Arefin Shamsul named Richardson mayor pro tem

After two new City Council members and a new mayor along with four incumbents took their places on the dais, Richardson now has a new mayor pro tem.

Arefin Shamsul, at-large Place 6 City Council member, was elected to the position for the 2023-25 term by fellow members at a May 22 City Council meeting.

As part of the new role, Shamsul is tasked with assuming the duties of the mayor, including presiding over meetings, in the event that Mayor Bob Dubey is either absent or incapacitated, according to the city’s municipal code. The role was previously held by Janet DePuy, who lost her mayoral race to Dubey in the May 6 general election.

Shamsul served on City Council’s education and retail committees during his previous term.

Running unopposed in the May 6 election, Shamsul was first elected to City Council in 2021. Prior to that, Shamsul served on the Richardson Zoning Board of Adjustment as well as the Richardson Building and Standards Commission for nearly a decade. He has also served on the Richardson ISD Bond Steering Committee and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, among other things.

Editors note: This article has been updated to show Shamsul previously served on Richardson City Council's education and retail committees. Committee assignments for the new City Council term will be determined at the June 5 meeting.