Next presiding judge appointed for Maricopa County courts

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Supreme Court has selected Superior Court Judge Joseph C. Welty to serve as presiding judge for Maricopa County, the state’s largest court system.
The state high court announced that Welty will replace current Presiding Judge Janet Barton on Aug. 29, Barton’s planned retirement date.
The presiding judge has administrative authority over all courts, judicial officers and court employees in Maricopa County.
Barton has served as the county’s presid