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Benson JP-3 candidate profiles
Editor's note: Candidates for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 offered the following responses to our election questionaire. They're presented here in alphabetical order.
Joe Knoblock
I was born in Iowa and raised on a 700-acre farm which helped teach me the meaning of responsibility and hard work. I am the proud father of one daughter, Heather who lives in Oklahoma.
Heather has been married to her husband Justin for seven years and they have two wonderful sons, Trent and Max. I have one brother who lives in Nogales, Ariz. with his family.
I served three years in the United States Marine Corps and have 23 years of law enforcement service. I have graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with an Associates of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Pima College Honors Graduate with an Associates of Arts Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Arizona. I moved to Cochise County in January 1995 after being hired as a Deputy Sheriff. I moved to Benson in April 2000 after being promoted to Sergeant for the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. In January of 2006 I was appointed by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors as Justice of the Peace for Precinct #3. I have since graduated from the Judiciary College of Arizona and have 279 hours of continuing education from Arizona Supreme Court.
I have served for:
10 years Arizona Public Safety Retirement Board for Cochise Co. Sheriff's Office
1 year Mescal Fire District Committee
2 years CIDVC (Committee on Impact of Domestic Violence and the Courts)
2 years Cochise County Judicial Merit Committee
2 years Vice President of AZ Justice of the Peace Association
2 years Board of Directors for AZ Magistrate Association
I am a member of:
AZ Justice of the Peace Association - 5 years
AZ Magistrate Association - 5 years
American Judges Association - 5 years
National Judges Association - 5 years
Benson Marine Corps League
Benson Elks Club
Benson American Legion
Why do you believe you are the best qualified candidate for this position?
With three years as a Marine Corps Military Policeman, 23 years as a law enforcement officer and currently five years as Justice of the Peace in our community, I have a total of 31 years of service in the Criminal Justice System. During my term as Justice of the Peace, statistics show that the repeat offenders in our area are down by over 50 percent and the criminal cases have been reduced by 20 percent. My involvement in the community over the last 11 years has given me an insight into people's concerns that have helped me to run the Court in a way that benefits our community as a whole. My experience as Justice of the Peace also allows me to work on current issues facing the Courts where as my opponents will need a lot of specialized training as well as learning the skills of the job that would take up a lot of their time.
Please tell what you believe currently is the most important issue facing the winner of the office you seek?
Currently, and for the next two-three years, the economic situation is one major concern that affects the operation of the Benson Justice Court. Budget cuts, a hiring freeze, and the possibility of employee transfers and/or furloughs are issues that I am currently dealing with and are issues to be dealt with in future planning of Court operations. Court services and hours of operation are mandated by law, and as budgets and services are reduced, maintaining good customer service will remain a priority despite the economic challenges.
What goals do you have that you will work toward if elected?
I am currently meeting with the regional health authority, CPSA, to become an authorized Mental Health Court. I believe that more can be done to represent those defendants with mental health issues who sometimes seem to get lost in the Criminal Justice System.
I am working with the Juvenile Probation Department to institute a "Teen Court." A Teen Court is a court that allows juveniles to participate in the system by participating as the prosecutor, defense attorney, jury and judge. My part would be to mentor the juvenile "Judge" in the courtroom procedures. This has been a successful program not only for the defendant but also for the juvenile's that participate.
The Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court appointed me to the CIDVC committee (Committee on the Impact of Domestic Violence and the Courts) on Jan. 13, 2009. We are currently in the process of writing a Bench Book for Judges to use as a guide line on domestic violence cases.
What organizational skills do you possess that will allow you to handle the job?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Major in Accounting) from the University of Arizona. I have completed Supervisory training through AZ POST (Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training), a time management class through Cochise College and case management classes through the Judiciary College of Arizona.
However, supervisory experience has taught me how to manage my time wisely so that I can accomplish my responsibilities in a consistent and efficient manner. This has been especially valuable to me, as I have found that as a Justice of the Peace I am always on call and even court schedules have unforeseen matters that need my immediate attention.
Eliot Montijo
In Benson community for 25 years.
Married to wife Tracy with daughter Eliot, and a new baby on the way.
The son of Alex Montijo, Beverly Wing, and Stepfather Tom Wing.
1994 Benson Union High School graduate.
In June of 1994 was drafted by the Chicago White Sox to play professional baseball.
I continued my education and took a scholarship at Central Arizona College, where I graduated with an Associates of Arts Degree with an emphasis in criminal justice. Finishing school at Central, I transferred to the University of Arizona to play baseball.
