Coconino County
First Published: Dec 27, 2022 12:50 PM
FLAGSTAFF, Arizona — At the final meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) in 2022, the Board completed a multi-week process to nominate candidates to fill the vacancies of Justice of the Peace for the Precinct of Page, with Maia Rodriguez was elected. I will serve until 2024.
Rodriguez comes to the office with over 24 years of experience working as a clerk and supervisor in both the Flagstaff and Page Courts of Justice, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, He has also completed the Coconino County Supervisor Development Academy and the Executive Leadership Academy. As a Court Fellow Program at the State Court Research Institute National Center for Court Administration, Court Administrators, and Court Administration.
“I am honored to be considered for this appointment. As the new Justice of the Peace, I look forward to furthering community engagement in the Page District,” Rodriguez said at the meeting.
After the death of deceased Justice of the Peace Donald G. Roberts while campaigning for re-election, the board needed to appoint a candidate to fill the vacancy. Because Justice Roberts received the most votes of all eligible candidates, if the deceased candidate still wins the election, state law requires that:
If a county office becomes vacant, the Board of Supervisors shall appoint a person of the same political party as the person who vacated the office to fill part of the term until the next regular general election. If a retiring person changes party affiliation after taking office, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall be of the same political party as the retiring official at the time the retiring official was elected or appointed to that office. and – ARS§16-230(A)(2)
In late November, from county and court employees, Page District citizens, and District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler to review applications from those seeking to serve as a Justice of the Peace until the next general election. A panel was assembled.
“Having the committee come together to review applications and conduct interviews was a fun process of in-depth discussion with each candidate. I feel
Rodriguez will begin his term on January 3, 2023.
Information provided by Coconino County.