Auburn City Council appoints familiar name to fill seat

Bridget Powers was appointed to fill Mike Holmes' seat on the Auburn City Council in a 4-0 vote Monday night. Among her qualifications, Powers said in her introductory speech she has 13 years of experience. Current Auburn councilmember Alice Dowdin Calvillo noted she was replaced by Powers on council when she accepted a position under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005, though this will be the first time they'll serve on council together. Dowdin Calvillo moved to appoint Powers, and council member Sandy Amara seconded the motion. "I plan to carry out Mike's desire to preserve our historic character and his love of the arts that are so important to our community," Powers said of Holmes, 86, who passed away on June 27, shortly after resigning from the council. "He had many other things that were important to the day-to-day operations of the city, but these were his passion, and I agree with this … and his desire to preserve the history and to encourage the arts community here in our city." Applications to fill the vacancy were accepted through Aug. 10. City Clerk Amy Lind said five applications were submitted, but two didn't meet residency requirements and another applicant withdrew, leaving two eligible candidates. The other candidate was Felicia Joy DiProsper. Lind administered the oath of office, and the full council posed for photos before Powers joined them in her new seat on the dais for the remainder of the meeting. Her first full meeting will be Monday, Sept. 14.