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Committee approves memorial authorizing Don Bolles memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza
Summary
House Bill 25-78, authorizing a memorial to slain investigative journalist Don Bolles at Wesley Bolin Plaza, passed the committee after supporters detailed Bolles' legacy and the 50th anniversary of his death.
House Bill 25-78 would authorize placement of a memorial to investigative journalist Don Bolles at Wesley Bolin Plaza. Sponsor Representative Bliss said the measure was timely for the 50th anniversary of Bolles' murder and described Bolles’ investigative work into organized crime and corruption. Supporters included members of the Society of Professional Journalists and family members who said Bolles’ murder prompted a nationwide reporting effort known as the Arizona Project.
Witnesses said the memorial would honor Bolles’ contribution to investigative journalism and free speech and would add to the Wesley Bolin Plaza memorial collection. They emphasized fundraising would pay for the memorial and no public dollars would be used.
Committee members expressed divergent views about the plaza’s use and the number of existing memorials but several members supported the measure; sponsors were asked to consult members who had previous concerns. The bill was returned to the committee with a due-pass recommendation.
Ending: HB 25-78 was advanced; sponsor agreed to follow up with members who earlier expressed procedural concerns about placing new memorials at Wesley Bolin Plaza.
