng: Yes, but I don’t think we’re going bankrupt.  It’s something that needs continual review.
• Herring: Yes, but it’s a like a mortgage and recent changes have gotten us where we need to be.
• Rizzo: Yes, but we’re on track due to past Council decisions and will be fine by 2020.
• Griffiths: Yes, it’s a huge problem.  I was glad to see the Council pay off some debt recently by allocating $3 Million for that purpose.  It’s being managed, but it’s a huge problem.
• Dagastino:  No, the numbers make it look worse than it really is.  We have time to pay it.
• Sheikh: Yes, but I will try to bring in new businesses that will generate more revenue to cover the costs.

How will you ensure Torrance keeps the ethical highroad?

• Eng: Have integrity.  I don’t expect Torrance to be in the media for this – too much.
• Herring: I will be ethical and above board.
• Rizzo: Set expectations and train and remind leaders.
• Griffiths: I will continue to speak out when I see something that is not right.
• Dagastino: Take yearly ethics course.
• Sheikh: Be transparent and take extra precautions.

What is one unique quality that you will bring to office?

• Eng: I am a space industry scientist.
• Herring: I’ve been married to one woman for 44 years proving I have the ability to stick to it.
• Rizzo: Active listener and know how to resolve conflicts.
• Griffiths: I try listen and hear all the facts before I speak.
• Dagastino: I worked every position in the airline industry and have a lot of patience and am a problem solver.
• Sheikh: I have a financial background with two MBA’s.

What is one question not asked you would like to respond to?

• Eng: HF could kill or injure thousands.  We need to fix that problem.
• Herring: We need an independent safety monitor at Exxon to provide quarterly reports to the City.
• Rizzo: Toyota will officially leave in 2019 taking with it a lot of jobs and we need to address public safety issues as recent propositions have allowed more criminals on the street.
• Griffiths: I’ve developed a record while in office by supporting the Rose Float, craft brewery business, Hawthorne corridor improvements, street pavement improvements, bringing back fireworks, and working on view and historic preservation ordinances.
• Dagastino: I am going to D.C. as part of a delegation to find out how they can help us and to recruit a replacement for the jobs we will lose by Toyota leaving.
• Sheikh: It’s an old City and we need to focus on revitalizing the City.

Closing Statement

• Eng: I want to preserve the quality of life in Torrance and do something to create a path forward with Exxon.
• Herring: I’m running to win and I want to serve and make Torrance a shining City on a hill.
• Rizzo: This is not a stepping stone for me.  I’ve dedicated my life to serving Torrance and want to ensure your voices are heard.
• Griffiths: I’m not a political animal, my highest ambition is to serve the community.
• Dagastino: I’m the only candidate out there actively recruiting new businesses to Torrance.
• Sheikh: Will help make Torrance an exemplary City with fresh ideas and my financial background.