The Pinal County Board of Supervisors acted upon the recommendation of a search committee by appointing Andrew M. Ramirez as Justice of the Peace in Precinct One.
Ramirez will replace outgoing Judge Kema Granillo who is retiring on Sunday, June 1st.
“This is a very exciting opportunity,” Ramirez said following his appointment to the post. “I want to thank the committee & the supervisors for the selection. I know there is great responsibility with this position.”
Presiding Justice of the Peace Toni Lorona said that the committee had some great candidates from which to choose.
“I will be up front & say it was a difficult choice,” Judge Lorona said. “All 3 candidates for the vacancy were well qualified. The committee was fortunate to have such good people interested in public service.”
In addition to Ramirez, the other 2 candidates were Larry L. Pfeiffer and Tom Rankin.
Ramirez is no stranger to public service. He served as mayor & city councilman for the Town of Florence from 1974 to 1983. The new JP also has over 20 years of law enforcement experience through various positions in the Arizona State Prison, Department of Homeland Security & the Pinal County Superior Court. Ramirez is currently serving as a bailiff for Judge Rudy Georgini.
“Once I started working inside the Superior Court 2 years ago, my eyes were opened to how exciting the courtroom can be,” Ramirez said. “I will approach this new position with the same enthusiasm I had with the Superior Court.”
State statute dictates the position will be open in this upcoming campaign cycle. Ramirez said he intends to run for the position this fall.