Attorney General Kris Mayes raps the knuckles of juvies running Cochise County

For years Arizona’s government on just about every level has been run by the political equivalent of juvenile delinquents.

Then, Katie Hobbs got elected governor and Kris Mayes got elected state attorney general.

So now, when the Republican-controlled Legislature passes a bill for which they didn’t seek Democratic input or try to find a compromise, Hobbs vetoes it.

Then GOP leadership throws a hissy fit, and Hobbs, like a responsible parent, writes a note saying, “I know you are unhappy, but rather than getting all worked up I want you to know that I’d be pleased to work with you at something that is loving and productive.”

Or something like that. It’s tough being the grown-up.

Cochise County tells Arizona, 'You're not our boss'

Attorney General Mayes has the same problem.

Not long ago, the Cochise County supervisors decided to transfer pretty much all of their authority for running elections to County Recorder David Stevens, a friend and associate of Mark Finchem, the losing Republican secretary of state candidate who spends much – if not all – of his time spreading false claims of election fraud.

This isn’t the first time Cochise County has strayed from good behavior.

Another view:Prosecute rogue Cochise County supervisors

Shortly after the last election the politically wayward children running Cochise County tried to stage an illegal hand count of ballots and also decided for a time not to canvass the election, as required by law.

Essentially, they’ve been telling the state, “You’re not the boss of us.”

Attorney General Mayes is determined to set them straight.

She told them, in her own way, that she may not be the boss of them, but the state has rules of behavior that county officials must follow. And the kids in Cochise County are being naughty. For which there are consequences.

Or, to put it in grown-up terms, Mayes sued them over their election shenanigans.

Mayes responds with a grown-up lawsuit

In a statement explaining her decision the attorney general said in part, “Suing other public officials is not something I take lightly – but it is my job as Attorney General to bring action when public officials unlawfully exercise their power or act outside the confines of their authority.”

In the lawsuit Mayes points out how state law says that “without legislative authorization, a county body or officer may not give away its statutory powers or duties to another constitutionally established county body or officer.”

By way of explanation she adds, “For example, a county sheriff cannot give his powers and duties related to law enforcement and jail supervision to the county assessor, just as the assessor may not give her powers and duties related to assessment to the sheriff.

“The same is true of the statutory powers and duties related to elections. Without legislative authorization, a board of supervisors may not give its powers and duties over elections to the sheriff, assessor, or anyone else – including the recorder.”

Among other things, Mayes worries about transparency. Or lack of it.

It's time for adults to step in on elections

In her statement she said, “I am deeply concerned this move might shield or obscure actions and deliberations the Board would typically conduct publicly under open meeting law.”

Cochise County supervisors were told by their own county attorney that trying to hand their election authority to the recorder wasn’t a good idea, legally.

The mulish moppets went ahead with their plan anyway. So, the grown-ups had to step in.

What can I say?

Kids these days.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Attorney General Kris Mayes scolds the juvies running Cochise County