Following the recent appointment of City Judge Christopher O’Neil to the Pinal County Superior Court Bench, the Casa Grande City Council will soon begin the process of selecting a replacement to complete his term.
Per the city charter, the city judge is appointed to a two-year term that runs concurrent with that of the Mayor. On January 2, the City Council will take action to appoint an interim judge as well as a judicial selection committee to evaluate applicants for the position. Typically the selection committee will recommend candidates for consideration with the ultimate appointment being made by the City Council. Upon completion of O’Neil’s current term, which concludes in December 2018, the City Council will then initiate another recruitment and selection process for a city judge.
“We’re incredibly proud of Chris and his recent appointment by Governor Ducey,” said Mayor Craig McFarland. “He has demonstrated such commitment and integrity in leading our City Court, and has truly earned this appointment with the Superior Court. Even in his absence, we will remain grateful for his ongoing passion and dedication to the community of Casa Grande.”
O’Neil graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University in 2006 and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2009, where he also served as the executive note editor for the Arizona Law Review. He will begin his new role at the Pinal Superior Court on January 2.
The City Council meeting on January 2 will begin at 7:00 pm and will take place in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 510 E. Boulevard. The meeting can be watched live or on-demand on Cox Channel 11 or on the city website.
