By Jessica Boehm | The Republic
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed Gilbert Councilman Eddie Cook (pictured) as Maricopa County assessor.
The board suspended former assessor Paul Petersen after he was arrested on charges related to his private-sector job as an adoption attorney. Petersen first contested the suspension, but ultimately resigned in January to focus on his criminal defense.
Petersen has pleaded not guilty to charges in Arizona, Utah and Arkansas.
Long-time government administrator Bill Wiley has served as the interim assessor during Petersen’s absence. Cook will take over after the Gilbert Town Council accepts his resignation.
He will serve the remainder of Petersen’s term, which ends Dec. 31.
Cook has not yet filed a statement of interest to run for the position, but has said he does plan to run for the position.
