Rick Lott was reappointed as mayor during the City Commission meeting Monday, June 11 following a unanimous vote by commissioners.
Lott has served as mayor from 2007 to 2010 and from 2014 to his current term. Michael Sparkman, fellow city commissioner, had the record for most years as mayor as he served from 1994 to 1996, from 2000 to 2003, from 2004 to 2005 and from 2012 to 2013. Lott has now broken his record in the seat.
“Anybody at this dais could do the job as mayor, but I think the question every year is ‘Who is best suited for that based on current circumstances?’” Commissioner Nate Kilton said. “When I look at where we are right now with so much that’s going on in our community, such wonderful things, having some continuity, especially as it relates to our potential new business partners is very important.”
The other commissioners echoed his call for a progressing term and voted unanimously to keep him in the position for another year. Sparkman said the amount of time and effort Lott puts into the role is “amazing” and thanked his family for giving him up so often to serve the city. Next June they will start the process over and decide on who they think is best suited for the role.
“All five of us are very capable of sitting in that seat and handling things as the mayor, but you have been there and you have made those connections and I think that commissioner Kilton is right about that and I’d like to see you continue in that position for another year,” Commissioner Mary Mathis said.
Lott thanked the commission for having such unwavering faith in his ability to fill the roll and said he had the utmost respect for all who served with him.
Lott then appointed Kilton as his vice-mayor. Kilton began serving as a commissioner in 2016 and Lott said his leadership both on the commission and in the community makes him perfect for the role.
The commission agreed the mayor and vice mayor would continue as the CRA chair and vice chair. They also designated representatives and attendees for the following groups:
Council of Governments: Sparkman and Kilton
Metropolitan Planning Organization: Lott and Kilton
Plant City Economic Development Corporation: Lott
Ridge League of Cities: Mathis as member and Lott as an alternate
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council: William Dodson as member and Mathis as an alternate. Dodson has served on the council for 16 years.
Tourist Development Council: Kilton