April 2004

A Family for Freedom: Roses & Rich Show The Many Ways Donors Can Support IJ

By Clint Bolick

The Institute for Justice is blessed to have contributors who passionately believe in freedom. Their commitment is manifested not only through financial support, but also with their time, ideas, proselytizing and other efforts with IJ to promote liberty.

One Arizona family exemplifies many of the ways that IJ depends on its supporters to advance its mission. When I moved to Arizona in August 2001 to open our first state chapter, one of the first people I was encouraged to meet was Jordan Rose, a young, politically active attorney who specializes in land use issues. It was a fortuitous meeting: Jordan is a human whirlwind, with boundless energy and ideas. Jordan immediately identified with IJ and its cause, and offered to help.

Little did I know that with Jordan comes a lot more. Her husband, Jason Rose, owns a public relations firm that specializes in local politics. Before long, Jordan and Jason were introducing IJ-AZ to some of the state’s top movers and shakers, along with providing case ideas, generous financial support, and Jason’s deadpan humor.

Shortly after IJ-AZ opened its doors, Jason facilitated a cover-story profile in Phoenix New Times, which was remarkably favorable despite the publication’s left-wing orientation. Last year, the Roses hosted a fundraising event for IJ-AZ featuring Ken Starr at their lovely Paradise Valley home. This spring they will host a breakfast fundraiser headlined by George F. Will. Jordan joined our local management committee last fall and is helping guide the chapter’s success.

But that’s not all. Jordan’s brother, local lawyer Court Rich, caught the IJ bug and serves as pro bono counsel, representing Edward Salib in our challenge to the City of Mesa’s preposterous sign ordinance (see this issue’s front-page story). Court has appeared on local radio shows and has authored op-ed articles, making the case not only for Salib, but for IJ’s broader mission. Court loves the work. “I only wish my own private practice provided me the opportunity to consistently work on the important and exciting issues that IJ tackles every day,” he said.

“What a difference IJ is making in Arizona,” said Jason. “Its successful representation of Randy Bailey’s property rights against the third largest city in Arizona has fundamentally altered all development practices in the state.”

Too many families (like my own) are split ideologically down the middle. Fortunately, an abiding passion for liberty pervades the Rose/Rich clan. IJ and its clients are among the fortunate beneficiaries.

We at IJ consider our staff, board, clients, supporters and allies part of one big family (even though we’ve never tried getting together for Thanksgiving dinner). For IJ, our success in advancing liberty is truly a family affair. Thanks to Jordan, Jason and Court—and to all our friends and supporters—for making our work not only possible, but a great deal of fun as well.

Clint Bolick is IJ’s co-founder and its strategic litigation counsel.