What do you think about the idea to move the state capital to Prescott? (Phoenix: fit in)

[Highpointer]

I originally posted this on the U.S. General forum, and the link to it is here. Most of us who have visited the state capital region would agree the the capital of our state is not located in one of the best parts of Phoenix, and many of the buildings are obsolete and probably are not in the best of condition.

In this posting, I make the argument that the State of Arizona should consider moving the state capital, and I recommend Prescott as a city that would be ideal as the capital of Arizona. I would like to get input from people in Arizona and other states about the quality of this idea. If you like, you can respond directly to me at Ken@Highpointer.com.

Ken Akerman
Tempe, AZ

[vegaspilgrim]

Of course the current state capital complex is in a bad area-- almost third world looking in the slums right next to the railroad tracks. Overrun with the homeless and crime. I also think it's ironic that the "capitol" building they normal take pictures of is only a museum... not the actual building used today. But Arizona seems to be more of a small-government state anyway-- I don't think monumental, iconic governmental buildings are important here. Why waste taxpayers' money on a state of the art building just to make the politicians happy?

[sablebaby]

What?? Why does it need to move? This is one of the weirdest topics I've heard yet on this forum. Prescott? I think I need to go to bed and start over tomorrow.

[silverbear]

Prescott was once the capital of Arizona, and it's not entirely absurd to suggest it might assume that role again one day. In many states, the capital is not the state's largest city, and often having the capital in a smaller city avoids the perception that the state government favors the interests of the largest city to the detriment of the rest of the state.

In addition, I agree that the shabbiness of the state government buildings and the area surrounding them is embarrassing. Many lower profile state agencies are now situated in scattered office buildings in Midtown, rather than the capital area.

Nevertheless, I don't think moving the entire state government is feasible. The state employees thousands of people here in Phoenix, and relocating all of those people would not be feasible. The best scenario might be similar to what exists in Maryland: The legislature, governor, and the highest court are all in the capital, Annapolis, but some state agencies are in the much larger city of Baltimore. If ever it became politically feasible to return the state capital to Prescott, it would be necessary to keep many agencies based in office buildings in Phoenix.

I think this idea is a long shot, but definitely an interesting conversation-starter.

[Nice Nice Baby!]

Back in the pioneer days when our territory was AZ and New Mexico, the capitol moved from Albuquerque to Prescott to Flagstaff, etc. Charles D. Poston was dubbed the "grandfather of AZ" and helped us attain statehood. It finally settled in its current location due to statehood proximity. It's there to stay becaue we have nearly a hundred years of history. Change is too hard now.

[maniac]

I don't see any benefit in it really,it would not increase our success as a state would it? It just seems like a sentimental idea that someone has, for instance, I think it would be cool for Arizona to become an independant country, but there really wouldn't be a lot of pay off from it, it would just be kind of cool. I also think having the capitol in Prescott would be cool, but I just don't see what would come from it.

[CodyW]

I believe the capital should stay where it is - Its been there for a long time, and we need a historic place in this state.

On an off topic subject, Arizona would do fairly well as an independent nation. We'd have the 61st largest economy in the world! This figure gives Arizona a larger economy than such countries as Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand.

Could do worse! ^_^

[AZ_singlemother]

That is irritating. I believe the capital should remain in the same location, not hiding in little Prescott area away from the main issues!

[brittZ]

WTF! I dont get it. What is the point. Maybe we could rename Phoenix while we are at it. redevelop the area, dont move the capitol. Out of curiosity when was the last time any state moved its capitol to a new city and how much did it cost? Could we use the money to build new freeways instead?

[topjimmy]

Puff puff give. Puff puff give.