The ink on John Rueter’s resignation letter was barely dry when the Tusayan Town Council voted to install Squire Inn General Manager David Chavez as the newest Tusayan Town Council Member. Rueter submitted his letter February 21^st effective immediately. At the next council meeting held March 1^st, members appointed Chavez, who happened to be attending the meeting. Chavez was then sworn in and took his seat.

The Squire is owned by Stilo business partner Elling Halvorson. 

Councilman Al Montoya, another Halvorson employee, nominated Chavez who finished third in the most recent Town Council election.

Montoya said, “That would help just make this done and over with tonight and we don’t have to continue the process number one; and number two I am going by what the people voted for.”

Filling a vacancy is at the discretion of the Town Council. They are not required to open the process and invite residents to apply or interview more than one potential candidate, although that has occasionally been done before.

Chavez was then appointed and sworn in during the meeting. After the meeting he said, “My priorities are definitely broadband and building out the infrastructure like the sports complex so that we have something for the kids from the school and the community to be able to use. “

The Town Council also praised Rueter’s experience and knowledge as they accepted his resignation.