On Tuesday, September 2nd I made a very important decision. That decision was to enter the race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 6 (The Superior/Kearny Justice Court) as a write-in candidate. I am not a politician by any means, nor do I want to become a politician by any standard. My intent is to continue to serve the Copper Basin and its surrounding communities by seeking the office of Justice of the Peace.
I believe that I am a highly qualified candidate for the position of Justice of the Peace based upon my education, experience and my strong belief in ethics.
My educational background and professional memberships include:
1972 – 1976 ● Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ / BA Elementary Education
1990 – 1992 ● Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ / MA Ed. Leadership & Supervision
2006 – 2007 ● Judicial College of Arizona, Arizona State Supreme Court Certification Limited Jurisdiction Courts
2006 – Present ● Attendee Arizona State Judicial Conference
2006 – Present ● Attendee Arizona Courts Association Conference
● Member of the Arizona Magistrate’s Association
● Member of the Arizona Courts Association
● Member of the National Judge’s Association
I worked for the Ray Unified School District for twenty-nine years serving as a teacher, coach, director of gifted programs, primary principal and high school principal. Upon my retirement in 2006 I received the honor of being selected as the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Administrator of the Year Award for the State of Arizona. The award is sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education Career and Technical Education Department.
Following my retirement, I was appointed as the Deputy Magistrate for the Town of Kearny. I completed my judicial training at the Judicial College of Arizona and received my Limited Jurisdiction Certification from the Arizona State Supreme Court. I have been the Magistrate for the Town of Kearny for eight years and will continue to do so as appointed by the town council. I have also served as a judge pro tem for Pinal County for eight years.
Throughout all of my life experiences I have relied on making decisions that are firm, fair and consistent. I believe in doing the right thing and sometimes that means not the popular thing. Ethics must be the foundation for building a strong judiciary.
I am an active volunteer in our community. In 2006 I served as a member of the Ray Unified School Governing Board. Currently I volunteer with the following community organizations: Copper Basin Pride with the Free Dump Day (21 years), Copper Basin Community Health Care Foundation (22 years), and Kearny Golf Board (8 years). I have participated in many community events as a volunteer and I have a passion for the rural lifestyle that I have enjoyed as a resident of the Copper Basin.
My wife and I have lived in Kearny for thirty seven years. Our daughter Clarissa is a graduate of Ray High School and the University of Arizona and is now attending Midwestern University. My wife Jo earned a BSN from the Arizona State University College of Nursing and is employed by Oro Valley Hospital.
The position of Justice of the Peace for Precinct 6 is currently open and the voters will decide which candidate is best qualified to serve the people of our community. I would encourage all voters to compare each candidate’s qualifications and make an informed decision.
Fill in the oval and write in Dave Orzell for Justice of the Peace.