Background
Incumbent - Elected in 2007 and 2011
Name of Committee: Committee to Re-elect Joanne Osborne
Lists an address north of Interstate 10.
Name of Committee: Committee to Re-elect Joanne Osborne
Lists an address north of Interstate 10.
Q&A Interview Responses
1. Tell me about yourself and why you are running for City Council.
a. My name is Joanne Osborne; I am a mother of four, successful small business owner – located in Goodyear and one who is happily married to her business partner. If elected, I will be completing my final term as a Goodyear City Council Member. I believe in being part of your community, taking responsibility, and making a difference where you can. Our city was hit hard during the recession, tough decisions had to be made and many items we desired for our city had to be put on hold. Our economy is slowly moving in the right direction and I would like to continue being part of the momentum that is occurring. Now may be the time for our past desires, ideas, and plans to come back into play and I would like to be part of that action.
2. 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 have served in many capacities, ranging from a Coach of many teams, a committee member on strategic task forces, such as Focus Future II and the Litchfield Road Redevelopment Committee. I have served on Goodyear’s Planning & Zoning Commission for many years and was the Chairman at the time I was elected to the Council. I have been active on the boards of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, Maricopa Association of Governments, YMCA, Homeless Youth Connection, National League of Cities, and the West Valley Hospital. I have balanced my life for many years with our All American City as a priority.
3. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
a. As a seasoned Council Member, I have seen many processes and plans change. I am pleased that we have been able to implement changes when needed and not so rigid to stay with a bad plan. We will always have items for improvement, but I feel we are on the right track. I would lower the grocery food tax and complete the upgrades needed to Loma Linda Park and our Pool.
4. What are your thoughts on the City of Goodyear’s water needs? Under what circumstances would you approve a water rate hike?
a. I am happy to see that we are addressing, discussing, and planning for our most vital of resources – water. We cannot grow, nor sustain ourselves without a plan of action as it relates to water. Currently, an Integrated Water Master Plan has been a major focus, along with the formation of a Citizen’s Water Planning Committee. We value the input of our citizens committee and I look forward to their opinions on our future capital water plans and rate study. Once we have had a chance to hear from our citizens, experts, and staff, will we decide when a water rate increase will need to occur.
5. It’s recently been reported that the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority may be unable to repay the City of Goodyear $57.5 million in its investment
for the ballpark. What are your thoughts on that and what suggestions will you make for creating new revenue at the ballpark?
a. It is disappointing knowing that the city’s reimbursement will be postponed for so many years, however, I am pleased that we have been planning for this set back since 2012. We have a plan in place to continue to pay the required bond payments.
b. I am proud of the Ballpark staff as they continue to find creative ways to use the Ballpark – from a wedding, to Color Run’s, to many fun events and ways to bring us together. The recent Cactus League Tourism Study put our Ballpark at the top of the list in Non-Spring Training usage.
6. Do you support an allowance for police and fire uniforms? Do you feel Goodyear under or over supports its police and fire employees?
a. I fully support our Public Safety’s uniform allowance. Many positions require certain tools of the trade. Public Safety uniforms are part of theirs. I am happy that we have finally had the funding for our Police Department and their badly needed facilities.
7. The City of Goodyear has ample room for more business/industry at convenient locations along the Interstate. If you had to choose, would you focus more on acquiring new business or providing more support for existing businesses? Why?
a. A city that is successful in Economic Development focuses on both attainment and retention/expansion. Our Economic team continues to be aggressive on attracting new companies and paying close attention to the businesses we currently have. It has been nice to see the expansion of some of our largest employers in the last couple of years.
8. Surprise has Uptown Alley. Avondale has the American Sports Centers. Do you feel Goodyear is in need of more family friendly entertainment
business? If so, how would you help make that happen?
a. Diverse entertainment that is family friendly, energetic, fun, and cultured will be a highlight for all the ages of our citizens. Goodyear has the ability and population to support great entertainment. As a retailer, I also know how important marketing is for our city. Putting our best face forward will continue to help us garner items for tourism, entertainment venues, shopping and restaurants. The city’s best bet is to allow for growth of density in core areas, have streamlined processes, and marketing tools that draw excitement and show quality to potential businesses.
9. If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see Goodyear accomplish in the next five years?
a. As our city grows and continues to expand its industries, we need an educated workforce. I would love to see a university in Goodyear. In five years, I believe we will see development and growth around our ballpark and central Goodyear area. I am also hopeful that the dream of our Retail Mecca will finally come to fruition.
10. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
a. Goodyear in 20 years – shall have neighborhoods connected with trail ways and paths, multimodal uses of transportation shall be available. We shall have four large Community Parks and entertainment venues for all ages of life. Our large city will still have that hometown feel, where we gather together, cheer on our successes and band together during sad or disappointing times. We shall have core centers of differing industries, with Healthcare, Aerospace/Aviation, Manufacturing, Education, and Tourism. We shall have completed the El Rio river corridor and somewhere around Estrella have a beautiful Resort. If we prioritize and plan, knowing that the future is in our children, have respect and admire our elders, and are wise with the land, resources, and animals God gave us we shall be successful in the development of an awesome city!
a. My name is Joanne Osborne; I am a mother of four, successful small business owner – located in Goodyear and one who is happily married to her business partner. If elected, I will be completing my final term as a Goodyear City Council Member. I believe in being part of your community, taking responsibility, and making a difference where you can. Our city was hit hard during the recession, tough decisions had to be made and many items we desired for our city had to be put on hold. Our economy is slowly moving in the right direction and I would like to continue being part of the momentum that is occurring. Now may be the time for our past desires, ideas, and plans to come back into play and I would like to be part of that action.
