MOHAVE COUNTY – Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has extended the timeline for filling the vacancy created by last month’s resignation of Virlynn Tinnell as Clerk of Mohave County Superior Court. Presiding Judge Charles Gurtler promoted deputy director Christina Spurlock to serve as interim Clerk until the Governor can fill the post by appointment.
Applications were initially required by May 17 but the deadline for making application has been extended to June 4. Governor spokesman C.J. Karamargin did not disclose how many people applied but said that the extension aimed to ensure the ”best pool of applicants” can be reviewed.
Spurlock and Mohave County Constable Mike Cobb (Kingman precinct) submitted applications before the first deadline. Both confirm they intend to run when voters fill the Clerk’s post in next year’s election cycle.
Those wishing to apply for appointment to serve out the 18 months remaining in Tinnell’s term of office must be eligible to vote and a Republican. The Governor’s Office will review applications and conduct interviews before any appointment decision is made by Ducey.
More information about the position that pays $63,800 per year can be found on the Clerk tab of the Mohave County Superior Court website and under Arizona Revised Statute 12-283.
The Governor’s office is also taking applications to fill the position being vacated by retiring Mohave County Superior Court judge Charles Gurtler. Gurtler, a resident of Fort Mohave who presides in Bullhead City, steps down at the end of June.
“Applicants must be at least 30 years of age and less than 65 years of age, of good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, a resident of Arizona for the past five years and a resident of Mohave County for the past year,” a news release stated. “A signed original application with all attachments, and a searchable .pdf version of the application and attachments must be submitted to Anni Foster, General Counsel, Office of Governor Doug Ducey, Executive Tower, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, by 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021.”
Application materials can be downloaded from the Governor’s Office website: https://azgovernor.gov/judges.
Dave Hawkins
