The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided not to appoint a temporary replacement for former Rep. Ben Arredondo, who resigned on Oct. 9 after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges, Arizona Capitol Times reports.
The board, which comprises four Republicans and a Democrat, was prepared to select Rep.-elect Juan Mendez to finish the last few weeks of Arredondo’s term in Legislative District 17, but Mendez withdrew his name.
Board spokesman Richard de Uriarte said the Legislature will save money without the short-term appointee and there is no urgency to choose Arredondo’s replacement since there is no special session.
Rep. Ed Ableser, a Tempe Democrat who has the other LD 17 House seat, said the board is playing partisan politics and refusing to help out a Democratic district.
