Board appoints Anne M. Borwick as superior court judge pro tem amid public support and a 2‑1 vote

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Anne M. Borwick as Superior Court judge pro tempore effective Oct. 7 through June 30, 2026, by a 2–1 vote.

Local attorneys and community members addressed the board in support of Borwick’s appointment. Laura Cardinal, an attorney and former Superior Court judge in Sierra Vista, told the board: “Anne is a qualified attorney…Anne has practiced in probate, juvenile law, and family law for many years” and called her “prepared” and “highly ethical.” Jeanie Whitney and other local practitioners also urged the board to confirm Borwick, citing civil‑law experience and familiarity with local families and courts.

Supervisor Frank Antonori spoke at length opposing the appointment on ideological grounds. Antonori stated: “If anybody believes for one split second that politics does not creep into the judicial system, you just need to look at what's been going on at the federal level…Politics plays a role.” He said he would not vote for what he described as placing another liberal judge on the bench and cast the lone no vote. Supervisor Sierra Crosby and Supervisor Lisonbee Gomez voted in favor; Crosby said she met Borwick and was impressed and wanted more information in advance of such appointments in the future.

The board’s motion, made under Arizona law authorizing temporary judicial appointments, also authorized court administration to use a duty‑appointed superior court judge pro tem from another county if needed under extenuating circumstances. The motion passed 2–1 and the board instructed court administration to proceed under the statutory authority cited in the motion.