GOODYEAR ELECTION WATCH 2017
CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR: GEORGIA LORD
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Q. Tell me about yourself and why you are running for Mayor.
A. In my experience as mayor, I have learned to listen to the citizens of Goodyear in order to make decisions that make our city better. I’ve learned that as many as 93% of our citizens believe our city is an excellent or good place to live. And, 85% of families believe that Goodyear is a great place to raise their kids. Our retirees also love our city and give it a high satisfaction rating (84%). Goodyear has the greatest people and a talented workforce. I am running for another term as mayor because I believe in Goodyear and know that we can continue to attract new residents and businesses. In my next term as mayor, I want to continue to work with the City Council and staff to build a bigger pathway toward an even more sustainable city, where our citizens can live, work, play and raise a family, right here in Goodyear. I feel a deep affection and commitment to our community to continue to improve our “All-America City,” while maintaining our quality of life. For your readers who want to know more about how Goodyear is improving, job growth is on the rise and we are working hard to invest in public safety and partnerships with healthcare, businesses and community organizations. As an example, at the end of 2016, a new Police Operations Building opened to replace a facility built in the 1940s. This improved our city’s police services and reinforced our commitment to families who feel Goodyear is a safe place to live. |
Goodyear is headed in the right direction, but there is more work to be done. As our city grows, we must look for ways to enhance the quality of life for residents and ensure Goodyear is at the top of the list for businesses seeking relocation.
In the past few years a number of highly respected companies have chosen Goodyear as their home. For instance, Subzero expanded their current operations, REI added a sustainable distribution center and Huhtamaki North America will bring 300 new manufacturing jobs and a $100 million investment to the area.
Another exciting new happening is a Goodyear Community Health Park. In response to Goodyear residents telling the city they want more outdoor space and healthy recreational opportunities, the city applied and was chosen as one of the winners of the GE Health Cities Leadership Challenge.The project is a collaborative partnership that includes Abrazo West Campus, Cancer Treatment Center of America, Adelante Healthcare and John Kuhn to establish a governance structure and create a conceptual “master plan” for a one-of-a kind interactive health park located on the retention basins along 1-10. As mayor, I will continue to provide the leadership and experience necessary to continue to attract projects and companies like these to Goodyear.
We’ve come a long way since I first served on the City Council in 2005 and my service as mayor since 2011, but this is a critically important time for our city. My goal as mayor is to continue to make government more effective, keep taxes and fees low and allow our residences and businesses to keep their hard earned money, while continuing to improve services. For example, we recently refinanced three bonds which saved our city more than $27 million. As mayor, I will continue to seek out opportunities such as these to be respectful of tax dollars.
In the past few years a number of highly respected companies have chosen Goodyear as their home. For instance, Subzero expanded their current operations, REI added a sustainable distribution center and Huhtamaki North America will bring 300 new manufacturing jobs and a $100 million investment to the area.
Another exciting new happening is a Goodyear Community Health Park. In response to Goodyear residents telling the city they want more outdoor space and healthy recreational opportunities, the city applied and was chosen as one of the winners of the GE Health Cities Leadership Challenge.The project is a collaborative partnership that includes Abrazo West Campus, Cancer Treatment Center of America, Adelante Healthcare and John Kuhn to establish a governance structure and create a conceptual “master plan” for a one-of-a kind interactive health park located on the retention basins along 1-10. As mayor, I will continue to provide the leadership and experience necessary to continue to attract projects and companies like these to Goodyear.
We’ve come a long way since I first served on the City Council in 2005 and my service as mayor since 2011, but this is a critically important time for our city. My goal as mayor is to continue to make government more effective, keep taxes and fees low and allow our residences and businesses to keep their hard earned money, while continuing to improve services. For example, we recently refinanced three bonds which saved our city more than $27 million. As mayor, I will continue to seek out opportunities such as these to be respectful of tax dollars.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Q. What unique experience can you offer as 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 am considered a full time Mayor because of the number of days, evening hours and weekends the job requires. My work includes: preparing for and running the Council meetings and work sessions, meeting with residents and the business community, attending events and representing Goodyear at regional organizations, attending business openings and ribbon cuttings, and other speaking engagements. My hours vary from week-to-week, but are typically 40 hours and sometimes exceed 60 hours.
