Chandler council appoints John Papier as acting city manager after debate over process

The Chandler City Council approved the appointment of John Papier as acting city manager and authorized an employment agreement beginning July 13, 2025.

Council member Landau moved to approve the appointment and the employment agreement; the motion was seconded and carried by majority with Council member Hawkins dissenting. "My vote is about the process and not about the candidate," Council member Hawkins said, adding that she considered Papier professionally qualified but objected to what she described as a rushed process that lacked public input. "Our residents and staff deserve better," she said.

The council’s decision follows a discussion in which several members said they supported Papier’s qualifications while acknowledging concerns about the selection process. Council member Harris said the council had considered both internal and external candidates and supported moving forward with the appointment. Several council members said a national search will follow to find a permanent city manager.

Landau stated the employment agreement would begin on July 13, 2025. Mayor Hartke, Vice Mayor Ellis and other council members spoke in support of appointing Papier as an interim leader while the city conducts a broader search. No dollar amounts or additional terms of the employment agreement were specified in the meeting transcript.

The formal motion to approve item 26 — the appointment of the acting city manager and approval of the employment agreement with John Papier — passed by majority; Council member Hawkins cast the lone recorded dissent.

Council members said they expect to begin a national search for a permanent city manager following the interim appointment. No further procedural actions were recorded at the meeting regarding details of that search.