Gustavo Durazo appointed to Douglas Ward 3 after public interviews

The Douglas Mayor and Council on Jan. 7 unanimously appointed Gustavo Durazo to fill the Ward 3 council vacancy and administered his oath of office.

City Clerk Alma Andrade explained that former Council Member Danya Acosta resigned Dec. 10, 2025, and that the city received three qualified letters of interest after a public notice process; two other applicants were deemed ineligible because of residency requirements. Under City Charter Article 2, Section 13, because more than two years remain in the unexpired term the appointee will serve until the next election and the seat will appear on the August primary ballot.

Durazo, a Douglas native and an adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner with Chiricahua Community Health Centers, told council he would focus on connecting residents to services, promoting responsible growth, economic development and preserving local history and character. He said he would "serve with integrity, compassion, and objectivity." The council also heard from candidates Beth Phagan, a construction project management–trained insurance broker, and Susan Kramer, a retired teacher and former school board member and chamber leader, before moving to a vote.

Council Member Jose Montaño moved to appoint Durazo and Council Member Melissa Rodriguez seconded. The roll call vote was recorded in favor by Mayor Jose Grijalva and Council Members Melissa Rodriguez, Jose Montaño, Ray Shelton, Maria Dillman and Richard C. Acosta. No council member voted against the appointment.

Alma Andrade presented a certificate of appointment and took photographs after the oath. Durazo said he would try to represent his ward and the Douglas community objectively.