Bill Montgomery among 11 applicants for Arizona Supreme Court vacancy

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is among 11 candidates under consideration for an Arizona Supreme Court opening for the second time this year.

The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments on Friday released the names of the applicants to fill the vacancy created by Chief Justice Scott Bales’ retirement:

• Sean E. Brearcliffe, an Arizona Court of Appeals judge.
• Kent E. Cattani, an Arizona Court of Appeals judge.
• Maria Elena Cruz, an Arizona Court of Appeals judge.
• David J. Euchner of the Pima County Public Defender’s Office
• Richard E. Gordon, a Pima County Superior Court judge
• Randall M. Howe, an Arizona Court of Appeals judge.
• Andrew M. Jacobs of Snell & Wilmer, LLP.
• William G. Montgomery of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
• Regina L. Nassen of the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
• Jennifer M. Perkins, an Arizona Court of Appeals judge.
• Timothy M. Wright, a Gila County Superior Court judge.

The list of those applying for the vacancy created by Chief Justice Bales' retirement is now online. Includes links to the applications and information about June 25's public meeting. https://t.co/xShS187PJe

— Az Supreme Court ⚖️ (@AZCourts) May 31, 2019

All 11 also were in the running to replace Justice John Pelander, who retired in March.

By Gov. Doug Ducey’s appointment in April, that seat went to James P. Beene, an Arizona Court of Appeals judge.

The commission is asking the public to submit comments on the applicants. It will meet on June 25 to decide which candidates to interview, and the interviews will be held the next day.

Then at least three nominees will be recommended to Ducey.

Comments can be submitted by June 20 via email at jnc@courts.az.gov or regular mail to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, Arizona, 85007.

Citizens may also address the commission during the June 25 meeting.

Once the choice is made, five of the court’s seven justices will have been appointed by Ducey.

In March, Bales, the lone Democratic appointee on the court, announced his retirement after 14 years on the bench. His last day was set for July 31.

Follow @kstonezone