Vitiello quitting city council for supe bid

Maricopa City Councilmember Rich Vitiello submitted his letter of resignation, effective April 1. 

Vitiello, who has served as a city leader since 2018, said in his letter serving Maricopa has been a “privilege and honor.” 

“I believe government has a fiduciary duty to care for the taxpayer dollar and must conserve fiscal and other resources,” Vitiello wrote to Mayor Nancy Smith and his fellow council members. “I believe the needs of the people in any representative district trump any elected official’s personal desires. That is why, after a lot of consideration, I decided to put my name on the ballot for Pinal County supervisor.” 

The city council is expected to accept Vitiello’s resignation at a regular meeting tonight in the city council chambers at Maricopa City Hall, 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza.  

Vitiello said his resignation’s effective date times with when he will submit his petition of nomination signatures from county voters to Pinal County elections officials.  

Under state law, Vitiello is required to resign from a previously held office before he can run for another elected position, although he has already announced he’s running for supervisor. 

“Maricopa has proven it not only leads the way in public safety, but also paves the way for business opportunities and continued growth for its residents,” Vitiello said. “Maricopa has trusted me. I look forward to earning that trust in the remainder of District 1 as the next county supervisor.” 

As a Maricopa council member, Vitiello rose to vice mayor. He has lived in Maricopa with his family since 2005. 

He is a self-employed sporting goods and bicycling equipment consultant and has coached local adult and girls’ sports. 

He said he also is concerned about the State Route 347 overpass issue and wants to make sure local residents “get a fair shake in all aspects of that project.”