Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Maricopa County Constable El Centro

ConstableA constable is an officer of the county justice courts. Constables and their deputies are the executive enforcement branch of the county justice courts. Duties include executing and returning writs of possession or restitution (evictions), serving orders of protection or orders prohibiting harassment, serving civil and criminal summons and subpoenas, and seizing property to satisfy judgments. 4-year term.Why you should care:In addition to their enforcement responsibilities, constables perform much of the community outreach required by the court, such as summoning jurors. The constable will have significant face-to-face interactions with their community. A constable is extremely important not only for ensuring safety in the courtroom but also for ensuring effective communication between the courts and communities.For additional information:https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-county-constable

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Darlene T Martinez
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What are your top 3 priorities for your position, and what are your specific plans for addressing these issues?

What specific training, experience, and background qualify you for this position?

What are some daily challenges facing constables, and how would you handle them?

Campaign Email dmfordowntown@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://dmfordowntown.com
Campaign Facebook http://darlene.t.martinez
Campaign Instagram http://darlene.t.martinez
Campaign Twitter @@theDarlene
Public Policy Priorities Homelessness, Veterans, and Domestic Violence
Qualifications and Experience “I am running for re-election for a third term because serving the downtown community has been the true honor of my life, and I want to continue dedicating my experience to supporting and protecting our neighborhoods. Over the past decade in office, I have focused on maintaining a highly professional operation built on the foundation of treating every single person who interacts with the justice system with absolute dignity and respect. I have a proven track record of executing all court orders safely, efficiently, and fairly, backed by a deep understanding of how our public justice system works. As a trusted leader with strong ties to our city, including my continued work as the Chair on the Central City Planning and Development Commission, I bring the unique combination of seasoned leadership, hands-on community service, and deep roots in the labor movement. I am running to ensure our community keeps a proven, steady advocate who knows how to deliver results for working families”
Memberships & Affiliations LULAC, Arizona Hispanic Form, Chair Central City Village Planning Commission, State Committee Person, Arizona Constable Association
Endorsements Our campaign is building incredible early momentum, and I am proud to have already secured the formal endorsement of AFSCME, AFSCME Retirees and AFL-CIO, alongside groups like Arizona List and the Victory Fund. We are also honored to have earned the backing of key state and local leaders who believe in our vision, including Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, and Supervisor Steve Gallardo. Furthermore, our coalition includes a strong block of state lawmakers, beginning with Congressman Greg Stanton, Senators Catherine Miranda, Lela Alston, and Flavio Bravo, and State Representatives Aaron Marquez, Sarah Ligouri, and Junelle Cavero, to name a few, there are more leaders listed on our website. We are participating in the candidate screening process with several other vital labor organizations right now, and we expect further union endorsements to be announced soon as our coalition of working-f
Community Service Chair Central City Village Planning Commission, Member of Design Review Board, Saint Vincent De Paul, Champions For Homeless, Keys for Change,
Education John Marshall, LACC.
Enhancing Community Safety through Professional Service of Process. The foundational duty of a Constable is the safe, timely, and lawful execution of civil and criminal court orders. Plan: Tactical Training & De-escalation: Inter-Agency Collaboration: Strengthen Communication & tactical partnerships. Technology Integration: Utilize modern routing and data management tools to streamline service, ensure court documents are served efficiently and transparently, and with compassion
"With nearly a decade of hands-on experience as an elected Constable, I possess deep, foundational knowledge of civil and criminal process service, statutory requirements, and courtroom protocols. Over my tenure, I have successfully executed thousands of court orders, writs, and evictions, giving me the practical expertise required to run the office efficiently, accurately, and in strict compliance with the law".
"The most critical daily challenges facing Constables involve managing high-stakes, volatile human behavior in unpredictable environments. On any given day, executing court orders brings us face-to-face with individuals experiencing severe distress, anger, or desperation. Specifically, our primary daily challenges include encountering individuals with firearms, active resistance to the eviction process, and aggressive hostility or evasion during the service of process. To handle these high-risk challenges safely and professionally, I rely on a strict framework of tactical experience, advanced training, and operational protocol: four key elements are involved: Pre-Field Intelligence & Risk Assessment, Tactical De-Escalation & Crisis Intervention, Strategic Collaboration & Backup, and Strict Operational Accountability. In addition, I always follow the law, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and prioritize safety while providing resources when needed.