Background
Name of Committee: Committee to Elect Ray Hadden City of Goodyear Councilman
Lists an address north of Interstate 10 in Goodyear
Lists an address north of Interstate 10 in Goodyear
Q&A Interview and Responses
1. Tell me about yourself and why you are running for City Council.
I bring extensive, successful experience in construction management on mega-projects worldwide as Vice President of Fluor Corporation, one of America’s largest engineering construction firms. In the early 1980’s I moved into the healthcare field and have had over 25 years in the designing and building of hospitals and medical facilities for FHP Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente primarily throughout the southwestern United States, Guam, Saipan and the Micronesian Islands My education was at Ohio State University and Kensington University in Glendale California. I also graduated from the Executive Management Program at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
My wife Elizabeth and I have been married for 55 years; we have three daughters, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. We have lived in Goodyear as permanent residents since 2002.
I am running for a City Council seat because I love Goodyear as a permanent home and want to see it successfully grow and thrive in the future. With my background, I can be a force in its development combined with a conservative fiscal responsibility.
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.)
My service experience includes President of the American Business Club of the Ivory Coast, West Africa where over 75 major U.S. corporations focused on the development of American business throughout northern Africa. I have also served as President of Fountain Valley California Chamber of Commerce which was instrumental in the development of small businesses throughout the city, and in all executive levels in the Mission Viejo California Kiwanis Club. In 2010, Kaiser Permanente National Facilities Service awarded me the group’s “Golden Hardhat” of the year award for the best community project in all of Southern California when our team completely renovated a large community welfare facility.
For many years, I have worked extensively with city planners, zoning commissions, city councils, fire marshals, and state inspection services in presenting proposals and coordinating building of major healthcare facilities. I am also involved with local community service organizations such as Aqua Fria Food Bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and the Phoenix Rescue Mission packing and issuing food baskets throughout the year together with providing financial support.
I will devote whatever time is necessary to assure the betterment of our community during my tenure as City Councilman.
3. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
A negative image of City Hall appears to be rampant throughout the City of Goodyear. Our communication needs to be improved with voters as related to our property taxes, sales taxes, taxes on food, and taxes charged in our restaurants. We must explain the reasons for increased expenditures within city departments as the voters believe that monies are being wasted.
4. What are your thoughts on the City of Goodyear’s water needs? Under what circumstances would you approve a water rate hike?
Water is a critical issue in our city. With the projected increase in new residents, we need to have a plan to assure that water will always be available so we do not get into a situation similar to many other communities such as California where mandatory water usage restrictions are now being implemented. We need to implement an education program with our residents to reduce the amount of water being wasted in the community.
I would approve a water rate hike only after it was determined that all essential steps have been taken to bring our usage of water down to a responsible level.
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?
The ballpark was basically a good idea as many people, both inside and outside Arizona see the ballpark as a major venue for many events in addition to spring training ballgames. The first step I would submit is to “ear-mark” money in our budget for the next several years to assure that we will be able to meet this financial obligation so we do not find ourselves in a deficit situation. Secondly, I would consider raising ticket prices for entrance into present events while at the same time developing a campaign to increase the number of events being held at the park.
I would immediately meet with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to work out a solution to the problem that the Authority may have insufficient monies to cover the payment that was originally promised and assured.
6. Do you support an allowance for police and fire uniforms? Do you feel Goodyear under or over supports its police and fire employees?
Yes, I support an allowance for police and fire uniforms. We need to give our police and fire employees all the support possible in order to maintain the excellent level of service they provide to our community. In a recent survey, 97% of our residents surveyed felt safe living in the City of Goodyear. That’s a remarkable number. Response times for both police and fire departments are excellent and are continually being improved. These statistics are a result of having first rate professional police and fire department personnel.
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?
We need to do both. Existing businesses need to be supported by the city and all of its residents. We should shop locally whenever possible and utilize the services of our local businesses to the fullest extent in order for them to successful. We also need to attract new business ventures to our community to keep up with the increase in population. If a particular business is not located in the City of Goodyear, i.e. Trader Joes, Dillard’s, Macy’s, residents will go elsewhere and shop in an area that has more to offer.
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?
Yes, Goodyear is in need of more family friendly entertainment venues. The building of the Harkins’ Theater in the future Regional Mall area is a step in the right direction. As part of a family friendly environment in Goodyear, I would like to see more area parks with picnic areas, softball fields, hiking trails, etc. where families could gather and enjoy the outdoors together as a family unit. When I was a kid growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, this type of activity was our family entertainment which we looked forward to every year.
9. If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see Goodyear accomplish in the next five years?
Five years will go by fast so the amount of progress that can be made will be limited. We need to have a longer range outlook. One goal is that we should finally have a central Goodyear Civic Center that we all can be proud of. Secondly, I would like to see more businesses look to Goodyear as a place they want to be so Goodyear residents do not have to travel great distances to get the services they desire. Most importantly, we must have a definitive plan for the growth of Goodyear that both meets the vision created in the 2025 General Plan and meets with our financial capabilities without violating our budget constraints.
10. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
Goodyear has the potential to be a major city metropolis, yet with a small town flavor. Our recent growth over the past several years is an indication. More and more people move here from the Northwest and Midwest states. We are a gateway from Phoenix to California and Nevada. Our climate is the best in the nation. The many talents of people we have coming to our area will result in our receiving the All America City numerous times in the future. Businesses will abound as our city grows. I can see public transportation being created throughout our entire community. Light rail will also be extended out to the City of Goodyear linking our community with Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, and the eastern suburbs. I can see new city parks, hiking and bike trails, a major shopping mall with major stores operating, and expansion of Route 303 into the southern portion of the city. I believe the next 20 years will be exciting years for the residents of Goodyear.
