In theory Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio works for the county supervisors, the commission that approves his budget and policies. He’s had a very rocky relationship with supervisors for many years, even trying to put some of his critics behind bars. Supervisor Andy Kunasek, on the other hand, a Republican, has usually been a supporter of Sheriff Arpaio’s.
But no more.
In an interview that will air tonight on Phoenix’s NBC station, Kunasek says, “I think there’s been an extreme level of deceit and dishonesty.”
Gee, ya think?
Since the mid-2000s most of the sheriff’s team has been fired or indicted for illegal or unethical activity. Heck, former County Attorney Andrew Thomas was disbarred for sanctioning many of the sheriff’s illegal tactics. Arpaio himself was convicted of racial profiling in 2013, and this year he was found guilty of civil contempt of court for not obeying court orders following the racial profiling conviction. This month a hearing will decide if Arpaio should be tried for criminal contempt.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The old fart has cost Maricopa County taxpayers more than $140 million in lawsuits brought against his office — for little things like murdering inmates, illegally detaining and arresting people, and targeting judges and lawmakers. A current trial stemming from his racial profiling activities is estimated to cost $72 million.
The 84-year-old sheriff is running for office again this November against former Phoenix cop Paul Penzone, who’s currently leading in the polls. Penzone also just filed a lawsuit against the sheriff, because Arpaio blatantly lies about Penzone in an ad that’s running non-stop on TV.
Arpaio refuses to debate Penzone, of course. How in the world could he defend his record?
The sheriff, who’s vowed to continue his birther investigation, has a $12 million war chest — most of it from nativists and bigots out of state. If you can help out, throw a few dollars to Penzone. Thanks!
Penzone for Sheriff