"Conversation starter"

June 7, 2009

ITEM DETAILS
Type: Newspaper article
Author: Ann Brown
Source: Arizona Daily Star

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Relocated Sandra Day O'Connor house to be a center for civil talk that leads to civic action

Imagine an Arizona where political and ideological differences did not create antagonism and polarization, but were the basis for conversation that built bridges. Think of an Arizona in which shouting and snarky remarks were replaced by thoughtful, respectful, congenial discourse. Envision the inclusive, forwardthinking public policy and actions that could evolve from such amiable interaction. Helping Arizona find compromises to move solutions forward is the purpose of the O'Connor House, which embraces the house of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and an organization, activities and programs "where civil talk leads to civic action." Chalupafed conversation The project's genesis is the house O'Connor and her husband, John, built of sundried adobe bricks made from mud from the Salt River. In 1957, the O'Connors "scraped joints, painted walls and sealed the walls with skim milk," Sandra Day O'Connor said May 29 in Phoenix during a preliminary meeting of state stakeholders. They were gathered to brainstorm an O'Connor House discussion topic for Arizona's centennial, "good government for Arizona's second century." (In case you're furrowing your brow and wondering "Why skim milk?" it has a protein that prevents dust motes from flaking off.) The house was designed by architect D.K. Taylor, who was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. The bricks were formed by George Ellis,

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