Candidate for
Council Member; City of Torrance

My name is Gene Barnett. My family moved to Torrance in 1954. A product of the Torrance Unified School District, I attended El Nido, Crenshaw, Arlington, and Hamilton Elementary schools before graduating from North Torrance High School. I attended El Camino College then transferred to California State University, Long Beach where I earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree.

I met my wife, Linda, in high school, and we have been married for 40 years. We have three daughters, all of whom attended Torrance public schools, and six granddaughters. We have been Torrance homeowners for the past 27 years.

I was hired by the City of Torrance Parks and Recreation Department in 1972. After a series of promotions, I was appointed Director of the Department in 1980, a position I held until my retirement in May, 2007.

I am very proud of the fact that under my leadership and guidance the city was able to develop cutltural, recreational and educational facilities including the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Charles H. Wilson Park, the Madrona Marsh preserve and nature center, Columbia, Descanso, Greenwood, Miramar, Discovery, Sur La Brea, and Lago Seco Parks, the Attic Teen Center, and expansion of the Bartlett and Tillim Senior Citizens centers. These facilities support programs that benefit our youth, families and older adults and contribute to an improved quality of life for all Torrance Residents.

During my long tenure as a city Department Head I attended over 1200 city council meetings and have seen, first hand, how local government works. Based on my experience, my ability to work with many of our City's homeowner associations and city commissions building consensus and solving problems, and my knowledge of city operations, I was appointed to the City Council on June 26, 2007 to fill the seat vacated by Councilwoman Pat McIntyre upon her retirement.

Serving on the City Council over the past nine months has motivated me to run for office so I can continue to work hard to keep Torrance the safe, well-run, and family-oriented community we all love to call home.