Reagan Joins Fellow Failures, To Be Justice Of Peace

Reagan and former Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell in better days

Arizona’s justice courts have become the dumping ground of failed politicians, who for one reason or another, remain in good stead with the powers-that-be. The most recent appointment of outgoing Secretary of State Michele Reagan to a justice of the peace position has brought the questionable placement practice into focus.

For years, failed or termed-out-of-office politicians have been appointed to open spots in the justice courts in order provide for them a soft landing. The position can also provide an opportunity to spike pensions.

From AZcourts.gov:

The requirements to be a justice of the peace are that you be a registered voter in Arizona, reside in the justice court precinct and understand the English language. While some justices of the peace are attorneys, there is no requirement that a justice court judge be an attorney.

Reagan, and others who land the cushy JP posts, hit the jackpot. As Secretary of State, Reagan earned a mere $70,000 a year. While serving as a Legislator from 2002 through 2014, Regan earned far less than $30,000 a year. However, according to Seeingredaz.com, Reagan:

“won’t be showing up at a soup kitchen. Besides being vested in the elected officials retirement plan, she’s following in her Dad’s footsteps, and going the Justice of the Peace route, which pays full time JPs $101,500. No law degree is required. A high school diploma, the ability to speak English, state residency and a pulse suffice. A quickie on-line training course is provided by the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. The Reagan family owned a political sign company after moving here from Illinois in the early 1990’s, and the name Reagan was an asset in jump starting the venture.”

According to the San Tan Valley Sentinel:

“Reagan has been designated a justice of the peace pro tempore, according to an administrative order signed by Superior Court Judge Stephen McCarville earlier this month.

Justice of the Peace Shaun Babeu requested Reagan be appointed as a temporary judge when needed, calling her “highly qualified” for the position, public records show. Babeu presides over the Apache Junction Justice Court and will transition over to a new court in San Tan Valley next year.

For a failed politician like former Pima County supervisor Ray Carroll, an unskilled highly paid position that comes with a beer-stain-proof black robe was a gift. At least that was how taxpayers saw it. Carroll, like Reagan, entered and left elected office with few marketable skills. However; during his career as a county supervisor, Carroll, like Reagan carried water for the powers-that-be.

Many believe that the lucrative JP positions are rewards for accommodating but unpopular politicians.