1900s The referendum on joint statehood with New Mexico. 1910s The Constitutional Convention, statewide prohibition and the Hunt-Campbell fiasco over the governorship. 1920s The Colorado River Compact allocating water to the state.. 1930s The Federal Stock Reduction Program of 1934, which resulted in the Navajo Sheep Reduction Act. It had a devastating affect both economically [...]

Still fancy yourself an authority on Arizona history? Answer these questions to find out how you stack up. 1. Busy Phoenix Sky Harbor airport began in 1928 as the private field of what company? 2. Col. James H. McClintock — printer, Rough Rider, historian, Phoenix postmaster — was a colonel of what? 3. What was [...]

Ten years ago, on Jan. 13, 1997, Arizona’s 43rd legislative session opened. Initially weighing on the minds of legislators were issues of mortality, privacy and tariffs. Page 2 of the Jan. 17, 1997 issue of the Arizona Capitol Times featured news of the passing of an Arizona icon, Burton Barr at the age of 78. [...]

The fifth-longest legislative session in Arizona history came to a close three minutes before midnight on June 21, 2006, for the House and 15 minutes later for the Senate. The session lasted 164 days, and a record number — more than 1,500 bills — were introduced. Outgoing Senate President Ken Bennett has ended each session [...]

Still fancy yourself an authority on Arizona history? If so, then answer the question: What year was each of the following items recognized as an official state symbol? 1. State Seal: Shield plus motto Ditat Deus 2. State Colors: Blue and Gold 3. State Flag 4. State Song: “The Arizona March Song” 5. State Flower: [...]

On the national scene, the 1988 presidential election saw Ronald Reagan leave the White House to George H.W. Bush, who promised to continue his predecessor’s policies, but also deliver a “kinder, gentler America.” His message worked, and Bush crushed Democratic challenger Michael Dukakis, winning 40 states and 426 electoral votes. Arizona gave its seven electoral [...]

Michael Preston Green and Mitch Menlove Michael Preston Green and Mitch Menlove Michael Preston Green, a dapper lawyer/lobbyist with Fennemore Craig, actually picked up two first places, but more about that later. Mr. Green, who was vacationing in Panama, tells why he thinks he won: “Perhaps I’m the only one at the Capitol who consistently [...]

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema Rep. Kyrsten Sinema Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-15, reacted with exuberance. “Wow, this is very exciting. I’m excited.” Why does she think she won? “I am the best dressed, for real,” she says with certainty. “I wear cute clothes, and I am typically very well dressed at the Capitol. I wear heels and [...]

Rep. Pamela Gorman Rep. Pamela Gorman Rep. Pamela Gorman, R-6, with tongue in cheek, remarked: “Do you mean that with all I do around here and I get recognized for my hair? I didn’t think my hair was that great. Apparently other people do. I’ll remember that when I have a bad hair day.” The [...]

Alva Nechtman Alva Nechtman Alva Nechtman, assistant to Sen. Jake Flake, R-5, reacted with a mix of surprise and confidence. “You’ve got to be kidding!” Why is she considered the best? “Because I am the best. I think I’ve outlived everybody.” She is starting her third year with Mr. Flake, and launched her career at [...]