Centennial Councilmember Richard Holt, who represents District 3 in the city, was sworn in as the city’s mayor pro tem during the March 7 city council meeting. 

The mayor pro tem position is elected annually and serves mayoral functions during any temporary absences of the mayor, the city said in a March 8 news release. Holt will serve as mayor pro tem until March 5, 2024. 

“I am grateful to my fellow council members for allowing me this opportunity to serve as Mayor Pro Tem,” Holt said in the release. “I am very proud to be a part of this amazing community and to represent the citizens of Centennial.”

Before Holt, Councilmember Don Sheehan of District 4 served as mayor pro tem. When it came time to nominate someone for the position this year, Sheehan nominated Holt during a Feb. 7 council meeting. 

“I think he is the person to do what needs to be done as mayor pro tem. We know his heart is in the city,” Sheehan said. “He puts heart and effort into what he does for council and for the City of Centennial. And I think he’s more than able as a nominee for mayor pro tem.”

“I humbly and gratefully accept (the nomination),” Holt said. 

“With no other nominations, we’ll go ahead and declare that, without a vote, that mayor pro tem for 2023 will be Mr. Rick Holt,” Mayor Stephanie Piko said, prompting applause in the room. 

Holt is in his fourth year on city council and is one of three council members who have, as of March 9, declared that they will be running for re-election this November. 

The municipal election will be held Nov. 7, and elections will be conducted for council seats in all four city districts, according to the city’s website. Residents interested in learning more about the election and who are interested in running themselves can find information at bit.ly/cen23.