Ralph Riley, Constable for Justice of the Peace District 8 has announced plans to retire, effective Dec. 31st, 2007.
Chairman of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, David Snider, said he appreciated Constable Riley’s service to the County & specifically, to the district he served. “Constable Riley is a 50 year resident of this area. To say he knows the community is an understatement. For that reason alone, we regret that he is unable to continue serving due to family health reasons,” Snider said.
“I wish this action was not necessary,” Constable Riley wrote in his letter to the Board of Supervisors. “It has been an honor to be elected by the voters in my district & serve as their Constable for the last 9 years. The public’s confidence in me has meant much to my family & myself. We will not forget it.”
“The friendships & associations formed with Judge Scott Sulley & the entire office staff of the Maricopa/Stanfield Justice Court will continue,” Riley wrote. “I have appreciated their professionalism & caring service.”
In the case of a mid-term vacancy, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors is charged with appointing a replacement. Before that happens, the Board of Supervisors will form a citizens’ review committee to evaluate applications for the Constable position. The committee will consider applicants’ qualifications & experience & make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
The appointee will serve until the next general election in November 2008. He or she may simply fill out the remainder of Constable Riley’s term or may opt to run for the Constable position in the November 2008 election.
To be eligible for appointment, Arizona law specifies that applicants must meet the following criteria:
* Must be a legal Arizona resident living within the Maricopa/Stanfield Justice Court District (District 8).
* Must be registered to vote.
* Must be able to read & write the English language.
* Must be at least 18 years of age.
In addition, state law requires that the appointee be of the same political party as the person vacating the office, in this case, Republican. To apply for consideration, mail your cover letter & qualifications to:
Ms. Sheri Cluff
Clerk of the Board
Pinal County Board of Supervisors
P.O. Box 827
Florence, AZ 85232
The deadline for letters of interest is Jan. 11th, 2008 at 5 pm.