GOODYEAR ELECTION: THE RUNOFF RESULTS
GOODYEAR ELECTION WATCH
NEWLY ELECTED: BRANNON HAMPTON
This candidate has advanced to the General Election. These questions were asked and answered March 2017.
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Q. Please tell us why the voters should choose you to fill a vacant seat on the Goodyear City Council. What specific qualifications do you have?
A. I am running for city council because I believe in our city and want to see it grow to its full potential. Goodyear is a wonderful place to live and raise a family and I want to see it continue to be so for future generations.I represent the average demographic of Goodyear residents and believe my perspective can bring balance to the Council. I also believe in the significance of community service and it would be a great honor to serve as a councilman. I am a long term resident of the West Valley and I am invested in this community as my home. Find out more at www.hamptton4goodyear.com Specific qualifications:
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A. I would like to eventually change the city Charter to enable the city to have districts. I believe currently that we are too small as a city to do this right now because the districts would not be representative. I think that eventually this will help the city and its citizens be more represented.
Candidate Brannon Hampton would like this section of the Goodyear City Charter updated.
Editor's Note: Goodyear's current population, as confirmed by the City on March 27, 2017, is 78,189.
Q. This past year, Goodyear City Council raised the issue of funding another study to determine the future location of the Historic Litchfield Park Train Station. In 2009, Goodyear purchased the train station for $5,000. Our city spent $33,000 moving it behind the wastewater treatment facility where it remains and deteriorates today. In May 2011, Goodyear said it needed $400,000 to restore it. So... we gotta ask... should taxpayers fund another study and will spending our tax dollars to place it in a park be a priority for you as a council member? Please be very detailed in your response.
A. Although I believe the future train park would be a great amenity for the city, the train park would not be my top priority. The citizens want more parks according to citizen surveys and a future train park would be welcomed, when the time is right. The timing of its development would be determined through the budget process but future water and public safety should take priority.
A. Although I believe the future train park would be a great amenity for the city, the train park would not be my top priority. The citizens want more parks according to citizen surveys and a future train park would be welcomed, when the time is right. The timing of its development would be determined through the budget process but future water and public safety should take priority.
Q. The Water Conservation Committee has been meeting since Summer 2016. What is the one area of committee discussion you feel is most important and why? As a council member, how would you respond to requests for taxpayer funded studies made by this or any other committee? And how would you react to committee recommendations to add new regulations to current Goodyear codes and laws? Please explain why you have not attended these meetings.
A. I have had the pleasure of attending a Water Conservation Committee meeting and found it to be a group of highly engaged citizens that care about Goodyear’s future. One area of committee discussion that I feel is most important is tackling a way to reduce the 60% water loss that the city experiences through outdoor use. I attended the water conservation committee but I also attended a meeting where the Goodyear Water Manager discussed the issues with Goodyear’s water portfolio. Goodyear must work to secure more water if we intend to grow as a city and attract business.
In response to taxpayer funded studies made by the committee, I would need to weigh the need for the study and then make a decision that is in the best interest of the community. I would be open to studies and possible new regulations that do not hinder the existing residents or future residents/businesses.
A. I have had the pleasure of attending a Water Conservation Committee meeting and found it to be a group of highly engaged citizens that care about Goodyear’s future. One area of committee discussion that I feel is most important is tackling a way to reduce the 60% water loss that the city experiences through outdoor use. I attended the water conservation committee but I also attended a meeting where the Goodyear Water Manager discussed the issues with Goodyear’s water portfolio. Goodyear must work to secure more water if we intend to grow as a city and attract business.
In response to taxpayer funded studies made by the committee, I would need to weigh the need for the study and then make a decision that is in the best interest of the community. I would be open to studies and possible new regulations that do not hinder the existing residents or future residents/businesses.
Editor's Note: Q&A was sent to each candidate March 19, 2017. Candidate Brannon Hampton attended the March 21st Water Conservation Committee Meeting.