After school I joined the boilermakers union. I graduated from Hollywood Barber College in Tucson. I currently own Eliot's barber shop.
Why do you believe you are the best-qualified candidate for this position?
I believe I am the best qualified candidate based on the diverse relationships I have created owning, and managing a business in Benson with honesty and integrity.
I have listened to the various people who use our services, and pay attention to the issues that relate to their everyday lives. With raising a family here, my education and law enforcement background, I will provide the people of our community with unbiased decisions. These decisions will be based on facts without passion or prejudice, to ensure that the judicial process in our district will be fair.
Please tell what you believe currently is the most important issue facing the winner of the office you seek?
I believe the most important issue facing the winner of Justice of the Peace, is managing and maintaining good working relationships in the office, and the community. I am a firm believer in communication and teamwork. These tools are crucial in making the right decisions for the individuals involved in the judicial process.
What goals do you have that you will work toward if elected?
The goals I want to work toward are, finding the facts in each individual case. To better evaluate the punishment, and or diversion programs best suited for each person involved in the judicial process.
I would like to donate time to the schools in the district, and make myself available to help improve the disparaging issues our teachers, administrators, and students are faced with.
Family is the basic component of society. It's up to us as individuals to demonstrate a positive perspective in life. We have the decision making ability to encourage the families in our community.
Our children are our future; let's encourage their walk into adulthood.
This is where I believe real change will start. I want to do my part as Justice of the Peace to help initiate this change.
What organizational skills do you possess that will allow you to handle the job?
The organizational skills that I possess involve owning and managing a business in Benson for the past eight years. I have listened to the concerns of our youth, parents, and senior citizens in the area, helping me understand the problems we as a community are encountering. Supervising officers and inmates at Navajo County Sheriff Office has equipped me with decision making skills and the understanding of court proceedings for the office of Justice of The Peace.
Bruce Staggs
55 years old Married to Bonnie Thompson-Staggs for 32 years
We have one child, Kira. Moved
to St. David in 2008.
Life Achievements
Eagle Scout award with Silver Palm Order of the Arrow Scouting award.
Duty to God religious award
Two-year mission for the LDS church.
Scuba diving instructor for PADI - Master Instructor.
Scuba diving instructor for
SSI - Dive Con Instructor.
Medic First Aid/Emergency
First Response Instructor.
Realtor licensed in Arizona.
Schooling
Rincon High School - Tucson, Arizona.
University of Arizona - Tucson, Arizona.
Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport Iowa (graduated Suma Cum Laude).
Los Angeles College of Chiropractic - Orthopedic credentials
Los Angeles College of Chiropractic - Physical Therapy credentials Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.
Independent Medical Examiner Impairment Rating credentials.
International Academy of Medical Acupuncture - Acupuncture credentials.
Volunteer Service
District and Executive Delegate for the Chiropractic Association of Arizona
Arizona Association of Independent Chiropractic Consultants
Board Member Southern Arizona Chiropractic Society - Founding Member (Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and two-term President)
Arizona Chiropractic Alliance - Founding Member
Board Member Instrumental in getting legislation passed that required yearly continuing education for Chiropractors
Assistant Scout Master, Troop 423, St. David, Arizona
Memberships
National Rifle Association - Life member .
Benson Chamber of Commerce member.
Why do you believe you are the best-qualified candidate for this position?
I believe I am the best-qualified candidate for this position because I am professionally trained to listen. Listening is one of the most important skills a Justice of the Peace needs to have in order to discover the truth of exactly what happened and more importantly why it happened. Only through genuine empathetic listening can real justice be dispensed. The two most common things I am hearing on the doors from community members is if they ever have to come into court, they want to be treated equally and to be listened to with respect.
Please tell what you believe currently is the most important issue facing the winner of the office you seek?
I feel that the most important issue facing the winner of this office is the eradication of drugs in our community. Drugs destroy peoples' personal lives, those they live with and the community we all live in. When I ask the community that I have come in contact with what is the most important issue they want resolved, handling the drug problem is the most common issue mentioned.
What goals do you have that you will work toward if elected?
The goal that I have that I will work toward when elected is developing a plan with city officials, law enforcement and community members to create restitution work programs in place of jail times for lesser offenses. Due to the economy, county and city resources are stretched thin. Instead of sitting in jail, costing the county additional resources where an offender gets housed, fed and receives medical care, my goal is to put lesser offenders in restitution work programs assisting the county and city. By simply putting lesser offenders in jail not only disrupts their lives by probably losing their jobs but this then affects their families who depend on them for their daily support. This ultimately puts a greater strain on the state welfare system. Putting lesser offenders in restitution work programs saves the county money, assists the community and helps the offender to rehabilitate their lives.
