Keith Curry, Mayor of Newport Beach

By Francine Rios

Keith Curry, Mayor of Newport Beach1. Was it always your goal to be the mayor of Newport Beach?

Always is a long time, but I feel that it is a great job to have and I'm enjoying it so far.

2. How did you feel when you were elected?

I felt humbled when I was elected. I'm proud to serve the community as mayor and I'm grateful for the confidence the council had in supporting my election.

3. What plans do you have for the city?

We've got big plans. On Tuesday [February 9], we adopted six value statements for the city, which includes 46 action items involving things like the city's economy, environment, new community buildings and safety. You can check them all out on the city's website.

4. Are you excited for the celebration to take place at the Mayor's Dinner on February 19?

I'm looking forward to it. I plan on laying out the six value statements in my speech.

5. What kinds of things will you share in your State of the City Address?

I'm going to hit on the six value statements, as well as the things I will do to keep the city and economy safe and secure.

6. Do you ever become nervous before giving a speech?

People always tell me that it's the No. 1 thing people are afraid of. But it doesn't bother me. I was on the debate team in high school.

7. Name your three favorite artists on your iPod right now.

Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Jimmy Buffet.

8. When you're not acting as mayor of Newport Beach, what do you like to do in your leisure time?

I love to travel with my wife. We are fortunate enough to have gone all around the world. I also like to play golf ... badly.

9. What do you think is the most important issue facing the city right now?

Managing the city through the current economic downturn.

10. In last year's State of the City Address, former Mayor Ed Selich said that by 2025, Newport Beach will be a sort of Utopia, complete with a new city hall, exciting and upbeat downtown, and no traffic jams. Is this what you envision for the future of our city?

Yes. I think that Newport Beach will continue to be the best embodiment of the California Dream.

Francine Rios is a contributing writer to the Daily Voice.

Editor's Note: The 29th Annual Mayors Dinner will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 beginning at 5:30 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Speak Up Newport invites you to attend the Mayors Dinner to celebrate Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry and recognize past mayors. He will deliver the State of the City Address. For more information, call (949) 640-4000. www.speakupnewport.org

Comments

[Charles]

This is the most disappointing interview I have ever seen. I read this blog for news. What sort of news is asking a mayor "what do you like to do in your leisure time?"