GOODYEAR ELECTION WATCH
CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL: JOE PIZZILLO
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Q. Tell me about yourself and why you are running for City Council.
A. Our family has lived in Arizona for more than 30 years and Goodyear residents for the past 14 years. My wife, Vickie, and I have been married for 42 years. We have one grown son, Nicholas and his wife Kristen, and are proud grandparents to Sophia Irene and Aubrey Rose Pizzillo. I am an active member of the community and belong to the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Lending Closet. As your Councilmember, I will continue to build on our successes of the past while working to ensure Goodyear maintains an exceptional quality of life, protects its neighborhoods from crime and blight, provides quality services in a financially responsible manner, promote job creation and quality amenities & economic growth within a business-friendly environment. As a member of your City Council, I have worked to overcome various financial challenges while maintaining a high level of core services. I am very proud to have been able to serve this City as its Acting Mayor from November 2010 to March 2011 during turbulent times in which our Mayor had resigned and a special election was held to serve out the Mayor’s term. I feel this experience was invaluable in carrying out my duties as your City Councilmember. I will continue to bring to the table my strong financial background ensuring as the City moves forward we deliver our services in the most cost effective manner possible. I have been a part of Goodyear’s growth for more than fourteen years and I am proud of the many positive milestones that have occurred during that time, one being the recently opened Harkins Movie Theater ion 2016. |
I am currently an Adjunct Professor teaching accounting and finance classes for Estrella Mountain Community College, Park University and Grand Canyon University.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
My comprehensive knowledge of local government financing and knowledge of the various governmental funding sources affords me the skill sets to address both opportunities and challenges going forward.
I will continue to work diligently and am committed to meet all current and future needs of our City.
I am very proud of the City’s past accomplishments and I would like to continue my community service as a member of the City Council, maintaining Goodyear as a premier community to work, play and to raise your family.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
My comprehensive knowledge of local government financing and knowledge of the various governmental funding sources affords me the skill sets to address both opportunities and challenges going forward.
I will continue to work diligently and am committed to meet all current and future needs of our City.
I am very proud of the City’s past accomplishments and I would like to continue my community service as a member of the City Council, maintaining Goodyear as a premier community to work, play and to raise your family.
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. My schedule allows me the opportunity to meet the commitments and time requirements of the position. I have missed just one City Council meeting over the past 7 and ½ years and it was because of my 40th wedding anniversary celebration.
I am an active member of the community and belong to the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Lending Closet.
As the retired City Budget Manager, along with my 7 plus years on the City Council, affords me the proper mix of skill set to meet current and future needs of the City to mover us forward through these challenging times. I would continue to work towards making Goodyear a premier community to work, play and to raise a family.
A. My schedule allows me the opportunity to meet the commitments and time requirements of the position. I have missed just one City Council meeting over the past 7 and ½ years and it was because of my 40th wedding anniversary celebration.
I am an active member of the community and belong to the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Lending Closet.
As the retired City Budget Manager, along with my 7 plus years on the City Council, affords me the proper mix of skill set to meet current and future needs of the City to mover us forward through these challenging times. I would continue to work towards making Goodyear a premier community to work, play and to raise a family.
CHANGE
Q. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
A. I am a firm believer that there is always room for improvement. The City is currently performing process improvement reviews (Lean Principals) on various City departments to better serve the public. I support this process moving forward that City departments review its service delivery model to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers. Lean principal empowers city employees to improve services and eliminate waste.
A. I am a firm believer that there is always room for improvement. The City is currently performing process improvement reviews (Lean Principals) on various City departments to better serve the public. I support this process moving forward that City departments review its service delivery model to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers. Lean principal empowers city employees to improve services and eliminate waste.
