There has been much concern in the national media regarding the age of federal politicians. Joe Biden at 80 years old, Mitch McConnell also at 80, closely followed by Donald Trump at 77.

The rationale seems to be that their cognitive skills may have declined based on their chronological age; I haven’t read any scientific studies relating to their biological or subjective ages and governing ability. So, I guess old age affects their ability to govern and younger citizens should take their places.

We have Joe Arpaio, 91 years old, running for mayor of Fountain Hills; not Sheriff of Maricopa County, both positions he has run for and lost in the recent past. In his campaign press release announcing his candidacy his first key area of focus was public safety: “He plans to reinstate the Fountain Hills Sheriff’s posse with a renewed focus on proactive crime prevention. Comprised of volunteers. Arpaio said this auxiliary law enforcement unit will collaborate with the community to ensure safety remains a top priority.” There was more in the press release but this first key point left me with questions.

Living in Fountain Hills for the past seven years, and from personal observation along with reading the weekly sheriff reports in the local news, I fail to see the need for a “renewed focus on proactive crime prevention.” Also, isn’t a posse a sheriff thing, not a mayoral thing? Sounds like a solution looking for a problem and a mayoral goon squad. Cost?

Perhaps those who remember Joe for his service – good and not so good (pardoned for criminal misdemeanor contempt of court) – should counsel him to enjoy his senior years and make way for a younger, more progressive mayor, whoever that may be.