Trouble between the Marana Town Council and it’s manager has led to the manager quitting. Mike Reuwsaat will step down as of August 5.

In a town of 35,000 people and growing, playing politics can be just as hard as it would be in a big city. “I’m a town manager, and you’re always at the will of the Council,” says Reuwsaat, who has served in the position for five years. Council members either wouldn’t comment or weren’t available to comment on the decision.

At last week’s Council meeting, they issued a separation agreement that was made public on Wednesday, June 25. Six council members voted to let Reuwsaat go. Mayor Ed Honea wasn’t at the meeting. “Would I have chose that?,” says Reuwsaat. “Maybe not, but I respect our government tradition.”

According to Reuwsaat’s separation agreement, he stops working July 11, then he’s to be on paid administrative leave until August 5, after which he’ll get six months salary in severance pay. Reuwsaat says he has no hard feelings. “I can’t dwell on that, I need to move forward,” he says. “This is a democratic society, and if four council members feel that it’s time for a change, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Deputy Town Manager Gilbert Davidson will assume the duties of the job upon Reuwsaat’s departure. He is the most likely choice to be given the job permanently when Council decides on a replacement at their next meeting.