Vince Malfitano
Candidate for Mayor, Monterey · Retired Business Owner
Malfitano earned a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Pre-Medical Studies from the University of San Francisco and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis. He built a family dental practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, treating nearly 10,000 patients over more than two decades, before transitioning into developing and operating assisted-living communities specializing in memory care as a licensed California Residential Care Facility administrator — work he has said he began with his own parents in mind. He has lived in Monterey since 1994 and has been a full-time resident for twelve years. His civic involvement includes serving on the Board of Trustees of the Italian Heritage Society of Monterey, as a founding member and CFO of Friends of Isola delle Femmine, and as a trustee of Los Medanos Community Hospital; he has twice been elected to the national board of the Central Council of the Italian Catholic Federation and appointed to its Financial Committee.
Positions in brief
He has centered his campaign on fiscal discipline and public safety, pledging an annual public audit of city finances, and has proposed a 'Blue Economy Initiative' built around sustainable ocean stewardship and support for the working waterfront.
Malfitano says the city's top job is ensuring residents' safety and has pledged never to shortchange public safety due to budget mismanagement. On finances, he has promised to avoid taking on unnecessary city debt, to keep taxpayer funds focused on core city responsibilities, and to create an annual 'Common Sense Audit Committee' that would publish its findings publicly. He has pledged ongoing support for Monterey's family businesses and hospitality economy, and says he wants to strengthen rather than burden neighborhood associations. In May 2026 he announced a Blue Economy Initiative focused on sustainable ocean stewardship and economic vitality — supporting local fishermen and the working waterfront, exploring responsible aquaculture, and partnering with marine science institutions — which he has described as forward-looking rather than an attempt to replicate the past.
On the issues
Says public safety is government's top job and pledges never to shortchange it due to budget mismanagement.
“The number one job of the government is to ensure the safety and security of its residents.”
Source →Pledges to avoid unnecessary city debt, keep taxpayer funds limited to core city responsibilities, and create an annual public audit committee.
“bring discipline and accountability to City Hall”
Source →Pledges ongoing support for Monterey's family businesses and hospitality economy.
“support our family businesses and hospitality economy every single day”
Source →Proposes a 'Blue Economy Initiative' pairing sustainable ocean stewardship with economic development.
“This is not about replicating the past...It is about identifying practical, responsible ways to support the local economy while respecting the environmental standards that define Monterey today.”
Source →Says his leadership approach emphasizes listening, transparency and accountability.
“Leadership begins with listening and is sustained through discipline, experience, and a commitment to community. Monterey deserves steady, thoughtful leadership that brings people together.”
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