Payson Roundup

With Gila County’s judge pro tempore retiring in July, a selection committee has selected three candidates to fill the position.

Nominees for outgoing Judge Peter J. DeNinno’s position include Gary V. Scales, Charls (Chuck) Edward Walker and David Edward Wolak.

Presiding Judge Peter J. Cahill will select a judge in April.

The judge pro tempore works at the direction of the presiding judge and receives assigned responsibility in various cases, including civil, criminal, domestic relations, juvenile, or probate/mental health.

The full-time position is expected to run from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 with a salary of $145,000, the equivalent of a superior court judge.

The selection committee, which includes retired judge Ronnie McDaniel, Globe Mayor Fernando Shipley, County Personnel Director Birdie DeNero and attorneys Steve Titla and Anna Ortiz, reviewed six applications.

Cahill will review the nominees, select a judge and request Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch to appoint the judge.

The successful candidate will then undergo another background check before the appointment is approved.