By Nancy C. Arcuri, Editor and Publisher

E-mail:nancyarcuri@thecitizensvoice.net

Fax: 626-307-9081

I want to thank Monterey Park City Manager Paul Talbot and City Attorney Mark Hensley for going on the record during the February 2, 2011 Council Meeting that my newspaper “The Citizen’s Voice” and my editorial opinions are not city business. My attorney reminded Councilmember Frank Venti in a letter dated July 13, 2005 “Councilmembers have no right to use public funds and public facilities to redress any personal grievances against Mrs. Arcuri or The Citizen’s Voice”.

During Oral Communication at the February 2 Council Meeting Randy Reyes, an angry resident called me a disparaging name. He referred to me as less than a female dog because he did like my editorial opinion that he should not use our City Council Meetings as a venue to try his case against the city in the court of public opinion. He continually blames previous Councilmembers, the previous police chief, police officers and paramedics for the death of Linda Kay Hesse. His two claims of $100,000 each were rejected by the city. His additional claims of $200,000 were also denied by the city.

This Council and the public should be aware that Randolph A. Reyes is using our City Council Meetings to inflict pain and suffering on the Hesse family each time he describes in detail his versions of the events surrounding Ms. Hesse’s tragic death on December 29,1997. He also is inflicting pain and suffering on the first responders who live with the awful memories of that dreadful night.

For the past 13 years the Hesse family has maintained silence in this case. They have never come to Mr. Reye’s defense, but have suffered in silence since the tragic death

of Linda Kay Hesse. Maybe it is time for them to come forward and end this public spectacle.

It is long past the time to let Linda Kay Hesse rest in peace.

During the February 16 Council Meeting I demanded a public apology from Mr. Reyes and Mr. Venti. The city attorney said the issue was between Mr. Reyes and myself. I could not discuss it during Oral Communications. I was on the record so it was OK with me.

Mr. Reyes said that he did not call me a disparaging name. He continued to vent his anger at our first responders. The audience was again subject to the many details of Ms. Hesse’s death.

One of these days Mr. Reyes may find himself embroiled in a lawsuit or two for his intentional infliction of emotional distress and slandering the first responders, previous elected officials and former city staff.

The March 2 Council Meeting was Frank Venti’s Last Hurrah since he did not run for re-election. He called this a special night and spent two hours giving the residents his farewell speech. He said his family told him to keep it positive and he did.  He thanked his wife and family for their many years of support. He thanks many of his supporters. He said he ran on bringing in national recognized stores and restaurant into town. He spoke about the Atlantic Times Square development. While it does not have brand name stores it has a few regional shops and AMC theatres. He was on the committee to develop the Market Place (45 acres near the 60 Freeway) and stated that it is moving forward.  He spoke about the Tag-Away Graffiti event that he has been involved in for the last five years. The event has grown from 300 students to 1,200 students. He hopes the event will continue in the city. He spent his own personal funds of approximately $250 to purchase 200 T-shirts with his picture on the back. He calls himself the Millennium Mayor.

Mr. Venti’s term also included the construction of the new restrooms and snack bar at La Loma Park and the expansion of Langley Center. He volunteered his services at the 4th of July celebration and the car show at the Harmony Month celebration. He spoke about helping to expand the reading programs at the local schools with his friend Chuck Street. He help to established valet parking at the local schools. He voted to hire Jones Moy as the first Chinese-American Police Chief and Cathy Orchard as the first female Fire Chief.

He served on many boards and commissions while serving on the Council for 12 years.  He thanked his commissioners and staff for their service and said he will be performing in the Mark Keppel’s production of “Guys and Dolls”.

The Council presented him with a plaque and kind words of farewell.  He also received recognition and honors from the library, Chamber of Commerce, the fire department and several residents.

While Frank Venti and I did not see eye to eye very often I wish him a happy retirement with his family.

The March 8 election will change the personnel on many City Councils.

We residents in Monterey Park wish for a Council that is civil to each other, staff, business owners and residents.

We need leaders who can listen to the taxpaying voters and improve our lifestyle in Monterey Park. We need to work together to strengthen our bonds as Americans in this age of uncertainly and strife. We are proud Americans.