With 55 years of experience lobbying at the state Capitol, Barry Aarons, with his signature bow tie, is one of the most recognizable lobbyists in Arizona. From starting as a page after graduating from Arizona State University, to working for the Arizona Corporation Commission to former Gov. Fife Symington’s office and finally starting his own lobbying firm, Aarons’ impact on Arizona history and intimate knowledge of public policy make him distinct among the state’s highest ranking politicos.

The questions and answers have been edited lightly for style and clarity.

Take me back to when you first started working in this field. What got you interested in it?

You know, nobody says “I want to be a lobbyist” when I grow up. When I came out of college, I had worked for the Republican legislati

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