(Editor’s note: News releases are published as submitted unless there are errors of fact.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Blanca Moreno
January 25, 2019
(602) 452-3308
13 Applicants Being Considered for an Opening on State’s Highest Court After Justice Pelander’s Retirement
The public is asked for comments on 13 applicants for an opening on the Arizona Supreme Court created by the retirement of Justice John Pelander. The applicants are:
- Paul V. Avelar of the Institute for Justice
- James P. Beene, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge – Division I
- Sean E. Brearcliffe, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge – Division II
- Kent E. Cattani, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge – Division I
- Maria Elena Cruz, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge – Division I
- David J. Euchner of the Pima County Public Defender’s Office
- Richard E. Gordon, a Pima County Superior Court Judge
- Randall M. Howe, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge – Division I
- Andrew M. Jacobs of Snell & Wilmer, LLP
- William G. Montgomery of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
- Regina L. Nassen of the Pima County Attorney’s Office
- Jennifer M. Perkins, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge – Division I
- Timothy M. Wright, a Gila County Superior Court JudgeThe appointment of a Supreme Court Justice is a highly transparent process and public input is an important part of ensuring that the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments can fairly and effectively evaluate each candidate. Applications are posted online at http://www.azcourts.gov/jnc.
The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review the applications and hear comments at a public meeting on February 6, 2019. The meeting will be held in Room 101 of the Arizona State Courts Building, 1501 West Washington. The meeting agenda will be posted on the Commission’s website at least seven days prior to the meeting.
Citizens may address the Commission on the day of the meeting or send written comments tojnc@courts.az.gov or to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ 85007. It is not necessary to submit multiple copies of written comments, and email is preferred. Comments must be received no later than February 4th to be considered. Anonymous comments cannot be considered.
At the February 6th meeting, the Commission will choose the applicants to be interviewed. The selected applicants will be interviewed on March 1, 2019. After the interviews, the Commission will recommend at least three nominees for the opening to Governor Doug Ducey, who will appoint the new justice.
