Moving quickly to cover the full slate of DUI, traffic, domestic violence and other criminal misdemeanors on the town prosecution calendar, the Payson Town Council approved a contract with the Law Office of Mark Iacovino with six votes to one abstention on Jan. 14.
When Mary Bystricky gave her notice to move to the Gila County Attorneyâs Office effective Jan. 19, town contract attorney Justin Pierce knew he had to make sure prosecutorial services continued.
âThis was an amazing opportunity for her,â said Pierce. âThat said, we need to have everything in place . to continue prosecution work uninterrupted.â
Iacovino has served as a contract town attorney for the cities of Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Carefree, Avondale and El Mirage.
The guard officially changed on the Payson Town Council last week, with a shift in the balance of power on the council.
The changes ushered in by the election promised a possible new era of cooperation and courtesy, on a council that has been beset by sometimes bitter disagreements.
The meeting marked the first appearance by new council members Scott Nossek and Jolynn Schinstock â who have replaced outgoing counselors Steve Smith and Vice Mayor Janell Sterner.
Changes in the council manifested themselves quickly in the vote for the position of vice mayor.
A masked Mayor Tom Morrissey nominated councilor Suzy Tubbs-Avakian for the post.