Riggs takes oath on ‘new day’ for Justice Court

Whether poignant or pointed, the printed program for the swearing-in ceremony of Justice of the Peace Lyle Riggs was titled “A New Day.”

Not only is Riggs new to the office in the Maricopa-Stanfield court, but he also brings along new Chief Clerk Maria Lee. Newly elected Constable Bret Roberts was also sworn in during the Friday morning ceremony, but not before friends sent off his predecessor with a plaque.

“A year ago, I assure you, this was not on the radar screen,” Riggs said.

In relating his decision to run for justice of the peace, he said it was one thing to tell his family they were moving for a new job and another to tell them they were moving and he might have a job.

Riggs’ arrival comes after more than a year of cleanup at Precinct 8, during which Judge Scott Sulley was removed and eventually disbarred.

“This has been a year in the making,” said Karna Buckner, chief clerk of the Precinct 2 Justice Court in Casa Grande, in introducing Lee. “We are really proud of the progress they have made in putting this ship right. A lot of us have a lot of blood, sweat and tears in this court.”

Presiding Judge Roger Valdez of Precinct 2 concurred.

“This court had problems. It now has issues,” he said. “The clerks have done a wonderful job.”

Buckner recalled that Riggs told her during the election, “If I win, I’m coming back for Maria.”

Lee said she was appreciative of the staff welcoming her. She got her judicial start in the Casa Grande court before moving to Marana and then back to Casa Grande.

Riggs defeated Russ Kimball in the Republican Primary and independent Julia Gusse and Democrat Kevin Taylor in the General Election.

Riggs swore in Roberts before switching sides and being sworn in by Valdez.

In the Republican primary, Roberts defeated incumbent George Hoffman, who was elected in 2008, and then defeated Dennis Howerton in the general.