By Daniel Stefanski |
Many Arizona officials sent tributes for the passing of an inspirational leader of the state and nation.
Last week, former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died at the age of 93. O’Connor grew up in Arizona and paved a way for women in the highest levels of government as she served in the Arizona Legislature and as a Judge on the Maricopa County Superior Court. Following this already historic rise, former President Ronald Reagan nominated O’Connor to the nation’s high court, where she would become the first female Justice on the bench.
“Sandra Day O’Connor was an impactful conservative and a trailblazer who displayed the epitome of a hardworking public servant, a dedicated mother, and inspired many women to pursue leadership roles within the legislative and judicial branches of government,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “She broke barriers throughout her career, becoming the first woman to serve as Majority Leader for Republicans at the Arizona State Senate and setting the stage for others to follow in her footsteps. The example she set on civil discourse is to be admired. We’re saddened by the loss of this icon, and our hearts go out to O’Connor’s family, but we take comfort in knowing she’ll have lasting positive impacts on our state and nation for generations to come.”
Senate Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Very saddened to hear the news about fmr. United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor today. Before President Reagan nominated her to became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, this legendary Arizonan was our state’s first female Senate Majority Leader, in charge of the State Senate’s Republican Caucus for two terms. I was honored to meet her on several occasions but the most recent was about a handful of years ago on the Floor of the AZ House of Representatives. We offer her family our condolences during this time.”
Governor Katie Hobbs communicated her own sentiments, writing, “Throughout her entire career, as an Arizona legislator, judge, and Supreme Court Justice, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor embodied the humility and civility that is at the core of what it means to be a public servant. Justice O’Connor first broke barriers when she was elected the Arizona Senate Majority Leader, becoming the first woman to ever serve in that role in the United States. Her trailblazing career continued when she became the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court, where she was the decisive vote in some of the most critical court cases in our nation’s history. Justice O’Connor’s impact continued far beyond the bench, with a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and civil discourse, which is more important than ever. Her legacy will forever be ingrained in the fibers of our state and nation’s history. The hearts of every Arizonan are with her and her family today as we mourn the loss of a true trailblazer.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes stated, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. She set a powerful example of leadership for so many to follow. Even before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice O’Connor’s trailblazing leadership here in Arizona cemented her place in the history of our state. Her humble beginnings on the Lazy B Ranch near Duncan, Arizona was just the start. It was something I always admired about her: how she went from my own beloved rural Arizona, to the marbled halls of the Supreme Court. Justice O’Connor exemplified service leadership throughout her career: Arizona Assistant Attorney General, first woman State Senate majority leader in the country, Maricopa County Superior Court judge, Arizona Court of Appeals judge, and first woman Supreme Court Justice. An icon. My thoughts are with Justice O’Connor’s family and loved ones during this time.”
Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who followed in O’Connor’s footsteps as a state senate majority leader, said, “Sandra Day O’Connor was the 1st female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona in 1973. I became the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader 44 years later. She was a trailblazer, worked across the aisle and believed in civil discourse. She was an inspiration to me and women around the world.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
