Search begins for justice of peace

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors is searching to fill the vacancy left by the Dec. 12 death of Justice of the Peace David Cooper.

The supervisors voted at their regular meeting Monday to accept letters of intent for the Precinct 1 position until Dec. 29.

Chairman Greg Ferguson said the next step will be a five-person committee that will meet Dec. 30-31 to review the applicants and name three for consideration at the next supervisors meeting Jan. 4.

Qualified candidates must be of the same political party as Cooper, a Republican, and a resident of Precinct 1.

At its meeting Monday, the board also approved Somerton Municipal Court Judge Manuel Figueroa as justice of the peace pro tem for  Precinct 1. He will fill out the remainder of Cooper's term, which ends in December 2010, or until a replacement is found.

Ferguson said the board hopes to select a judge at the meeting Jan. 4, and that person would be able to start by the second week in January.

In addition, the supervisors approved about $25,000 in security improvements to the Superior Court Clerk's Office. The recommended improvements come from the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and will bring the office up to date with the latest technology and security monitoring, including the evidence room.

The board did not approve a request to have an additional staff member to monitor the new equipment.

Ferguson said the improvements will include proxy cards, and the changes will be a "big improvement."

"They're going to have a lot better control," Ferguson said.

The board also approved $470,000 for the acquisition of equipment for YCSO that includes 20 specialized cameras and software for tracking evidence and critical incidents. It will also include night goggles, a special armored vehicle and "earhugger safety equipment."

In addition, the board approved use of county vehicles for six applicants for the calendar year 2010.

Finally, the board unanimously elected Supervisor Casey Prochaska as chairwoman, and current chairman Greg Ferguson as vice chairman.