Citizen About Town

By Nancy C. Arcuri, Editor and Publisher

E-mail: nancyarcuri@thecitizensvoice.net

Fax: 626-307-9081

I am happy to report that the Monterey Park City Council is being kinder towards each other, staff, business owners and the residents.

Mayor David Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Ing, Councilmembers Teresa Real Sebastian, Anthony Wong and Betty Tom Chu seem to have taken their team building courses to heart.

Thank you City Manager Paul Talbot and City Attorney Mark Hensley for keeping them in check.

Mitch Ing did use Oral Communications during the September 21 meeting to start campaigning against Ed Chau, a Democratic candidate for the 49th Assembly seat.

Congressmember Judy Chu and Assemblymember Mike Eng and many longtime residents of the district support Ed Chau.

Mr. Chau is busy meeting and greeting his supporters in Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, South El Monte, San Gabriel, San Marino and Temple City at local events and rallies.

After the October 5 Council Meeting a Monterey Park resident asked Mitch Ing if he was going to run for the Assembly seat to be vacated by Mike Eng who will be termed out of office.  Mr. Ing said he would be parque hinchable making an announcement soon.

Now is the time for voters to educate themselves on the candidates and the local issues.

Every vote does count.

Congratulations to Monterey Park Police Chief Jim Smith! The Council approved his contract during the October 5 meeting.

Jim Smith grew up in the Monterey Park/Rosemead area.  He began his service to the city as a Police Explorer and has risen up the ranks to Captain.  He has been the interim chief since Jones Moy’s retirement in 2009.

Monterey Park residents are very happy with Jim Smith’s success.

Monterey Park’s Harmony Month has been a victim of the city’s budget cuts. It will be celebrated on October 22nd at Barnes Park with a Car Show and Artisans Faire. The event will also feature a food court and entertainment.

Longtime residents remember when the celebration lasted for a month.

The message is still loud and clear…we are all living in the same city, state and the United States of America.  We must all work together to keep our country strong.

Can you believe 2011 is almost over?  Soon we will be celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year 2012.

The holiday season is a very busy time in our lives.  So mark your calendar for Monterey Park’s 14th Annual Lunar New Year Festival to be held on Garvey Avenue on January 7th and 8th, 2012. The exact location and times will be published at a later date.

Please remember to exercise your Constitutional rights and vote in the November 8 election.