Column By Mike Bibb
“In a tense and closely divided vote Monday night, the Safford City Council terminated City Manager John Cassella effective immediately without cause, citing the terms of his employment agreement.”
— “Casella out, Bejarano in,” Gila Herald, Dec. 8, 2025.
Relying solely upon the information contained within The Gila Herald’s story, I’m confused about what is actually going on in the Cassella, Bejarano, and city council blowup.
Without explanation, Cassella abruptly quits (or is terminated) from the city manager job, is awarded a full year’s salary and health benefits, and says adios.
Assistant City Manager Alex Bejarano is then “temporarily” inserted into the newly vacated position.
Apparently, several business folks attending the council meeting were upset with Cassella’s administrative expertise, citing examples of events they were not necessarily in favor of.
A few indicated potential new businesses looking at Safford have shied away, indicating uncertainty or confusion over some of the city’s practices.
Which, in turn, could lead to lost revenue — possibly resulting in increased property taxes.
Okay, let’s say all this is true. If Cassella’s management decisions have led to discontent among certain council members and inquisitive business interests, and evidence can be shown that his leadership has had a detrimental effect on city functions. He suddenly decides to step down, so why are Safford taxpayers responsible for handing over $190,000, plus health benefits, to a guy who didn’t want the job anymore?
If he quit “without cause,” why are specific clauses within his contract still valid?
Who voluntarily walks away from a good-paying career and then demands an additional year’s wages and benefits on his way out the door?
Secondly, who negotiates these deals? Anyone with any business sense?
Or is it the “It’s only the taxpayer’s money. We can make up the added expenditure somewhere else” attitude?
As an ordinary citizen roaming around the streets of Safford, I can’t help but wonder if there must be more to this story than is being reported.
There usually is when government intrigues are involved.
The opinons expressed in this editorial are those of the author.