Q. The City of Goodyear recently prioritized funding for the Estrella fire station. However, a recent taxpayer funded fire study suggests more fire stations are needed in Goodyear. As a council member, what are your thoughts on the addition of more fire stations and how would YOU go about finding funding for needed fire service? Please be very specific. Would you raise taxes to make this happen? If so, why?
A. I attended the City Council meetings throughout last year and when the study was presented to the council. Yes, we need more fire stations throughout Goodyear that include Estrella Mountain Ranch. Specifically, we need one immediately in West Goodyear. We would need to have a graded approach to obtain a new fire station. This might include a temporary station or an additional fire truck stationed at another fire station. I would go about finding funding by looking at programs within the city that are not being utilized, look for grants, and prioritize other items currently in the 2018 budget. I would not like to raise taxes if possible.
A. I attended the City Council meetings throughout last year and when the study was presented to the council. Yes, we need more fire stations throughout Goodyear that include Estrella Mountain Ranch. Specifically, we need one immediately in West Goodyear. We would need to have a graded approach to obtain a new fire station. This might include a temporary station or an additional fire truck stationed at another fire station. I would go about finding funding by looking at programs within the city that are not being utilized, look for grants, and prioritize other items currently in the 2018 budget. I would not like to raise taxes if possible.
Q. Do you feel Goodyear's taxes are too high? Please explain your answer.
A. I agree that the best tax is no tax but it would be difficult to provide services to the city residents. I believe that the food tax could eventually be lowered but we would need to make up this revenue source another way. In short, I believe that the taxes could be improved/lowered but they are manageable currently.
A. I agree that the best tax is no tax but it would be difficult to provide services to the city residents. I believe that the food tax could eventually be lowered but we would need to make up this revenue source another way. In short, I believe that the taxes could be improved/lowered but they are manageable currently.
Q. Should Goodyear tax food? Please explain your answer.
A. I would like to eventually lower the food tax as it is a basic necessity that every citizen requires. This will not happen immediately as we would need to find another revenue source or cut something that the city currently provides.
A. I would like to eventually lower the food tax as it is a basic necessity that every citizen requires. This will not happen immediately as we would need to find another revenue source or cut something that the city currently provides.
Q. G.A.I.N.'s annual celebration has been in flux over the years. In 2008, it was held at the Goodyear Community Park with a western theme and events throughout the day and evening. The event was then held at the Goodyear Ballpark. Now, it's held in individual neighborhoods. 1) How many G.A.I.N. events have you attended? 2) What do you feel is the best location for G.A.I.N. and why? 3) What is one way you feel the Goodyear Police Department can increase communication with residents?
A. I believe that GAIN is a great program for communities. I have been to at least five of the GAIN events and enjoyed the GAIN event at the Goodyear Ballpark with my family the best. Goodyear Police can increase communication with residents by working with the block watch coordinators, HOA, and social media. Some of these they already do.
A. I believe that GAIN is a great program for communities. I have been to at least five of the GAIN events and enjoyed the GAIN event at the Goodyear Ballpark with my family the best. Goodyear Police can increase communication with residents by working with the block watch coordinators, HOA, and social media. Some of these they already do.
Q. City employees are vital to the day-to-day operations of Goodyear. Do you feel the city is currently staffed appropriately? Or do you feel cuts or expansion of employees are necessary? In regards to your answer, which departments should be cut or expanded?
A. Goodyear employees are vital to the day to day operations of Goodyear. I recently attended a city council meeting where we looked at the benefits that the employees receive which is important for recruitment and retention of employees. I believe that an expansion of the police and fire departments is a good thing for Goodyear. For example, the city recently hired more police officers which will help the city continue to be the safest city in the West Valley. More fire fighters will be needed to man the future new fire stations.
A. Goodyear employees are vital to the day to day operations of Goodyear. I recently attended a city council meeting where we looked at the benefits that the employees receive which is important for recruitment and retention of employees. I believe that an expansion of the police and fire departments is a good thing for Goodyear. For example, the city recently hired more police officers which will help the city continue to be the safest city in the West Valley. More fire fighters will be needed to man the future new fire stations.