2. 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 have served in many capacities, ranging from a Coach of many teams, a committee member on strategic task forces, such as Focus Future II and the Litchfield Road Redevelopment Committee. I have served on Goodyear’s Planning & Zoning Commission for many years and was the Chairman at the time I was elected to the Council. I have been active on the boards of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, Maricopa Association of Governments, YMCA, Homeless Youth Connection, National League of Cities, and the West Valley Hospital. I have balanced my life for many years with our All American City as a priority.
3. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
a. As a seasoned Council Member, I have seen many processes and plans change. I am pleased that we have been able to implement changes when needed and not so rigid to stay with a bad plan. We will always have items for improvement, but I feel we are on the right track. I would lower the grocery food tax and complete the upgrades needed to Loma Linda Park and our Pool.
4. What are your thoughts on the City of Goodyear’s water needs? Under what circumstances would you approve a water rate hike?
a. I am happy to see that we are addressing, discussing, and planning for our most vital of resources – water. We cannot grow, nor sustain ourselves without a plan of action as it relates to water. Currently, an Integrated Water Master Plan has been a major focus, along with the formation of a Citizen’s Water Planning Committee. We value the input of our citizens committee and I look forward to their opinions on our future capital water plans and rate study. Once we have had a chance to hear from our citizens, experts, and staff, will we decide when a water rate increase will need to occur.
5. It’s recently been reported that the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority may be unable to repay the City of Goodyear $57.5 million in its investment
for the ballpark. What are your thoughts on that and what suggestions will you make for creating new revenue at the ballpark?
a. It is disappointing knowing that the city’s reimbursement will be postponed for so many years, however, I am pleased that we have been planning for this set back since 2012. We have a plan in place to continue to pay the required bond payments.
b. I am proud of the Ballpark staff as they continue to find creative ways to use the Ballpark – from a wedding, to Color Run’s, to many fun events and ways to bring us together. The recent Cactus League Tourism Study put our Ballpark at the top of the list in Non-Spring Training usage.
6. Do you support an allowance for police and fire uniforms? Do you feel Goodyear under or over supports its police and fire employees?
a. I fully support our Public Safety’s uniform allowance. Many positions require certain tools of the trade. Public Safety uniforms are part of theirs. I am happy that we have finally had the funding for our Police Department and their badly needed facilities.
7. The City of Goodyear has ample room for more business/industry at convenient locations along the Interstate. If you had to choose, would you focus more on acquiring new business or providing more support for existing businesses? Why?
a. A city that is successful in Economic Development focuses on both attainment and retention/expansion. Our Economic team continues to be aggressive on attracting new companies and paying close attention to the businesses we currently have. It has been nice to see the expansion of some of our largest employers in the last couple of years.
8. Surprise has Uptown Alley. Avondale has the American Sports Centers. Do you feel Goodyear is in need of more family friendly entertainment
business? If so, how would you help make that happen?
a. Diverse entertainment that is family friendly, energetic, fun, and cultured will be a highlight for all the ages of our citizens. Goodyear has the ability and population to support great entertainment. As a retailer, I also know how important marketing is for our city. Putting our best face forward will continue to help us garner items for tourism, entertainment venues, shopping and restaurants. The city’s best bet is to allow for growth of density in core areas, have streamlined processes, and marketing tools that draw excitement and show quality to potential businesses.
9. If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see Goodyear accomplish in the next five years?
a. As our city grows and continues to expand its industries, we need an educated workforce. I would love to see a university in Goodyear. In five years, I believe we will see development and growth around our ballpark and central Goodyear area. I am also hopeful that the dream of our Retail Mecca will finally come to fruition.
10. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
a. Goodyear in 20 years – shall have neighborhoods connected with trail ways and paths, multimodal uses of transportation shall be available. We shall have four large Community Parks and entertainment venues for all ages of life. Our large city will still have that hometown feel, where we gather together, cheer on our successes and band together during sad or disappointing times. We shall have core centers of differing industries, with Healthcare, Aerospace/Aviation, Manufacturing, Education, and Tourism. We shall have completed the El Rio river corridor and somewhere around Estrella have a beautiful Resort. If we prioritize and plan, knowing that the future is in our children, have respect and admire our elders, and are wise with the land, resources, and animals God gave us we shall be successful in the development of an awesome city!
Joanne Osborne's interview Q&A responses can be viewed here.
| west_valley_families_candidate_questions.pdf |
CONNECT WITH JOANNE
CITY OF GOODYEAR WEBSITE HERE.