Longtime Maricopa justice resigns

Pinal County Justice of the Peace Lyle Riggs has resigned. 

Riggs presided over Maricopa Municipal Court in a dual capacity for several years. 

The resignation times with the recent opening of the first free-standing municipal court in Maricopa. 

Riggs submitted his letter of resignation effective tomorrow. It was presented to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, who must now temporarily fill the vacancy with an appointee until a new justice is elected. 

The supervisors accepted Riggs’ resignation yesterday. They also approved advertising the vacancy and accepting candidates for the next 30 days. 

The supervisors are expected to seek recommendations from Republican Party officials. 

Advertising for the position will close March 8, the supervisors agreed. 

Between March 8 and 19, a search committee will interview and deliberate, delivering a recommendation to the board March 20, at which time the supervisors may make the appointment. 

The supervisors yesterday passed a resolution stating Riggs “served honorably in the position and corrected problems in the court and served the community honorably and with distinction.” 

“[The resignation letter] also indicated his willingness to help with any transition that might be needed,” said Chris Keller, chief civil deputy attorney for the board of supervisors. 

State law requires the board of supervisors to appoint Riggs’ successor and that person must be from the same political party vacating the office. Riggs is a Republican. 

The appointee will fill Riggs’ portion of the term remaining until the next general election in November.