The Arizona Republic
When supporters of the late Sen. Barry Goldwater decided they wanted to build a museum honoring his legacy, they targeted downtown Phoenix as their first choice.
After all, Goldwater, considered by some the father of American conservatism, was born in downtown Phoenix. And his political career began as a member of the Phoenix City Council.
Yet those supporters announced last week they would build the $30 million Barry and Peggy Goldwater Library and Archives research and education center in downtown Mesa instead. Mesa officials consider it a huge win.
But the deal had some people scratching their heads. Did Phoenix — the nation’s sixth-largest city — miss out?