No Matter How You Voted, We are One Tempe

05/17/2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2012

Contact:

Julie Lind-monti4mayor

JulieLind345@gmail.com

602-312-8345

No Matter How You Voted, We are One Tempe

(Tempe, Arizona)    Businessman Michael Monti thanks all of his supporters and those who voted for him. While it was a close race, the voters have spoken and the close vote will not be contested.

Monti said, “There is a time for campaigning and a time for governing. For the good of Tempe, it is time to get behind Mayor-Elect Mitchell. I sincerely appreciate everyone who worked on my campaign and those who supported my innovative agenda. I urge those people now to rally behind our new Mayor.   Tempe must now move forward as we thank Mayor Hallman for his service and dedication, and as we usher in Mayor-Elect Mitchell. Good luck and wishes to him, and our community.”

 

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Filed Under: - Tempe Political, Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: ,

Michael Monti: I Am Grateful For Your Consideration

05/14/2012 By Leave a Comment

My Fellow Tempean:

May 15th, Election Day, is almost here. Soon we will know who will replace Mayor Hugh Hallman. I respectfully ask for your vote. I have done my very best to put forward innovative plans to help create jobs, protect our community, aid our seniors, re-open pools and parks and do the many things to enhance YOUR quality of life.  You can learn more at www.monti4mayor.com or call me directly at 480-313-8534 to discuss them.

I am ready to lead, and have released a pro-active plan for my first 100 days in office, should I be fortunate enough to be elected. You can read it here. Or you can watch my video here.

Mayor Hallman has endorsed my business experience and ideas to carry on his outstanding stewardship of Tempe, with our bold new ideas. So has former Tempe City Councilwoman Linda Spears who ran for Mayor earlier this year. She has since graciously endorsed our campaign and will be a key voice I will rely upon, if elected.

While there are many differences between my opponent and me there are two I would like to highlight.

First, half of Tempe’s housing stock is apartments. Some 20,000 units. My opponent keeps approving more and more. I think we need to be much more cautious approving more apartments. I have proposed having the police department evaluate apartment projects in the approval process and monitor any approved projects to make sure safety is preserved for the tenants and surrounding neighborhoods.  If not done right more apartments will harm neighborhoods and jeopardize public safety.

Secondly, it is no secret that I have taken issue with my opponent’s cavalier use of public dollars, even traveling lavishly while he was voting to raise taxes and close public pools, reducing code enforcement and other services.  I disagree with my opponent’s call to now commit millions to a Mill Avenue area convention center to compete with the one in Phoenix. We have greater priorities. And contrary to my opponent’s claims, my opposition has nothing to do with my restaurant or property. I have never planned to build a conference center.

In fact, Mitchell’s plan would likely benefit my business but I still believe it’s a bad deal for the taxpayers.

Call me directly to discuss these or any matters prior to Election DayMay 15th. My number is 480-313-8534. Thank you for your consideration and everything you do to make Tempe such a terrific community.

In Service,

Michael Monti
Owner, Montis La Casa Vieja Restaurant
Arizona Restaurant Hall of Fame Inductee
Candidate for Mayor
Proud Husband and Father

 

Filed Under: - Tempe Political, Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: ,

There are two reasons to celebrate tomorrow in Tempe, Election Day and the opening of the Hayden Flour Mill

05/14/2012 By Leave a Comment

Yes, tomorrow is Election Day in Tempe…so go vote! But it’s also an extremely important day for another reason. The beloved Hayden Flour Mill opens tomorrow to the public for the first time in 15 years. The fences come down Tuesday and the public will be allowed to explore the grounds. What a great day it will be!

As a business owner, I pushed for this project which has been a year in the making.

Looking at the Mill, which had fallen on hard times, I felt those silent silos had been ignored for too long. I felt a piece of our history was slipping away. We had to do something.

We reached out to Mayor Hugh Hallman. We reached out to City Hall, specifically Chris Anaradian, Tempe’s Community Development Director.  Mr. Anaradian was thinking along the same lines and invited me and my business partner, Eddie Goitia, to attend a meeting with the Downtown Tempe Community to brainstorm.  From there ideas took shape.

 It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mayor Hallman and his team at City Hall that Tempe will be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind open space and special event venue that lends an iconic touch to Tempe’s landscape.  Mayor Hallman led the drive to get substantial private sector donations to assist this effort.

