The Cochise County Board of Supervisors, Ann English (left), Peggy Judd (center) and Tom Crosby (right). Cochise County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jacqui Clay (far left) addressed the board. November 28, 2023.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 Tuesday to elect Democratic Supervisor Ann English the new Chair of the board. English will act as chair starting at the board’s next meeting in February.
Republican Chair Peggy Judd chose English to take over the helm.
"I will vote aye for the pure fact that we need to maintain decorum in this chamber and we will, and I think this is the best choice for that,” Judd said during the meeting Tuesday.
Republican Supervisor Tom Crosby voted against the matter.
"I will be opposing this appointment because of the severe mistakes made by Madam English and yourself Madam Judd,” Crosby said Tuesday.
Out of seven members of the public who spoke in public comment, five voiced their support of English, and two voiced their support for Crosby.
"I'm in support of Tom Crosby to be elected as Chairman of the board," said Sandy Trull during her public comment. "I just thought you guys rotated around, and Ann English has been Chairman previously. I'm just totally floored at the fact that Peggy, you would say you are a Conservative Constitutionalist and you wouldn't support someone who supports the Constitution."
Tricia Gerrodette, who voiced her support for English to take over as chair, asked the board a question during her public comment.
"Later on this year when our Elections Director will present the board with the results of various elections, and the director certifies that those results are accurate, will you pledge now to accept and certify those results if the director certifies they are accurate?" said Gerrodette.
Both Crosby and Judd have been indicted by a state grand jury on felony counts of Interference with an Election Officer and Conspiracy for their failure to certify the 2022 General Election by the state’s deadline. Last year, the Attorney General warned the board multiple times about potential open meeting law violations.
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