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Recent Articles from Don Harris
115 years in the Arizona political arena
Successes and scandals that generated memorable headlines – a lot has happened in the Arizona political scene during the past 115 years that the Arizona Capitol Times and its predecessor publications under different names have existed.
Goodyear steps up, gets big names to bring lots of jobs
The West Valley city of about 85,000 is attracting some of the biggest corporate names on the planet – names like Amazon, Microsoft and Nike.
Scott Smith: From legislative page to the tip of the spear
During a 20-year span, Scott A. Smith went from legislative page to chief of staff for the governor, which gives him an insider’s view of policymaking.
Scott Smith: Ex-mayor driving public transportation
In today’s developing field of driverless vehicles, Scott Smith, who as CEO oversees the massive mass transportation system operated by Valley Metro, is excited about the prospect of utilizing autonomous technology.
Top Ducey aides step into private practice at Phoenix firm
It wasn’t a case of jumping a sinking ship when two of Gov. Doug Ducey’s key aides decided to return to the private sector as the governor was gearing up for his re-election campaign.
Close to the structure of power, African American Commission strives to be heard
Housed just two floors from the Secretary of State’s Office and four from the governor, the Arizona Commission on African American Affairs is close to the power structure at the state Capitol.
Mofford buried in private service after a tour of sites linked to former governor
Former Gov. Rose Mofford was buried after a private service September 28 at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, but not before her remains had been taken on an emotional drive-by to local places bearing her name.
John Hays: A gentle man who brought civility to the Legislature
Throughout the 16 years that John Hays served in the Arizona Legislature, it was a kinder, gentler place – and he was one of the main reasons. Hays, a rural Republican died June 10 in Prescott at the age of 88.
Ex-Rep. Jim Skelly of Scottsdale dies at 81
Jim Skelly was a staunch conservative and ardent opponent of abortion who served in the Arizona House of Representatives for 20 years. He died on Nov. 3 at the age of 81.
Talking and listening at the same time: Majority Leader Burton Barr
Burton Barr had a hand in virtually every major piece of legislation that passed through the Arizona House of Representatives during the 20 years he held sway as the indomitable, tireless majority leader.
A tale of 2 freeways: Massive Valley freeway projects could boost economic development
Massive projects designed to improve the flow of traffic in the Phoenix metro area have the potential to boost economic development at opposite ends of the Valley.
Barbara Robey remembered as ‘giant’ in public education
She was barely 5-feet, 2-inches tall, but Barbara Robey was considered giant in public education. Robey, who died June 10 at the age of 79, was well-known and respected at the Capitol where she lobbied on behalf of the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA), a role she filled for 17 years.
