By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The Graham County Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Stephanie Newton, Chief Court Clerk at the Gila Valley Municipal Court, as Interim Justice of the Peace to complete the term of retiring Judge Wyatt J. Palmer.
The appointment was announced during the board’s regular meeting on Monday morning. Chairman John Howard (R-District 2) moved to appoint Newton, with the motion seconded by Vice-Chairman Paul David (D-District 1) and supported by Supervisor Clay Mack (R-District 3), resulting in a unanimous vote.
Judge Palmer’s retirement, prompted by a terminal illness, left a significant backlog of cases in the Justice Court. Board members emphasized the urgency of filling the position quickly to ensure continuity in the administration of justice.
Judge Palmer was elected Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 in 2011, and in 2023, Graham County’s two Justice Courts were consolidated into one to achieve cost savings. Palmer became the sole Justice of the Peace, operating out of the Gila Valley Municipal Court in Safford.
A challenging decision amid strong candidates
Vice-Chairman Paul David described the selection process as difficult due to the exceptional qualifications of all five applicants:
- Four held college degrees.
- Two possessed law degrees.
- Three had master’s degrees, with a fourth currently enrolled.
- Three had prior or current experience with county employment.
Despite the impressive pool, the board prioritized a candidate who could hit the ground running. Newton’s extensive experience as Chief Court Clerk in the local system was seen as providing the “shortest learning curve” to address the immediate backlog. As David noted, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Chairman Howard echoed the sentiment.
“It’s nice to see that we have that many people that wants this position,” he said. “It’s a very important decision that changes people’s lives. It’s a decision that I certainly didn’t take lightly.”
He expressed gratitude to all applicants for their interest in the vital role and encouraged them to continue to politick.
Looking ahead to the election
The appointment is interim only, with the permanent position to be decided by voters, beginning with the August 2026 primary. Three of the five applicants have already pulled election packets to run for the seat in the upcoming primary and general elections. In addition to Newton, Graham County deputy attorney John Griffith and former Safford City Councilman Michael Andazola are also running for the position.
Newton, who is familiar with the county’s judicial operations through her current role, has also indicated her intent to seek election to the position.
The board encouraged all qualified candidates to continue campaigning, expressing hope that their interim choice aligns with the will of Graham County residents.
