GOODYEAR ELECTION WATCH
CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL: SARA GILLIGAN
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. Running for council has been such an enriching experience! I have taken the opportunity to meet residents in the varied communities we have here in Goodyear. We are blessed to have two qualified candidates. But, I ask the voters here in Goodyear to vote for me because I have the time and desire to work for the residents and businesses of Goodyear. I don’t work full time, so my availability is open to the needs of Goodyear. I am excited for this second opportunity to earn Goodyear's vote. My BA is in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine. I studied environmental planning and health, psychology and social behavior, and criminal studies. All perfectly prepare me for service as a council member. My senior project was focused on the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program ( RSVP ) where we worked to match active seniors with high school students. Again, a perfect fit considering we have two 55-plus communities here in Goodyear. I’m currently enrolled in the Goodyear Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) program where I’ve gained a more thorough understanding of city operations. I have worked in my community on projects which have brought me in front of city council to advocate for our needs. I am an excellent communicator and have a natural ease with people. These are important skills for a council member. |
Q. What is the one thing you would change in the Goodyear City Charter? Why?
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A. I would be in favor of amending Article IX, Section 5, so that our election cycle would align with the state. I understand that there are some that feel our city election would get ‘lost in the shuffle’ on the state election ballot, but running a separate election just for city council is costly. I think saving our city money in this way is worth considering.
Council Candidate Sara Gilligan is in favor of changing this stipulation in the Goodyear City Charter.
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. At this time, I do not support paying for further studies about this train station. Nor do I support spending $400,000 for restoration. I believe this project would best be accomplished by a private group adopting the restoration, such as a philanthropic club, where fundraising is undertaken to support the project.
A. At this time, I do not support paying for further studies about this train station. Nor do I support spending $400,000 for restoration. I believe this project would best be accomplished by a private group adopting the restoration, such as a philanthropic club, where fundraising is undertaken to support the project.
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. Looking at what the committee has prioritized for their discussion, I would like to see Public Awareness to Urgency to Act Today as a jumpstart for resident conservation efforts. This would have to be combined with Educating Homeowners on Conservation as well with HOA outreach. Educating our residents and getting them to buy in asap to conservation efforts is a worthy goal! I know that in my personal experience, after learning that 60% of our water goes to outdoor usage, my husband and I are looking at redoing our own yard to the lowest water demand possible. Regarding the approval of a taxpayer funded study, I would have to be shown that the benefit of the analysis and recommendation by the study warrants the expense of the study. Regulation and code changes would be challenging on existing residences and businesses, but I think more conservation minded regulations could be put in place for future development. Regarding attendance at water committee meetings, I know the existing committee is educated and interested in finding water conservation practices to benefit our city, state, and nation, so I have not felt compelled to attend and oversee their actions, research, and collaboration. The report given to council recently by the Chair and Vice Chair was very thorough and enlightening!
A. Looking at what the committee has prioritized for their discussion, I would like to see Public Awareness to Urgency to Act Today as a jumpstart for resident conservation efforts. This would have to be combined with Educating Homeowners on Conservation as well with HOA outreach. Educating our residents and getting them to buy in asap to conservation efforts is a worthy goal! I know that in my personal experience, after learning that 60% of our water goes to outdoor usage, my husband and I are looking at redoing our own yard to the lowest water demand possible. Regarding the approval of a taxpayer funded study, I would have to be shown that the benefit of the analysis and recommendation by the study warrants the expense of the study. Regulation and code changes would be challenging on existing residences and businesses, but I think more conservation minded regulations could be put in place for future development. Regarding attendance at water committee meetings, I know the existing committee is educated and interested in finding water conservation practices to benefit our city, state, and nation, so I have not felt compelled to attend and oversee their actions, research, and collaboration. The report given to council recently by the Chair and Vice Chair was very thorough and enlightening!
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 have been pondering where the money will come from to build these needed fire stations. Improving the response times to emergency calls is crucial. Shaving seconds and minutes in response times saves homes and lives. If implementing a tax is proposed, it will be scrutinized by council , myself included here, because Goodyear residents have expressed a displeasure with tax. A tax would have to be looked at after all other options are exhausted. I think we should look closely at relocating station 181 to the Goodyear Municipal Complex (GMC) site in order to save money.
A. I have been pondering where the money will come from to build these needed fire stations. Improving the response times to emergency calls is crucial. Shaving seconds and minutes in response times saves homes and lives. If implementing a tax is proposed, it will be scrutinized by council , myself included here, because Goodyear residents have expressed a displeasure with tax. A tax would have to be looked at after all other options are exhausted. I think we should look closely at relocating station 181 to the Goodyear Municipal Complex (GMC) site in order to save money.
