The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet with three candidates for sheriff to replace Democrat Paul Penzone on February 6th. Both were longtime Republicans.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will soon interview three candidates who have applied to complete Paul Penzonye's second term as sheriff.
Up to eight people submitted applications for the interim sheriff position, and county supervisors selected three to interview on Feb. 6.
The three finalists seeking oversight of the agency, which has about 3,500 employees, include two former longtime Republicans. State law requires interim sheriffs to register as Democrats, Pennzone's registered political party.
The following three candidates were selected by the Board of Directors:
- Jeffrey Kirkham, a former member of the Apache Junction Police Department who recently changed his party registration to Democratic after being a registered Republican for 36 years.
- Patrick Valenzuela Sr., a Glendale police lieutenant who is a registered Democrat but has not recently switched political parties.
- Russ Skinner, a 34-year veteran of the sheriff's office who switched to the Democratic Party last October.
Mr. Skinner will serve as sheriff until an interim sheriff is chosen.
Republicans currently hold a majority on the five-member Audit Committee. County officials said the appointment will be made by the board “as soon as possible.”
The candidate chosen by the board will serve as sheriff until the end of this year, after which voters will choose someone in the November 2024 election.
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