City Legislative Affairs
The City of Torrance tracks legislation to take action on potential laws - State and Federal - that could impact the City's ability to effectively govern. Legislative liaisons of each department assist in analyzing the impact of proposed legislation on their department. To find out more about the positions taken by the City and legislation it tracks, please contact Eleanor Barthe-Jones in the City Manager's Office via email (EBJones@TorranceCA.Gov) or by calling (310) 618-5880.
Contact: Eleanor Barthe-Jones
City Manager's Office
Phone: 618-5880
Purpose: To establish guiding principles and policies advocating legislation which will allow for the pursuit of legislation and support of specific proposals that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of City services.
City Legislative Positions: The City of Torrance uses the following criteria to determine the potential impact of a measure:
Does the propsed measure affect local control?
Does the proposed measure have a fiscal impact on the City?
Does the proposed measure affect public safety?
Click here for the City's positions on this legislative session from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2012.
City Legislative Priorities: In accordance with the goals of the City, legislative priorities have been highlighted:
Transportation (TEA-21)
Housing (Section 8)
Community Policing (COPS)
Workforce Development (Workforce Investment Network)
Ship Naming
Local government meets the needs of residents with limited resources and ever tightening budgets. The City of Torrance's mission statement seeks to nurture an environment "providing quality service with integrity, professionalism and accountability in an efficient, cost-effective manner."
Policies and Guiding Principles: The City has listed policies and guiding principles in the following areas:
City Council AD HOC Federal Legislative Advocacy Comittee
On Thursday, February 28, 2013 the City Council Ad Hoc State Legislative Advocacy Committee met to review 2013 priority projects, discuss strategies to seek funding opportunities for these projects, determine date of legislative trip to Washnington, D.C. and Federal legislative update. The 2013 priority projects are:
. Expansion of Goldsworthy Desalter
. North Torrance Well Field #9
. Stormwater Infiltration Systems at Walnut Sump, Airport Field and Well Field #8
. Upgrade of fleet services garage
These four priority projects were selected based on both the greatest impact to the environment and feasibility for potential funding. The committee gave direction to staff to:
. Schedule a meeting with congresswoman waters and Congressman Waxman to acquaint them with these projects
. Coordinate a trip to Washington D.C. to meet with agencies, committees and legislators to seek funding.
Lastly, the committee discussed the update on marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 that will authorize states to collect sales tax from on-line sellers and exempts small businesses earning less that $1 million annually from out-of-state sales and the impact of sequestration.
On Wednesday, October 3, 2012 the City Council AD Hoc State Legislative Advocacy Committee met to consider and take action on the 11 state and 2 local measures on the November 2012 general election to be held on November 6, 2012. Committee members included: Mayor Scotto as the Chair, Councilwoman Rhilinger as a Member, and Councilman Sutherland as the alternate member. The committee reviewed the measures to determine impact on local control, fiscal matters and public safety. Each department prepared an analysis on the propositions. Representatives from Torrance Unified School District and the Torrance Area Chamber were in attendance to give their perspective on the ballot measures. In addition, council reviewed the position taken on these measures from the League of Women Voters, the League of California Cities, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and South Bay Cities Council of Governments.
Of the 11 state measures there are 5 state measures met the cities established criteria.
Proposition 30 - Temporary Taxes To Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding.
Proposition 31 - State Budget. State And Local Government.
Proposition 34 - Death Penalty Repeal.
Proposition 35 - Human Trafficking
Proposition 36 - Three Strikes Law
Measure E - El Camino Community College Improvement Of Facilities, Transfer Of Students To 4 Year Colleges And Job Training.
Measure J - To Accelerate Traffic Relief And Job Creation In The County Of Los Angeles
