My Time Working for Torrance

By Jay Scharfman

I have accomplished a great many things while working for Torrance. These are some of them.

I was appointed to the position of Management Assistant in the City Manager's office in 1996 and then promoted to Senior Management Assistant in 1998. I was then promoted to Senior Management Associate in 2000. I served as the City Manager's liaison to the City Council which included creating and publishing orientation and information guides and assisting the new Councilmembers on the City's technology. Some of the other publications I published were the Agenda Processing Guide, the new format and update of the City's policies, procedures, and protocols, and the City Council Guide to City Services.

In my 19 year career with the City, I was instrumental in the development and success of many City programs. I started the City Manager Intern Program to give college graduate students real world experience in public service. Many of those interns went on to become successful in other municipalities. Because of the exceptional mentoring by current City Manager staff, that program is still producing outstanding young people seeking a career in Government.

I created electronic documentation for filling out forms on line and I created a database for receiving and managing citizen concerns. I'm proud to say that after 15 years the database is still in use today. One citizen was so please with the outcome I provided for his issue that he donated his Remington Bronze collection to the City in appreciation. That collection is currently on display on the ground floor of City Hall placed around the Council Chamber.

8 years ago, I was part of the team that created and developed the Students and Government program which is still active.

When I was responsible for the approval and management of filming and special events in the City, I developed online forms for production companies and event managers to use to send to my office for review. This streamlined the process and created efficiencies to minimize impact on the City and the community.

During my tenure, I worked with the Mayor, City Attorney, City Clerk, and the Finance Director to create the Commissioner Certification Program. I was one of the instructors in that program. My part was explaining the role of a commissioner in the city and the relationship to the Mayor and City Council. This is another part of what the City Clerk does.

One of my favorite activities with the City Manager's office was instituting tours for elementary school 3rd graders. The Mayor and City Clerk were also involved in the tours and the students were extremely enthusiastic when I had them conduct a mock Council meeting. As City Clerk, I would like to start this program again. I truly believe it's important for students to learn how government works at an early age.

I have sat on or chaired several City committees and boards including the Claims Board (Chair), the License Review Board (Chair), the Disaster Preparedness Committee, the Rose Float Committee, and the Armed Forces Day Parade Committee as City Council liaison.

The project that made me most proud while working for the City was overseeing the construction and engraving of the Veterans Memorial. You will rarely find anyone that loves this country more than I do. The men and women of the armed forces deserve the greatest respect. How do you give enough thanks to people who are sworn to protect you? The Veterans Memorial is a tribute to every man and woman in uniform. The names inscribed on the wall are Torrance citizens who have given their life while serving to protect us.

I have worked with every Mayor and City Council, every department and department head, and most Commissioners in my City career. Between the City and private industry, I have nearly 40 years managerial experience.

Through the incredible leadership of the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, I have been given the opportunity to accomplish more than most people and that is what I would like to pass on to the staff of the City Clerk's office.

The City Clerk's areas of responsibility are clearly documented. Not having worked in that office is an advantage as far as looking for new ways to operate. Truthfully, it's exciting to imagine the possibilities.

Please give me your support on June 3 by voting for Jay Scharfman for City Clerk. http://www.jayforcityclerk.com