As for my level of commitment to my constituents, I am active at the federal, state and local level depending on the needs of our city and the West Valley. I serve on the League of Cities Resolution Committee. I also serve on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Board of Directors, where I was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of my promotion and advancement of economic development in the greater Phoenix area. I am a member and past chair of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Ambassador’s steering committee.
I represent Goodyear on the Maricopa County Association of Governments (MAG), WESTMARC Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and the West-MEC Bond Committee. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Abrazo West Valley Hospital and the Arizona Mayor’s Educational Roundtable. I am an Arizona Town Hall alumni and previously served as Vice Chair of the Arizona Municipal Tax Code Commission. I am a member and past chair of the Luke West Valley Council.
One of unique experiences as Goodyear’s Mayor was being selected as one of Arizona Business Magazine’s top 50 women recognized as “the state’s female leaders who redefine traditional gender roles and (become) ‘economic juggernauts.’”
A. I am considered a full time Mayor because of the number of days, evening hours and weekends the job requires. My work includes: preparing for and running the Council meetings and work sessions, meeting with residents and the business community, attending events and representing Goodyear at regional organizations, attending business openings and ribbon cuttings, and other speaking engagements. My hours vary from week-to-week, but are typically 40 hours and sometimes exceed 60 hours.
As for my level of commitment to my constituents, I am active at the federal, state and local level depending on the needs of our city and the West Valley. I serve on the League of Cities Resolution Committee. I also serve on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Board of Directors, where I was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of my promotion and advancement of economic development in the greater Phoenix area. I am a member and past chair of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Ambassador’s steering committee.
I represent Goodyear on the Maricopa County Association of Governments (MAG), WESTMARC Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and the West-MEC Bond Committee. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Abrazo West Valley Hospital and the Arizona Mayor’s Educational Roundtable. I am an Arizona Town Hall alumni and previously served as Vice Chair of the Arizona Municipal Tax Code Commission. I am a member and past chair of the Luke West Valley Council.
One of unique experiences as Goodyear’s Mayor was being selected as one of Arizona Business Magazine’s top 50 women recognized as “the state’s female leaders who redefine traditional gender roles and (become) ‘economic juggernauts.’”
CHANGES AT CITY HALL
Q. Do you foresee making any changes to current city staff management? If so, what changes would you make?
A. I do not foresee any changes at this time. The mayor and Council, per the City Charter, hires the City Manager, City Attorney and the Judge by majority vote. At this time, the City is heading in the right direction and Council and staff are working together quite well to improve our quality of life and attract businesses.
A. I do not foresee any changes at this time. The mayor and Council, per the City Charter, hires the City Manager, City Attorney and the Judge by majority vote. At this time, the City is heading in the right direction and Council and staff are working together quite well to improve our quality of life and attract businesses.
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. I recognize, as does our City Council, that we live in a desert environment. Water is one of our most precious resources and we must continue to address current and future water needs for our city. In 2014, the City Council commissioned a water study (Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP)) completed by Carollo Engineering. Simultaneously, the City Council established the Water Planning Committee made up of Goodyear citizens and stakeholders. These community members were appointed to learn about our city’s water usage, be a partner in understanding water use challenges and take part in recommending water rates.
This group used what they learned to evaluate the IWMP proposed water plan. After a year of work, our very own Goodyear citizen’s committee concluded that water fees needed to be adjusted accordingly. A public hearing took place on October 26, 2015. The new rates are part of the five-year rate plan adopted by Resolution 15-1718, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. Notices were sent in the December billing statements.
Lastly, the city now has a Water Conservation Committee, which encourages the public to attend the meetings. This committee is dedicated to water conservation in our city and welcomes public opinion.
The committee actions can be found in the document, Water planning Committee Recommendations Report (http://www.goodyearaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=11414). For a full review of the committee’s public notes and meetings, link here (http://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments-divisions-a-z/finance/utilities-customer-service/water-planning-committee).
A. I recognize, as does our City Council, that we live in a desert environment. Water is one of our most precious resources and we must continue to address current and future water needs for our city. In 2014, the City Council commissioned a water study (Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP)) completed by Carollo Engineering. Simultaneously, the City Council established the Water Planning Committee made up of Goodyear citizens and stakeholders. These community members were appointed to learn about our city’s water usage, be a partner in understanding water use challenges and take part in recommending water rates.
