It has been my honor to serve as your Torrance City Councilmember, and during this election cycle, I look forward to hearing from you and finding out how our city government can serve you better.
A native Southern Californian, I have lived in Torrance for 33 years. I’m the father of two sons, now 22 and 24, who both attended Torrance Public Schools from Kindergarten to graduation from South High. Their participation in programs like AYSO soccer, Little League and School Band made an important difference in their lives, so I am forever grateful for this city and this community.
I love Torrance, it’s a great place to live. We have vibrant businesses, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and friendly people who care about our community. In 1986, I started my own Computer Systems and Networking business here in Torrance, which, after almost 15 years of growth, I sold in 2000, just prior to the so-called ‘dot-com’ crash. Being a business owner and employer has helped me understand the challenges local business owners face every day.
Over the past 20 years, I have devoted myself to giving back to the community which has meant so much to my family and me. I want to see our City remain a vibrant place to live, a place that people want to live, work, and shop.
I began volunteering with the Torrance South-Bay YMCA. I have helped raise millions of dollars to help those who could not afford the important programs the Y conducts, especially for youths and seniors.
Along with the YMCA, I have also been a regular volunteer with the Salvation Army, helping seniors get the services they need most.
I am proud to now serve on the executive boards of both the YMCA and the Salvation Army.
I also have the longest record of service on City Commissions. I have served on the Planning Commission and on the Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission. My years of work on City Commissions has helped made me a more effective City Councilmember and has given voters a clear record of my positions on the most important issues that face our city.
As my children attended Torrance schools, I have also volunteered regularly at our local schools, this included band board, graduation committee and field trip chairperson.
I also was fortunate enough to have had the time to be the primary caretaker for both of my parents as they each fought, and ultimately lost their battles against cancer over the past 12 years. This process taught me more than all my years of school and work combined, strengthening my patience and compassion, and allowing me to fulfill the dedication a son owes his parents.
Here is that updated bio. Mostly about your background and not issues. Your statement hits the issues. Let me know what you think and I will have our proffer finish it on Monday.
Now, serving on the City Council, I have worked hard to meet the needs of residents and balance our financial responsibilities. Sometimes, that meant making tough decisions and sometimes that meant standing up for what I knew was the right thing to do.
I hope you will join me in making Torrance an even better place to live.
Please vote for Mike Griffiths for Torrance City Council on June 7th and allow me continue my service to our wonderful city.
For more information please visit www.iLikeMike16.
