By Jon Johnson
PIMA – It was a little bit of new mixed with a little bit of old Tuesday night as the changing of the guard occurred with the seating of the newly elected Pima Town Council and the selection of the town’s mayor and vice-mayor.
Newcomers Georgia Luster and Cade Bryce were sworn into their seats along with incumbent Lucas Hoopes. Luster and Bryce replaced outgoing Vice Mayor Sherrill Teeter and Councilperson C.B. Fletcher, who were recognized for their 8 years of service to the council and relinquished their seats to the new members.
The newly seated council then unanimously voted to keep Brian Paul as mayor and to install councilperson Teresa Bailey as vice mayor. In Pima, like Thatcher, council members nominate and vote on the mayor.
Brian Paull is a compounding pharmacist who owns and operates Palo Verde Health Services located at 18 W. Center St. with his wife, Angela Paull, who is a family nurse practitioner.
Brian was initially appointed to the council in March 2022 to fill a spot left vacant by the resignation of Deborah Barr. He was then elected to the council in the Primary Election in August 2022, along with Bailey.
Both Bryce and Luster immediately jumped into the governing of the town and provided insight and direction on several issues before the council, including green lighting providing $2 million in asset collateral for a private business to bring in a super Circle K with semi-truck fueling to the east side of town, and a town hall marquee. (Read more about the new Circle K in an upcoming Gila Herald article.)
Bryce told the Gila Herald he was excited to be of service to the town.
“I’m happy to give back to the community,” Bryce said. “I was born and raised in Pima, and I’m looking for ways to give back. This is one of them.”
Bailey was elected to the council in 2022 and is midway through her first term.
“I’m just hoping to continue serving the council in this way,” Bailey said. “I’m excited. I’m happy to be the voice of those that are unheard in the community . . .”
Taylor recognized for fire service
Lavan Taylor was recognized for his 20 years of firefighting service. Taylor recently retired from the Pima Fire Department and was awarded a statue by Pima Fire Chief Terry Earp at the meeting with his appreciation.
Taylor spent 7 years on the Pomerene Volunteer Fire Department, 4 years on the Thatcher Volunteer Fire Department, and the last 9 years serving the town on the Pima Volunteer Fire Department.
“Thank you for all your time and support for the entire industry,” Earp said.
