The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) passed on Tuesday a resolution of no confidence in Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin’s position as chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (MCBOS). The lengthy resolution, issued last week, called for him to be replaced as chair, citing his actions resulting in Republicans being unable to speak to the MCBOS about their election integrity concerns.
The situation escalated after Galvin and last year’s MCBOS signed an agreement with the previous Maricopa County Recorder, Stephen Richer, taking away significant election powers from that office, frustrating the new recorder, Justin Heap. At a MCBOS meeting on February 26, Galvin cut off public comment after a heated exchange regarding a disabled former candidate for recorder who was going to be prohibited from speaking, leaving about 15 people who had waited three hours unable to speak.
MCRC posted the resolution on X, along with the statement, “Mr. Galvin Fails to Uphold Principles of Fair Governance, Public Access, Proper Meeting Conduct, Election Integrity & Emotional Self-Control.”
MCRC First Vice-Chair Shelby Busch, whose We the People AZ Alliance has conducted significant election integrity investigations, told The Arizona Sun Times, “Supervisor Galvin is continuing a culture of contempt towards the public and a dictatorial and tyrannical action to inhibit free speech simply because it shines unfavorable upon him and his colleagues. Interestingly, many would say that his behavior is violating one of our most precious Constitutional Rights, free speech, and is heading down a path for future liability. On numerous occasions, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that government officials may not shut down public comments simply because they or members of the public find it offensive, uncomfortable or disparaging.”
Read the rest of the article at The Arizona Sun Times
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