PSA 12/22/2025: City Councilor Michael Montoya Concludes Term, Reflects on Service to Las Vegas
- asalas843
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
At the final regular City Council meeting of the year, Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Montoya bid farewell as he concluded his term, with City Councilor-elect Benito Pacheco set to assume the seat. In an emotional and heartfelt address, Montoya reflected on his journey and expressed pride in how far he has come from his early beginnings. He thanked his family, mentors, and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout his years of public service, including his most recent five-year tenure from 2020 to 2025, as well as his earlier term on the City Council from 2002 to 2006.
Montoya spoke candidly about the many challenges faced during his term, including the resignation of both a councilor and a mayor, working with three different city managers, and navigating unprecedented crises such as COVID-19, citywide curfews, the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, water shortages, flooding, and other difficult moments. Despite these hardships, he said he was proud of how resilient the city proved to be.
“Public service is not always easy or glamorous,” Montoya said. “It requires thick skin, patience, accountability, determination, courage, and a deep commitment to do what is right—even when that means making unpopular decisions or having to say no. Doing the right thing comes at a cost, but protecting our community and its investments must come first.”
He also expressed gratitude to city staff and offered words of advice to the city manager, mayor, and governing body as he wished them well moving forward. “I ask that you continue to serve as public servants, not as politicians,” Montoya said. “Stay committed, accountable, accessible, and focused on protecting our community and its future. Be true to yourselves, do what’s right, and never lose sight of the city’s mission.”
Following his remarks, the mayor, governing body, and city staff presented Montoya with a plaque in appreciation of his service. Mayor David Romero noted that while disagreements can arise in politics, mutual respect remains essential. “Sometimes in politics, we get mistaken by the disagreements that we might have,” Romero said. “We are all family. We agree about 98 percent of the time, and the 2 percent we don’t, it’s usually on policy. One thing I respect about you, Councilman, is that you stuck to your guns and never faltered or gave up on what you believed was right.”
City Manager Robert A. Anaya also expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for Montoya’s many years of service. “I thank you for your work ethic and your passion for what
you do day in and day out,” Anaya said. “You say what you mean and mean what you say. I respect you and your family immensely.”
Montoya’s daughters, Jeannie and Laura, also addressed the council, sharing personal reflections on their father’s dedication and the sacrifices he made in service to the community. Jeannie closed her remarks by sharing words her father lived by throughout his public service: “Leave the world better than when you found it.”
The City of Las Vegas acknowledges the dedicated service of Councilman Michael Montoya and extends its sincere gratitude for his leadership during some of the most challenging years in the city’s history. As he and his family begin this next chapter, the City wishes them continued success and fulfillment, confident that Montoya’s passion for public service will remain a guiding force in his future endeavors. Once a public servant, always a public servant. ¡Muchisimas gracias!
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