Payson Roundup

Mike Vogel

Payson Vice Mayor Mike Vogel attended his final meeting as a council member last week — but shows no signs of quietly fading away like that old soldier.

Evans opened the council meeting by presenting Vogel with a plaque and some praise, since Vogel and Evans have played the leading role in recruiting new businesses and developments in the past two years.

“This is Mike’s last meeting as a council member, since he’s chose to wander off into the woods and chase Bambi, or Bambi’s father,” joked Evans, in reference to Vogel’s planned hunting trip to Michigan.

“They’re bears,” said Vogel.

“I trust you’ll bring pictures,” said Evans.

“I never take pictures,” said Vogel.

“Ah. No evidence,” quipped Evans.

Turning more serious, Evans observed, “he’s always been there.”

Evans praised Vogel’s “outstanding and dedicated service,” referring to Vogel’s long hours giving tours and negotiating agreements with new businesses — and his efforts to work out problems for existing businesses.

Vogel observed, “I’m a firm believer in you do your job and nobody owes you anything.”

Vogel routinely put 40 to 60 hours a week into council business.

However, he lost by 23 votes to former town manager, Fred Carpenter.

“Fred,” said Vogel, “Congratulations. You’ve got the best staff in the world to work with. The last four years have been a pleasure. It’s the absolute best job in the world. Every day, you get to get up and help someone.”

Still, despite the bear hunting — Vogel doesn’t expect to be gone long.

In fact, the next morning he and Evans hosted a breakfast for business owners to showcase the plan to have Vogel serve as a town ombudsman, to continue recruiting new businesses as well as help guide potential new businesses and developments through the town’s planning and permit process.