Q. Do you feel Goodyear's taxes are too high? Please explain your answer.
A. I have answered in public forums before that compared to states where I have lived before, taxes here are lower. But, now I live in Goodyear, and after listening carefully to residents, I understand there is concern over some of our tax rates. We do have property tax and CFD. And we have the controversial food tax. As a council member, I need to balance the prospect of lowering taxes with eliminating programming. This is where the challenge comes.
A. I have answered in public forums before that compared to states where I have lived before, taxes here are lower. But, now I live in Goodyear, and after listening carefully to residents, I understand there is concern over some of our tax rates. We do have property tax and CFD. And we have the controversial food tax. As a council member, I need to balance the prospect of lowering taxes with eliminating programming. This is where the challenge comes.
Q. Should Goodyear tax food? Please explain your answer.
A. The food tax has lowered recently. I would like to look closely at our budget to find a way to continue lowering, or even eliminating, this tax. This could benefit all residents, but specifically families and seniors who live on a limited income. Again, figuring out how to cut spending in order to allow elimination of the food tax is the challenge. But, perhaps with creativity and commitment, we could accomplish this.
A. The food tax has lowered recently. I would like to look closely at our budget to find a way to continue lowering, or even eliminating, this tax. This could benefit all residents, but specifically families and seniors who live on a limited income. Again, figuring out how to cut spending in order to allow elimination of the food tax is the challenge. But, perhaps with creativity and commitment, we could accomplish this.
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. With the many park celebrations we hold in Goodyear, I can’t specifically identify which GAIN events I have attended! I remember hosting a table at a GAIN event, when they were first held in neighborhood parks. So, I was pleased to hear of the return to community neighborhoods for the GAIN events, after being held at our ballpark for some. I think the vision of the GAIN event bringing neighbors together in their communities is exactly what we need here in Goodyear, and our state, and even our nation! Regarding Police Department communication with residents, I am a big fan of the Coffee with a Cop events. I’d like to see an increase of the frequency of these events, partnering with our local businesses, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and connect with our officers in a social setting. Additionally, our SRO program is top notch, allowing officers presence and exposure on our school campuses. I
A. With the many park celebrations we hold in Goodyear, I can’t specifically identify which GAIN events I have attended! I remember hosting a table at a GAIN event, when they were first held in neighborhood parks. So, I was pleased to hear of the return to community neighborhoods for the GAIN events, after being held at our ballpark for some. I think the vision of the GAIN event bringing neighbors together in their communities is exactly what we need here in Goodyear, and our state, and even our nation! Regarding Police Department communication with residents, I am a big fan of the Coffee with a Cop events. I’d like to see an increase of the frequency of these events, partnering with our local businesses, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and connect with our officers in a social setting. Additionally, our SRO program is top notch, allowing officers presence and exposure on our school campuses. I
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. When it comes to making adjustments in our budget, personnel is the most difficult area to consider. I plan to meet with our Finance Director, Doug Sandstrom, to have a personal walk-through of our budget, and discuss areas or departments in which he might be willing to see flexibility. After his presentation during LEAD, I spent some time after class to ask questions specifically about the ballpark funding, which gave me a much greater understanding of that issue. The same understanding will be accomplished regarding staffing and operations after asking him specific questions. A friend whose husband works at the city recently contacted me to discuss pay standards. Pay increases have been few, but appreciated when given.
A. When it comes to making adjustments in our budget, personnel is the most difficult area to consider. I plan to meet with our Finance Director, Doug Sandstrom, to have a personal walk-through of our budget, and discuss areas or departments in which he might be willing to see flexibility. After his presentation during LEAD, I spent some time after class to ask questions specifically about the ballpark funding, which gave me a much greater understanding of that issue. The same understanding will be accomplished regarding staffing and operations after asking him specific questions. A friend whose husband works at the city recently contacted me to discuss pay standards. Pay increases have been few, but appreciated when given.
Q. What is the one thing you will personally do to bring jobs to Goodyear?
A. I will support the establishment of an incentive fund for new business. People comment that other cities are developing at a faster rate. I believe we need to be proactive in offering incentives to get businesses to locate here. Businesses bring jobs, businesses require employees, increased employees can bring the demand for housing, housing development brings people in to our city for restaurants, services, retail, and businesses, as you see, it’s all connected!
A. I will support the establishment of an incentive fund for new business. People comment that other cities are developing at a faster rate. I believe we need to be proactive in offering incentives to get businesses to locate here. Businesses bring jobs, businesses require employees, increased employees can bring the demand for housing, housing development brings people in to our city for restaurants, services, retail, and businesses, as you see, it’s all connected!
