On March 17 outgoing Councilmember Anthony Wong thanked the Council for their support. He congratulated Mitch Ing and Teresa Real Sebastian on being re-elected and Stephen Lam for winning his seat on the City Council. He stated the Council works together for the great city of Monterey Park. He thanked the community leaders and the residents for supporting him. He worked for the community for the last eight years. He also thanked the city manager, department heads and staff members for working together as a team and family for the betterment of Monterey Park.  He asked God to bless the audience, America and Monterey Park.

State Treasurer John Chiang thanked Anthony Wong for his public service with a proclamation.

Becky Chang, a representative of Congressmember Judy Chu, presented Anthony Wong with a Congressional recognition for his leadership and service to the community.

Janet Chin, a representative of State Senator Ed Hernandez, thanked Anthony Wong for his years of public service with a proclamation and a coin.

Daisy Ma, a representative of Assemblymember Ed Chau and Henry Lo, representing the Los Angeles Community College District for Mike Eng presented Anthony Wong with proclamations for appreciation for his many years of public service.

Anna Chu from Project NEO presented Anthony Wong with a token thanking him for his support.

David Lau and members of the San Gabriel Valley Entrepreneur Lions Club presented Anthony Wong with a proclamation for his support.

Norma Arvizu, Librarian of the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library, showed Anthony Wong a book dedicated to him in honor of his many years of public service. The book is available for the public to read.

Kathy Wills, Jeff Schwartz and Delario Robinson from the Monterey Park Democratic Club honored Anthony Wong for his many years of service to the community.

Member of the Chinese Minority Group honored Anthony Wong for his service to the community.

David Lau and members of the World War II Memorial Committee thanked Anthony Wong for his support.

Rosemead City Councilmember Steven Ly honored Anthony Wong for his service to the community.

Monterey Park Lions Clubmembers Stephen Lam and Song Park thanked Anthony Wong for his many years of service.

Monterey Park Mayor Hans Liang, Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan, Councilmembers Mitch Ing and Teresa Real Sebastian thanked Anthony Wong for his many years of public service. Mayor Liang thanked Anthony Wong for his years of service. Mayor Pro Tem called Anthony Wong a real friend. Councilmember Mitch Ing called Anthony Wong a longtime friend of 25 years and thanked him for his service. Councilmember Real Sebastian said she worked with Anthony Wong for the last four years and he will be missed.

City Clerk Vince Chang introduced the VIPs that included former Mayors Betty Tom Chu, Rita Valenzuela, David Lau and Monty Manibog, former City Clerks Theresa Amador and Dave Barron and former Alhambra School Boardmember Sophie Wong.

The City Council validated the election results before the newly elected members were sworn into office by City Clerk Vince Chang.

Mitch Ing with his wife, Gloria Ing, their son Derek and their niece, Katelyn Young were surrounded by students from the Highlands School and Mark Keppel High School as City Clerk Vince Chang administered his oath of office.

Teresa Real Sebastian was surrounded by “Girl Power” as City Clerk Vince Chang administered her oath of office.

Stephen Lam was surrounded by his family and many of his loyal supporters as City Clerk Vince Chang administered his oath of office.

Councilmember Lam thanked the voters for their votes to allow him to serve. He thanked Anthony Wong for his support. He thanked his wife, Jenny Lam, his children, his parents, his sisters and volunteers for their support. He pledged to represent the needs of all of the residents. He said he would be working with the Council to work together. He calls Monterey Park the city he loves as home. He thanked his family and the voters for this wonderful opportunity.

Councilmember Real Sebastian thanked all of the voters in Monterey Park.  She asked all of women to stand and take the oath of office with her. She called it “Girl Power”.  She thanked the voters for their kind words, as they are very special to her. She is happy with the upgraded parks. We need to upgrade the stores and bring big stores into town. She pledged to give 200%. We need to provide commercial development for the next several generations for jobs, sales tax and property tax. We need more family events for all of the families of Monterey Park. She asked for the residents’ support. She thanked all of the candidates, Mitch Ing and Stephen Lam. She is looking forward to serving Monterey Park. She thanked all of her supporters and asked the women to consider running for elected office. She thanked her family, longtime friends and her husband, Armen Sebastian for their love and support. She said Armen is her rock.

Councilmember Ing thanked the voters of Monterey Park. He thanked the residents for being informed. He thanked Gloria Ing for 25 years of years of marriage. His wife is a lifetime resident of Monterey Park. He thanked their two children, Chantal and Derek. He said that elected officials make a choice to be here but their families do not. He thanked his family for his being allowed to serve the public. He quoted former Monterey Park Mayor Louise Davis “She welcomes the changes, just don’t lock me out”. Our future is bright. He also recalled an old Chinese proverb “Don’t forget to thank those who helped”. He thanked the audience for attending this special event.

Mayor Pro Tem Chan welcomed everyone and congratulated Stephen Lam, Teresa Real Sebastian and Mitch Ing. We will work together for the future of Monterey Park with hotels and the Market Place. The city is in good hands. He is honored by all of the support to move the city forward.

Mayor Liang welcomed Stephen Lam to the Council. We need to think about we, not I. He adjourned the meeting as the guests took more pictures with their candidates and enjoyed light refreshments.

Councilmember Lam was surrounded by well-wishers at the end of this special event.