This group used what they learned to evaluate the IWMP proposed water plan. After a year of work, our very own Goodyear citizen’s committee concluded that water fees needed to be adjusted accordingly. A public hearing took place on October 26, 2015. The new rates are part of the five-year rate plan adopted by Resolution 15-1718, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. Notices were sent in the December billing statements.
Lastly, the city now has a Water Conservation Committee, which encourages the public to attend the meetings. This committee is dedicated to water conservation in our city and welcomes public opinion.
The committee actions can be found in the document, Water planning Committee Recommendations Report (http://www.goodyearaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=11414). For a full review of the committee’s public notes and meetings, link here (http://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments-divisions-a-z/finance/utilities-customer-service/water-planning-committee).
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. I have a proven track record as a leader in economic development for the West Valley. New job creation has been a key priority so that citizens can live and work in the same community without long commutes. Over the past few years, 700 new businesses with five or more employees were established in our area. This accounted for 20,300 new jobs. Goodyear’s key industries are aviation and aerospace, Internet fulfillment, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution.
A. I have a proven track record as a leader in economic development for the West Valley. New job creation has been a key priority so that citizens can live and work in the same community without long commutes. Over the past few years, 700 new businesses with five or more employees were established in our area. This accounted for 20,300 new jobs. Goodyear’s key industries are aviation and aerospace, Internet fulfillment, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution.
Addendum to this answer: Mayor Lord adds - I have a proven track record as a leader in economic development for the West Valley. New job creation has been a key priority so that citizens can live and work in the same community without long commutes. In fact, the Arizona Republic recently reported that Goodyear is significantly ahead of its West Valley neighbors in median household income and has a much lower unemployment rate than other West Valley cities. Commercial and industrial growth has also significantly reduced vacancy rates and our existing stock has filled up.
We have been successful in attracting a wide variety jobs including high skill and high wage employment opportunities – many of which are in manufacturing and distribution. We have been able to take advantage of the Loop 303 to attract major national and internationally known employers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Huhtamaki North America, Sub-Zero, REI, KPS Global, and others. In all, we have been able to attract hundreds of jobs and millions in economic investment over the past few years while supporting our key industries including aviation and aerospace, Internet fulfillment, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution. That is why I was asked to serve on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Board of Directors and named “50 most influential women in Arizona business” by AZ Business Magazine.
We have been successful in attracting a wide variety jobs including high skill and high wage employment opportunities – many of which are in manufacturing and distribution. We have been able to take advantage of the Loop 303 to attract major national and internationally known employers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Huhtamaki North America, Sub-Zero, REI, KPS Global, and others. In all, we have been able to attract hundreds of jobs and millions in economic investment over the past few years while supporting our key industries including aviation and aerospace, Internet fulfillment, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution. That is why I was asked to serve on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Board of Directors and named “50 most influential women in Arizona business” by AZ Business Magazine.
ESTRELLA FALLS MALL
Q. What is your opinion on the status of Estrella Falls Mall construction? What would you like to see happen there and how would you lead to make those efforts a reality?
A. Phase 1 of the Estrella Falls Regional celebrated the opening of the largest Cine Capri 16-screen Harkins Theater in Arizona. It has broken attendance records statewide. During the second part of Phase 1, the developer Macerich delivered two additional lots just south of theater, which will be ready for development for retail and entertainment in the December/January time frame.
A. Phase 1 of the Estrella Falls Regional celebrated the opening of the largest Cine Capri 16-screen Harkins Theater in Arizona. It has broken attendance records statewide. During the second part of Phase 1, the developer Macerich delivered two additional lots just south of theater, which will be ready for development for retail and entertainment in the December/January time frame.
GOODYEAR TAXES
Q. What is your opinion on Goodyear's tax rate? If you plan to lower or raise taxes, how would you do so?
A. I have always been a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility. As city officials, we are entrusted to make judicious strategic decisions with tax-payer dollars. As mayor, I will continue to take this responsibility very seriously.
A. I have always been a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility. As city officials, we are entrusted to make judicious strategic decisions with tax-payer dollars. As mayor, I will continue to take this responsibility very seriously.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Q. What is your opinion on attracting higher education in Goodyear? How can Goodyear support education on all grade levels?
