Although this bill isn't going to be law, it tells us all we need to know about where Cochise County Republicans are on election issues.  From the Arizona Public Media news story of 4/21/23 by Summer Horn:  A bill making its way through the legislature proposes to allow Arizona election officials to conduct a 100% hand count of the ballots cast in an election. Republican Representative Gail Griffin is the prime sponsor of the bill. The bill gives the authority to county officers in charge of elections, the county recorder, or another officer designated by county boards of supervisors to conduct a full hand count of the ballots cast in an election.

Of course County Recorder David Stevens would be involved.  "Worked with David Stevens, the Cochise County Recorder, on this language — its permissive language,” said Rep. Griffin during the March 27 committee meeting.

Griffin goes on to say that current law makes already makes this permissible (it does not, except in very specific instances), this just clarifies it.

Governor Hobbs has already spoken on this issue back in late 2022, when she was Arizona Secretary of State.  Her stand then, and I assume now, is that the Arizona election law does not allow for a 100% hand count and that such a requirement would create undue expense and chaos in the election process.

Apparently Griffin and Stevens are have no such qualms.

I would expect if the Arizona State Senate goes along with this, Hobbs will quickly veto the bill.  Elections do have consequences.

From a Herald/Review article 4/21/23:  "BISBEE — The Cochise County Attorney’s Office handles cases from murder to child adoptions, and as inflation grows it becomes more difficult to retain attorneys and support staff at salaries that are below market." County Attorney Brian McIntye gave a blunt assessment of what attracts attention of the public regarding crime in Cochise County.  “The border is not our only problem. It is just the one that gets noticed,” said [County Attorney] McIntyre".

Supervisor Tom Crosby had this to say about the "fundamental function of government".  "However, I can’t be wowed, especially if it has to do with law enforcement, but it seems the general public can be."  His approach to enforcement of crime committed in Cochise County is "“My position continues to be to prevent illegal entry”.

Yes, it is OK for our elected officials to oversee county departments and be skeptical of budget requests, if fact all the supervisors have asked for more detailed information about the salary and budget requests from the county attorney's office.  But Supervisor Crosby seems intent on not respecting local law enforcement unless they adhere to his own political agenda.  When our sheriff's department, prosecutors, public defenders, and judges do not conduct themselves professionally and impartially we one of the foundations of our democracy.

Crosby has a habit of ignoring the advice of the County Attorney (see anything regarding the election fiasco) unless it fits into his world view.  We expect more from him and the entire board of supervisors.