What organizational skills do you possess that will allow you to handle the job?
One of the organizational skills that I possess that will allow me to handle the job of the Justice of the Peace is leading by example. I don't expect anyone to do anything that I am not willing to do. When the staff sees and truly knows this they are willing to give their total effort 100 percent of the time. When the staff gives their unified effort, the Justice of the Peace office will operate at its optimum efficiency.
I also have excellent communication skills. I have learned to listen intently to hear what is being said and then ask questions to be assured that I truly understood and heard what was said.
I feel that this skill is essential in the position of Justice of the Peace.
Joe Knoblock
I was born in Iowa and raised on a 700-acre farm which helped teach me the meaning of responsibility and hard work. I am the proud father of one daughter, Heather who lives in Oklahoma.
Heather has been married to her husband Justin for seven years and they have two wonderful sons, Trent and Max. I have one brother who lives in Nogales, Ariz. with his family.
I served three years in the United States Marine Corps and have 23 years of law enforcement service. I have graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with an Associates of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Pima College Honors Graduate with an Associates of Arts Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Arizona. I moved to Cochise County in January 1995 after being hired as a Deputy Sheriff. I moved to Benson in April 2000 after being promoted to Sergeant for the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. In January of 2006 I was appointed by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors as Justice of the Peace for Precinct #3. I have since graduated from the Judiciary College of Arizona and have 279 hours of continuing education from Arizona Supreme Court.
I have served for:
10 years Arizona Public Safety Retirement Board for Cochise Co. Sheriff's Office
1 year Mescal Fire District Committee
2 years CIDVC (Committee on Impact of Domestic Violence and the Courts)
2 years Cochise County Judicial Merit Committee
2 years Vice President of AZ Justice of the Peace Association
2 years Board of Directors for AZ Magistrate Association
I am a member of:
AZ Justice of the Peace Association - 5 years
AZ Magistrate Association - 5 years
American Judges Association - 5 years
National Judges Association - 5 years
Benson Marine Corps League
Benson Elks Club
Benson American Legion
Why do you believe you are the best qualified candidate for this position?
With three years as a Marine Corps Military Policeman, 23 years as a law enforcement officer and currently five years as Justice of the Peace in our community, I have a total of 31 years of service in the Criminal Justice System. During my term as Justice of the Peace, statistics show that the repeat offenders in our area are down by over 50 percent and the criminal cases have been reduced by 20 percent. My involvement in the community over the last 11 years has given me an insight into people's concerns that have helped me to run the Court in a way that benefits our community as a whole. My experience as Justice of the Peace also allows me to work on current issues facing the Courts where as my opponents will need a lot of specialized training as well as learning the skills of the job that would take up a lot of their time.
Please tell what you believe currently is the most important issue facing the winner of the office you seek?
Currently, and for the next two-three years, the economic situation is one major concern that affects the operation of the Benson Justice Court. Budget cuts, a hiring freeze, and the possibility of employee transfers and/or furloughs are issues that I am currently dealing with and are issues to be dealt with in future planning of Court operations. Court services and hours of operation are mandated by law, and as budgets and services are reduced, maintaining good customer service will remain a priority despite the economic challenges.
What goals do you have that you will work toward if elected?
I am currently meeting with the regional health authority, CPSA, to become an authorized Mental Health Court. I believe that more can be done to represent those defendants with mental health issues who sometimes seem to get lost in the Criminal Justice System.
I am working with the Juvenile Probation Department to institute a "Teen Court." A Teen Court is a court that allows juveniles to participate in the system by participating as the prosecutor, defense attorney, jury and judge. My part would be to mentor the juvenile "Judge" in the courtroom procedures. This has been a successful program not only for the defendant but also for the juvenile's that participate.
The Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court appointed me to the CIDVC committee (Committee on the Impact of Domestic Violence and the Courts) on Jan. 13, 2009. We are currently in the process of writing a Bench Book for Judges to use as a guide line on domestic violence cases.
What organizational skills do you possess that will allow you to handle the job?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Major in Accounting) from the University of Arizona. I have completed Supervisory training through AZ POST (Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training), a time management class through Cochise College and case management classes through the Judiciary College of Arizona.