This is a classic example of government looking to do something bold and innovative, and the people of Tempe can expect more of the same should I be fortunate enough to be elected Mayor.

 Look for immediate dividends from the Flour Mill. Events will want to stage at this unique venue.

And I’d like to think we came up with a few other great ideas in this campaign too. Check them out for yourself at www.monti4mayor.com

Sincerely,

Michael Monti
Owner, Monti’s La Casa Vieja
Candidate for Tempe Mayor

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 Michael Monti, owner of Tempe’s historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, co-founded Local First, Arizona.  He is also active in the Tempe Diablos Charities, and is the youngest inductee in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame.  Don’t forget Election Day is May 15th!

To make a campaign donation on line click here or mail a check to
Monti4Mayor
P.O. Box 24476, Tempe, AZ 85285

His campaign is based on bringing private sector ideas to government, fiscal responsibility, civic involvement, economic opportunity, and innovation. His proposals include:

  • Financial incentives for city workers who save  rather than spend tax dollars
  • The creation of the Tempe Community Corps to increase volunteerism, and aid Tempe neighborhoods and services
  • Partnerships with ASU and the business community to bring more jobs to Tempe
  • The creation of a public swimming beach at Tempe Town Lake, paid for by the private sector
  • Partnerships with the ASU College of Nursing to aid Tempe seniors
  • Encouraging businesses to embrace eco-friendly projects such as the Blink Car Charging Stations at Monti’s La Casa Vieja
  • A ban on texting while driving in Tempe
  • A gift ban and stricter reporting requirements for Tempe elected officials
  • An eight year term limit for the mayor’s office
  • Recruiting and retaining top teachers and professors
  • A North/South Tempe Summit

Arizona leaders and organizations that have endorsed Michael Monti include:

  • Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
  • Former Tempe Council Member and mayoral candidate Linda Spears
  • Tempe Council Member Onnie Shekerjian
  • Tempe Democrat and Former Council Member Barbara Sherman
  • Tempe’s first elected Mayor, Rudy Campbell
  • The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
  • Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
  • Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery
  • Congressman David Schweikert
  • Senator Jon Kyl
  • Former Tempe City Council Member ‘Hut’ Hutson
  • Former State Rep. Laura Knaperek
  • Tempe Democrat Carl Hayden
  • Former Tempe Council Member Joseph Lewis
  • Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr.
  • Former State Senator and Tempe Council Member Bev Hermon
  • Former Tempe Council Candidate Angie Taylor Thornton
  • Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey
  • Former State Senator Gary Richardson

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 To visit the Monti4 Mayor Website click here or log on to www.monti4mayor.com (@monti4mayor).

Filed Under: - Tempe Political, Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: , ,

Fiesta Bowl Fallout: If State Legislature Won’t Act Cities Must

05/11/2012 By 1 Comment

The Arizona State Legislature failed.  So it’s left to cities to take the lead.  Why not Tempe?

To what am I referring?  The state legislature’s refusal to act on substantive reforms to state financial disclosure laws in the face of the Fiesta Bowl scandal.

It’s shameful.

Politicians’ refusal to act calls further attention to the numerous legislators that received free tickets and makes good people wonder why the problem cannot be addressed quickly and decisively.

Rays of sunlight can be a helpful disinfectant instead of the alluring darkness of cover-up.

Yet the state legislature and many other elected leaders will not stand up to ensure these mistakes will not be repeated again. Earlier this year County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman and I announced a series of reform measures which will reduce the opportunity for corruption, and provide much need transparency for elected officials at the local level, starting in Tempe. Tempe has been a policy leader in the past on many issues. I would like it to be once again on this subject.

We are calling, for example, to have elected officials disclose all gifts worth more than $15 and ban all gifts valued at more than $50.  We should require immediate reporting on the City’s website and enact strong penalties for knowingly violating the rules. Elected officials are stewards of an office and the people have the right to know what benefits may come with it. Service is about the people’s business not a means to be a prince of perks.

Democracy needs checks and balances. Voters deserve to know what perks officials are receiving.  The solution seems obvious .

I have a business to run, but I decided I wasn’t going to sit around and wait for someone else to do the right thing. I am running to reform.  Learning from the lessons of the Fiesta Bowl and instituting helpful change is one of my highest priorities.  If our state legislature won’t show the way on more transparent, ethical government we can.

