Interviewing magistrate candidates part of Apache Junction council executive sessions

Interviews and discussion on filling the presiding magistrate position are topics of the Apache Junction City Council’s Nov. 15 and 22 closed-door executive sessions.

The city of Apache Junction is hiring a presiding magistrate with a salary of $140,000 to $180,000 after accepting the resignation of Aaron Douglas LaSota, who was hired for the position in 2021 for $125,000 a year. A separation agreement states LaSota has a lawsuit alleging discrimination at the Pinal County Superior Court that will be withdrawn.

The City Council is to meet in executive session, which is not open to the public, at 9:30 a.m. Fridays Nov. 15 and 22, in the Executive Session Conference Room, 300 E. Superstition Blvd.

The three items on the Nov. 15 and 22 agendas:

• Discussion or consideration of employment, assignment or appointment (inclusive of interviews) to fill the presiding magistrate position;
• Discussion or consultation for legal advice with attorneys of the city to discuss appointment of presiding magistrate city code requirements; and
• Discussion or consultation or instruction to attorneys of the city on potential presiding magistrate contract negotiation terms.
  
  READ: What is being decided behind closed doors?

State law allows the meetings per Arizona Revised Statutes 38-431.03, which states, in part, that upon a public majority vote of the members constituting a quorum, a public body may hold an executive session. It goes on to list seven subsections detailing the types of meetings that may be held, according to azleg.gov.