Politics & Government
Richard Montgomery Steps in as Mayor
Mitch Ward officially passes the gavel after a nine-month term.
Outgoing Mayor Mitch Ward gave an emotional farewell Tuesday, thanking the community for twice electing him to the City Council and allowing him to serve in "one of the most tremendous cities in the world."
He then ceremoniously passed the gavel to the "very, very capable" incoming Mayor Richard Montgomery, who likewise praised Ward's abilities during an anything-but-quiet term.
In Manhattan Beach, the public does not elect its mayor directly, but rather a City Council at large. Each of five council members serves as mayor for nine months on a rotating basis during his or her four-year term. As such, every nine months the ceremony of the "changing of the mayors" takes place at council meetings.
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Ward, who has just concluded his second term as mayor, was recognized by his fellow council members for his achievements over a rocky nine months. Chief among them, said Montgomery, were his handling of the Sand Dune Park dispute, the success of the 50th Annual Manhattan Beach Open despite AVP's last-minute pullout, and, perhaps most relevant, the fact that all of this was accomplished without a city manager in place.
Interim City Manager Richard Thompson has been serving in the role throughout Ward's second term, and it appears he will continue to do so for at least some of Montgomery's term. Though the council alluded to its search for a new city manager, as discussed in a pre-meeting closed session, no one has been appointed to the post.
Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At the end of a brief, but emotional speech highlighting his love for the city, Ward made a motion to elect Montgomery as the new mayor, which was affirmed by the rest of council.
Montgomery then appointed Councilman Nick Tell as mayor pro tem—the next in line to assume the title of mayor after Montgomery's term.
Montgomery assured residents that he will be continuing the popular "Coffee with the Mayor" program Ward has held on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in downtown Manhattan Beach, noting it has been a big success. He will also continue Ward's efforts to recognize a "Person of the Month" at designated council meetings.
