Superior Court administration presented the appointment process for an annual pro tem superior court judge and identified Anne Borowicz as the selection committee's recommended candidate to replace Judge Terry Bannon, who retired. Staff explained the selection process follows an administrative order aligned with the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration and Supreme Court review.
Why it matters: the board must approve pro tem appointments that are initially selected by a committee and recommended by the presiding judge to the Arizona Supreme Court. Supervisors asked for applicant materials prior to the regular meeting so they could review qualifications before acting on the appointment.
Details: staff said the recruitment drew 14 applicants; a selection committee of two judges, two members of the public, two attorneys and a seventh committee member evaluated applicants, interviewed finalists and made a recommendation. The presiding judge forwards the selected candidate to the Arizona Supreme Court for review of bar standing and disciplinary history; the Supreme Court issues an administrative order once the appointment is finalized. The pro tem appointment is annual; if the board declines the committee's choice the committee will reconvene and forward another candidate.
Status and next steps: staff offered to send supervisors the resume, letter of interest and supplemental questionnaire materials submitted by the recommended candidate prior to Tuesday's regular meeting. Supervisors raised policy questions about the recurring nature of pro tem appointments versus creating an additional elected judicial division; staff said the pro tem post is reappointed annually through the described administrative process.