Event will be Nov. 15 at The Plank in Safford
By Walt Mares
SAFFORD – The Graham County Democratic Party is presenting its first annual Rose Mofford Fundraising Dinner at The Plank restaurant in Safford at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15.
Mofford was closely associated with rural Arizona counties and that certainly included Graham and Greenlee.
Serving as Arizona’s secretary of state for many years, she was highly respected by Republicans and Democrats in the Arizona State Legislature. Her commitment to her duties as secretary of state, as well as her sense of humor, were among her strong traits.
One of the quite interesting memories recalled by many legislators who served during Mofford’s tenure recall how after lawmakers, from both sides of the aisle, slugged it out on the floors of the House or the Senate they would often gather at Durant’s Restaurant in Phoenix and enjoy dinner and each other’s company. Politics were put aside. Mofford was often among them.
She was especially known for her very strong commitment to rural counties while serving as secretary of state and later as governor.
She became governor in the wake of former Gov. Evan Mecham’s impeachment, which was solidly backed by both sides of the aisle in the Legislature. Her position as governor was unique as she was Arizona’s first female governor. She died in 2016 at the age of 94.
Mofford was a native Arizonan. She was from Globe, which takes great pride in being her hometown. As motorists drive into town they are greeted by a sign that tells of her being from there.
The Gila County Historical Museum has a permanent display of its most illustrious resident. Mofford never forgot her roots. Legislators and residents strongly acknowledged how she championed rural causes during the tumultuous years she served as Arizona’s secretary of state and governor. She was an inimitable character, recognizable to all by her iconic white beehive hairdo, warm smile, and down-to-earth folkiness.
The Rose Mofford Dinner dinner will include several different presentations, including an update from Save Our Schools Arizona, another from Equal Rights Amendment-Arizona and a video from Congressman Tom O’Halleran, who will be in Washington, D.C. on that date.
Speakers will include Arizona Corporation Commission candidate Shea Stanfield and Graham County Supervisor Paul David.
Door prizes and local awards will also be featured. Graham County Democratic Party Chair Nick Tellez stressed that the funds raised will help the party support local, statewide, and federal Democratic candidates during the 2020 election.
Individual tickets for the chicken dinner are $45 or $350 for a table of eight and can be purchased through Eventbrite using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-rose-mofford-dinner-tickets-77421504805, or by calling 928-651-0052. Please indicate if there is a vegetarian preference. There will be a no-host bar serving beer and wine.