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Michael Monti, owner of Tempe’s historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, co-founded Local First, Arizona.  He is also active in the Tempe Diablos Charities, and is the youngest inductee in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame.

To make a campaign donation on line click here or mail a check to

Monti4Mayor
P.O. Box 24476, Tempe, AZ 85285

Filed Under: - Tempe Political, Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: ,

Michael Monti Proposes North/South Tempe Summit

05/04/2012 By Leave a Comment

(Tempe, Arizona)    Businessman and candidate for Tempe Mayor Michael Monti wants to turn any friendly rivalry that may exist between north and south Tempe into a friendly partnership. That’s why he is proposing summits between community and business leaders representing north and south Tempe.

For years, there have been concerns that amenities and resources have not been properly distributed throughout the City.  Monti believes the best way to resolve these concerns is to have residents from both ends of Tempe sit down and define what are their common goals, what goals are unique to each community, and how both sides can work together.

Monti’s priority is to make certain that no part of Tempe feels slighted.

Monti stated, “Since I began this campaign I have heard a great deal from residents who want to make sure all of Tempe is fairly represented. I believe the best way to do this is to have those with differing opinions on the allocation of resources sit down and establish some common ground. There is always going to be some friendly rivalries among parts of our City. But let’s make sure those rivalries don’t get in the way of our common goals. We are one Tempe.”

Michael Monti, owner of Tempe’s historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, co-founded Local First, Arizona.  He is also active in the Tempe Diablos Charities, and is the youngest inductee in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame.

To make a campaign donation on line click here or mail a check to

Monti4Mayor P.O. Box 24476, Tempe, AZ 85285

His campaign is based on bringing private sector ideas to government, fiscal responsibility, civic involvement, economic opportunity, and innovation. His proposals include:

  • Financial incentives for city workers who save  rather than spend tax dollars
  • The creation of the Tempe Community Corps to increase volunteerism, and aid Tempe neighborhoods and services
  • Partnerships with ASU and the business community to bring more jobs to Tempe
  • The creation of a public swimming beach at Tempe Town Lake, paid for by the private sector
  • Partnerships with the ASU College of Nursing to aid Tempe seniors
  • Encouraging businesses to embrace eco-friendly projects such as the Blink Car Charging Stations at Monti’s La Casa Vieja
  • A ban on texting while driving in Tempe
  • A gift ban and stricter reporting requirements for Tempe elected officials
  • An eight year term limit for the mayor’s office

Arizona leaders and organizations that have endorsed Michael Monti include:

  • Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
  • Former Tempe Council Member and mayoral candidate Linda Spears
  • Tempe Council Member Onnie Shekerjian
  • Tempe Democrat and Former Council Member Barbara Sherman
  • Tempe’s first elected Mayor, Rudy Campbell
  • The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
  • Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
  • Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery
  • Congressman David Schweikert
  • Former Tempe City Council Member ‘Hut’ Hutson
  • Former State Rep. Laura Knaperek
  • Tempe Democrat Carl Hayden
  • Former Tempe Council Member Joseph Lewis
  • Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr.
  • Former State Senator and Tempe Council Member Bev Hermon
  • Former Tempe Council Candidate Angie Taylor Thornton
  • Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey
  • Former State Senator Gary Richardson

To visit the Monti4 Mayor Website click here or log on to www.monti4mayor.com (@monti4mayor).

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Filed Under: - Tempe Political, Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: , , ,

So, What Happens If You Vote For Me? By Michael Monti

04/28/2012 By Leave a Comment

Michael Monti

So, What Happens If You Vote For Me?

In presidential elections one is often asked if they are better off than they were 4 years ago?

In this case, Tempe voters might ask: How will my life be better four years from now if I vote for you?  How will Tempe’s?