Q. What is the one thing you will personally do to bring jobs to Goodyear?
A. I will personally work with the Southwest Valley of Commerce, Arizona Small Business Association, Business Incubators, and the city economic development to attract more business to Goodyear. We want help ideas become small businesses, small business become medium business, and medium business become large businesses in Goodyear while attracting everything in between. I believe that being a past board member of the Arizona Small Business Association and a Business owner will help me to attract business to Goodyear.
A. I will personally work with the Southwest Valley of Commerce, Arizona Small Business Association, Business Incubators, and the city economic development to attract more business to Goodyear. We want help ideas become small businesses, small business become medium business, and medium business become large businesses in Goodyear while attracting everything in between. I believe that being a past board member of the Arizona Small Business Association and a Business owner will help me to attract business to Goodyear.
CONNECT
Find Brannon Hampton on the web here.
These questions were asked and answered prior to the Spring Primary Election. Date: January 2017
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Q. Tell me about yourself and why you are running for City Council.
A. My Name is Brannon Hampton and I’m a native of Arizona and a long term resident of the West Valley. I graduated from Agua Fria High School where I met by wonderful wife of 13 years. We have three children ranging in ages from two to seven. I have worked at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station for over 15 years and have my Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. I severed as a board member for the Arizona Small Business Association and on the Goodyear General Planning committee for 2025. I am running for city council because I believe in our city and want to see it grow to its full potential. Goodyear is wonderful place to live and raise a family and I want to see it continue to be so for future generations. I represent the average demographic of Goodyear residents and want to see them represented on the City Council. Community service is important to me and serving on the council would be a great honor. |
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Q. What experience do you have qualifying you as a good representative for our All-America City? How many hours a week can you devote to serving on City Council? (Time includes meetings, attending events, and reviewing reading materials.)
A. I was on the Goodyear General Plan Committee for 2025 and a 2016 graduate of the Goodyear Citizens Academy. I have physically attended 95% of the last city council meetings over the past six months. I have a Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Business management, an associates in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, a certification in Process Improvement (Lean), and Project Management Professional (PMP). I can devote approximately 20 hours a week to serving on the city council.
A. I was on the Goodyear General Plan Committee for 2025 and a 2016 graduate of the Goodyear Citizens Academy. I have physically attended 95% of the last city council meetings over the past six months. I have a Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Business management, an associates in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, a certification in Process Improvement (Lean), and Project Management Professional (PMP). I can devote approximately 20 hours a week to serving on the city council.
CHANGES
Q. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
A. I would like to improve the way we attract and retain businesses in Goodyear. Economic development is crucial to the future of Goodyear.
A. I would like to improve the way we attract and retain businesses in Goodyear. Economic development is crucial to the future of Goodyear.
FUTURE WATER NEEDS
Q. What are your thoughts on the City of Goodyear’s water needs? Under what circumstances would you approve a water rate hike?
A. The city is going to continue to grow and we need to ensure that we have the water resources to meet the future demand. I attended a presentation on the future water needs during a past city council meeting and every option will cost the city developing the needed water. This would include a pipe line to alternate sources and processing facilities. I would prefer not to approve a water rate hike as it is a fundamental service that every citizen will be effected by. I will work to reduce the impact of a future hike and make the most cost effective choices on behalf of the citizens.
A. The city is going to continue to grow and we need to ensure that we have the water resources to meet the future demand. I attended a presentation on the future water needs during a past city council meeting and every option will cost the city developing the needed water. This would include a pipe line to alternate sources and processing facilities. I would prefer not to approve a water rate hike as it is a fundamental service that every citizen will be effected by. I will work to reduce the impact of a future hike and make the most cost effective choices on behalf of the citizens.
JOB GROWTH
Q. Do you feel the west Valley can benefit from bringing in more jobs and what kind of jobs would be most beneficial? If you answered yes, how would you work to bring those jobs here?
