Staff Memo to Council for Associate Magistrate

To: 
 
Apache Junction City Council 
From: 
Presiding Magistrate Thomas C. McDermott 
Re: 
 
Expansion of Associate Magistrate Contract List 
 
 
Esteemed Council Members: 
 
 
I humbly request that the Council approve the requested expansion of 
the contract Associate Magistrate list by one position, and that the Council 
approve Attorney Ian Service to fill that position. The primary reason for the 
Municipal Court’s request is to ensure adequate coverage when the 
Presiding Magistrate may require leave, either for a planned vacation or an 
unexpected illness or family emergency.  
 
Of the five associate magistrates currently under contract with the 
Municipal Court, one is no longer available, and two others are rarely 
available. Two associates regularly serve the court on busy calendar days. 
However, of these two, only one might be available to serve on short notice 
or to cover a full week. Although she might be available to cover for a week, 
such a request may constitute a significant imposition on her due to the 
distance she resides from the Municipal Court. Thank you very much for 
your time and consideration.