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Pinal County Justice of the Peace District 3

Justice of the PeaceEvery county has justice courts presided over by a Justice of the Peace. Each court has one justice of the peace and one constable. Justice courts primarily deal in small claims cases for $10,000 or less. They handle misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, evictions, traffic infractions (including DUIs), and small-dollar civil matters, such as shoplifting and writing bad checks. The number of justices in a county depends on the population. Justices do not need to be attorneys or have any specific education. 4-year term.Why you should care:Due to the nature of the offenses they adjudicate, many people will have some interaction with one of their county justices of the peace. Justice courts also hear many non-criminal civil disputes, often without attorneys; in these cases, the justice of the peace will interact directly with residents.For additional information:https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Courts/Justice-Courts

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  • Candidate picture

    Eustino "Tino" Tarango III
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    George Arredondo Sr.
    (Dem)

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    Delfina Kerdels
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Glenda Stewart
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

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

What are some challenges facing the Justice Courts, and how would you address them in your court?

What considerations would you bring to bear when making sentencing decisions?

Campaign Phone 5208408205
Campaign Website http://www.judgetarango.com
Public Policy Priorities N/A
Qualifications and Experience I have approximately 10 years of judicial experience as Justice of the Peace, including service as Presiding Justice of the Peace, Special Master IA Judge, and Judge Pro Tem. I've also attended the Arizona Supreme Court's Limited Jurisdiction Judges Orientation Program in 2015 and again in 2023. My judicial experience, combined with more than 30 years in public safety and continued judicial education, has given me a deep understanding of due process, constitutional rights, and the fair and impartial administration of justice in both criminal and civil matters.
Memberships & Affiliations Arizona City Chamber of Commerce
Endorsements Retired Superior Court Judge Henry "Hank" Gooday Jr, Retired Justice of the Peace Marie "Toni" Lorona, Judge Raymond Jegge, AZRA, Arizona Senator T.J. Shope, Arizona Legislator Teresa Martinez
Community Service 22 years volunteer Fire Fighter, Former Eloy Little League Coach, Former Eloy Lions Club member, Member Corazon de Latino Unidos
Education My qualifications are based not only on decades of practical experience but also on extensive professional and judicial training. I attended Central Arizona College to become a certified peace officer and have completed hundreds of hours of specialized law enforcement, investigative, leadership, and management training throughout my career. As a Justice of the Peace, I completed the Arizona Supreme Court's Limited Jurisdiction Judges Orientation Program and continue to participate in annual judicial conferences and continuing education to remain current on changes in the law, court procedures, and judicial ethics.
I have dedicated my life to public service and bring a unique combination of judicial experience, public safety experience, and ongoing professional training to this position. I currently serve as Justice of the Peace for the Central Pinal Justice Court and have approximately 10 years of judicial experience, including service as the Presiding Justice of the Peace, Judge Pro Tem, and Special Master IA Judge. I completed the Arizona Supreme Court's Limited Jurisdiction Judges Orientation Program in 2015 and again in 2023 and regularly participate in various ongoing yearly judicial education courses.

Prior to being elected in 2014, I served more than 30 years in public safety. Throughout my career, I learned the importance of due process, constitutional protections, fairness, and making decisions based on facts and evidence. As Justice of the Peace, I apply those same principles in all matters before the court, whether criminal, civil, traffic, eviction, or protective order cases.
Justice Courts are often the public's first experience with the judicial system. One of the greatest challenges is ensuring timely access to justice while managing increasing caseloads and limited resources. Courts must move cases efficiently while protecting due process and ensuring every person has an opportunity to be heard.

Another challenge is maintaining public trust and confidence in the judiciary. Many people come to court during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and they deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

As Justice of the Peace, I address these challenges by maintaining an efficient and accessible court, staying current on judicial education, and ensuring cases are handled promptly while protecting the rights of all parties. My commitment is to uphold the Constitution, apply the law impartially, and provide a court that serves the public with professionalism, accountability, and respect while meeting time standards as set by AJB.
Every sentencing decision begins with the law. I consider the facts of the case, the seriousness of the offense, the impact on victims, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances allowed by law. I also consider whether opportunities for rehabilitation and accountability exist that may help reduce future offenses while still holding individuals responsible for their actions.

