Cochise County Board Chair Peggy Judd has announced her resignation from the leadership role, citing the need to provide round-the-clock care for her husband, Kit, who is facing deteriorating health conditions. Judd, elected in 2016 to represent northern Cochise County, clarified that she will not seek re-election when her term expires in December.
The decision to step down as board chairwoman was made public during a recent interview, where Judd emphasized her commitment to ensuring the well-being of her husband and clarified that she will not be resigning early from the board itself. The hope is to nominate a new chairperson during the upcoming board meeting on January 23.
Judd, who previously served as board chairwoman, faces additional challenges as she deals with a legal matter. She is currently being prosecuted in Maricopa County Superior Court on felony charges related to alleged election interference and criminal conspiracy during the 2022 general election in Cochise County.
In Cochise County, the board chairperson holds both ceremonial and ministerial duties. This includes representing the county at various community events and with state and regional organizations. Additionally, the chairperson is a signatory to county-issued checks known as warrants. The pivotal role also involves running meetings, setting agendas, and scheduling work sessions, providing significant control over discussions and issue considerations.
Kit Judd, who frequently accompanied his wife to various events throughout her political career, is now requiring increased care due to his health problems. Despite his medical challenges, he attended Cochise County’s National Adoption Day ceremony in November, where Peggy Judd read a proclamation adopted by the board.
Amidst these personal challenges, some District 3 constituents have called for Judd’s resignation due to her criminal indictment, while others, mainly within her own Republican Party, have criticized her for not taking a more assertive stance on alleged election system issues.
As Peggy Judd steps down from her leadership position, the focus shifts to the upcoming board meeting, where a new chairperson will be considered. The community awaits the outcome, recognizing the impact of Judd’s departure on both the board’s dynamics and the representation of Cochise County constituents.
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