PHOENIX — Maricopa County has a new sheriff, and he's homegrown.
Russ Skinner, the son of a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office employee, began his career as a deputy more than three decades ago. He rose through the ranks until he was sworn in as sheriff on Thursday.
"What you get with me is I will communicate. I will be transparent. My door is open," Skinner said after a swearing-in ceremony.
Serving Under Joe Arpaio
The Maricopa County Board voted 4-1 to appoint Skinner to serve the remaining 10 months of Paul Penzone's term. Penzone announced in October he was vacating his post early.
Skinner was a sergeant and lieutenant during the controversial years of Joe Arpaio.
"I think one of the newspapers said I was an Arpaio loyalist. I don't think that's a fair statement. I was an employee of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office," he said Thursday. "The figurehead compared to what you are as an employee, I don't think should be a true reflection of what you are personally."
Complying with Melendres Court Orders
Skinner inherits costly court-ordered mandates resulting from civil rights violations during Arpaio’s tenure. The office is at 90% compliance, according to the latest reports.
"If you look at my history, in October of 2013 I was the first lieutenant sent to implement the court order. I've been committed to the order," he said.
Board Supervisor Steve Gallardo said the office still has a public relations problem.
"There is still a trust factor. I'll be honest. There is a trust factor that needs to be dealt with," Gallardo said.
Regarding relations with the community, Skinner said he will draw on his experience.
"I can tell you as a DARE officer back in the day in Guadalupe, working those areas and working different dynamics within our community we are committed to gaining that trust," Skinner said.
A November 2015 report by Courthouse News Service testifying in court about MCSO’s lack of record-keeping protocols. Skinner described reforms he helped implement in the office to comply with the court orders.
Election Security
Skinner must also ensure three elections during a presidential year run smoothly. False conspiracies and threats against elected leaders followed the last two election cycles.
"Last year we geared up for the Super Bowl. Our Super Bowl this year is the elections process. We are having planning meetings all the time," he said.
From Republican to Democrat
Skinner did not say if he'll run for re-election next year. But he may have a political dilemma.
A registered Republican for 36 years, he became a Democrat in October, one day after Paul Penzone announced he was leaving.
The board had to appoint a Democrat in Penzone’s place. Skinner said he registered as a Democrat because he wanted to serve as sheriff and ensure a seamless transition after Penzone left. He said he is by nature apolitical.
"But I'm committed to continuing out the rest of the term as a Democrat because that's what the people wanted," he said.
Skinner's swearing-in represents a major pay cut. As Penzone's chief deputy, Skinner made more than $200,000.
As sheriff, he will make less than half of that salary.
County Supervisor Steve Gallardo, the only Democrat on the board, voted against appointing Skinner and released the following statement after Thursday's vote:
"The people of Maricopa County made it crystal clear in 2016: they were done with Joe Arpaio—done with the way he’d politicized the office, wasted money, put the county at legal risk, and unfairly and cruelly targeted communities of color. They voted for Democrat Paul Penzone because they wanted their trust in MCSO restored. I believe the former sheriff made important progress in his seven years in office, but there’s still a long way to go. Ultimately, voters will decide who leads this organization long-term.
In the meantime, I am willing to work with Sheriff Skinner to bridge the gap in trust that still exists, particularly in black and brown communities, and am hopeful he will be an engaged and committed partner in that effort.”
The three candidates previously chosen by the board included:
- Jeffrey Kirkham (formerly of the Apache Junction Police Department who recently changed his party registration to Democratic after 36 years as a registered Republican.)
- Patrick Valenzuela, Sr. (A lieutenant with Glendale police and registered Democrat who hasn't recently switched parties.)
- Russ Skinner (A 34-year veteran of the sheriff's office who switched to the Democratic Party last October.)
County Supervisor Jack Sellers said the political party-switching tactics were "discounted" during the consideration process because law enforcement leaders should not be seen as a partisan position.
Skinner was filling in as sheriff until the interim could be selected. The candidate picked by the board will only serve as sheriff until the end of this year, when voters will elect someone during the November 2024 election.
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