The three final candidates for Tusayan Town Manager opened themselves up to questions from the public in a February 13 forum as the Town Council looks to hire a permanent Town Manager.

Greg Clifton is the City Manager for Flagstaff and Interim Town Manager for Tusayan.  Joe Samaniego is the City Manager of Tangent, Oregon. Jacob Schillander is the City Administrator of Maple Plain, Minnesota.

Joe Samaniego

Schillander says he loves small town life. Samaniego said he does not consider the position to be a steppingstone. Clifton said he has lots of hands-on experience in small communities.

When asked how they would handle differing personalities in a small-town setting

Schillander said his background in the hospitality industry would be very helpful. Samaniego noted his upbringing in a diverse community in Alaska. Clifton said his aim to leave a good impression with every encounter.

Jacob Schillander

All three candidates have experience working with fire districts and or sanitary districts. In fact, Schillander has severed on his community’s sewer district.

All three have had to deal with major community challenges in their careers.

Samaniego solved an issue with a dangerous road in his community and worked with county to lower speed limits and needed infrastructure. Schillander made changes to his community’s rental ordinance to reduce crime. Clifton, as City Manager in Flagstaff, oversaw and gained approval for flood control projects following flooding cause on the aftermath of the Museum Fire.

Greg Clifton

When asked why they want the job Clifton, who came on board as Interim Tusayan Town Manager said, “I fell in love with the community, I fell in love with organization and the things we are working on. I want to continue doing this work and this is a wonderful place to be in.”
Samaniego responded, “My wife and I feel this is a great town. I feel there is the right chemistry.”

Schillander said after doing the research on Tusayan, “The opportunity that presents itself is so unique here with my tourism background and my emergency services background.”