Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 3/26/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 7A2
ACTION:  Approve the two-year appointment of James Sampanes as Presiding Judge of the Tempe 
Municipal Court and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:  Sufficient funds for the proposed agreement are included in the fiscal year 2025-
26 annual operating budget have been allocated in the General Fund budget cost center 1410 for this 
appointment.
RECOMMENDATION:  Appoint James Sampanes as Presiding Judge of the Tempe Municipal Court 
for a two-year term beginning May 4, 2026.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  The Judicial Advisory Board is responsible for the recruitment and 
interview process for the position of Presiding Judge of the Tempe Municipal Court. The Council 
appointed Board members are: 
Honorable Amy Kalman
Judge, Maricopa County Superior Court
Judy Aldrich
Public Member
Martha Ashburn
Public Member
Scott Blum
State Bar of Arizona Member
Eadie Rudder  
State Bar of Arizona Member
Honorable Kevin Kane
Presiding Judge, Tempe Municipal Court
Ex Officio Member
The Judicial Advisory Board oversaw the recruitment and interview process for the position of Presiding 
Judge. The Board screened candidate applications, conducted reference checks, encouraged public 
input and conducted interviews with those candidates who best met the qualifications of the position. 
The Judicial Advisory Board came to unanimous consensus in recommending to Mayor and 
Councilmembers that James Sampanes be appointed as Presiding Judge of the Tempe Municipal Court.
ATTACHMENTS:    
1. SAMPANES EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 26-28 SIGNED.PDF
STAFF CONTACT(S):  Alexis Allen, Court Director, (480) 350-8252

2
Department Director:  Kevin Kane, Presiding Judge  
Legal review by:  Kara Stanek, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Prepared by:  Casey Simmons, Administrative Analyst