By Mark Cowling | PinalCentral
As Maricopa County officials wrestle with their response to an official there facing criminal charges related to his private-sector adoption work, some Pinal County supervisors say they don’t believe they should have the power to remove another officeholder.
Pete Rios, D-Dudleyville, and Steve Miller, R-Casa Grande, told PinalCentral that counties are extensions of the state Legislature, and if anyone had the power to remove an officeholder, it should be the Legislature. There’s also due process, and the officeholder should have his day in court.
“He’s entitled to his side of the story,” Miller said.
Supervisor Anthony Smith, R-Maricopa, commented by email, “No, I don’t think supervisors need additional powers when processes are already in place for voters to remove those in elected office. Voters can organize either a recall election or vote them out of office during the next election cycle.
