The Justice of the Peace is a judge of a court of law and unfortunately, the JP is the only judicial position on a partisan ballot...ironic for a neutral trier of fact.

The only 'qualifications' for a Justice of the Peace are that one is 18+ years of age and can read/write English. However, having a legal background should be required, because a judge should have experience practicing law to preside over the court competently. A judicial officer should be selected based on merit, educational (legal) qualifications, and the ability to serve impartially. All other judicial roles in Arizona require a judge to be an attorney.

 

Would you go to a dentist's office and let the receptionist work on your teeth? 

The correct answer is NO...so why would anyone vote for a non-lawyer to be the judge of a court of law...it is simply bad politics. A vote for Irish isn't just good luck, it's the right move.

I am an American, born and raised in Moon Valley, and have lived and voted here my entire life, which includes elections prior to the 2024 primary. I went to law school and am a licensed attorney. I have also practiced in the justice court. I am the only candidate in this race that can make these statements. Because of such, my opponent is doing anything and everything in an attempt to distract voters from these facts. 

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Because of the above information, the Irish for Justice campaign is proud to say we have obtained the vote of democrat incumbent MV Justice of the Peace Deborah Ann Begay. Despite the volatile nature of today's political environment, her vote comes cross-party, due to the fact that this role should transcend politics. The JP shouldn't be about popularity, but who is best suited for it and that is attorney Michael Irish. Irish for Justice thanks everyone for their votes, particularly Justice Begay.

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My opponent is NOT qualified or suited to take on the Justice of the Peace position.

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Moon Valley should also know about my opponents' history of legal issues:

• Multiple eviction actions (2021)

• Criminal speeding ticket (2019)

  • Driving without insurance (2019) - Automobile insurance is required by Arizona state law.

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (2010)

 

How can one attempt to impart the law onto others, when they do not understand and/or abide by the law themself? Evidenced by a history of mismanaging her financial affairs (BK and multiple eviction actions), it is not conceivable that she could competently run a court of law, when she cannot even manage herself.

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My opponent flat out lies when she states: "I am a mom, a community member, and someone who wants to ensure our community has a champion who not only follows the law, but does so with compassion." Moreover, she has attempted to cover up her criminal history by having the public record purged in May of 2024, but fortunately the Irish for Justice campaign located such before she had the court destroy the file. Deceitful.

 

Also...what is a community champion? A self-made term that sounds nice? How can you be a "community champion" when you moved into MV, solely for the purpose of running for a political position? More lies...as according to the voting records, she never even voted in Moon Valley prior to this year's primary...to vote for herself. 

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As my opponent also states on her website: "This is our community, and we need to take care of it." This is correct, and the way to do so is to vote Attorney Michael Irish for Justice of the Peace - Moon Valley, a lifelong community member!