Rose Mofford

Rose Mofford was an American civil servant and politician who served as the 18th governor of Arizona from 1988 to 1991. A member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first female governor of the state and was known for her extensive career in public service, which spanned over five decades. Mofford's tenure as governor was marked by her efforts to stabilize Arizona's economy following a tumultuous period, as well as her commitment to civil liberties and public health initiatives.

Early life and career

Rose Mofford was born Rose Perica on June 10, 1922, in Globe, Arizona. She was the youngest of six children in a family of Croatian immigrants, with her parents, Frances and John Perica, having arrived in the United States from Croatia, then part of Austria-Hungary. Mofford demonstrated leadership qualities early in her life, becoming the first female class president at Globe High School. She excelled academically and athletically, playing basketball and earning recognition as an All-American softball player. After graduating as valedictorian in 1939, she chose to forgo a professional basketball career, following her father's advice.

Following her high school graduation, Mofford began her career in public service as an administrative assistant for State Treasurer Joe Hunt at the age of eighteen, earning a modest salary. After two years, she transitioned to the Arizona Tax Commission when Hunt was promoted. In 1945, she took on the role of business manager for Arizona Highways, a state magazine, before returning to the Tax Commission in 1947 as executive secretary. Mofford's tenure at the Tax Commission was cut short in 1960 when she was dismissed by the new commissioner, who believed a man should fill the position.

Subsequently, Mofford was hired as an executive secretary by Secretary of State Wesley Bolin. She remained in this office until 1975, when she became the assistant director of the State Revenue Department, formerly the Tax Commission. Mofford's experience in various roles within state government laid a strong foundation for her future political career.

Governorship

Mofford's path to the governorship began when Governor Raúl Castro resigned to become Ambassador to Argentina. As Secretary of State, Bolin succeeded Castro, and Mofford was appointed to serve the remainder of Bolin's term. However, upon Bolin's death in office in 1978, Attorney General Bruce Babbitt became governor, as Mofford could not ascend to the governorship due to her appointment status. After completing Bolin's term, Mofford successfully ran for a full term as Secretary of State, winning reelection in 1982 and 1986.

Her popularity in a predominantly Republican state was notable, as she was well-liked by members of both political parties. Mofford's reputation as a bipartisan leader contributed to her effectiveness in office. In February 1988, Governor Evan Mecham was impeached, leading to Mofford becoming acting governor. Following Mecham's removal from office on April 4, 1988, Mofford was sworn in as governor for the remainder of his term. This transition was significant, as the Arizona Constitution at the time specified that all state office holders must be male, a provision that had been largely ignored for years.

Mofford's initial period as governor was challenging, as she faced a collapsing real estate market and a significant budget deficit inherited from the previous administration. Her primary objective was to restore stability to Arizona, and she earned the nickname "the healing governor" for her efforts to mend the state's political and social divisions. Her leadership was characterized by a calming presence during a time of unrest following the impeachment and recall of her predecessor.

Policy focus and legacy

During her governorship, Mofford focused on several key policy areas, including mental health, education, and drug prevention. She advocated for increased funding for mental health programs and fought against English-only instruction in Arizona schools, positioning herself as a proponent of civil liberties. Mofford's commitment to athletics was evident in her efforts to secure funding for Major League Baseball's Cactus League, which significantly contributed to the state's economy.

Mofford established several initiatives aimed at addressing drug-related issues, including the creation of the Governor's Alliance Against Drugs and the Governor's Youth Commission Against Drugs. She also played a pivotal role in forming the state's first Drug Prevention Resource Center. Recognizing the rising national concern over the HIV/AIDS epidemic, she initiated a task force to combat the crisis, an issue that was often overlooked by politicians at the time.

Mofford's tenure as governor was marked by her dedication to increasing political leadership opportunities for women and minorities in Arizona. She made a concerted effort to appoint more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to various commissions, boards, and courts, fostering a more inclusive political environment.

After serving one term as governor, Mofford left office in 1991. Her legacy is characterized by her pioneering role as Arizona's first female governor and her commitment to public service, civil rights, and community health initiatives. Mofford passed away on September 15, 2016, leaving behind a significant impact on Arizona's political landscape and a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire future generations.