Jim Kolbe, Former Congressman from Arizona’s 5th District and public affairs consultant
Friday, September 30, 2022, 2:30-3:30 pm
ASA Koffler Great Room
In these days of fraught political events, politicized public life, and divided loyalties, it is no wonder that many seek clarity and hope for America’s future. Hidden behind the news of dissension and polarization, however, are efforts to achieve bipartisan accord through newly emerging political movements. Congressman Kolbe will address some of this critical work, including the new “fusion” effort. He also will speak about the upcoming midterm elections and their expected impact on American democracy.
Raised on a ranch in southern Arizona, Jim Kolbe attended public schools in Patagonia until as a sophomore in high school he was appointed to serve as a Page in the United State Senate and to study at the associated Page School for the remainder of his high school years. After undergraduate work in history and political science at Northwestern University and MBA studies at Stanford, he served in the US Navy, posted in San Diego and then in Vietnam. After several years in business in Tucson, he was elected to the Arizona State Senate; then in 1984 he was elected to the United States Congress, representing Tucson and most of southern Arizona. Now, following 24 years in the Congress, he pursues an active consulting practice with specialization in international affairs and serves on the advisory boards of charitable and political groups both in Washington and in Arizona. He returns frequently to his Tucson home, and ASA is pleased to welcome him during one of these visits.
Preview by Sarah Dinham, former resident of Academy Village