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Recent Articles from Don Harris
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.
Arizona health care competitors collaborate on Affordable Care Act enrollments
It’s hard to imagine some 600 organizations, mostly nonprofits, agreeing on anything and working in concert to accomplish a common goal. Or major hospitals — often in competition with one another to attract patients and provide quality health care services — collaborating.
Statewide film office proposal shot down
A move was underway to slip Arizona back into the filmmaking spotlight, but it was viewed more like the coming attractions than a feature presentation.
Opposite of infamy: Arizona to dedicate its WWII memorial
One day after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, thrusting the United States into World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt told the nation that Dec. 7, 1941, was “a date which will live in infamy.”
Seventy-two years later, on Dec. 7, 2013, at an event that represents the opposite of infamy — appreciation, honor and respect — Arizona dedicates its World War II memorial at the east end [...]
Upgrading U.S. 93
Buster Johnson is living proof — literally — that U.S. Highway 93, which provides Phoenix area residents with direct access to Las Vegas, is one of Arizona’s most dangerous roads.
New Maricopa Corporate College aims to be hub for AZ employers
Job training, a key component of economic development and business expansion, is getting a makeover as programs at 10 local colleges are being drawn into newly formed Maricopa Corporate College.
Pro sports franchises give to victims of Yarnell fire
It has been said in sports that winning isn't everything - it's the ONLY thing.
A ‘fair’ schools budget: After years of deep cuts, officials say 2014 spending is moving in right direction
For the first time since the Great Recession hammered the economy, hitting education funding particularly hard, Arizona’s K-12 schools are starting to recoup some of their losses.
