Democratic Senate President and Pueblo native Leroy Garcia enjoyed a brief promotion Thursday.
Gov. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera were both out of the state, leaving Sen. Garcia to fill in as Colorado’s chief executive for the day.
Garcia conducted his gubernatorial duties from his hometown of Pueblo. For him, the temporary role was far from symbolic.
“It is an important role,” he said. “I'm happy that I've continued to work well with the governor in being able to do something that rarely happens, in signing some proclamations as the acting governor.”
He signed two proclamations at the American Legion Post in Pueblo. The first proclamation demands the return of the USS Pueblo, a naval research ship captured by North Korea in the late 60s.
“It is the only naval vessel to be held by a foreign government. And it was named after the City of Pueblo, home of the heroes,” Garcia said.
That proclamation also designated Jan. 23 as USS Pueblo Day.