Name: Yolanda “Yoli” Montano
Occupation: General Manager
Age: 44
Number of years on Catalina: 44
Name: Yolanda “Yoli” Montano
Occupation: General Manager
Age: 44
Number of years on Catalina: 44
My name is Yolanda Montano. I am 44 years old and was born and raised here on the island. My family living on the island represents five generations, from my grandparents to my grandson. When I was growing up I was active in the Catalina Island Pony Club, Little league, was captain of our high school cheerleading team, and I played softball. I am currently an active member of the Catalina Island Womens Forum, Catalina Island Medical Foundation, Catalina Island Saddle Club and previously the Avalon Humane Society. All these organizations that I am or have been a part of were chosen by a special affinity or a very personal connection that went beyond just volunteerism. In addition to the above, I am currently a member of the Catalina Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee, and I am a currently sitting Planning Commissioner for the City of Avalon.
My experience in managing one of the biggest hotels in Avalon, the Hotel Metropole and Metropole Market Place, gives me insight into the management of a complex organization. I manage over forty employees, have experience in HR, payroll, property management, balancing budgets, and day to day operations. All of which are tools that would assist me in analyzing some of the financial and workflow aspects of managing a city.
Avalon, like so many cities today, is facing a multitude of issues; water, infrastructure, housing, drugs, parking, and vehicles are top of our list. We need to move forward in working with private parties and the appropriate government agencies to make strides in solving these problems. I feel confident that I can understand these issues from all sides and bring the community together so that we can move forward. I would like to make it clear that I have no hidden agendas, I am not biased, I have no axes to grind, and the only ones I would be beholden to are “YOU”, the people of Avalon.
I want every business, large and small to succeed, because when they succeed we “all” succeed. At the same time we must remember Avalon is a special place to live, and we all need to make sure it stays that way. We must have checks and balance with accountability. I am not ignorant to the fact of inevitable “change”, but with any change we must protect everyone’s quality of life and we must make sure that all our residents are heard when voicing their concerns.
Avalon is my home and the people of Avalon are what’s important to me. This is why I am running for office. I will be holding a “meet the candidate” session on Saturday April 9, 2016 from 4-7 P.M. at the Beach House at the Metropole Hotel, just upstairs from the Metropole Café. I look forward to meeting all of you, and answering any questions you may have of me.
I am asking for your support and your vote on April 12, 2016.
Best,
Yolanda Montano
