Maricopa County Attorneys, upon taking office, occassionally change the motto of the institution they lead. While usually these statements are benign and meaningless little phrases, I think the most recent ones are quite telling.
The two most recent mottos, one from former County Attorney Andrew Thomas, and the other from newly appointed County Attorney, friend and counsel for the Board of Supervisors, Rick Romley, are interesting. Let's see if you can tell which one belongs to whom.
"Let Justice Be Done."
"To improve the quality of community life."
I'm no legal scholar, but I do appreciate words, and to me, the difference is stark. One seems to speak to doing the job that one would expect of a County Attorney - prosecuting criminals and putting them away, thus allowing for justice. The other seems like it might be the motto of a senior center or homeowners association. It has no legal implication at all. In fact, it makes one wonder if that particular County Attorney understands his job. I want my county attorney prosecuting criminals, not planting gardens.
I can hear the arguments now - that both men were County Attorneys and both men clearly know the job. Well maybe. Times change, and our County certainly has. Orville & Wilbur Wright invented the airplane, if you recall. Does anyone believe them fit to fly a 747? Just because someone did something in the past, does not make them the best fit for today. And based on Mr. Romley's new motto, he's not off to a good start.
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