Richardson mayor gives emotional send-off to 2020: ‘So many have put their dreams on hold’ Mayor Paul Voelker mourned the lives lost because of the COIVD-19 pandemic and asked residents to support each other in the new year. Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker is seen in a file photo. At the last city council meeting of the year, Voelker mourned the lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged residents to support each other in the new year.(Ashley Landis / Staff Photographer) Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker had some heavy — and hopeful — words for the community as 2020 comes to a close amid the COVID-19 pandemic.