Fife Symington

John Fife Symington III is an American businessman and politician who served as the 19th governor of Arizona from 1991 until his resignation in 1997. A member of the Republican Party, Symington's tenure was marked by significant educational reforms and water management initiatives. His governorship ended amid legal challenges, including convictions for extortion and bank fraud, which were later overturned. Following his time in office, he transitioned into the culinary field and co-founded the Arizona Culinary Institute.

Early life and career

Fife Symington was born on August 12, 1945, in New York City, New York. He hails from a prominent family with notable connections in both business and politics. His father, J. Fife Symington Jr., served as the United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago during the Nixon administration, while his cousin, Stuart Symington, was a U.S. Senator from Missouri. Symington's lineage includes ties to the steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, making him part of a wealthy Maryland family.

Symington's early education took place at the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland. He later attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1968 with a degree in Dutch art history. During his time at Harvard, he developed an interest in economics and political philosophy, influenced by the works of Nobel Prize winner Friedrich Hayek, who advocated for limited government and free-market principles. This intellectual foundation would later inform his political beliefs and policy decisions as governor.

In 1967, Symington joined the United States Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, where he achieved the rank of captain. His service was recognized with the Bronze Star for meritorious service, and he was honorably discharged in 1971. Following his military service, Symington remained in Arizona and entered the real estate development sector. In 1976, he founded The Symington Company, which focused on various development projects in the region.

One of his notable projects was the construction of the Esplanade, an upscale office complex located at 24th Street and Camelback Road. This project, which began in 1983 and took two decades to complete, was significant for its location and design, marking a shift in the types of buildings approved along Camelback Road. Symington's company also developed other projects, including the Scottsdale Seville and the Mercado, a shopping complex that reflected southwestern and Hispanic cultural influences.

In addition to his real estate ventures, Symington was appointed to the board of directors of Southwest Savings and Loan Association in 1983. His involvement with this institution would later come under scrutiny during investigations related to his financial dealings.

Governorship

Fife Symington's political career began to take shape when he ran for the governorship of Arizona. He was elected in 1990, defeating Democratic candidate Terry Goddard in a competitive race that included a runoff election. His administration began in 1991, and he focused on several key initiatives during his time in office.

One of Symington's significant achievements was the establishment of charter schools in Arizona. He signed comprehensive education reform legislation that paved the way for the first charter schools to open in the state in 1995. This initiative aimed to enhance educational options and foster competition within the public school system.

In addition to education reform, Symington's governorship was marked by efforts to address water management in Arizona. During his second term, he signed legislation that created the Arizona Water Bank Authority, a separate agency responsible for managing excess water resources from the Central Arizona Project. This agency was designed to ensure that Arizona could effectively bank water for future use, addressing the state's long-term water needs.

Symington's time in office was not without controversy. In 1995, during a federal government shutdown, Grand Canyon National Park experienced its first temporary closure, an event that garnered national attention. The closure highlighted the complexities of federal and state relations, particularly in managing national resources.

In 1997, Symington faced legal challenges when he was convicted on multiple counts of bank fraud. These convictions led to his resignation from the governorship. However, the legal outcomes were later overturned, and before the government could retry him, he received a pardon from President Bill Clinton in January 2001.

Policy focus and legacy

Fife Symington's governorship is characterized by his focus on educational reform and water management, both of which have had lasting impacts on Arizona's policies. His advocacy for charter schools aimed to diversify educational opportunities for students and promote innovation within the education system. The establishment of the Arizona Water Bank Authority represented a proactive approach to managing the state's water resources, a critical issue in a region known for its arid climate.

Despite the legal troubles that marred the end of his governorship, Symington's influence on Arizona's educational landscape and water management strategies remains noteworthy. His tenure coincided with a period of significant growth and change in the state, as Arizona continued to develop economically and demographically.

After leaving public office, Symington transitioned into the culinary field, co-founding the Arizona Culinary Institute, where he contributed to the education of aspiring chefs. While he has been speculated as a potential candidate for future political office, including another gubernatorial run or a bid for the United States Senate, he has primarily focused on endorsing other candidates rather than pursuing a return to public service.

Symington is also known for his involvement in a notable event in Arizona's history—the Phoenix Lights, a mass UFO sighting that occurred in March 1997. His witness account of this phenomenon adds an intriguing dimension to his biography, reflecting the diverse experiences that have shaped his life and career.

In summary, Fife Symington's legacy as governor of Arizona is marked by significant policy initiatives in education and water management, as well as the complexities of his post-governorship life. His contributions to the state continue to be recognized, even as his tenure was overshadowed by legal challenges.