My experience in public safety and on the bench has taught me that no two cases are exactly alike. Every case involves real people and real families. Sentencing requires balancing accountability, fairness, community safety, and respect for the rights of all parties.

Most importantly I do not approach sentencing with a predetermined outcome. My duty is to apply the law impartially, consider the facts of each case, and impose a sentence that is fair, lawful, and consistent with justice.
Campaign Email Info@georgearredondo.com
Campaign Website http://GeorgeArredondo.com
Campaign Twitter @GArredondoSr
Public Policy Priorities Every person deserves dignity, respect, and a fair hearing based strictly on the law—not politics or outside influence. The courtroom should be neutral and independent, where every voice is heard and every person understands their rights and responsibilities. Court procedures should be modernized to reduce delays and use technology efficiently while respecting the time of citizens, law enforcement, and court staff. Justice should be transparent, with community education and open communication that build public trust. The only influence in the courtroom should be the law, free from outside donors, special interests, and political insiders.
Qualifications and Experience Experienced, proven, and prepared to serve, this candidate brings a distinguished background in administrative, business, military, state, municipal, and education law. Trusted with a Top Secret clearance, he has demonstrated integrity, discretion, and sound judgment at the highest levels of responsibility. As a decorated veteran with three combat tours, he offers leadership forged through service, accountability, and real-world decision-making under pressure. Backed by dual master’s-level education, he combines legal knowledge, steady temperament, and a deep commitment to fairness—qualities essential to serving the community with honor as Justice of the Peace.
Memberships & Affiliations School Board Member; former City of Coolidge Council member; VFW former Quartermaster/Sr Vice Commander; American Legion member
Endorsements Judicial independence matters. To remain fair, impartial, and faithful to the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct, I will not seek endorsements.
Education Two Masters Degrees, National Defense University and Northern AZ University.
My training, experience, and background have prepared me well to serve as Justice of the Peace. I bring a comprehensive legal background in administrative, business, military, state, municipal, and education law, giving me a broad understanding of the issues facing individuals, families, and communities. My dual master’s-level education has strengthened my ability to analyze complex matters, make informed decisions, and apply sound judgment. As a decorated veteran with three combat tours, I have developed leadership, discipline, and the ability to make real-world decisions under pressure while remaining accountable to those I serve. The trust placed in me through holding a Top Secret clearance reflects my integrity, reliability, and respect for public service. I have the temperament, legal knowledge, and commitment to serve fairly, professionally, and with honor.
Justice courts face serious challenges: restoring public trust, ensuring fair and impartial rulings, reducing delays, and protecting the independence of the bench. In my court, every person will be treated with dignity and respect, and every case will be decided based on the law, not politics, special interests, or outside pressure. I believe the justice court must remain separate from the law enforcement system so every citizen receives a neutral and unbiased hearing. I will work to modernize court procedures, improve scheduling, and clearly explain the process so cases move efficiently and people understand their rights. I also believe justice must be transparent and connected to the community. A strong court is one that is fair, efficient, independent, and accountable only to the law.
In making sentencing decisions, I would focus on fairness, proportionality, and public safety. I would consider the seriousness of the offense, the harm caused, and the defendant’s level of intent, while also taking into account the individual’s background, prior record, and potential for rehabilitation, all within the framework of the law. I believe sentencing should hold people accountable, but it should also be tailored to the circumstances rather than applied mechanically. I would carefully weigh aggravating and mitigating factors, consider the impact on victims and the broader community, and strive for consistency in the application of the law. Ultimately, my goal would be to impose a sentence that is just, reasoned, and serves both accountability and the long-term interests of society.
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