Why you should vote for me

By Jay Scharfman

The City Clerk position is important beyond everyday City Clerk duties. It's a Department Head level position.

What we are talking about is more than managing elections and safeguarding city records. The city clerk is a department head level position that comes with its own significant set of responsibilities like budgeting, resource allocation, staffing assignments, strategic planning and interacting with other city departments and officials. Some of those officials are from outside agencies.

Tough supervisory decisions must be made. Decisions that require a leader who is not afraid to take decisive action for the sake of our city. I believe that I am that leader. What's more, I have extensive knowledge of the city clerk's responsibilities AND expert-level managerial experience to be Department Director.

But don't just take my word for it. Look at my record of accomplishments and ask yourself if I've earned your support. I've worked for the city for nearly 20 years, starting in the engineering department and then moving on to the city manager's office. Though officially retired, I continue to work in the city manager's office in an advisory and special project capacity to this day.

While working for the city I implemented new technologies and developed several innovative programs like the Special Events and Filming Office, Commissioner Certification, New Council and Employee Orientation, the City Manager Intern Program, and an electronic system for receiving and monitoring citizen concerns. Eight years ago, I was part of the team that created and developed the Students and Government program that is still active today.

I've been fortunate to be involved with rewarding community outreach programs like providing tours for local third-grade students, and creating and co-presenting an historical presentation at several homeowners' association meetings along with the City Manager. I was instrumental to the recognition of the Blue Star Mothers of America and to overseeing the construction and engraving of the Torrance Veterans Memorial.

The city clerk is a department director with important responsibilities that extend far beyond what most would consider everyday city clerk duties. It takes years of experience to put together a team that is as efficient as it is effective, and years of leadership experience to make the tough decisions that take an organization from good to excellent.

I've been a proud resident of Torrance since 1957 and I've devoted a large part of my life to our city's success. After completing military service in Vietnam, I returned home to finish college, raise a family and start a local business. Because I was inspired by my father's tenure with the city and my own strong sense of civic duty, I began my career with our city over 23 years ago.

I've worked on projects in every department, established vital city programs, chaired numerous committees, pioneered crucial technological advances and been instrumental to the construction of the Veteran's Memorial Wall. Next month the City is honoring me with my own Hometown Hero banner downtown. I've learned how our city works and I've seen where it needs to improve.

Quite simply, I have developed an extremely high level of expertise by working with the people, the programs, and the departments in our city government. And as my record can attest, I tackle challenges proactively rather than wait for the next crisis to arrive. Ask anyone who knows me - I'm not a watcher, I'm a doer.

Please visit my webpage at http://www.jayforcityclerk.com. It is constantly being updated and I invite you to check back now and then for new information on my campaign, my qualifications, and my history with Torrance. It's my hope that every time you visit you'll find another reason to support me.

Thank you and remember to vote Jay Scharfman for Torrance City Clerk on June 3.