Protesters welcome change in Maricopa County leadership
by Yvonne Wingett - Jan. 5, 2009 12:48 PM

Maricopa County Supervisor Max Wilson on Monday took over as chairman of the Board of Supervisors in front of a crowd that was protesting Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Wilson, of Litchfield Park, replaced Supervisor Andy Kunasek as chairman and will serve for one year. As chairman, Wilson will serve as the public face of the board and will be responsible for setting the board's agenda.

The change in leadership was welcomed by the protesters, and Kunasek's reign as chairman was met with a demonstration.
Dozens of protesters with Maricopa Citizens for Safety and Accountability staged a mock funeral near Arpaio's offices in the Wells Fargo building in downtown Phoenix. Then they gathered in front of the board's meeting hall, calling Kunasek's time as chairman "death of democracy."

The demonstrators crowded into the county chambers as the meeting began.

For months, the group has requested that the board place them on an agenda so members can formally address concerns they have with Arpaio and some of his policies, notably illegal immigration, response times and jail conditions. Kunasek has denied the requests.

Since the group first started efforts against Arpaio last summer, several members have been arrested during or after meetings for disturbing public meetings or suspicion of trespassing.

For months, Wilson has said he is willing to meet with leaders to hear their concerns.

"Chairman Wilson, we are looking to you to restore a sense of normalcy to these proceedings," said Nuvia Enriquez, a member of the group. "We are looking to you to help restore this board's image as one that cares about all citizens of (Maricopa County), not just the ones that look like you, think like you and act like you. Surely, there is room at this table for all of us."

Reach the reporter at (602) 444-4712 or yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com.


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