I bring extensive, successful experience in construction management on mega-projects worldwide as Vice President of Fluor Corporation, one of America’s largest engineering construction firms. In the early 1980’s I moved into the healthcare field and have had over 25 years in the designing and building of hospitals and medical facilities for FHP Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente primarily throughout the southwestern United States, Guam, Saipan and the Micronesian Islands My education was at Ohio State University and Kensington University in Glendale California. I also graduated from the Executive Management Program at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
My wife Elizabeth and I have been married for 55 years; we have three daughters, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. We have lived in Goodyear as permanent residents since 2002.
I am running for a City Council seat because I love Goodyear as a permanent home and want to see it successfully grow and thrive in the future. With my background, I can be a force in its development combined with a conservative fiscal responsibility.
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.)
My service experience includes President of the American Business Club of the Ivory Coast, West Africa where over 75 major U.S. corporations focused on the development of American business throughout northern Africa. I have also served as President of Fountain Valley California Chamber of Commerce which was instrumental in the development of small businesses throughout the city, and in all executive levels in the Mission Viejo California Kiwanis Club. In 2010, Kaiser Permanente National Facilities Service awarded me the group’s “Golden Hardhat” of the year award for the best community project in all of Southern California when our team completely renovated a large community welfare facility.
For many years, I have worked extensively with city planners, zoning commissions, city councils, fire marshals, and state inspection services in presenting proposals and coordinating building of major healthcare facilities. I am also involved with local community service organizations such as Aqua Fria Food Bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and the Phoenix Rescue Mission packing and issuing food baskets throughout the year together with providing financial support.
I will devote whatever time is necessary to assure the betterment of our community during my tenure as City Councilman.
3. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
A negative image of City Hall appears to be rampant throughout the City of Goodyear. Our communication needs to be improved with voters as related to our property taxes, sales taxes, taxes on food, and taxes charged in our restaurants. We must explain the reasons for increased expenditures within city departments as the voters believe that monies are being wasted.
4. What are your thoughts on the City of Goodyear’s water needs? Under what circumstances would you approve a water rate hike?
Water is a critical issue in our city. With the projected increase in new residents, we need to have a plan to assure that water will always be available so we do not get into a situation similar to many other communities such as California where mandatory water usage restrictions are now being implemented. We need to implement an education program with our residents to reduce the amount of water being wasted in the community.
I would approve a water rate hike only after it was determined that all essential steps have been taken to bring our usage of water down to a responsible level.
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?
The ballpark was basically a good idea as many people, both inside and outside Arizona see the ballpark as a major venue for many events in addition to spring training ballgames. The first step I would submit is to “ear-mark” money in our budget for the next several years to assure that we will be able to meet this financial obligation so we do not find ourselves in a deficit situation. Secondly, I would consider raising ticket prices for entrance into present events while at the same time developing a campaign to increase the number of events being held at the park.
I would immediately meet with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to work out a solution to the problem that the Authority may have insufficient monies to cover the payment that was originally promised and assured.
6. Do you support an allowance for police and fire uniforms? Do you feel Goodyear under or over supports its police and fire employees?
Yes, I support an allowance for police and fire uniforms. We need to give our police and fire employees all the support possible in order to maintain the excellent level of service they provide to our community. In a recent survey, 97% of our residents surveyed felt safe living in the City of Goodyear. That’s a remarkable number. Response times for both police and fire departments are excellent and are continually being improved. These statistics are a result of having first rate professional police and fire department personnel.
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?
We need to do both. Existing businesses need to be supported by the city and all of its residents. We should shop locally whenever possible and utilize the services of our local businesses to the fullest extent in order for them to successful. We also need to attract new business ventures to our community to keep up with the increase in population. If a particular business is not located in the City of Goodyear, i.e. Trader Joes, Dillard’s, Macy’s, residents will go elsewhere and shop in an area that has more to offer.
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?
Yes, Goodyear is in need of more family friendly entertainment venues. The building of the Harkins’ Theater in the future Regional Mall area is a step in the right direction. As part of a family friendly environment in Goodyear, I would like to see more area parks with picnic areas, softball fields, hiking trails, etc. where families could gather and enjoy the outdoors together as a family unit. When I was a kid growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, this type of activity was our family entertainment which we looked forward to every year.
9. If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see Goodyear accomplish in the next five years?
Five years will go by fast so the amount of progress that can be made will be limited. We need to have a longer range outlook. One goal is that we should finally have a central Goodyear Civic Center that we all can be proud of. Secondly, I would like to see more businesses look to Goodyear as a place they want to be so Goodyear residents do not have to travel great distances to get the services they desire. Most importantly, we must have a definitive plan for the growth of Goodyear that both meets the vision created in the 2025 General Plan and meets with our financial capabilities without violating our budget constraints.
10. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
Goodyear has the potential to be a major city metropolis, yet with a small town flavor. Our recent growth over the past several years is an indication. More and more people move here from the Northwest and Midwest states. We are a gateway from Phoenix to California and Nevada. Our climate is the best in the nation. The many talents of people we have coming to our area will result in our receiving the All America City numerous times in the future. Businesses will abound as our city grows. I can see public transportation being created throughout our entire community. Light rail will also be extended out to the City of Goodyear linking our community with Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, and the eastern suburbs. I can see new city parks, hiking and bike trails, a major shopping mall with major stores operating, and expansion of Route 303 into the southern portion of the city. I believe the next 20 years will be exciting years for the residents of Goodyear.
Ray Hadden interview Q&A responses here.
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