Mitchell Ing was sworn in as Mayor of Monterey Park by Louise Davis, a former mayor on May 2 at the Barnes Park Amphitheater.

Marine Sergeant John Eric Mejia led the flag salute.

Blythe Su-Ren Schulte sang the National Anthem.

Pastor Kyle Shimazaki from Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley give the invocation.

Frank Venti the outgoing mayor said it is Council’s job to make the city a better place to live and work. Monterey Park is a place to call home. He praised Mitchell Ing as an honest and fair man. He is proud to hand the helm of the ship to him. He thanked the city manager and the staff for helping him. He also thanked the police and fire departments for keeping the city safe. He thanked the Councilmembers who have been elected by the voters of the city. They must work together. He thanked Martha, his wife of 54 years, their 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren for their love and support. He praised his wife. He is happy to share their lives together. He stated that this is his last time as mayor and a Councilmember. He has lived in the city for 45 years. He remarked that the Market Place, Atlantic Times Square and the Garvey/Garfield projects are on their way. He is excited about Monterey Park. This is his last time as mayor and it has been meaningful to him.

Mr. Venti received praise and proclamations from State Senators Gloria Romero and Gil Cedillo; Rosemead Councilmembers Margaret Clark, Steven Ly and Sandra Armenta; Alhambra Councilmembers Barbara Messina and Stephan Sham; Alhambra School Boardmembers Bob Gin and Pat Mackintosh; Garvey School Boardmembers Bob Bruesch and Henry Lo; Montebello School Boardmember Ms. Guzman; Members of the Rotary Club of Monterey Park; Members of the Monterey Park Service Employees Union; Senior Senator Song Park of Langley Center; Members of the Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Mary Su of Walnut.

David Lau thanked Mr. Venti for doing a fine job as mayor. It has been his pleasure even though they have their differences. He congratulated Mr. Ing and Mr. Wong. We will work closely together for a better tomorrow for our beautiful city of Monterey Park.

Betty Tom Chu said it’s a great honor to say goodbye to you at this event. Two state senators are here. Mr. Venti worked with the cities of Alhambra, Montebello and Rosemead for Monterey Park. She thanked Mr. Venti for his work with the Alhambra, Garvey and Montebello School Districts. She praised him for the new direction for the city. She thanked him for being a role model and bring prosperity to Monterey Park

Anthony Wong thanked all for joining together today. He thanked Mr. Venti for a job well done for Monterey Park. He congratulated Mr. Ing. He stated that the Council would all work together for the city of Monterey Park. The city is well known in the world. He pledged to do his very best for all the residents of Monterey Park. He asked God’s blessing on America.

Mr. Venti said he could not think of any better person than Mitchell Ing to turn over the helm of the city.

Andrew Ten was the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed all to this event.

Joman Wong swore Anthony Wong into office as the Mayor Pro Tem.

Mitchell Ing received his gavel and Mayoral badge from his wife Gloria and their children Chantal and Derek.

Mr. Ten introduced Mayor Ing with a short biography.

Mayor Ing welcomed all to the Barnes Park Amphitheater. He said it’s been a terrific trip from Canada to Monterey Park. He reminded people of an old Chinese proverb “remember the people who helped you on the journey”. His dream was to move to China and learn the Martial Arts but his parents and other family members changed his mind.

He moved to Monterey Park to live with his family and attend college. His grandfather served in World War II. He heard many stories from him about raising funds for their old school in China. His grandfather taught him to give to others. His parent taught him not be to be too proud to do some of the work that your parents and grandparents did in this country. He spoke about his wife Gloria, who was raised in Monterey Park. His listed her accomplishments. He thanked Louise Davis for mentoring his wife. Mrs. Davis predicted that that one day he would be the mayor. He considers himself and activist and not a politician. He also serves as the City Treasurer. He spoke about his fund raising for the Mark Keppel band. He thanked everyone for coming.

Mayor Ing received praise and proclamations from State Senators Gloria Romero and Gil Cedillo; Rosemead Councilmembers Margaret Clark, Steven Ly and Sandra Armenta; Alhambra Councilmembers Barbara Messina and Stephan Sham; Alhambra School Boardmembers Bob Gin and Pat Mackintosh; Garvey School Boardmembers Bob Bruesch and Henry Lo; Arcadia City Council; Assemblymember Mike Eng; Montebello School Boardmember Ms. Guzman; Members of the Rotary Club of Monterey Park; Members of the Monterey Park Service Employees Union; George Taki from Star Trek fame; Members of the Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce; Members of the American Asian Association; Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association; Ing Family Association and Mayor Mary Su of Walnut.

Mr. Ing introduced his wife, children, mother, sisters and brothers-in-law, his aunts and uncles and his friends from school and work. He said his father died 10 months ago and missed this special event.

Mrs. Chu congratulated him on behalf of the residents on Monterey Park. She joked that his had big shoes to fill both Mr. Venti’s and Mrs. Davis’.

His first act as mayor was to adjourn the meeting and invited the guests to enjoy the refreshments provided by local restaurants.