Montgomery Takes The Helm As Manhattan Beach Mayor
Mar 23, 2023 10:49PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
"I turn it over to you, my friend" - Outgoing Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano congratulates incoming Mayor Richard Montgomery as the rest of the City Council looks on.
City Councilmember Richard Montgomery has assumed the title of mayor of Manhattan Beach - for the fourth time.
The mayoral rotation is a Manhattan Beach tradition. Each member of Manhattan Beach City Council serves for a nine-and-half-month turn as mayor during his or her four-year term.
Montgomery previously served as mayor in 2008, 2012 and 2020. Throughout the pandemic of 2020, he noted, he never once sat in the mayor's seat because all meetings were conducted over Zoom.
At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, Montgomery thanked his colleagues, noting that the current council boasts a whopping 54 years of service on council. Councilmembers Amy Howorth and David Lesser have also previously served terms as mayor. Councilmember Joe Franklin has served since 2020.
"I’m not worried about whatever comes our way because we have the best experienced team, council, and staff of any city in California," said Montgomery. "They believe and practice service above self."
Montgomery succeeds Steve Napolitano, who this week completed his 6th term as
mayor. Councilmembers all wore argyle sweater vests to Tuesday night's meeting in Napolitano's honor.
"There’s no better group to work with than the folks I’m up here with now," said Napolitano. "I couldn’t be more proud to serve my home town. It’s an honor that never gets old, and my appreciation for this opportunity has only grown since I was first elected. I love Manhattan Beach; Manhattan Beach is my home, and I will always do my best for it, and for everyone in it."
With Montgomery moving up as mayor, Franklin will now assume the title of Mayor Pro Tem. His mayoral term will begin in January.
A "Return To Civility"
During his term as mayor, Montgomery promised a "return to civility," following what he called a "loss of patience and courtesy during and after COVID."
He called for respect and courtesy both on and off the dais, in public meetings and in communications with council members and city staff.
He also asked others to refrain from speeches about politics or non-Manhattan Beach issues.
"It should only be about Manhattan Beach - We're here to talk about our own backyard," he said.
Montgomery said he would be bringing back "Coffee with the Mayor" with two dates already set: April 4 at Peet's Coffee in downtown Manhattan Beach, and April 5 at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at the Manhattan Village Mall.
He also promised to bring back "Baby Passports" - "passports" issued to new babies born in Manhattan Beach.
Montgomery reminded residents to call 911 if they see a crime taking place (rather than going to social media - which has happened before, he said); to use the "Reach Manhattan Beach" app for requesting services; and to support local Manhattan Beach businesses.
