During the 2002 Torrance election, ethics in government became a huge concern to many in our community.  It seemed that big-city dirty politics had found its way into Torrance.  And, many of our community members questioned the negative tactics. 

About that same time we also became aware that many special interests were involved in financing some of the political campaigns in our city.  And, we also took note that those same special interests appeared to receive favorable treatment by some of our elected officials.

In fact, just months after the March 2002 election a project that was rejected by the Planning Department and the Planning Commission was approved by the City Council.  And, this approval was over the objections of the Torrance residents who were most directly affected.  Soon, this appeared to become a pattern in our city – special interests were favored over the true stakeholders in our community, the residents.

During the next few years the California Fair Political Practices Commission and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office launched several investigations concerning our city.  And, each of these investigations concerned ethics – or lack thereof – in our local government.

By January 2006 the FPPC had levied a huge fine against a local labor organization and the DA had cited our city for a Brown Act violation.

Just about this same time, questions were being raised about governmental ethics on a national and state level.  The problem was deemed so great that the California Legislature enacted laws mandating training for all elected and appointed governmental officials.

At that time I personally called upon our city to address the ethical concerns in our community by calling together a commission or committee to address ethics.  However, instead of accepting my suggestions, I was rebuked and personally attacked by our former mayor.

However, in June 2006 our community elected a new mayor who embraced my ideas.  In fact, on the very evening that Mayor Frank Scotto was administered the oath of office, he called for a committee to be formed to specifically address ethics and integrity in our city.

Proudly, I was appointed to the mayor’s blue ribbon committee along with ten other members of our community.  The committee toiled for more than a year addressing ethics in government and we created a value-based Ethics and Integrity program for the City of Torrance. 

The report to the City Council made by the committee on January 15, 2008, includes a number of election campaign ordinances that address community concerns with our local election process.  I am proud that these campaign ordinances have already been adopted and enacted by our current mayor and council.  And, I promise to continue my efforts to ensure ethics and transparency in our local government.