12/11/2009 10:59:00 AM
Prescott judge takes seat on county
bench
| |
|
By Lisa Irish
Contributing Reporter
PRESCOTT -- The justices of the Yavapai County Superior Court met Friday at 3:30 p.m. for the investiture of the Honorable Judge Kenton D. Jones of Division 4.
Gov. Jan Brewer appointed the Prescott attorney to fill the unexpired term of retired Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Howard Hinson on Oct.15, 2009.
Judge Robert Brutinel, presiding judge of the Yavapai County Superior Court, in his opening remarks said he'd shared offices with Jones from 1991 to 1996 and that Jones cared a great deal about the people he represented.
"Kenton has applied for this position many times," Brutinel said. "He was always gracious when others were appointed."
Jones ran unsuccessfully for a Superior Court seat in 1998, and put in his name for all the vacancies that occurred since.
"Kenton, congratulations on finally getting over here," Brutinel said.
"I am so incredibly pleased to be here today," Jones said to a full courtroom that was standing room only. "I was able to fly to Tel Aviv in 11 hours, but it took me 11 years to cross the street from my law offices on the east side of Cortez to this courthouse on the west side of Cortez.
"And for the record, I am incredibly proud to be an attorney in Arizona."
Jones has been active for many years with the Rotary Club of Prescott, and as chairman of the Yavapai County Republican Central Committee, the Yavapai Humane Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yavapai County.
"I've lived here 33 years. I've never wanted to be anywhere else," Jones said. "This is where my family is, where my friends are and where my heart is."
Jones talked about serving the people as magistrate in Chino Valley and as town attorney for Jerome, Clarkdale and Dewey-Humboldt.
"Kenton Jones has truly been the attorney who has practiced in every corner of Yavapai County," said Robert Pecharich, of Boyle, Pecharich, Cline, Whittington and Stallings and past president of the Yavapai County Bar Association.
"I met Kenton 24 years ago. I knew he would be a judge early on," Pecharich said. "You have earned the respect of your clients, and the appreciation of everyone you dealt with. We gain someone dedicated to be a judge. We admire your persistence, and we know you will be an excellent judge."
"This particular investiture is special to me," added Rebecca White Berch, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona. "I was teaching law school at ASU when I met this enthusiastic youngster with silver hair," she said, motioning toward Jones, who earned his law degree from the Arizona State University Law School in 1986.
"I continue to care deeply about this county," Jones said. "I do solemnly swear as long as I draw breath, I will be the best superior court judge for the people of this county."
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
