On Tuesday, April 17, Mayor Bill Baird appointed newly elected District 3 Councilmember Beto Lopez to serve as mayor pro tempore. In accordance with the City of Lee’s Summit Charter, the mayor shall appoint annually, a mayor pro tempore no later than the first regular meeting of the City Council in May.

The mayor pro tempore assumes the powers and the duties of the mayor during the absence or disability of the mayor, or if a vacancy occurs. The mayor pro tempore also appoints, with the advice and consent of the majority of the council, all council committees and liaisons no later than the first regular council meeting in June.

“Councilmember Lopez is an outstanding individual who will no doubt serve our City very well as mayor pro tem. I look forward to working with him as we face the challenges and celebrate the future successes of this City Council,” Mayor Baird said. “Both Mayor Pro Tem Lopez and I share the excitement of new beginnings with the entire City Council and are anxious to get to work for the citizens of Lee’s Summit.”

Lopez is a 22-year Lee’s Summit resident and was elected April 3 to his first city council term representing District 3. He has held numerous leadership roles with various civic organizations and initiatives in Lee’s Summit and metropolitan area. He has served on the Lee’s Summit City Planning Commission for the past three years. Lopez has professional experience in the areas of economic development, commercial real estate development and as an area commercial lending manager for CommunityAmerica Credit Union.

“I appreciate Mayor Baird’s confidence in my abilities and I look forward to serving with the Mayor, our city council colleagues and City staff,” said Mayor Pro Tem Lopez. “I’m excited to get to work and continue to make Lee’s Summit a great place to live and work.”