Interview with
Terry Goddard

Arizona Attorney General

Attorney General and Law Enforcement
Ages 5-8 Ages 9-12 Teens

Why did your parents name you Terry?
Actually, I was named Sam Goddard after my father and grandfather. But it was too confusing having three "Sams" in the house, so I got the name Terry, since I was the third Sam and third in Latin is Tertius.

Where were you born?
Tucson, Arizona

Would you tell us something about your parents?
My father was an attorney who was elected Governor of Arizona in 1964. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and reforming State government finances. My mother was passionate about the power of books and was very active in advocating children's literacy and especially Reading is Fundamental (RIF). They were both terrific influences.

Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Yes, I have two younger brothers, Tim and Bill.

Are you married? Do you have kids? How old are they?
Yes, I am married to Monica and we have a very active son who is a first grader.

Do you have any pets?
We have two dogs, three cats and at least two frogs in a pond outside. We all share responsibilities for caring for our pets.

Did you ever get in trouble when you were little? What happened?
Well, once as a very small boy I took a penknife and carved up some lovely cork floor tiles in our home. My parents were not pleased. I learned to better respect property and haven't cut up any floors since.

Terry and Son

Terry in law library

What elementary, middle and high schools did you go to?
I went to Ignacio Bonillas Elementary School, Alice Vail Junior High School and Rincon High School, all in Tucson.

What college did you go to?
I went to Harvard College.

What law school did you go to?
I went to the ASU College of Law.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Mr. Hubert James, my 7th grade math teacher. He made math fun and was not afraid to poke fun at himself.

What was your favorite subject?
My favorite subject was always history. In college I majored in American history.

What jobs have you held in your career?
In my younger years, I was a camp counselor, served as a Naval officer, and worked on my father's political campaigns. Later on, I practiced law, was elected as the Mayor of Phoenix four times, and served as the State Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development before being elected Attorney General of Arizona.

What public service/elected positions have you held?
I have served as the Mayor of Phoenix, on the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board, and as your Attorney General.

What types of volunteer activities have you participated in?
I was a volunteer in my father's political campaigns, clipping newspaper stories and handing out brochures. I have served on many volunteer boards, especially those dealing with historic preservation and affordable housing.

Terry in his office

Terry getting off airplane

What type of education and qualifications do you need to become an Attorney General?
By law, you must be over 25 years old, a citizen of the United States, have no felonies, and have a law degree.

How many terms can you serve as an Attorney General?
Two four-year terms.

Why did you decide to run for Attorney General?
I have always been interested in criminal prosecution and what government can do to better protect citizens.

Why is your job important and how does your job affect me?
I work hard to help keep you safe. The Attorney General is the top law enforcement official in our State and plays a major role in keeping the prices for goods and services fair and above board.

What is your day like?
Whether I'm meeting with other law enforcement officials, discussing cases that our Office is pursuing, or working with the legislature to strengthen our laws, my days are always busy and challenging. No two are the same.

What do you like most about your job?
What I like most is being able to make a positive difference in people's lives.

What is your favorite color?
Blue.

What is your favorite book?
I love to read, so this is a tough question. Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird is high on my favorites list, as is everything by Patrick O'Brian. As a boy, I greatly enjoyed the Freddy the Pig series by Walter R. Brooks, especially Freddy the Detective and Freddy the Politician.

What kind of music do you listen to?
I like many different kinds of music, especially folk, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, classical and rock, to name a few

What is your favorite sport?
My sport in college was rowing, because it required teamwork and because it was on the water. I haven't had much chance to row in Arizona, but Tempe Town Lake now has a lot of activity and I have been in a few races there.

What advice do you give your own child?
Well, since he is only seven, most of my advice to him is about getting along with other kids in first grade, being a good friend, being kind and being honest.

Terry and Son

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