The city of Page had two mayors Nov. 18, one during the day, and another after the sun set. It’s an apt metaphor for the times. Unlike Mayor Levi Tappan’s swearing-in two years ago, when Page was booming with activity, newly sworn-in William Diak faces a much darker time. As the returning face of Page, he is the one the community will look to for answers, solutions, and accountability. It’s a lot of weight to bear.
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PAGE – The city of Page had two mayors Nov. 18, one during the day, and another after the sun set.
It’s an apt metaphor for the times. Unlike Mayor Levi Tappan’s swearing-in two years ago, when Page was booming with activity, newly sworn-in William Diak faces a much darker time. As the returning face of Page, he is the one the community will look to for answers, solutions, and accountability. It’s a lot of weight to bear.
Diak is no stranger to making tough choices. He served as mayor of Page before Tappan unseated him in 2018. Diak was mayor during the city’s most recent financial crisis when the city had to tighten its belt quickly. There were mass layoffs, programs trimmed, and services scaled back. While Page is in better financial shape because of prudent decisions made by the council, largely influenced by outgoing council member Dennis Warner, the effects and consequences of the COVID-reality still aren’t clear.
Diak’s first and most significant move as mayor was to reinstate a city mask mandate. Tappan had originally issued the mandate July 6, extended it July 30, and rescinded it Aug. 19. Social media lit up with praise and thanks from the community in response to Diak’s decision.
Page joins 90% of the state requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces. Gov. Doug Ducey has kept a hands-off approach to mask mandates, leaving it to counties and municipalities to make the tough choices. Prior to the governor’s executive order effective June 18, 2020, cities, towns, and counties were not permitted to issue mask mandates in Arizona.
New confirmed cases of COVID-19 have skyrocketed in Page. Over 25% of all cases reported in the last eight months happened in the last two weeks.
Diak told the Chronicle he wants to create a task force with guidance from local health professionals. Like Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health, he hopes to work with the media to help keep the community safe.
Diak also stressed working with businesses and giving them support. Referring to local businesses, he said, “The city is behind you. We’ve got your back.” He said, “I’m reaching out to businesses. Without their help, we’re nowhere.”