CONNECT
Find Sara Gilligan 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. I have lived here in Goodyear since August of 2004, when my husband and I moved our family here to Goodyear from the San Diego area. Because of this move, I was able to devote my time 100% to raising our children. My parents chose to follow us to Goodyear, as my husband, Stuart, and I have three children, ages 16, 14, and 10. They were not going to miss the opportunity to interact with their grandchildren! All three of our children go to our neighborhood public schools and I have spent many an hour volunteering on various PTO boards and in their classrooms to support them. I have always enjoyed listening to people and helping to provide solutions to any issue we are discussing. I consider myself a problem-solver and an idea generator. After some recent action in our community, I understood that I enjoyed accomplishing tasks for the betterment of my community, and would like to offer my time to serve our city. |
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. During the past couple of years, I collaborated with a few other community members to spearhead projects in our community. This gave me the chance to interface with the City Council when advocating for funding of a traffic light at our busy intersection of San Gabriel and Elliot, and also while petitioning for consideration of a different location for a proposed storage unit in our community gathering center. I am participating in LEAD starting in January, and understand that I will have a much broader understanding of the operation of our city and the interaction between council, committees, and city employees.
A. During the past couple of years, I collaborated with a few other community members to spearhead projects in our community. This gave me the chance to interface with the City Council when advocating for funding of a traffic light at our busy intersection of San Gabriel and Elliot, and also while petitioning for consideration of a different location for a proposed storage unit in our community gathering center. I am participating in LEAD starting in January, and understand that I will have a much broader understanding of the operation of our city and the interaction between council, committees, and city employees.
Regarding the time that I have to commit to the position of City Council, I am in a position to devote as much time as needed. I might be in a unique position amongst the candidates since I can spend day times meeting with citizens, attending meetings and events, and certainly taking the necessary time to read to be prepared for meetings and discussion about the issues of our city.
CHANGE
Q. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
A. During the time when I was gathering signatures to be put on the ballot, I would ask
the citizen what they thought City Council should put high on their agenda in the coming term. I ran across a few business owners and all were very vocal about hoping Goodyear Council could work with the Economic Development committee to improve the support offered to small businesses during the first six months to a year of their business. Since I believe that small and independent businesses are key to the improvement and building of our city’s character and personality, I think this sounds like something worth looking into and developing.
A. During the time when I was gathering signatures to be put on the ballot, I would ask
the citizen what they thought City Council should put high on their agenda in the coming term. I ran across a few business owners and all were very vocal about hoping Goodyear Council could work with the Economic Development committee to improve the support offered to small businesses during the first six months to a year of their business. Since I believe that small and independent businesses are key to the improvement and building of our city’s character and personality, I think this sounds like something worth looking into and developing.
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. At this point, I know that the city water supply is an important topic in our very near future. It is an area that I am spending time to research before I can comment further.
A. At this point, I know that the city water supply is an important topic in our very near future. It is an area that I am spending time to research before I can comment further.
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. Most certainly, Goodyear, and all of the west valley, can benefit from the addition of jobs in Goodyear. I would most like to see professional and technical jobs return to Goodyear. After the closing of Lockheed Martin, I don’t think we have yet to replace those similar level opportunities for employment. Second, I would like to see improved support for local and small businesses. The success of these smaller shops and services is what will bring character to Goodyear. Big Box stores and chain restaurants are important, but personality and community brought to a city by thriving independent businesses is where I see the chance to improve the feeling and character of Goodyear. Keeping our Goodyear residents here IN Goodyear to dine, shop, and enjoy recreation is how we can improve our tax base.
Attracting the larger business, or more professional and tech jobs, would be secured by a very savvy marketing campaign. I also believe we need to look to cities such as Chandler or Gilbert in the east valley and look to see what they did ten years ago to set the stage for their vibrant growth and ability to attract larger and more professional business. While Goodyear is located in a unique position for transportation and supply, we need the professional and tech jobs as well to support the higher end housing market as well as keep our growing housing values strong.
A. Most certainly, Goodyear, and all of the west valley, can benefit from the addition of jobs in Goodyear. I would most like to see professional and technical jobs return to Goodyear. After the closing of Lockheed Martin, I don’t think we have yet to replace those similar level opportunities for employment. Second, I would like to see improved support for local and small businesses. The success of these smaller shops and services is what will bring character to Goodyear. Big Box stores and chain restaurants are important, but personality and community brought to a city by thriving independent businesses is where I see the chance to improve the feeling and character of Goodyear. Keeping our Goodyear residents here IN Goodyear to dine, shop, and enjoy recreation is how we can improve our tax base.