Here’s how:

  • First, thanks to the leadership of Mayor Hugh Hallman Tempe is headed in the right direction.  I will continue many of his policies while looking for ways to further innovate
  • Local businesses will say they have had no better friend.  I was a founder of Local First Arizona, a now thriving statewide Arizona business organization that seeks to help locally-owned businesses prosper
  • Tempe has been labeled before as an “All American City.”  That’s remarkable recognition for our great community.  But I also want us to the “The Innovation City,” creating an atmosphere where the creative class, entrepreneurs and innovators flock to Tempe
  • You will see a government that operates more efficiently.  My plan to reward government employees who save rather than spend is a big step in this direction
  • You will see more jobs.  At Monti’s La Casa Vieja I have to meet a payroll for some 100 employees.  No one else running knows what it takes to create, and conversely, kill jobs.  Tempe will have more jobs after a Mayor Monti than we enjoy today
  • Arizona State University will be thriving because we will have been an outstanding partner helping the New American University be an economic and education engine for Tempe, our state and the country
  • Our citizens will be more engaged than ever as our version of the Peace Corps – what I am calling the Tempe Community Corps – organizes Tempe volunteerism like never before to help our needy, patrol our streets, clean our parks and help with quality of life issues
  • And ours will be a safe city, employing effective police tactics to drive down crime to protect you
  • Lastly, you will see that having elected a Mayor Monti rather than a career politician who has enjoyed the journey too much, my fresh perspective from the outside, from the business community has helped Tempe innovate; helped it prosper and unquestionably show that we did have a lot more history to be made

Michael Monti, owner of Tempe’s historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, co-founded Local First, Arizona.  He is also active in the Tempe Diablos Charities, and is the youngest inductee in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame.

To make a campaign donation on line click here or mail a check to

Monti4Mayor P.O. Box 24476, Tempe, AZ 85285

His campaign is based on bringing private sector ideas to government, fiscal responsibility, civic involvement, economic opportunity, and innovation. His proposals include:

  • Financial incentives for city workers who save  rather than spend tax dollars
  • The creation of the Tempe Community Corps to increase volunteerism, and aid Tempe neighborhoods and services
  • Partnerships with ASU and the business community to bring more jobs to Tempe
  • The creation of a public swimming beach at Tempe Town Lake, paid for by the private sector
  • Partnerships with the ASU College of Nursing to aid Tempe seniors
  • Encouraging businesses to embrace eco-friendly projects such as the Blink Car Charging Stations at Monti’s La Casa Vieja
  • A ban on texting while driving in Tempe
  • A gift ban and stricter reporting requirements for Tempe elected officials
  • An eight year term limit for the mayor’s office

 Arizona leaders and organizations that have endorsed Michael Monti include:

  • Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
  • Former Tempe Council Member and mayoral candidate Linda Spears
  • Tempe Council Member Onnie Shekerjian
  • Tempe Democrat and Former Council Member Barbara Sherman
  • Tempe’s first elected Mayor, Rudy Campbell
  • The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
  • Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
  • Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery
  • Congressman David Schweikert
  • Former Tempe City Council Member ‘Hut’ Hutson
  • Former State Rep. Laura Knaperek
  • Tempe Democrat Carl Hayden
  • Former Tempe Council Member Joseph Lewis
  • Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr.
  • Former State Senator and Tempe Council Member Bev Hermon
  • Former Tempe Council Candidate Angie Taylor Thornton
  • Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey
  • Former State Senator Gary Richardson

 To visit the Monti4 Mayor Website click here or log on to www.monti4mayor.com (@monti4mayor).

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Filed Under: - Tempe Political, Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: , ,

montiMichael Monti Seeks Reform to Incentivize Taxpayer Savings

01/18/2012 By Leave a Comment

As Tempe seeks ways to solidify its finances, candidate for Tempe Mayor Michael Monti is proposing rewarding city workers who save taxpayer dollars. Monti, owner of Tempe’s iconic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, is drawing from his years of experience as a private business owner where he has been balancing budgets for decades.Monti is proposing bonuses for city workers who identify concrete ways to save taxpayer dollars.

Monti states, “When looking for ways to save money, I’ve always found the best answers come from the people on the front lines. Too often government tends to reward government workers who increase the size and scope of their budget. We should do the opposite.”
Monti’s goal is to change the way government thinks. It needs to be reminded that every taxpayer dollar in city coffers is someone’s hard earned money.

A Phoenix City Councilman recently proposed a policy along these lines. Monti would like to make it a reality at Tempe City Hall.

Under Monti’s proposal a city worker who comes up with an innovation that reduced a project or a budget would receive 10% of the first year savings, for example. Bonuses would be capped at $10,000. Savings and bonuses would be evaluated by the City Manager and approved by the City Council.

City workers earning $100,000 or more would not be eligible.

