2021 Redistricting Cycle begins: Initial public screening of commissioner applicants

Tomorrow, September 17, 2020, the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments (AZCACA) will hold its first meeting for the purpose of review and screening of the 139 applicants. To become one of the five chosen to become commissioners for the next decade, we'll get our first look at how (superficially or in-depth) they will be evaluated.

You may know that the process has already been subject to controversy in that Gov. Ducey has neglected to appoint an adequately diverse membership to the AZCACA.

From information provided by the court,

The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in conference room 101 of the Arizona State Courts Building in Phoenix, 1501 W. Washington. Public comment is accepted at this meeting, however, in order to maintain social distance, there is very limited seating available. We highly encourage all comments to be submitted via email to jnc@courts.az.gov or via mail to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ 85007. All comments received at these addresses will be shared with the Commission.

If you choose to speak to the Commission in person, you must send your information and the subject of your comments to Blanca Moreno at bmoreno@courts.az.gov by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Those who submit a request to speak will have access to the available seats first. All other attendees will be allowed into the meeting on a first come, first served basis. Masks are required to enter and remain in the building.

The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments may vote on nominations for the Independent Redistricting Commission at the September 17, 2020 meeting or at a later meeting.

This highlighted statement suggests the AZCACA may decide to not even interview applicants. That would seem to be highly problematic, if true.

To view the live stream of the meeting, click on this link.