San Tan precinct justice of the peace election 2024: Who is running?

Two Republicans are vying for the San Tan precinct justice of the peace seat.

Blake King is challenging incumbent Sherwood Johnston.

Johnston was sworn into office in January 2023, after he was appointed to fill a vacant seat, and before that worked as a judge pro tempore in the Justice Courts from 2008. He previously served as Paradise Valley's magistrate and president of the Arizona Magistrates Association.

King has worked as a police officer for 20 years, in Chandler from 2003 to 2009 and in Pinal County since.

Maricopa County has 26 justice courts, each with one justice of the peace. Candidates do not need to be attorneys or have specific education. Among their duties, justices of the peace have oversight of cases about traffic infractions and evictions, civil suits up to $10,000 and protective orders.

Early voting began on July 3. Voters who cast their ballots by mail are advised to do so by July 23, and those who choose to submit their ballots in person can drop them off at a ballot drop-off or voting location by July 30.

The Arizona Republic asked the candidates to answer questions about their approach to the office if elected. Only King responded. Here's what he had to say. Answers have been edited for clarity and abridged.

Why do you want this job?

Blake King: I’m looking to become the next JP for the San Tan district to continue a long career path of serving people. This service includes a strong stance on supporting the rule of law and holding people accountable. I have five beautiful children I am watching grow up, and I want to help ensure they have a strong community with values that continue to support a safe and thriving environment.

Why do you think you are the most qualified candidate for this position?

King: With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, my integrity, ethics, morals and values have been tested. As a police officer, I have spent decades solving people’s everyday problems with an unbiased approach. I treat people fair, yet hold them accountable when necessary.

I have a master’s degree in administrative leadership and have proven to be an effective and strong leader in law enforcement for over 10 years. I have been successfully interpreting Arizona statutes and Supreme Court decisions for 20 years.

I am family first, and enjoy helping people for the betterment of society. I fully represent the values and norms of the people who live in the San Tan JP district.

What qualities do you think make a strong foundation for a justice court?

King: As a police officer, you usually only come into significant contact with someone when they are having their worst day. You need to be honest while also being sympathetic. You also need to provide solutions to their problem and offer support when needed.

I think judges need to have these same characteristics in their approach from the bench. Be honest, be caring, and give people positive, realistic help when possible. Having the backbone to make decisions in accordance with the law, which delivers a negative consequence, is not new to me.

But most of all, police officers need to be fair and unbiased. When you call 911, the officer does not ask you what political party you are or what religion you practice. Police officers swear an oath to protect and serve everyone from every background. These inherent police officer characteristics will serve me well when I am the San Tan justice of the peace.

What do you think of the eviction process in Maricopa County?

King: The eviction process for Maricopa County follows the same state statutes as all other Arizona counties. We are going to be seeing an uptick in evictions for the foreseeable future as homes become more unaffordable and people are renting more, as well as being forced to move in with family and friends.

It is important for me to know and understand all the civil processes that the JP court handles. During my time as a lieutenant, I oversaw the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Civil Unit. This experience will serve me well as I continue to help people sort through the difficult experiences of being legally removed from where they live.

Reach the reporter at christina.avery@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: San Tan precinct justice of the peace election 2024: Who is running?