Six county residents file to replace retiring Constable Ralph Riley

FLORENCE- The search for Ralph Riley’s replacement as constable in Precinct 8 has begun.

Six hopefuls, who live in the precinct, have filed as candidates for the constable position. Riley retired on Dec. 31, 2007. He served as constable for the Maricopa precinct for nine years.

The appointee will serve until the next general election in November 2008.

A committee comprised of Justice of the Peace Scott Sulley; Pinal County Republican Party Chairman Tommy Tucker; Scott Bartle; Matt Smith and City of Maricopa Police Chief Patrick Melvin will interview the candidates on Jan. 23 at the Maricopa Interim City Hall.

Following the interviews with the six hopefuls, the committee will cull the list to two finalists. A second interview will be held with the finalists on Jan. 28. The committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 6.

The candidates for the seat are: Ed Filburn; George A. Hoffman; Harry L. Hughes III; David E. Irvin Jr.; David Lang and Thomas E. Murphy.

Photo by RuthAnn Hogue