New Mayor Holden Promises ‘a Brighter Pasadena’
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The Pasadena City Council on Monday unanimously selected Councilman Chris Holden as the city’s mayor for the coming year.
Holden, 36, son of Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, succeeds the often-controversial William Paparian in the largely ceremonial role, which traditionally rotates every two years among council members. Although the post has evolved into a demanding job in recent years, the mayor has no veto power and earns the same $400-a-month salary as the six other council members.
Nearly 300 people packed the council chambers for the inauguration ceremony that includes the unusual title of “Keeper of the Bench,” for the mayor’s work presiding over council meetings.
“Finally, we can say Mayor Holden,” Nate Holden, who twice ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Los Angeles, joked at a luncheon honoring his son in front of Pasadena City Hall.
In his first speech as the city’s 53rd mayor, Chris Holden promised he would help build “a brighter Pasadena” and said he would serve as mayor for the “entire city,” with all its racial and ethnic diversity.
In addition, at Monday’s session newly elected Sidney Tyler took his seat on the council, replacing 16-year veteran William E. Thomson Jr.
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