Burton Barr
The Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix, Arizona
Born1917
DiedJanuary 13, 1997
Occupation(s)Businessman, politician
TitleColonel
Political partyRepublican Party

Burton Barr (1917–1997) was an American Army colonel, businessman and politician. He served as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 1964 to 1986, and as its Republican Majority Leader from 1966 to 1986.

Biography

Early life

Burton S. Barr was born in 1917.[1]

Career

During World War II, he served in the United States Army in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany.[2] He received the two Silver Stars and one Bronze Star for his service.[3] He became a lieutenant colonel in 1946 and a colonel in 1964, when he resigned from the army. During his service in World War II, Barr commanded three men who won the Medal of Honor, one of them being Audie Murphy.[2]

In 1964, he was elected as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 18, where he served until 1986.[2] Additionally, he served as the Republican Majority Leader in the House from 1966 to 1986.[2] In 1986, he ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Arizona, losing the Republican primary to Evan Mecham. He was defeated after he voted for a tax increase after saying he would vote against it, that was followed by a press conference where he was asked why he said he was going to vote against the tax increase, Barr said, "I lied. Next question." Barr was known as one of the most effective political leaders in state history. His colleagues in the legislature referred to him as "Mister Magic". Barr helped pass legislation promoting such things as vehicle inspections, health care, education, prison reform, child care, and freeway funding.[2][4]

Death

He died on January 13, 1997.[1]

Legacy

Secondary source

  • Philip R. VanderMeer. Burton Barr: Political Leadership and the Transformation of Arizona. Tucson, Arizona: The University of Arizona Press. 2014.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Phoenix Public Library: Who is Burton Barr?". Archived from the original on 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2014-10-29.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Arizona legislature: On the Death of the Honorable Burton S. Barr.
  3. ↑ "Military Times Hall of Valor: Burton S. Barr". Archived from the original on 2014-10-29. Retrieved 2014-10-29.
  4. ↑ Bill Curry, Uncertain Politics Put Western States on Edge, the Los Angeles Times, October 02, 1986
  5. ↑ Arizona State University: Burton S. Barr Memorial Scholarship
  6. ↑ The University of Arizona Press
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