Michael Monti, owner of Tempe’s historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, co-founded Local First, Arizona. Michael is also active in the Tempe Diablos Charities, and he is the youngest inductee in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame. His campaign is based on bringing private sector ideas to government, fiscal responsibility, civic involvement, economic opportunity, and innovation. His proposals include:
• Financial incentives for city workers who save tax dollars
• The creation of the Tempe Community Corps to increase volunteerism, and aid Tempe neighborhoods
• Partnerships with ASU and the business community to bring more jobs to Tempe
• The creation of a public swimming beach at Tempe Town Lake, paid for by the private sector
• Partnerships with the ASU College of Nursing to aid Tempe seniors
• Encouraging businesses to embrace eco-friendly projects such as the Blink Car Charging Stations at Monti’s La Casa Veija

Arizona leaders who have endorsed Michael Monti include:
• Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
• Tempe Council Member Onnie Shekerjian
• Tempe’s first elected Mayor, Rudy Campbell
• Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
• Former Tempe City Council Member ‘Hut’ Hutson
• Former State Rep. Laura Knaperek

To visit the Monti4 Mayor Website click here or log on to www.monti4mayor.com (@monti4mayor).

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Paid for by Monti4Mayor

Filed Under: Michael Monti, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race Tagged With: ,

A Lake and a Beach for All Tempe to Enjoy

12/09/2011 By Leave a Comment

By Michael Monti and Dick Foreman

Tempe does a lot of things for other parts of the Valley, and that’s a good thing.

Arizona State University is in the heart of our community.

We import a lot of jobs each day into Tempe.

We built Town Lake which people from around the state enjoy every day.

The same goes for our Performing Arts Center.

But as we celebrate these achievements and others it is a fair question to ask if we can do more for our own citizens too? Can the features mentioned above somehow, some way be further utilized to enrich Tempe’s quality of life itself?

As long-time Tempe businessmen, school advocates and now candidates we think so.

Recently, we announced plans if elected, to establish the Valley’s first beach, on either the north or south side of Tempe Town Lake. We think this is a good initiative, whether we win or lose.

Like a new park, there it would be for Tempeans of all persuasions and means to enjoy. Barbeques. Tanning. Picnics. Fun.

The idea is this: sand is cheap. Making a small portion of the lake just off the beach “swimmable” ought not to be too expensive either. And whatever the expense we intend to look to the private sector, possible concessionaires or non-Tempean user fees to fund the improvements, not the taxpayer.

It took tremendous will and vision to get Tempe and its lake this far. Indeed, Tempe’s first Mayor Rudy Campbell was on hand at our announcement to talk about his excitement for this latest evolution.

There will always be great days roaming the beaches in San Diego and California. But with some leadership and innovation, we just may be able to create a uniquely Tempe experience that allow even more of us to enjoy Tempe investments.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved in this effort please get in touch with either one of us at info@monti4mayor.com  and dick@ForemanForTempe.com

 

 

Filed Under: - Opinion Column, Michael Monti, Politics, Tempe 2012 Mayors Race, Tempe Town Lake Tagged With: , ,

Hallman Endorses Monti

10/13/2011 By 1 Comment
 Tempe’s popular and successful two-term Mayor is endorsing businessman Michael Monti for Mayor. Mayor Hugh Hallman is credited with enhancing Tempe’s quality of life and keeping the City’s budget balanced during trying economic times. Hallman is urging the people of Tempe to build on that success by electing Michael Monti for Mayor. See the video here.Hallman states, “Michael ensured his family business on Mill Avenue, Monti’s la Casa Vieja, has remained successful and vibrant while retaining its identity. That kind of success is clearly the mission of the next Mayor of Tempe.”

Michael takes his role as the owner of an iconic Tempe business seriously donating his time and talent to numerous organizations including

• Arizona Restaurant Association

• Tempe Diablos Charities · Arizona Tourism Alliance

• Tempe Rotary Club · Co-Founder, Local First! Arizona

• Youngest Inductee, Arizona Restaurant Association Hall of Fame

Monti states, “In 1993, my family called on me to keep an iconic and unique business moving in the right direction. In 2011, my friends and neighbors made a similar request with respect to Tempe City Hall. I intend to build on Mayor Hallman’s great work. There is more history to be made.”

To view a video of Mayor Hallman endorsing Michael Monti click here.  To visit the Monti 4 Mayor website click here.

 
Filed Under: - Hot Off The Press, Michael Monti Tagged With: , , ,