Payson, AZ. At the Town Council meeting on 3/8/23 it was very difficult to hear what was being said. The people in attendance asked several times for the speakers to the microphones be turned on. This didn’t happen. Meanwhile the applicants gathered outside the meeting room in the lobby waiting to pick numbers to see in what order they would be interviewed by the Council to fill the vacancy that newly elected Tina McAllister-Smith has left. The new Council Member is selected by the remaining Council Members. When I asked many of the applicants how they felt their chances were of being selected, those that I had talked to weren’t very confident. Most were there because they genuinely care about this town. We are lucky to have so many citizens in our community that are willing to serve as representatives of the people. After 17 applicants each answered the list of questions pertinent to what the Council was looking for (See page 2), the Council Members retired into executive session to deliberate. When they emerged back to the dais they had selected Bryan BJ Bollier and Joel Mona. Joel Mona, was the victor. Congratulations and thank you for your passion and commitment to serving the people of Payson!
