In a recurring effort to honor former President Donald Trump, Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers has once again seen her proposal to rename a highway fall short in the legislative process. This marks the third attempt by Rogers to dedicate State Route 260, stretching from Payson to Show Low, as “the Donald J. Trump Highway.”
Despite Rogers’ dedication, the Senate vote ended at 15-9, just shy of the 16 votes required for approval. Although the Republicans hold a 17-seat majority, Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R-Phoenix) was absent, and Sen. Frank Carroll (R-Peoria) stood in opposition. Carroll suggested an alternative, expressing interest in naming Loop 303 in the West Valley after Trump, post-presidency, stating, “The constituents in my district would love this to be named at a highway in my district.”
Democrats in the Senate were unanimous in their opposition. Sen. Mitzi Epstein (D-Tempe) vocalized her dissent, citing the January 6th Capitol riot and Trump’s legal issues, including 34 felony convictions related to falsifying business records. Epstein emphasized, “We should name our public places after people who have led exemplary lives, not after a person who has led a disgraceful personal life.”
The proposal, even if approved, would not be legally binding but would serve as a formal request to the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historical Names. However, challenges persist due to the board’s adherence to the United States Board on Geographic Names policies, which restrict naming geographic features after individuals who have not been deceased for at least five years.
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