A. Absolutely. I believe that higher wage technical jobs would be most beneficial to the West Valley and Goodyear. Technical jobs that support the airport/Luke, Medical, Information and Communication Technology, Higher Education and Entertainment/Tourism.
I would work with our economic development department and benchmark other cities to understand best practices to bring business to Goodyear. I would reach out to targeted businesses to highlight the benefits of doing business in Goodyear. An example being highlighting our Foreign Trade Zone and our Military Reuse Zone.
A. Absolutely. I believe that higher wage technical jobs would be most beneficial to the West Valley and Goodyear. Technical jobs that support the airport/Luke, Medical, Information and Communication Technology, Higher Education and Entertainment/Tourism.
I would work with our economic development department and benchmark other cities to understand best practices to bring business to Goodyear. I would reach out to targeted businesses to highlight the benefits of doing business in Goodyear. An example being highlighting our Foreign Trade Zone and our Military Reuse Zone.
FIRE SERVICE DEMANDS
Q. What is your opinion on the fire station study? Do you support moving up the timeline to build fire stations or would you prefer to start construction on stations as outlined in the study?
A. The study gave us hard data to make a better informed decision on the fire station placement. Response times must be improved to protect our citizens and their property. This is especially true in West Goodyear and Estrella Mountain Ranch. I do support moving up the timeline in some fashion. This might be the purchase of more fire trucks, a temporary station that turns into a permanent station, the building of a new station or some combination that quickens response time. This might also include hiring more fire personnel to support our growing city.
A. The study gave us hard data to make a better informed decision on the fire station placement. Response times must be improved to protect our citizens and their property. This is especially true in West Goodyear and Estrella Mountain Ranch. I do support moving up the timeline in some fashion. This might be the purchase of more fire trucks, a temporary station that turns into a permanent station, the building of a new station or some combination that quickens response time. This might also include hiring more fire personnel to support our growing city.
PEOPLE AND PARKS
Q. The people of Goodyear recently stated in a survey they support more parks. What are your thoughts on amenities in Goodyear and which do you support or not support and why?
A. I also support more parks. As a parent of three children who consistently use the city parks, more parks would be great. Parks are gathering places for the community and provide some outdoor recreation. I am excited to see more amenities in Goodyear as we grow as a city.
A. I also support more parks. As a parent of three children who consistently use the city parks, more parks would be great. Parks are gathering places for the community and provide some outdoor recreation. I am excited to see more amenities in Goodyear as we grow as a city.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Q. What is your opinion on attracting higher education in Goodyear? How can Goodyear support education on all grade levels?
A. I believe that Goodyear should attract higher education in Goodyear. We currently have one higher education institute in Goodyear with Franklin Pierce. We should have more that offer more programs. It would be great to be able to provide Goodyear residents with a kindergarten to College education. Goodyear can help to attract education to the city and help institutions through the process of establishing themselves in Goodyear.
A. I believe that Goodyear should attract higher education in Goodyear. We currently have one higher education institute in Goodyear with Franklin Pierce. We should have more that offer more programs. It would be great to be able to provide Goodyear residents with a kindergarten to College education. Goodyear can help to attract education to the city and help institutions through the process of establishing themselves in Goodyear.
NEXT FIVE YEARS
Q. If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see Goodyear accomplish in the next five years?
A. I would like to see more economic development throughout the city, water resources secured, our fire response times decreased and more amenities.
A. I would like to see more economic development throughout the city, water resources secured, our fire response times decreased and more amenities.
20 YEARS AND BEYOND
Q. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
A. I see Goodyear as the premier city in the West Valley. I see our population significantly growing and the city being prepared to meet the increased demand. I see Goodyear as the place that people want to live, raise a family, work, and enjoy life.
A. I see Goodyear as the premier city in the West Valley. I see our population significantly growing and the city being prepared to meet the increased demand. I see Goodyear as the place that people want to live, raise a family, work, and enjoy life.