An investiture ceremony was held for Page Justice of the Peace Maia Rodriguez at the Page Justice Court on June 2.

Rodriguez began her term as justice of the peace on Jan. 3, 2023. At the ceremony last Friday, Dan Slayton, the presiding Superior Court judge for Coconino County, described the investiture ceremony as “a time of honoring the appointment to our judiciary.” 

“But it’s also a recognition, it’s also a statement,” Slayton said. “It’s a statement of approval, it’s a statement of honoring someone as well, it’s a statement not only to our family and friends, but it’s also a statement to our community, to our county, to our state, even to our nation, that a person has been found to be in possession of those characteristics and that type of personality that will keep our community safe, that will administer the law fairly and objectively, that will honor the law, honor their oath and honor their commitment to our community.”

During the ceremony, Rodriguez took the oath of office and was presented with her judge’s robes by Slayton. She was also presented with a gavel – a symbol of authority – by her sister, Kim Granillo. The investiture was attended by a capacity crowd that included members of Rodriguez’ family, many of her colleagues from the Coconino County court system, and Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler.

Donna Roberts, the wife of former Page Justice of the Peace Donald G. Roberts, was also in attendance. Judge Roberts passed away late last year.

“This is somewhat of a sad time. We are certainly glad to have Donna here,” Slayton said. “This is because of the passing of Judge Roberts. Judge Roberts had a professional compassion that knew no end to his precinct. This professional compassion I believe is still alive and well in Judge Rodriguez.” 

At the end of the ceremony, Rodriguez said she has enjoyed working with Coconino County since she started working at the Flagstaff Justice Court in December of 1998 as a “front-counter person.”

“I really was looking forward to coming to Page and working with Judge Roberts,” she said. “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but I think of him daily and know that he was such a great person in this community who was well loved, and I try to keep that in my mind as I’m working through cases within the courts.”

Rodriguez added that she has extremely high regard for the court system. 

“I believe in our purpose and responsibilities, and I’ve been able to work with so many fabulous judges. I took something – and I hope that it’s resonated with me – from each and every one of them that I’ve worked with,” she said. “I think I can do the justice that needs to be done and that I have the resources available. It’s my hope to do that and make the people that believe in me proud.” 

After the passing of Justice of the Peace Roberts last year, the Coconino County Elections Department announced that it was accepting nomination applications to become write-in candidates for City of Page justice of the peace. Rodriguez was among five candidates who completed the applications.

In late November 2022, a panel was assembled consisting of county and courts employees, a citizen of the Page precinct, as well as District 5 Supervisor Fowler to review the applications. After a weeks-long process, Rodriguez was selected to serve through 2024.

“The committee coming together to review the applications and conduct the interviews was an enjoyable process as we spoke in depth with each candidate,” Fowler said. “We feel we’ve selected the best person to serve in this office. She has the knowledge and experience to be the judge on day one.”

Rodriguez comes to the office with over 24 years of experience working for both the Flagstaff and Page Justice Courts in court clerk and supervisory roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. She has successfully completed the Coconino County Supervisors Development Academy and Executive Leadership Academy, as well as Court Management, Court Executive, and Court Fellows programs with the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management.

“It has been an honor to have been considered for this appointment. As the new justice of the peace, I hope to encourage more community involvement in the Page precinct,” Rodriguez said following her selection.