A longtime sheriff's deputy and the CEO of a local aircraft parts business are competing for the position of constable in Justice Precinct 5.
The precinct covers much of the area east of Wilmot Road and north of I-10.
The two face each other in the Republican primary Sept. 12. It is the only contested constable's race. Incumbent Constable John Patze is not seeking re-election.
Constables are officers of the Pima County justice system, charged with serving papers for the courts. Their duties include serving evictions and orders of protection, carrying out civil arrest warrants to force people to appear in court and enforcing civil judgments and liens.
Margaret "Marge" Cummings, 44, has been a Pima County sheriff's deputy for 22 years, including 19 years assigned to court enforcement.
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If elected, Cummings would have to leave her job.
She said she wants to give back to the community, and her experience in law enforcement has prepared her for the job of constable.
"With my background and experience, I can effectively maintain the integrity of this position," she said. "I want to be a positive force for public safety."
As constable, Cummings said she would focus on quality of service, and she would try to be courteous and compassionate in carrying out her duties. She also would focus on educating the public about public-safety issues.
Larry Kotz, 51, is the CEO of K-TECH Aviation, a supplier of military aircraft parts. He also provides training and equipment to law enforcement.
Kotz said he has been successful in his business and now is in a position to give back to the community.
"I want to be an example to my kids, that there's more to life than making money," he said. "Charity begins at home."
In addition to carrying out the duties of constable, he wants to promote school safety. He recently created a school emergency flow chart that he would like to see placed in more schools.
Age: 44
Occupation/ employer: Pima County sheriff's deputy.
Marital status: Single, two daughters ages 16 and 19.
Education: Associate's degree in law enforcement from Pima Community College.
Public offices held/run for: None.
Civic activities/organizations: Former coach and member of board of directors for Tanque Verde Little League, former PTA board member, former Girl Scouts leader, youth sports volunteer.