A. As the Mayor, education is a top priority in Goodyear. In the past, I have supported bond issues to fund education and will continue to do so. I have also been a strong supporter of career and technical education (through West-MEC and other opportunities) recognizing the key role it plays in building our future workforce.
The city has a number of initiatives that help raise awareness about the status of our education system. For instance, the council invites the superintendents of our 6 public school districts, which serve our Goodyear students, to provide an annual “State of the District” updates during a City Council meeting.
Another is the Building Blocks to Great Schools Education Summit, which brings together public/private educators, stakeholders and community partners to discuss the challenges and successes of Goodyear Schools. The sharing of information, between city departments; public, private and charter schools as well as community education partners helps to identify needs and match them with resources.
As you know, Arizona students can attend any school within the district or outside the district. This affords parents a wide option of choices to meet their student’s needs. Three new schools opened in Goodyear in the fall of 2015 – Basis Charter, Great Hearts Academy and Las Brisas Academy.
The school districts offer a number of educational programs to help elementary students succeed. For instance, they have full day kindergarten. After school care at our elementary schools is an important service for working parents. And special programs like STEM learning at Liberty Elementary help our students learn vital math and science skills. And, with Goodyear’s Citywide reading challenge and Ballpark Reading Challenges, we challenge and incentivize our students to read at home and in the classroom.
In 2008 as a city council person, I supported locating Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear. I will continue to support other colleges and universities to build schools in Goodyear.
A. As the Mayor, education is a top priority in Goodyear. In the past, I have supported bond issues to fund education and will continue to do so. I have also been a strong supporter of career and technical education (through West-MEC and other opportunities) recognizing the key role it plays in building our future workforce.
The city has a number of initiatives that help raise awareness about the status of our education system. For instance, the council invites the superintendents of our 6 public school districts, which serve our Goodyear students, to provide an annual “State of the District” updates during a City Council meeting.
Another is the Building Blocks to Great Schools Education Summit, which brings together public/private educators, stakeholders and community partners to discuss the challenges and successes of Goodyear Schools. The sharing of information, between city departments; public, private and charter schools as well as community education partners helps to identify needs and match them with resources.
As you know, Arizona students can attend any school within the district or outside the district. This affords parents a wide option of choices to meet their student’s needs. Three new schools opened in Goodyear in the fall of 2015 – Basis Charter, Great Hearts Academy and Las Brisas Academy.
The school districts offer a number of educational programs to help elementary students succeed. For instance, they have full day kindergarten. After school care at our elementary schools is an important service for working parents. And special programs like STEM learning at Liberty Elementary help our students learn vital math and science skills. And, with Goodyear’s Citywide reading challenge and Ballpark Reading Challenges, we challenge and incentivize our students to read at home and in the classroom.
In 2008 as a city council person, I supported locating Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear. I will continue to support other colleges and universities to build schools in Goodyear.
CITY SAFETY. GOODYEAR FIRE AND POLICE SERVICES
Q. What is your support level for Goodyear Fire and Police services? What do you feel is an appropriate way to consider funding increases for these departments?
A. On December 12, a Fire Station Study was presented before the council. The study examined current and future fire stations, triggers and thresholds, and how certain high growth areas in the city will be affected in the future. The study presented five fire station options and recommended locations and time frames. The cost of a fully operational fire station is approximately $8.2 million. As this study was only recently presented, it warrants a lengthy discussion with council before voting on the options presented.
A. On December 12, a Fire Station Study was presented before the council. The study examined current and future fire stations, triggers and thresholds, and how certain high growth areas in the city will be affected in the future. The study presented five fire station options and recommended locations and time frames. The cost of a fully operational fire station is approximately $8.2 million. As this study was only recently presented, it warrants a lengthy discussion with council before voting on the options presented.
A FUTURE VISION
Q. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
A. My goals for Goodyear today are no different than they were when I was first elected mayor. In my heart, I believe that we are making sound fiscal decisions and policies that will allow the West Valley to continue to thrive 20 years from now for future generations to say they are proud to be from Goodyear.
A. My goals for Goodyear today are no different than they were when I was first elected mayor. In my heart, I believe that we are making sound fiscal decisions and policies that will allow the West Valley to continue to thrive 20 years from now for future generations to say they are proud to be from Goodyear.