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. Water is one of our greatest challenges going forward. Fortunately for this City, we have been proactive in addressing this issue, in partnership with the Citizens Water Committee. A citizens Water Committee was established by the City Council tasked with recommending a plan to move the City forward in meeting its future water needs. The City has a water rate schedule plan in place based as the result of the Citizens’ Committee recommendations. The City of Goodyear in my opinion has a very competent proactive water department staff. In addition, city staff has developed various options for City Council consideration for meeting our water supply needs well into the future. The City of Goodyear has been recognized as a leader in this area and I am confident, along with our various partners, the City will continue to meet our water resource needs well into the future.
A. Water is one of our greatest challenges going forward. Fortunately for this City, we have been proactive in addressing this issue, in partnership with the Citizens Water Committee. A citizens Water Committee was established by the City Council tasked with recommending a plan to move the City forward in meeting its future water needs. The City has a water rate schedule plan in place based as the result of the Citizens’ Committee recommendations. The City of Goodyear in my opinion has a very competent proactive water department staff. In addition, city staff has developed various options for City Council consideration for meeting our water supply needs well into the future. The City of Goodyear has been recognized as a leader in this area and I am confident, along with our various partners, the City will continue to meet our water resource needs well into the future.
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. Yes, I feel the west valley can benefit from bringing in more high paying job. The City has many economic development tools in can use to attract businesses and programs geared to attract businesses with high paying jobs to Goodyear. The City recently promoted an event called “Geared for Growth", held at the new Harkins Theatre with a focus of proving business recruiters and developers the demographics and various opportunities of locating within the City. Various economic recruiting tools that are helpful in attracting business includes; Economic Reuse Zone, Military Reuse Zone and an Economic Development Zone. I believe the Cancer Treatment Centers of America is just one example of the City’s accomplishments bringing a great amenity along with a quality employer.
I do believe it is very important moving forward to encourage amenities such as additional retail shopping options, recreation, entertainment and restaurants be included with our economic development department efforts. The General Fund is a major source of revenue proving various day-to-day services such as public safety services, parks, roads etc. It is important that we grow our general fund opportunities through business growth so we can maintain service levels and meet the expectations of our residents.
A. Yes, I feel the west valley can benefit from bringing in more high paying job. The City has many economic development tools in can use to attract businesses and programs geared to attract businesses with high paying jobs to Goodyear. The City recently promoted an event called “Geared for Growth", held at the new Harkins Theatre with a focus of proving business recruiters and developers the demographics and various opportunities of locating within the City. Various economic recruiting tools that are helpful in attracting business includes; Economic Reuse Zone, Military Reuse Zone and an Economic Development Zone. I believe the Cancer Treatment Centers of America is just one example of the City’s accomplishments bringing a great amenity along with a quality employer.
I do believe it is very important moving forward to encourage amenities such as additional retail shopping options, recreation, entertainment and restaurants be included with our economic development department efforts. The General Fund is a major source of revenue proving various day-to-day services such as public safety services, parks, roads etc. It is important that we grow our general fund opportunities through business growth so we can maintain service levels and meet the expectations of our residents.
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. I was originally against contracting out for a fire study only because I felt the study could have been performed in-house with current staff and City resources, which in my opinion, would of save the City significant amounts of money. The ultimate result of the study I believe has projected fire stations placements beyond what I had envisioned for new fire station opening dates. The City is currently negotiating a Development Agreement that could impact the timeline of placing a fire station. I asked at a recent City Council Meeting for the Agreement to be before the City Council in January 2017. I believe we do not have all the information available currently, without an adopted updated development agreement, to make an informed decision as to fire station placement timing and the financial resources needed to move forward. There will be future City Council discussions involving fire station placement timelines and the financial resources needed to make it happen.