However, supervisory experience has taught me how to manage my time wisely so that I can accomplish my responsibilities in a consistent and efficient manner. This has been especially valuable to me, as I have found that as a Justice of the Peace I am always on call and even court schedules have unforeseen matters that need my immediate attention.
Eliot Montijo
In Benson community for 25 years.
Married to wife Tracy with daughter Eliot, and a new baby on the way.
The son of Alex Montijo, Beverly Wing, and Stepfather Tom Wing.
1994 Benson Union High School graduate.
In June of 1994 was drafted by the Chicago White Sox to play professional baseball.
I continued my education and took a scholarship at Central Arizona College, where I graduated with an Associates of Arts Degree with an emphasis in criminal justice. Finishing school at Central, I transferred to the University of Arizona to play baseball.
After school I joined the boilermakers union. I graduated from Hollywood Barber College in Tucson. I currently own Eliot's barber shop.
Why do you believe you are the best-qualified candidate for this position?
I believe I am the best qualified candidate based on the diverse relationships I have created owning, and managing a business in Benson with honesty and integrity.
I have listened to the various people who use our services, and pay attention to the issues that relate to their everyday lives. With raising a family here, my education and law enforcement background, I will provide the people of our community with unbiased decisions. These decisions will be based on facts without passion or prejudice, to ensure that the judicial process in our district will be fair.
Please tell what you believe currently is the most important issue facing the winner of the office you seek?
I believe the most important issue facing the winner of Justice of the Peace, is managing and maintaining good working relationships in the office, and the community. I am a firm believer in communication and teamwork. These tools are crucial in making the right decisions for the individuals involved in the judicial process.
What goals do you have that you will work toward if elected?
The goals I want to work toward are, finding the facts in each individual case. To better evaluate the punishment, and or diversion programs best suited for each person involved in the judicial process.
I would like to donate time to the schools in the district, and make myself available to help improve the disparaging issues our teachers, administrators, and students are faced with.
Family is the basic component of society. It's up to us as individuals to demonstrate a positive perspective in life. We have the decision making ability to encourage the families in our community.
Our children are our future; let's encourage their walk into adulthood.
This is where I believe real change will start. I want to do my part as Justice of the Peace to help initiate this change.
What organizational skills do you possess that will allow you to handle the job?
The organizational skills that I possess involve owning and managing a business in Benson for the past eight years. I have listened to the concerns of our youth, parents, and senior citizens in the area, helping me understand the problems we as a community are encountering. Supervising officers and inmates at Navajo County Sheriff Office has equipped me with decision making skills and the understanding of court proceedings for the office of Justice of The Peace.
Bruce Staggs
55 years old Married to Bonnie Thompson-Staggs for 32 years
We have one child, Kira. Moved
to St. David in 2008.
Life Achievements
Eagle Scout award with Silver Palm Order of the Arrow Scouting award.
Duty to God religious award
Two-year mission for the LDS church.
Scuba diving instructor for PADI - Master Instructor.
Scuba diving instructor for
SSI - Dive Con Instructor.
Medic First Aid/Emergency
First Response Instructor.
Realtor licensed in Arizona.
Schooling
Rincon High School - Tucson, Arizona.
University of Arizona - Tucson, Arizona.
Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport Iowa (graduated Suma Cum Laude).
Los Angeles College of Chiropractic - Orthopedic credentials
Los Angeles College of Chiropractic - Physical Therapy credentials Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.
Independent Medical Examiner Impairment Rating credentials.
International Academy of Medical Acupuncture - Acupuncture credentials.
Volunteer Service
District and Executive Delegate for the Chiropractic Association of Arizona
Arizona Association of Independent Chiropractic Consultants
Board Member Southern Arizona Chiropractic Society - Founding Member (Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and two-term President)
Arizona Chiropractic Alliance - Founding Member
Board Member Instrumental in getting legislation passed that required yearly continuing education for Chiropractors
Assistant Scout Master, Troop 423, St. David, Arizona
Memberships
National Rifle Association - Life member .
Benson Chamber of Commerce member.
Why do you believe you are the best-qualified candidate for this position?
I believe I am the best-qualified candidate for this position because I am professionally trained to listen. Listening is one of the most important skills a Justice of the Peace needs to have in order to discover the truth of exactly what happened and more importantly why it happened. Only through genuine empathetic listening can real justice be dispensed. The two most common things I am hearing on the doors from community members is if they ever have to come into court, they want to be treated equally and to be listened to with respect.
