Candidate for
Council Member; City of Torrance

Hi, my name is Kurt Weideman and I am proudly running for a seat on the Torrance City Council. I am committed to Torrance and have experience that counts.

I've lived in Torrance for over half of my life and currently serve on the Torrance Planning Commission. My wife, Sue Golden, and I have lived in our home in North Torrance for the past 22 years. Our four children (three girls and one boy) all graduated from Torrance High Schools.

I intend to run on a theme based on honesty and openness in government, coupled with personal commitment and independence.

My Pledge to Torrance Voters

• Control Development
• Reduce Traffic Congestion
• Enhance Public Safety
• Promote Green Practices
• Demand Fiscal Responsibility

In l996 I graduated from the Torrance Chamber Program "Leadership Torrance". This course showed me how satisfying community service could be, and motivated me to get involved in several civic organizations. This involvement has enriched my life tremendously.

In l997 I was nominated by Marsha Cribbs for a business position on the Carson/Lomita/Torrance Private Industry Council. That nomination and subsequent Council approval has led to over ten years of service with that organization. I have held various offices within C/L/T Workforce Investment Network (formerly the Private Industry Council) and have just finished my second year as Board Chairman. I was instrumental in the recent merging of Torrance and Lomita WIN organization with the larger Long Beach Workforce Investment Network.

In 2003 I was appointed by Bill Beverly of the El Camino College Board of Trustees to serve on the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. I was the first Chairman of this Committee and served in that capacity for the three years of my tenure, until I was termed out in early 2006. The Committee and I were responsible for representing the district citizens who passed the $395 million Measure E Bond in 2002. Our Committee met on a regular basis to review expenditures, ask questions and express concerns. On an annual basis, we reported to the community and the Board of Trustees in the form of an Annual Report, a comprehensive review of our proceedings and findings. We ensured that the citizens got what they paid for; on schedule, on budget and of good quality.

In 2006 I attended the "Grassroots Academy" presented by the Torrance Chamber of Commerce led by Dee Hardison and Don Lee, which gave me an overview of the local political process.

I am currently serving my second term as the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Torrance Historical Society, an organization devoted to preserving the history of our unique city. Through the sales of our 2007 calendar, our organization was able to contribute $20,000 towards the digitization of the Torrance Herald and Torrance Press Telegram, so that these newspapers in our archives would not turn to dust and be made available to anyone on-line. We also were able to give every 3rd grader in the Torrance Unified School District (1,821 students) a copy of this calendar, with historical pictures of famous local landmarks.

I am currently the Vice President of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation. Our mandate is to promote cultural enrichment through support of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. With our $800,000 budget, funded via fundraising and an annual Gala, we present visual and performing arts programs at the Center for all members of the community. During this past year, I served as Concession co-chair and Chair of Food and Drink for the annual Gala.

I am currently on the Board of Directors of the Torrance Public Library Foundation. This past year we donated $43,000 to the Southeast Torrance Library for start a Homework Center for the students of the area.

I am also a member of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Torrance Homeowners Association. An advocacy group of concerned citizens involved with issues that impact the North Torrance area. We also provide a platform, via candidates' forums, for political candidates during local elections.

I am a member of the Torrance Sister City Association, the Torrance Educational Foundation and the Torrance Symphony Foundation.

---

With all of that said, the bottom line is that I want to do more for Torrance and be more involved in our great city. This is why I am continuing to be involved in Torrance an am running for council.

Please vote for me this June 3rd.