PHOENIX, AZ (March 30, 2011) - Superior Court Judge John R. Hannah today dismissed a complaint accusing Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Donald Covey of illegally cancelling a special election to fill a vacant board seat on the Peoria Unified School District. The complaint was filed on behalf of Peoria resident Peter Pingerelli, who was seeking to run for the open seat. Pingerelli’s complaint also named Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery in an effort to compel him to file suit against Covey and force him to conduct the election.

“While I appreciate the motivation of Mr. Pingerelli to want to serve on the Peoria Unified School District, I am equally gratified by the work done by the very same attorneys who will be among those working in the new Civil Services Division of the County Attorney’s Office,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “I expect that, with a unified effort in providing civil legal services to fellow elected officials, we will avoid confusion in the future regarding the authority elected officials have to carry out their respective duties and responsibilities,” he added.

In dismissing the complaint, Judge Hannah indicated his intention to prepare and sign a written ruling which would have the effect of a final judgment.

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