Jack Ross (Arizona politician)
Jack Ross | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 2013 (aged 85) |
| Occupation(s) | Car dealer, philanthropist, political figure |
| Years active | 1940s–2005 |
| Known for | Arizona car dealership, philanthropy, 1970 and 1974 Arizona gubernatorial campaigns |
Norman "Jack" Ross (April 3, 1927 – January 13, 2013) was a prominent Arizona car dealer, philanthropist, and political figure who made two attempts to secure the Democratic nomination for Governor of Arizona. He was married to the actress Acquanetta.
Early life and education
Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 3, 1927, Ross was the oldest of three siblings to Norman A. Ross, M.D., and Edna Ross. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Army, which assigned him to Stanford University where he pursued engineering through an accelerated military program. Following his studies, he served in Europe. Later, Ross earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from USC.
Ross wed film star Acquanetta, and the couple resided in Mesa, Arizona. She frequently appeared alongside Ross in his television commercials and hosted a local TV program titled Acqua's Corner, which aired alongside Friday late-night movie features. Together they had four children before divorcing in the 1980s.
Business and philanthropy
Ross began his career with the Packard Motor Company, becoming their youngest vice president before founding Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury in Mesa, Arizona. He became a well-known figure in Arizona through his memorable commercials featuring the tune "They always call him Mr. Touchdown," often coupled with promotions such as "Buy a car, get a trunk load of groceries." In 2005, Ross sold his dealership to Earnhardt Auto Centers. His achievements earned him recognition as Time Magazine's "Automobile Dealer of The Year."
Beyond automobile sales, Ross was influential in real estate development, notably establishing the planned community of Winslow West. He also owned the expansive 5,000-acre Chino Grande Ranch located in Yavapai County.
Together with Acquanetta, Ross was active in philanthropy, supporting organizations including the Phoenix Symphony, contributing to the construction of Mesa Lutheran Hospital, and founding Stagebrush Theatre.
An advocate for environmental preservation, Ross and his wife owned the Mesa Grande archaeological site before transferring ownership to the city in 1987 for its conversion into a cultural park. Additionally, he donated the defunct Oro Belle mine to the Arizona Historical Society.
Politics
As a member of the Democratic Party, Ross made two attempts to become Governor of Arizona, running unsuccessfully in both the 1970 and 1974 elections.
During the 1970 gubernatorial race, Ross benefited from strong name recognition and a well-funded campaign infrastructure. Nevertheless, some voters continued to view him as a stereotypical used car salesman, despite his concerted efforts to improve his public image throughout the primary season. His main competitor, former Ambassador Raúl Castro, entered the primary late with minimal financial resources and organizational support, making Castro's victory particularly surprising. On election day, Ross secured second place with 25.4% of the vote.
Ross pursued a second gubernatorial campaign in 1974. His platform emphasized several key issues including restructuring state government, downsizing its operations, implementing a comprehensive statewide ecological land use strategy, enhancing law enforcement efforts to combat drug abuse and crime, reforming welfare programs, lowering taxes across all levels of government, and eliminating the sales tax on food items. Despite these priorities, Ross was defeated again by Castro, receiving 18.2% of the vote.