The Phoenix Business Journal created some buzz yesterday with an online story that Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, is being considered by Gov. Jan Brewer to be the next director of the state Department of Public Safety. Pearce told KFYI radio talk show host J.D. Hayworth that he hadn’t spoken with Brewer about an appointment, but he would “seriously consider it.”
Pearce technically would be qualified to run DPS, considering his stellar career as a sheriff’s deputy and as the former director of the Motor Vehicle Division. But I’m surprised Pearce, as a former justice of the peace and an experienced lawmaker, failed to remember that he’s legally barred from the appointment.
The Arizona Constitution — Article 4, Part 2, Section 5 — says no lawmaker can take another public office until his or her current term expires. The only exceptions are for school teachers and school board members. The specific wording means the prohibition still applies even if a lawmaker resigns from office before trying to take another government job.
So, Pearce couldn’t become DPS director until January 2011 at the earliest. The six-year term of the current director, Roger Vanderpool, expires in three months. Brewer isn’t going to wait a year to bring Pearce on board, even if she presumed she would win the November 2010 election.
Just for confirmation, the Arizona Guardian reached a similar conclusion this morning in its “Guardian Angel” column.
Twitter
“considering his stellar career as a sheriff’s deputy and as the former director of the Motor Vehicle Division”
Stellar? Really?? He used his position as a deputy to bully his ex-wife. And while with the MVD his son was fired for making fake IDs.
I hope I am misreading sarcasm.
I ws thinking the same thing “stellar career”? Can you envision what would happen to the DPS if he was in charge? If would be worst than Sheriff Joe.
It would be the same as Sheriff Joe because Pearce is his puppet.
I would say something about “tongue in cheek,” but others might not understand which cheek that would be.
How is it that Pearce would be qualified? Chiefs of police have years of experience, including command level positions. YEARS ago Pearce was an officer and obviously doesn’t remember what it is like to be on the streets.
Hey Le:
You say that “by law” Pearce can’t take the position. So I guess he can’t step down from his present position.
Ironic how I’ve never seen you comment against the millions of ILLEGAL ALIENS that have broken a Federal law (and many more I don’t doubt)…
sundevelX
Pearce was a command officer and chief deputy at MCSO.
Roguemaster666 is a one trick pony.
I have thought long and hard about challenging Russell Pearce for his Senate seat this coming November 2010 and I believe that it is time the we in Legislative District 18 bring some change to the Arizona Legislature. I have formed an exploratory committee for the Democratic nomination for LD 18. Even though I will be running as a Democratic candidate, I am running for all of Legislative District 18, Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Russell Pearce has done absolutely nothing for this district and this state. His priority is to go after brown people and make them pay because he was hurt by a brown skin person when his son was shot. Is this what we need in our legislature? a vindictive man who does not advocate for the majority of us who uses office for his for his benefit and those of his crony friends to make unconstitutional laws that hurt not only the undocumented but also American Citizens and Legal residents. I urge all of you to whether Democrat, Republican or Independent to support me to bring change to Arizona. So that we can have quality schools, safe streets, parks to play in, and a fiscally sound government.
Thank You
Robert Hernandez McDonald Jr
McDonald for LD 18 Senate Exploratory Committee
Robert McDonald, I’m an independent who lives for LD 18 and I’m also a registered voter. I don’t ever recall saying you can run for me. I know a lot more republicans and independents in the district who also said they don’t recall saying you could run for them either or even speak for them. Go pound sand and forget about running because you sanctuary supporters haven’t got a prayer running against Pearce.
re:YouBlowSmokeLikeAdemodope
You and those of your opinion are in the minority, I am finding out. Russell Pearce is beatable due to his ineptitude and his policies. I have been talking to people in this district and they are very happy to see a strong candidate with new ideas and a willingness to represent everyone instead of this partisan nonsense. Besides if what you say about independents are true then they are not independent are they.
I will work for everyone, I will listen to everyone, something that Pearce does not do now.
It is time for a change in the way we do business and the same old way does not cut it anymore.
Thank You
Robert McDonald
Candidate-State Senate LD 18
McDonald for Senate
Robert McDonald, don’t know what you’re smoking, but Russell Pearce has massive support in his district, which is the reason why voters keep electing him. Our district has suffered enough, especially due to the influx of illegal immigrants who bring their nasty ways with them and drive up our crime. I myself have been the victim of two accidents caused by illegals, and neither one had insurance. Russell Pearce says what the does and does what he says.
I KNOW I’m not in the minority when it comes to supporting Pearce, and how don’t want a sanctuary supporting liberal like yourself representing us who are fed up with not only people like you, but the liberals in Washington, D.C., who are turning a blind eye to our Constitution, while continuing to take away our individual rights and shoving more government control down our throats.
Pay close attention to the 2010 elections. There will be many of your liberal friends fired from office, and not just the ones who represent here in Arizona, but liberals all over the country. In case you haven’t notice, PEOPLE ARE MAD AS HELL AND THEY ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT FROM THE LIBERALS ANYMORE. See ya!