Politics & Government
Holiday Spotlight: Richard Montgomery
This Manhattan Beach City Council member is enjoying Christmas in Texas, with tamales, turkey and pecan and apple pie. Oh, yeah, all of the family will be there.
Name: Richard Montgomery
Occupation: Real estate analyst
What do you like about the holiday season? Holiday Fireworks in Manhattan Beach, time with my family, the fact that most people are in the “holiday spirit” and are more tolerant of others.
What don't you like about it? There is nothing I don’t like about it!
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What's your holiday wish for others? To be thankful for what you have and be more tolerant of others – not just during the holiday season.
If you could give someone in your life whatever gift you wanted to, what would the gift be and who would you give it to? My mother who has had surgery recently – the gift would be “perfect health.”
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What are your plans for this New Year's Eve? Stay close to home with my family and friends!
What will you do on (New Year's Day) Jan. 1 and 2? Eat Black Eyed Peas for good luck, reflect back on 2011 and enjoy the challenges of the Manhattan Beach Centennial in 2012. Oh, watching college football on TV!
What stands out to you about 2011, either personally, professionally or in general? Professionally - The financial challenges of the city that we were able to handle and come out with a $2.2 million surplus in our year end 2010-2011 budget in July, able to retain our AAA credit rating (one of only two cities in California), the fact that we have not had to touch one penny of our designated cash reserves to this point and all without laying off any working employees!! I don’t know of any city in California or the nation that can say that.
What is your New Year's Resolution? Keep the positive thoughts of 2011 all the way through our city centennial in 2012.
What's your favorite Christmas tradition? MB Holiday Fireworks, midnight mass at church and celebrating with my family.
What holiday foods do you like? As a native Texan, we serve both tamales and turkey on Christmas Day! Then the pies (pecan and apple) show up!
Is there anyone near and dear to you who won't be with you for the holidays? Thankfully no. My entire family will be together this year in Texas.
What does Christmas mean to you? Family, friends, tradition and hope for the new year.
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