Why Phoenicians can count on Ashley Harder

Jim Covarrubias

Submitted photo/Covarrubias

OPINION — I have worked alongside Ashley Harder for more than a decade on projects that brought together art, history, veterans and communities across Phoenix. In all those years, one thing has remained constant: When Ashley commits to something, she shows up and does the work.

Our friendship began through a shared commitment to Arizona’s veterans. At the time, I was working with others to establish a Minority Veterans Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza. Ashley immediately understood why the project mattered and stepped forward to help advocate for it.

That was only the beginning.

Since then, we have worked together on art exhibitions, community presentations, workshops for veteran artists, murals, memorials and projects designed to bring art directly into Phoenix neighborhoods. We helped establish the Arizona Contemporary Artist Gallery at the State Capitol Museum and collaborated on an oral history and mural project that elevated the stories of residents in Grant Park and surrounding barrios.

Through every project, I have seen Ashley’s respect for artists and the communities they serve.

She does not simply attend an event, take a photograph and move on. She listens. She asks what needs to be done. Then she rolls up her sleeves and helps make it happen.

As an artist and curator, I know how important it is to have leaders who understand that arts and culture are not extras. They tell our stories, preserve our history, strengthen neighborhoods and bring people together.

Ashley understands that deeply.

I trust Ashley because I have worked beside her. I have seen her knowledge, professionalism, compassion and commitment firsthand. Those qualities have made her a valued partner in our community for years, and they are qualities she would bring with her to the Phoenix City Council for District 4.

Arizona native and U.S. Army veteran Jim Covarrubias is a longtime advocate for the arts. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.