Please tell what you believe currently is the most important issue facing the winner of the office you seek?
I feel that the most important issue facing the winner of this office is the eradication of drugs in our community. Drugs destroy peoples' personal lives, those they live with and the community we all live in. When I ask the community that I have come in contact with what is the most important issue they want resolved, handling the drug problem is the most common issue mentioned.
What goals do you have that you will work toward if elected?
The goal that I have that I will work toward when elected is developing a plan with city officials, law enforcement and community members to create restitution work programs in place of jail times for lesser offenses. Due to the economy, county and city resources are stretched thin. Instead of sitting in jail, costing the county additional resources where an offender gets housed, fed and receives medical care, my goal is to put lesser offenders in restitution work programs assisting the county and city. By simply putting lesser offenders in jail not only disrupts their lives by probably losing their jobs but this then affects their families who depend on them for their daily support. This ultimately puts a greater strain on the state welfare system. Putting lesser offenders in restitution work programs saves the county money, assists the community and helps the offender to rehabilitate their lives.
What organizational skills do you possess that will allow you to handle the job?
One of the organizational skills that I possess that will allow me to handle the job of the Justice of the Peace is leading by example. I don't expect anyone to do anything that I am not willing to do. When the staff sees and truly knows this they are willing to give their total effort 100 percent of the time. When the staff gives their unified effort, the Justice of the Peace office will operate at its optimum efficiency.
I also have excellent communication skills. I have learned to listen intently to hear what is being said and then ask questions to be assured that I truly understood and heard what was said.
I feel that this skill is essential in the position of Justice of the Peace.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Bensonite wrote on Aug 10, 2010 4:56 PM:
" I dont need my hair cut, and I dont need my back adjusted so whats that leave me. What about Virgil Judd isnt he also running? "
judy wrote on Aug 11, 2010 10:51 AM:
" Just because one is a barber and the other a former chiropractor does not mean that they couldnt do the job better than joe. I would urge everyone to vote for anyone but joe - he is a menace to the judiciary. I know from personal experience though I am not a liberty to disclose how. "
ingnoranceisbliss wrote on Aug 12, 2010 5:42 PM:
" I must say this. Judy what are you smoking?? and where can I get some? I mean seriously people are we really trying to elect people into a judicial system with no experience in said system other then maybe a speeding ticket?? 20 years ago
Mr. Knoblock is a good man and as such being a man he can make mistakes. I personally have delt with him on SEVERAL occasions. he has always been fair. but above all he does his job. Next we have Mr. Judd. who I don't see mentioned in this article. But that isn't a suprise because this paper is so biased it makes me sick. I have comment on the nature of this papers biased journalism in the past. Mr. judd is former law enforcement. So he has a judicial background.
then we have Mr.Montijo who played for the white socks and cuts hair.
Mr staggs. A chiropractor who also scuba dives.
Seriously I could go to court for a speeding ticket and depending on who we elect I could get my back alligned or a hair cut.
based on these qualifications I should run.
I am dive certified, search and rescue certifications ( to many to list) EMT, I was a volunteer fireman for a few years, I went to wyo tech and graduated with a degree in auto body. With the speeding fines I have paid to this community. I should be on top of the list. I have more judicial experience then both staggs and Montijo combined.
Like I said people ignorance is bliss why would we elect someone without experience.
I could go on forever but I will leave it at that. "
Mr. Knoblock is a good man and as such being a man he can make mistakes. I personally have delt with him on SEVERAL occasions. he has always been fair. but above all he does his job. Next we have Mr. Judd. who I don't see mentioned in this article. But that isn't a suprise because this paper is so biased it makes me sick. I have comment on the nature of this papers biased journalism in the past. Mr. judd is former law enforcement. So he has a judicial background.
then we have Mr.Montijo who played for the white socks and cuts hair.
Mr staggs. A chiropractor who also scuba dives.
Seriously I could go to court for a speeding ticket and depending on who we elect I could get my back alligned or a hair cut.
based on these qualifications I should run.
I am dive certified, search and rescue certifications ( to many to list) EMT, I was a volunteer fireman for a few years, I went to wyo tech and graduated with a degree in auto body. With the speeding fines I have paid to this community. I should be on top of the list. I have more judicial experience then both staggs and Montijo combined.
Like I said people ignorance is bliss why would we elect someone without experience.
I could go on forever but I will leave it at that. "
bob wrote on Aug 10, 2010 11:05 AM: