Maricopa County is on the prowl for a new Democratic sheriff after Paul Penzone announced his early departure, and Republicans are lining up after changing their party affiliation. According to 12News, at least three GOP law enforcers switched parties to meet the requirement that Penzone's successor must be a Democrat, a move that has some questioning the sincerity of their partisan allegiance.
Penzone, known for dismantling the controversial "Tent City" jail and ending practices considered anti-immigrant under his predecessor, Joe Arpaio, said in a statement obtained by U.S. News that his decision to step down was to explore other public service opportunities without being a "distraction" in the final year of his term. As the first elected Democratic sheriff in over three decades, his resignation has created an unusual scramble for the interim position, with former Republicans quickly donning Democratic colors, and the Republican-controlled County Board is bearing the weight to appoint a Democrat as his successor.
Election lawyer James Barton expressed his concern about the recent party switches, telling 12News, "It would be pretty terrible to appoint someone who has tried to game the system." While the practice isn't illegal, these moves suggest a level of opportunism that could undermine voter trust. Of the applicants, the County Board will perform background checks, conduct interviews and likely seek guidance from Penzone, though no timeline for the decision has been announced. Skinner, after changing his party registration, now oversees the 3,500-employee department in the interim.
Amidst these concerns, the field of applicants sees a mix of career law enforcement officers. There's Russ Skinner, a 34-year veteran and former Chief Deputy, who after being a registered Republican for 36 years, changed parties the day after Penzone announced his resignation. Jeffrey Kirkham, former police chief in Apache Junction and Nogales, also shifted his 36-year Republican affiliation this month, while Kenneth Booker waited just until last November to make his switch after 23 years in the GOP. Among the applicants is a consistent Democrat, Patrick Valenzuela Sr., a Glendale police lieutenant with a 28-year tenure. The list of hopefuls also includes Scott Meyer, Grant Harrison, and Brandon Otis, albeit registration specifics for these candidates were not disclosed in the initial 12News report.
As the selection process unfolds, the Republican-controlled County Board may lean towards selecting a caretaker who would step aside after the election, keeping the seat warm for the next elected sheriff, whose political loyalty and dedication to the role will be of paramount importance in the eyes of Maricopa's constituents.
