Pueblo City Council: New council member Heather Graham elected president

Heather Graham, 32, was elected president of Pueblo City Council at the Jan. 10 city council meeting in a 4-3 vote over Councilman Dennis Flores.

Graham was sworn in just moments earlier as one of four new city council members elected in November.

"A lot of us ran for change and what better way to change than to elect a new president, someone that hasn't been on council before," Graham said.

"I'm looking forward to show people that we're going to be the Council that people don't think we're going to be. The city elected us and the city has spoken and that's the number one thing: to work together for the city."

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Graham announced her campaign for an at-large seat on the city council last spring and has been a vocal advocate for the small business community, particularly as they grapple with effects of various pandemic restrictions.

Graham graduated from Pueblo South High School in 2007 and earned a psychology degree from Colorado State University Pueblo. She now owns Ruby's and the city's two Graham's Grill locations.

During her campaign, Graham said that her business ownership will also be an advantage on council, because she is used to making decisions on behalf of groups with varied interests.

Former Council president and District 2 representative Larry Atencio was elected to serve as her Vice President in a 4-3 vote over newly elected councilwoman Regina Maestri, who represents District 1.

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Contact Chieftain reporter Lacey Latch at llatch@gannett.com or on social media @laceylatch.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Heather Graham elected president of Pueblo City Council