Local News

Town Manager Resigns

May 2, 2012

By Mike Scerbo

Enrique Ochoa has resigned as Tusayan’s Town Manager. The resignation is contingent on negotiation of separation agreement.

Ochoa said, "The journey has been difficult to say the least. I have tried to accomplish as many goals as were set by the council for me to complete. I have done that in light of many obstacles including lack of an office and an incomplete understanding (on the council's party) as to how a municipality should operate."

He said the Council sometimes let personal agendas get in the way, "It hasn’t been easiest road ….there are always personal agendas that the  individual  council members want to promote. Sometimes those things can also be difficult."

Ochoa was known as a professional who did not take sides. He understood that he worked for the residents of Tusayan. That may have caused problems when the public’s interest and the council’s personal agenda were in conflict.

Despite the challenges, Ochoa is grateful for the opportunity, "I would like to thank the members of the community that have cooperated with me to accomplish everything that we did. It was an honor to be the town manager of Tusayan."

The concern now is who will the council select as a replacement. Will they hire a ‘yes man’ or a credentialed professional such as Ochoa?

Recently the Town, at the Mayor's urging hired John Young as a housing consultant. Young was a town manager in Colorado back in the 70's.