A. I was originally against contracting out for a fire study only because I felt the study could have been performed in-house with current staff and City resources, which in my opinion, would of save the City significant amounts of money. The ultimate result of the study I believe has projected fire stations placements beyond what I had envisioned for new fire station opening dates. The City is currently negotiating a Development Agreement that could impact the timeline of placing a fire station. I asked at a recent City Council Meeting for the Agreement to be before the City Council in January 2017. I believe we do not have all the information available currently, without an adopted updated development agreement, to make an informed decision as to fire station placement timing and the financial resources needed to move forward. There will be future City Council discussions involving fire station placement timelines and the financial resources needed to make it happen.
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. The Recreation Department is currently in the process of Master Planning an 84-acre Recreation Campus that is located at Estrella Parkway and Yuma, just north of Desert Edge High School. As part of this project, staff efforts include:
1. The development of a 40,000-sq. ft. Recreation Center (budgeted in CIP for FY18 and 19)
a. Facility Features:
i. Indoor multipurpose sport courts
ii. Indoor multipurpose use areas/rooms
iii. Indoor stage and performing arts areas
iv. Indoor locker, changing and shower rooms
2. The development of a 6-10-acre Aquatic Facility (budgeted in CIP for FY19 and 20)
a. Facility Features:
i. 6,000 sq. ft. zero-depth leisure pool (water slides, lazy river, splash play feature)
ii. Competition pool (8 lanes plus diving wells)
3. The development of a 30-acre Community Park (budgeted in CIP for FY19 and 20)
a. Facility Features:
i. Lighted baseball/softball fields
ii. Lighted rectangular multipurpose fields
iii. Lighted sport courts (tennis, basketball, pickle ball, volleyball)
iv. Trails and paths
v. Tot lots
vi. Picnic areas
vii. Restroom buildings
4. The development of a 46-50-acre City-wide Park (currently not budgeted in the CIP)
a. Facility Features:
i. Large group gathering areas / picnic areas
ii. Opportunities for private business inclusion
iii. Multiple paths and trails with interactive features
iv. Amphitheater
v. Lighted rectangular multipurpose fields and ball fields
vi. Skate park / bike park
vii. Demonstration gardens
viii. Tot lots and play areas
ix. Open space
The new Recreation Campus, as well as all of the components listed above, are in line with the adopted Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan.
In addition, various amenities such as shopping opportunities, restaurants and amusement businesses are a priority of our residents. I have encouraged our City management to pursue such opportunities for our residents. I believe the addition of the Harkins Theatre will help jump start such amenities.
The City also includes park equipment within its capital replacement program, allowing for park equipment to be replaced as it becomes in disrepair.
A. The Recreation Department is currently in the process of Master Planning an 84-acre Recreation Campus that is located at Estrella Parkway and Yuma, just north of Desert Edge High School. As part of this project, staff efforts include:
1. The development of a 40,000-sq. ft. Recreation Center (budgeted in CIP for FY18 and 19)
a. Facility Features:
i. Indoor multipurpose sport courts
ii. Indoor multipurpose use areas/rooms
iii. Indoor stage and performing arts areas
iv. Indoor locker, changing and shower rooms
2. The development of a 6-10-acre Aquatic Facility (budgeted in CIP for FY19 and 20)
a. Facility Features:
i. 6,000 sq. ft. zero-depth leisure pool (water slides, lazy river, splash play feature)
ii. Competition pool (8 lanes plus diving wells)
3. The development of a 30-acre Community Park (budgeted in CIP for FY19 and 20)
a. Facility Features:
i. Lighted baseball/softball fields
ii. Lighted rectangular multipurpose fields
iii. Lighted sport courts (tennis, basketball, pickle ball, volleyball)
iv. Trails and paths
v. Tot lots
vi. Picnic areas
vii. Restroom buildings
4. The development of a 46-50-acre City-wide Park (currently not budgeted in the CIP)
a. Facility Features:
i. Large group gathering areas / picnic areas
ii. Opportunities for private business inclusion
iii. Multiple paths and trails with interactive features
iv. Amphitheater
v. Lighted rectangular multipurpose fields and ball fields
vi. Skate park / bike park
vii. Demonstration gardens
viii. Tot lots and play areas
ix. Open space
The new Recreation Campus, as well as all of the components listed above, are in line with the adopted Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan.
