State lawmakers took the first steps Wednesday to honoring assassinated reporter Don Bolles in the same way Arizona honors various veterans, pioneer women, the Ten Commandments and Jesuit missionary Father Kino. Without dissent the House Government Committee authorized placement of a memorial to The Arizona Republic investigative reporter in Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Ernest William McFarland (1894-1984), known throughout his career as “Mac,” served as a U.S. senator, governor of Arizona, and ultimately chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, but millennials, baby boomers, and even many seniors have difficulty recalling his name or his numerous accomplishments. His life story should inspire Arizonans. His career in politics, law, as a television executive, and agribusiness titan remain unparalleled.

Ernest McFarland is finally getting the memorial he deserves, and his grandson couldn’t be happier.

The new “Ernest W. McFarland and the American Dream” Memorial, replacing a previous one that had fallen into disrepair, will be unveiled on Feb. 14 – Arizona Statehood Day – at Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Distrust of the federal government in far-away Washington and a desire to rein in officeholders closer to home — those widely held views were just as prominent at statehood 100 years ago as they are today, according to a prominent Phoenix attorney who is co-authoring a book on Arizona's formation as a state.

Wearing multiple hats was not uncommon for Arizona’s political figures when the state was much younger and less populated, but the career of at least one legendary figure merits being labeled as unique.