Ramirez will replace outgoing Judge Kema Granillo who is retiring on Sunday, June 1. "This is a very exciting opportunity," Ramirez said following his appointment to the post. "I want to thank the committee and the supervisors for the selection. I know there is great responsibility with this position." Presiding Justice of the Peace Toni Lorona said that the committee had some great candidates from which to choose. "I will be up front and say it was a difficult choice," Judge Lorona said. "All three candidates for the vacancy were well qualified. The committee was fortunate to have such good people interested in public service."
In addition to Ramirez, the other two candidates were Larry L. Pfeiffer and Tom Rankin. Ramirez is no stranger to public service. He served as mayor and city councilman for the Town of Florence from 1974 to 1983. The new JP also has over twenty years of law enforcement experience through various positions in the Arizona State Prison, Department of Homeland Security and the Pinal County Superior Court. Ramirez is currently serving as a bailiff for Judge Rudy Georgini
"Once I started working inside the Superior Court two years ago, my eyes were opened to how exciting the courtroom can be," Ramirez said. "I will approach this new position with the same enthusiasm I had with the Superior Court."
State statute dictates the position will be open in this upcoming campaign cycle. Ramirez said he intends to run for the position this fall.
- Precinct One coverage areas include the municipalities of Florence and Coolidge.
- There are eight Justice of the Peace precincts in Pinal County.
- Justice of the Peace courts hear both civil and criminal cases.
- Civil jurisdiction is limited to only $10,000.
- Criminal jurisdiction is limited to petty offenses and misdemeanors.