Attracting the larger business, or more professional and tech jobs, would be secured by a very savvy marketing campaign. I also believe we need to look to cities such as Chandler or Gilbert in the east valley and look to see what they did ten years ago to set the stage for their vibrant growth and ability to attract larger and more professional business. While Goodyear is located in a unique position for transportation and supply, we need the professional and tech jobs as well to support the higher end housing market as well as keep our growing housing values strong.
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 fire station study is one of the more entertaining reports I’ve had the opportunity to review! When we are speaking of the safety, security, and service of our citizens, it seems ludicrous to wait the years that are suggested by the study. I understand that we have to secure funding, but the safety of our citizens is the number one priority of a city government. Choosing to wait to build the initial three recommended sites is a threat to our citizens’ well being and irresponsible of city leadership.
A. The fire station study is one of the more entertaining reports I’ve had the opportunity to review! When we are speaking of the safety, security, and service of our citizens, it seems ludicrous to wait the years that are suggested by the study. I understand that we have to secure funding, but the safety of our citizens is the number one priority of a city government. Choosing to wait to build the initial three recommended sites is a threat to our citizens’ well being and irresponsible of city leadership.
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. City Parks and Recreation is another area that I had citizens mention during the time I had with them when gathering my signatures. Being the mother of three children who have been raised here in Goodyear, I know firsthand of some of the wonderful parks for our use. But, I also feel they are located few and far between. It is wonderful that the developers build playgrounds in our subdivisions, but city parks and playgrounds with bathrooms are something I’d like to see added to our plan. With the continued growth forecasted for Goodyear, it would make sense to plan for and build parks, playgrounds, aquatic centers, trails, etc, in advance of the growth.
A. City Parks and Recreation is another area that I had citizens mention during the time I had with them when gathering my signatures. Being the mother of three children who have been raised here in Goodyear, I know firsthand of some of the wonderful parks for our use. But, I also feel they are located few and far between. It is wonderful that the developers build playgrounds in our subdivisions, but city parks and playgrounds with bathrooms are something I’d like to see added to our plan. With the continued growth forecasted for Goodyear, it would make sense to plan for and build parks, playgrounds, aquatic centers, trails, etc, in advance of the growth.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Q. What is your opinion on attracting higher education in Goodyear? How can Goodyear support education on all grade levels?
A. While I support higher education in general, I think our best opportunity would be to attract NAU, ASU, or U of A to place a satellite campus here. With so many online options available, I think a freestanding, independent campus is not the realistic option it was ten years ago. None of us predicted the emergence and dominance of the online education community and the impact it would have on traditional brick and mortar universities.
Regarding education on all levels, I’d like to see a concentrated effort made to educate the citizens of the ease of the AZ Tax Credit, to support their local Goodyear schools.
A. While I support higher education in general, I think our best opportunity would be to attract NAU, ASU, or U of A to place a satellite campus here. With so many online options available, I think a freestanding, independent campus is not the realistic option it was ten years ago. None of us predicted the emergence and dominance of the online education community and the impact it would have on traditional brick and mortar universities.
Regarding education on all levels, I’d like to see a concentrated effort made to educate the citizens of the ease of the AZ Tax Credit, to support their local Goodyear schools.
NEXT FIVE YEARS
Q. If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see Goodyear accomplish in the next five years?
A. If my magic wand could attract and lock-in retail partners to complete our mall within five years, that would do so much to energize our city! Second, I’d really like to see a city center established where people feel like they have a main street, or main gathering area. At this time, we have at least three different areas where people feel belonging in their own community. If my magic wand could create one centralized main area with personality and character, that gives people a sense of pride and connection , I would be a master magician!
A. If my magic wand could attract and lock-in retail partners to complete our mall within five years, that would do so much to energize our city! Second, I’d really like to see a city center established where people feel like they have a main street, or main gathering area. At this time, we have at least three different areas where people feel belonging in their own community. If my magic wand could create one centralized main area with personality and character, that gives people a sense of pride and connection , I would be a master magician!
20 YEARS AND BEYOND
Q. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
A. In 20 years, I see Goodyear being at the forefront of the success of the west valley. As each city grows and develops, we can create an atmosphere of healthy competition for the title of best places to live in the state, and the country! And, by putting building blocks of solid schools, booming retail, exciting entertainment opportunities, engaging outdoor activities, and a safe and secure place to raise families as well as support our aging population with vibrant retirement communities, we will be impossible to ignore as the finest All-America City!
A. In 20 years, I see Goodyear being at the forefront of the success of the west valley. As each city grows and develops, we can create an atmosphere of healthy competition for the title of best places to live in the state, and the country! And, by putting building blocks of solid schools, booming retail, exciting entertainment opportunities, engaging outdoor activities, and a safe and secure place to raise families as well as support our aging population with vibrant retirement communities, we will be impossible to ignore as the finest All-America City!