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Wheat Ridge swears in new mayor and council members; outgoing officials praised

Wheat Ridge City Council · November 11, 2025

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Summary

Corey Stites was sworn in as mayor and new council members were sworn during Monday’s meeting; outgoing council members and the mayor were honored and the council proclaimed Nov. 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday.

Wheat Ridge officials held a swearing‑in ceremony during Monday’s council meeting and presented a proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday.

Judge Lucero administered oaths to newly elected officials. Corey Stites took the oath of office as mayor: "I, Corey Stites, do solemnly and sincerely declare...and will faithfully perform the duties of the Wheat Ridge mayor position." Several new and returning council members — including Kathleen Martel, Scott Ohm, Patrick Quinn and Mike Okada — also were sworn in.

Outgoing members and Mayor Bud Starker offered short farewell remarks. Starker called his time in office "the honor of my lifetime" and thanked staff and residents. Long‑serving councilor Janice Hoppe, among others, also reflected on their service and urged new councilors to work collaboratively.

Mayor Stites signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday in Wheat Ridge, citing national Small Business Saturday data and encouraging residents to support local merchants.

The council approved routine consent items earlier in the meeting, including amendments to the city manager's employment agreement and cancellation of the Nov. 24 council meeting.