In addition, various amenities such as shopping opportunities, restaurants and amusement businesses are a priority of our residents. I have encouraged our City management to pursue such opportunities for our residents. I believe the addition of the Harkins Theatre will help jump start such amenities.
The City also includes park equipment within its capital replacement program, allowing for park equipment to be replaced as it becomes in disrepair.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Q. What is your opinion on attracting higher education in Goodyear? How can Goodyear support education on all grade levels?
A. The City’s’ strategic plan includes the recruitment of Higher Education which I am in support. As an Adjunct Professor I believe it is important to support our overall school because our children are our future and will be faced with a very competitive economy. I believe it’s our responsibility to ensure that our children are properly equipped to take on the ever-evolving global marketplace.
We can support our schools by support State legislation that enhances our children’s the learning process while opposing legislation that negatively impacts our children’s ability to succeed in life. I am a major supporter of our School District efforts.
A. The City’s’ strategic plan includes the recruitment of Higher Education which I am in support. As an Adjunct Professor I believe it is important to support our overall school because our children are our future and will be faced with a very competitive economy. I believe it’s our responsibility to ensure that our children are properly equipped to take on the ever-evolving global marketplace.
We can support our schools by support State legislation that enhances our children’s the learning process while opposing legislation that negatively impacts our children’s ability to succeed in life. I am a major supporter of our School District efforts.
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 will always remain committed to address all challenges Goodyear faces. My focus continues to be working to resolve all challenges or issues which is in the best overall long-term interests of Goodyear and its residents. Below are examples of what I would like to see accomplished in the next five years.
A. I will always remain committed to address all challenges Goodyear faces. My focus continues to be working to resolve all challenges or issues which is in the best overall long-term interests of Goodyear and its residents. Below are examples of what I would like to see accomplished in the next five years.
- Continued sound financial planning resulting in resources needed to meet the needs of our residents and business community.
- The City continues to align its service delivery model, as needed, to the desires of its residents.
- Ability to fund public safety services/facilities needed to meet the demands of our growing community.
- An environment the results in strong uptake in business expansion that produce enough general fund operating revenue to meet resident supported programs. (ex. Road improvements, Public Safety, Parks and recreation).
- Ability to attract businesses that provide our residents with various amenities such as; shopping alternatives, recreation, entertainment venues and restaurant alternatives.
- Move forward with a financial plan to implement the City’s water master strategy to meet its needs well into the future.
- City continues to improve City processes with the goal of providing cost effective quality service levels.
- Continue to adjust City processes, as needed, to ensure an environment where the businesses community can be successful. A business ready/friendly community.
- Continue to be a pristine community and protect community from crime and blight.
- Landing significant number of businesses with high paying jobs within the City of Goodyear.
20 YEARS AND BEYOND
Q. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
A. A viable well run City, pristine, business friendly, high quality public safety services, sound water/wastewater master management program, viable operating parks and recreation master plan. comprehensive parks, sound financial policies, safe from crime, multiple available amenities to meet the needs of its residents. City of Goodyear being known as a great place to work, play and raise a family.
I would hope the City continues to be known for its strong citizen volunteering activity participating in City citizen committees and their commitment to make Goodyear the jewel of the Southwest. I see us as a true community and not just a collection of neighborhoods.
A. A viable well run City, pristine, business friendly, high quality public safety services, sound water/wastewater master management program, viable operating parks and recreation master plan. comprehensive parks, sound financial policies, safe from crime, multiple available amenities to meet the needs of its residents. City of Goodyear being known as a great place to work, play and raise a family.
I would hope the City continues to be known for its strong citizen volunteering activity participating in City citizen committees and their commitment to make Goodyear the jewel of the Southwest. I see us as a true community and not just a collection of neighborhoods.