Local News

Bill Fitzgerald is Sworn in as Tusayan Town Council Member

October 20, 2011

By Mike Scerbo

Tusayan's Council surprised many insiders by appointing Bill Fitzgerald as the newest member of the Town Council, replacing Bob Blasi, who resigned last summer.

The move is surprising because Fitzgerald was the only applicant to meet the deadline to apply, yet the council kept extending the deadline.

Fitzgerald has also been an outspoken critic of the Town Council  and has had the courage to take his concerns public.

On October 19th, the Council decided that Fitzgerald was the best person for the job. He regularly attends Council Meetings. He is a member of the Housing Committee. He stays on top of the issues. In essence Fitzgerald earned his spot on the council.

He got the nod over two other applicants, Councilman Al Montoya's wife, Cheryl Montoya, and resident Robert Gossard. A third applicant, James Christensen, failed to show up for a Council interview.  

Here is a link to all of the letters of interest. 

Council Member John Reuter made the motion to appoint Fitzgerald, "The key to success is be present and up to speed and based upon that, I move to appoint Bill Fitzgerald for the vacant position." Vice Mayor Maniaci echoed those sentiments saying Bill "knows the territory." Mayor Bryan agreed. The three voted for Bill. Al Montoya re-cused himself.

Moments later, Fitzgerald was sworn in and took a seat on the council. After the meeting Fitzgerald told us, "I was very surprised. As recently as today (October 19th) many people told me they thought my chances were zero considering my past remarks concerning the council, I am surprised and very glad."

Fitzgerald has launched a recall effort against Council Members Maniaci and Montoya and Mayor Bryan. He says because he is on the Council, he cannot run in the recall. He says the fate of the recall depends on whether other candidates will step forward to challenge Maniaci, Bryan or Montoya, "If somebody came forward and wanted to run, they could...they would have to file their candidacy 60 days before an election"

Fitzgerald says he will keep an open mind on major issues, noting that he represents all of the people of Tusayan.