Odd Ball HR2008 - 571R - H Ver of HR2008

House Engrossed

Alberto Gutier; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

2025

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2008

A RESOLUTION

on the death of alberto gutier.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Alberto Gutier, respected public servant and former Director of the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, passed away on November 2, 2024 at the age of 84.

Born in Havana, Cuba on December 13, 1939, Alberto Gutier was raised in a prominent family. His father was a notable attorney, and a relative served as Cuba's president in the 1930s and 1940s. Alberto graduated from De La Salle High School in Havana in 1957, then moved to the United States to attend the University of Florida. Between his studies, he returned to Cuba, taking a job with Cubana Airlines where he later transferred to New York. In 1960, during one of his many commuter flights he met Miryam. The two quickly became inseparable, marrying later that year.

Shortly after his marriage, Alberto moved to New Jersey where he worked at a publishing distribution company. In 1966, both he and Miryam became United States citizens. After hearing about Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater in 1964, Alberto's admiration led him and his growing family to relocate to Phoenix. He quickly became immersed in the Arizona political scene and had a lengthy and distinguished record of public service in this state. Beginning in 1982, Alberto served in various roles, including Director of Marketing, Circulation and Sales for Arizona Highways Magazine, State Personnel Director, and Division Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Division. Alberto served as a Republican Party committeeman for 50 years and worked under seven Arizona Governors.

For over 20 years, Alberto proudly served as the Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). After his retirement in 2003, he joined his daughter, Miryam, in a lobbying firm where he worked to reduce driving under the influence and helped establish ignition interlock devices as a sentencing option. He was brought back to state service by then-Governor Jan Brewer at GOHS, where he created the advertising slogan "Drive Hammered… Get Nailed." He received national recognition for developing innovative programs, including coursework in phlebotomy and electronic search warrants. He was a valuable partner to law enforcement agencies, helping to secure funding to promote public safety through enforcement and education.

Alberto retired again in 2022 but continued to give tirelessly of his time and commitment to community organizations, including the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, the Arizona DUI Abatement Council, the Legislative Oversight Committee on School Safety, the Phoenix police chief interview panel, the Maricopa County Merit System Commission, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Reserve Program, among many others. His energy, abilities, and vast knowledge helped to make Arizona a safer place.

Revered as Arizona's most politically prominent Cuban American, Alberto was often referred to as the "Godfather of the GOP" in this state. His legacy in Arizona politics is unmatched. He served as the elected Sergeant at Arms for the Arizona Republican Party for 22 years and was involved in hundreds of political campaigns across the state. In 2016, Alberto had the distinguished honor of being selected as one of eleven electors to represent Arizona in the Electoral College for President-elect Donald J. Trump. He was recognized by colleagues, elected leaders from both parties, law enforcement officials, decades of Arizona politicos and friends as a dedicated and resolute public servant.

A loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Alberto is survived by his wife of 64 years, Miryam; his children, Alberto, Micky, Milton (Tracy), Miryam (Rodney) and Mischa (David); 18 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his generosity and devoted service to this state.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Members of the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives express sincere regret at the passing of Alberto Gutier and extend their condolences to his family and many friends.