SE Arizona News

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors appointed Deputy County Assessor Pablo Ramos as the new county assessor after Felipe Fuentes resigned. 

Two weeks after Fuentes turned in his resignation due to health concerns, Ramos, the only candidate for the position, was appointed by the board for the position during a special board meeting, according to Nogales International. Fuentes had held the position for 22 years and Ramos will be finishing the rest of Fuentes' term, which is set to end on Dec. 31.

“He’s more than fully qualified,” Supervisor Rudy Molera said during a phone meeting. “And, at this point, it would be foolish to try to look for someone else to run the office and then leave in January.”

Supervisor Manuel Ruiz told Nogales International that having continuity in the office is important, which is why Ramos would help move things forward. Ruiz also said Ramos had been working in the County Assessor's Office for 29 years, 22 of which he was the deputy assessor. 

Fuentes recommenced Ramos in his resignation letter as well, according to Nogales International. 

“He’s very responsible and he understands the system,” Fuentes said in the letter of resignation. 

The board of supervisors also approved bringing on Liliana Ortega, former deputy county attorney, as a temporary contract during the special meeting, Nogales International reports. Ortega resigned from her position as deputy county attorney on April 3, to focus on her candidacy for Superior Court Judge. 

The County Attorney's Office now has two vacancies for attorneys, County Attorney George Silva told Nogales International. 

“We have advertised for one attorney position for about three months and have received one application to date,” Silva said in a memo. 

Joseph Rueda is another candidate for the Division 2 Judge position, according to Nogales International. He is also a former employee of the County Attorney's Office.