Best Of Tucson®

Q&A with Ray Carroll

Ray Carroll, a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, is a father of three and longtime Tucsonan. Carroll was formerly the chairman of the city of Tucson Housing Board and foundation manager of Casa de los Niños.

What's the best movie of all time?

Raging Bull--a great black-and-white film on the sad but true story of Jake LaMotta, who turns a title crown into a crown of thorns.

What movie makes you think most of Tucson?

The Wizard of Oz. I've seen it dozens of times with my kids, and it keeps reminding me that there really is "no place like home."

Who's your favorite movie personality?

My favorite living actor is Mickey Rourke, a hard-living boxer-turned-actor who has reformed his ways, and there can never be too many of those. My favorite actor who is deceased is Anthony Quinn, whose autobiography The Original Sin had a huge effect on me, and he is another boxer-turned-actor and an Irish-Mexican-American to boot. And you can never have too many of those, either!

What's your favorite movie snack?

After paying the high price of admission for a family of five, my favorite snack is usually whatever I can sneak in.

What's your favorite place in Tucson to catch a flick?

On my VCR. I like being home.

Any embarassing cinematic experiences in your life?

Attending Fahrenheit 9/11 with Tom Beal. Need I say more?

Best birthday party place for kids?

I asked my youngest to answer this, and he said, "home."

Best men's fashions?

The little outlet shoe store at Crossroads Festival for shoes and Buffalo Exchange for everything else.

Best urban landscaping in Tucson?

Steve Farley's tile underpass downtown near Aviation Highway. It is tasteful, nostalgic and modern all at the same time.

Best piece of Tucson history?

The Pima Air and Space Museum; I could spend days there. Aviation is an important part of Tucson's history.

Best mischief maker?

David Fitzsimmons, because he makes us laugh at ourselves, even when we shouldn't.

Best radio personality?

Emil Franzi hands down--because I usually agree with him, although Fred Imus is an impressive newcomer.