City Council appoints Kimball, other residents to committees

The Maricopa City Council voted to approve multiple committee appointments on Tuesday, several of which will staff the council’s two newest committees – the Cultural Advisory Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

The appointments were in large part meant to fill seats vacated due to retirements and other “personal reasons.” Though the decisions were unanimous, one appointment sparked concern among several council members – former councilmember Bridger Kimball to the Veterans Affairs committee.

Councilmember Julia Gusse said she was worried about Kimball’s attendance to the board’s meetings, alluding Kimball’s absenteeism on council.

Expressing similar concerns with the appointment was Councilmember Peg Chapados, who said his attendance record was worth considering.

Mayor Christian Price, who nominated Kimball for the appointment, said he personally would watch closely to ensure Kimball is fulfilling his duties on the committee.

“I think he’ll be a valuable resource,” Price said. “If it turns out that things aren’t working so well, I’ll be the first to speak to him and certainly come back and seek [the council’s] counsel.”

Some spots on boards and committees remained un-filled and will come back to council later.

Appointments for the remaining Veterans Affairs Committee seats and the other committees are as follows: