GOODYEAR ELECTION WATCH
CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL: WALLY CAMPBELL
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Q. Tell me about yourself and why you are running for City Council.
A. I have been a resident of Goodyear since 2000. I am married to a retired Air Force Officer and have 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grand babies. I am running for re-election for my second term because of my deep passion for this community. Goodyear is an extraordinary city because of the citizens that live, work and grow their families here. I want to continue to help define Goodyear’s future. I am vested in our community because I live here and want to see our community continue to prosper. I want to continue being a voice for all Goodyear neighborhoods, and business owners. I am committed to strong public safety services, providing a high quality and affordable water service, and continuing our strong relationship and commitment to Luke AFB. 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. I have been a committed and an active Goodyear community member since moving here in 2000. I believe my community involvement helps qualify me as a representative for our All American City: 2016 Civic Leader of the Year by Leadership West, 2016-18 National League of Cities board member, Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging Board Chairman, Alliance in Healthcare board member, All Faith Community Services board member, West Valley Child Crisis Center board member, a member of the West Valley Human Services Committee, a former member of the City of Goodyear Public Safety Committee, Goodyear Police Service volunteer, Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods volunteer, graduate of the Goodyear Police Department Citizens Academy, Southwest Valley Leadership Academy |
graduate, a member of the Goodyear Centennial Committee, Shop with a Cop volunteer, and founding member Friends of the Goodyear Library. Prior to my 2011 election, attended City Council meetings and actively participated in our community events. I remain fully devoted to giving 100% of my time to fulfilling the council member duties and supporting our city in our Region and Nationally.
CHANGE
Q. What is one thing you would like to change or improve at Goodyear’s City Hall?
A. One thing I would improve at Goodyear City Hall would be our transparent and timely communication with our residents. Great strides have been made with the adoption of technology that puts knowledge in the hands of our residents. Our citizens enjoy Twitter, Facebook, and our dynamic City website that gives them powerful links to report concerns, register for classes and pay bills. We also need to serve residents who want more traditional and personal communication mechanisms. The INFOCUS magazine published quarterly and mailed to homes is a good example. Finding ways to better serve the growing multilingual and culturally diverse Goodyear population is also important. We know a city thrives with timely and transparent communications between City Officials and its residents. I am willing to champion innovative communication methods that serve our growing and diverse population whether through technology or more traditional and/or personal means.
A. One thing I would improve at Goodyear City Hall would be our transparent and timely communication with our residents. Great strides have been made with the adoption of technology that puts knowledge in the hands of our residents. Our citizens enjoy Twitter, Facebook, and our dynamic City website that gives them powerful links to report concerns, register for classes and pay bills. We also need to serve residents who want more traditional and personal communication mechanisms. The INFOCUS magazine published quarterly and mailed to homes is a good example. Finding ways to better serve the growing multilingual and culturally diverse Goodyear population is also important. We know a city thrives with timely and transparent communications between City Officials and its residents. I am willing to champion innovative communication methods that serve our growing and diverse population whether through technology or more traditional and/or personal means.
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 a vital resource. Without it, we cannot survive, anywhere. Here in the desert both the need to have water and its scarcity are obvious. The ways we use water in our own lives and the decisions we make together about preferred water uses, acceptable water quality and how much we are willing to pay for water will define the quality of life in this arid community forever. The way we manage our water will determine our future. The current cost of pumping and treating the well water we have is approximately $650 per acre foot. Goodyear is moving forward to bring Central Arizona Project (CAP) water into Goodyear because the cost would be substantially lower at $174 per acre foot. CAP water requires less treatment for Chlorine and the water isn’t as hard as the water currently in our wells.
The Goodyear City Council established the Water Conservation Committee in spring 2016 to serve as an adhoc advisory committee to the Council and City staff.The Committee was charged to study water use patterns and conservation options with an emphasis on outdoor water use as well as water rates charged by the city.The Committee has recommended a gradual increase in water rates.
A. Water is a vital resource. Without it, we cannot survive, anywhere. Here in the desert both the need to have water and its scarcity are obvious. The ways we use water in our own lives and the decisions we make together about preferred water uses, acceptable water quality and how much we are willing to pay for water will define the quality of life in this arid community forever. The way we manage our water will determine our future. The current cost of pumping and treating the well water we have is approximately $650 per acre foot. Goodyear is moving forward to bring Central Arizona Project (CAP) water into Goodyear because the cost would be substantially lower at $174 per acre foot. CAP water requires less treatment for Chlorine and the water isn’t as hard as the water currently in our wells.
The Goodyear City Council established the Water Conservation Committee in spring 2016 to serve as an adhoc advisory committee to the Council and City staff.The Committee was charged to study water use patterns and conservation options with an emphasis on outdoor water use as well as water rates charged by the city.The Committee has recommended a gradual increase in water rates.
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. The West Valley will benefit most from bringing jobs that will provide a quality standard of living for residents. While the West Valley prospers when all jobs are created, a focus on key growth sectors will be most beneficial like technology, healthcare, research, manufacturing, distribution, entertainment and retail. The West Valley has made considerable progress in the last few years attracting jobs in these sectors. We are seeing people move to Goodyear who want to be a part of a community that has all the amenities of a “big city”, but without having to travel great distances, fight traffic or get lost in a crowd. I plan to continue my work as an Ambassador for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council to bring jobs to Goodyear and the West Valley. I will continue leveraging my personal and professional network to gain access to corporations that may consider relocating to Arizona. I will continue to reach out at least weekly with company and organizational leaders making the case to relocate to or remain in Goodyear. I will continue to support innovative and creative efforts to attract economic development with a vision for the future in with other City officials; I will foster collaboration with other valley leaders to ensure Goodyear is successful in securing new companies and more jobs that provide a quality standard of living.
A. The West Valley will benefit most from bringing jobs that will provide a quality standard of living for residents. While the West Valley prospers when all jobs are created, a focus on key growth sectors will be most beneficial like technology, healthcare, research, manufacturing, distribution, entertainment and retail. The West Valley has made considerable progress in the last few years attracting jobs in these sectors. We are seeing people move to Goodyear who want to be a part of a community that has all the amenities of a “big city”, but without having to travel great distances, fight traffic or get lost in a crowd. I plan to continue my work as an Ambassador for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council to bring jobs to Goodyear and the West Valley. I will continue leveraging my personal and professional network to gain access to corporations that may consider relocating to Arizona. I will continue to reach out at least weekly with company and organizational leaders making the case to relocate to or remain in Goodyear. I will continue to support innovative and creative efforts to attract economic development with a vision for the future in with other City officials; I will foster collaboration with other valley leaders to ensure Goodyear is successful in securing new companies and more jobs that provide a quality standard of living.
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 that was done this past year was necessary since the last one in 2008 was focused toward a growth that has not taken place within our city boundaries. The city is in active discussions with Newland, at the Council’s direction, to speed up the timeline in EMR. Many factors not listed in the study have to be taken under consideration when deciding on when to move forward toward completion of a new station. During the course of the data review for the Fire Station Study, there were not significant amount of calls that occurred simultaneously in South Goodyear; however, redundancy in service in that area currently exists through utilizing the Buckeye Valley Fire District. While Buckeye Valley Fire District responds to calls in South Goodyear, it is important that the City of Goodyear maintain fire service in Estrella. City Council will be discussing how budget monies are to be spent in 2018 beginning later this month and funding for an additional 3 fire stations will certainly be included in the budget discussions. I support putting everything on the table to re-examine essential services and cost effective ways to maintain services while balancing the budget. Services must be prioritized. Needs must be considered in conjunction with budget and revenue gains.
A. The fire station study that was done this past year was necessary since the last one in 2008 was focused toward a growth that has not taken place within our city boundaries. The city is in active discussions with Newland, at the Council’s direction, to speed up the timeline in EMR. Many factors not listed in the study have to be taken under consideration when deciding on when to move forward toward completion of a new station. During the course of the data review for the Fire Station Study, there were not significant amount of calls that occurred simultaneously in South Goodyear; however, redundancy in service in that area currently exists through utilizing the Buckeye Valley Fire District. While Buckeye Valley Fire District responds to calls in South Goodyear, it is important that the City of Goodyear maintain fire service in Estrella. City Council will be discussing how budget monies are to be spent in 2018 beginning later this month and funding for an additional 3 fire stations will certainly be included in the budget discussions. I support putting everything on the table to re-examine essential services and cost effective ways to maintain services while balancing the budget. Services must be prioritized. Needs must be considered in conjunction with budget and revenue gains.
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. Parks have always been a priority to me. I served for 12 years as a park and recreation board member and know first-hand the importance of parks in our city. As our residents have indicated, a key component of our quality of life is defined by how many parks we have and how well they are managed. We are in the process of updating our older parks with new play equipment and other amenities. We are making a conscious effort to make our entire parks handicap accessible and user friendly. With each new park build, we have installed a unique piece of play equipment. Our neighborhoods have been very supportive in helping us with our “Build a Park” day held throughout the year. We have several parks planned for our city and are constantly looking for grants to help us build these parks quicker.
A. Parks have always been a priority to me. I served for 12 years as a park and recreation board member and know first-hand the importance of parks in our city. As our residents have indicated, a key component of our quality of life is defined by how many parks we have and how well they are managed. We are in the process of updating our older parks with new play equipment and other amenities. We are making a conscious effort to make our entire parks handicap accessible and user friendly. With each new park build, we have installed a unique piece of play equipment. Our neighborhoods have been very supportive in helping us with our “Build a Park” day held throughout the year. We have several parks planned for our city and are constantly looking for grants to help us build these parks quicker.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Q. What is your opinion on attracting higher education in Goodyear? How can Goodyear support education on all grade levels?
A. Attracting higher education can provide a wealth of benefits from building a diverse economy to high quality jobs and the development of a future workforce. Goodyear is the proud home of Franklin Pierce University which offers College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) for Physical Therapy. City officials are constantly seeking higher education institutions with a focus in the medical technology, aeronautics, energy and manufacturing sectors to help establish Goodyear as a top center of innovation in the United States. I understand the challenges we face with the availability of appropriate office-ready workspace especially when most organizations are not financially able to build new facilities. We must continue to pursue higher education institutions be they traditional colleges, universities, or technical schools, research organizations and innovation centers of excellence. This will not only bring high-paying jobs and drive the development of a skilled workforce by also make a compelling case for industries to relocate or establish themselves in Goodyear.
Goodyear is an active supporter of education at all grade levels. The establishment of a new STEM High School is a good example of our commitment. More focus at the middle school and high school levels with electives that prepare students to be college and career ready in growth industries is a key strategy for success. Increased partnership with local companies for internships, work study opportunities and mentoring are additional strategies for success. Also, is the continued need to promote volunteerism. Goodyear has a highly educated resident population with job experience and expertise that can be helpful to students, teachers, and administrators alike. We can do more and have a greater impact on the quality of our education.by leveraging residents’ expertise through volunteerism and special teaching assignments.
A. Attracting higher education can provide a wealth of benefits from building a diverse economy to high quality jobs and the development of a future workforce. Goodyear is the proud home of Franklin Pierce University which offers College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) for Physical Therapy. City officials are constantly seeking higher education institutions with a focus in the medical technology, aeronautics, energy and manufacturing sectors to help establish Goodyear as a top center of innovation in the United States. I understand the challenges we face with the availability of appropriate office-ready workspace especially when most organizations are not financially able to build new facilities. We must continue to pursue higher education institutions be they traditional colleges, universities, or technical schools, research organizations and innovation centers of excellence. This will not only bring high-paying jobs and drive the development of a skilled workforce by also make a compelling case for industries to relocate or establish themselves in Goodyear.
Goodyear is an active supporter of education at all grade levels. The establishment of a new STEM High School is a good example of our commitment. More focus at the middle school and high school levels with electives that prepare students to be college and career ready in growth industries is a key strategy for success. Increased partnership with local companies for internships, work study opportunities and mentoring are additional strategies for success. Also, is the continued need to promote volunteerism. Goodyear has a highly educated resident population with job experience and expertise that can be helpful to students, teachers, and administrators alike. We can do more and have a greater impact on the quality of our education.by leveraging residents’ expertise through volunteerism and special teaching assignments.
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 I had a magic wand, our city Library would expand to a larger area in an effort to be able to offer more programing to our residents. The Goodyear Library branch circulates more than 400,000 books every year and serves approximately 12,000 adults and children with library programs. Over 7, 000 residents have used our library in the past year. Our present library is just less than 9,000 square feet in size and offers a small amount of computers for public use. The library is part of the Alexandria Co-working Network which strives to provide resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners to help foster innovation through collaboration. The InnovationHub@Goodyear provides community members the opportunity to connect, collaborate and find valuable resources. If our library was larger a full range of classes could be offered from English as a Second Language to how to start a business in Goodyear.
A. If I had a magic wand, our city Library would expand to a larger area in an effort to be able to offer more programing to our residents. The Goodyear Library branch circulates more than 400,000 books every year and serves approximately 12,000 adults and children with library programs. Over 7, 000 residents have used our library in the past year. Our present library is just less than 9,000 square feet in size and offers a small amount of computers for public use. The library is part of the Alexandria Co-working Network which strives to provide resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners to help foster innovation through collaboration. The InnovationHub@Goodyear provides community members the opportunity to connect, collaborate and find valuable resources. If our library was larger a full range of classes could be offered from English as a Second Language to how to start a business in Goodyear.
20 YEARS AND BEYOND
Q. How do you envision Goodyear 20 years from now?
A. In 20 years, Goodyear will be recognized as a top city in the UAS for its high quality of life for singles, families and retirees. Goodyear will have met its goals in the Master Plan for smart growth, making it a great place to live, work and play. Goodyear will be the city of choice for job-seekers, companies looking to relocate or start a business because we have built a reputation as a vibrant job with several innovation corridors excellence in the technology, medical, research, energy and manufacturing sectors. We will be a destination city with an excellent quality of life that is evident by those who visit and then continue to return year after year for spring training at Goodyear Ballpark, biking, hiking, and horseback riding at Estrella Mountain Park, and shopping and dining at premier stores and entertainment venues. Goodyear will be a recognized top city for choice in the United States to live, work and play.
A. In 20 years, Goodyear will be recognized as a top city in the UAS for its high quality of life for singles, families and retirees. Goodyear will have met its goals in the Master Plan for smart growth, making it a great place to live, work and play. Goodyear will be the city of choice for job-seekers, companies looking to relocate or start a business because we have built a reputation as a vibrant job with several innovation corridors excellence in the technology, medical, research, energy and manufacturing sectors. We will be a destination city with an excellent quality of life that is evident by those who visit and then continue to return year after year for spring training at Goodyear Ballpark, biking, hiking, and horseback riding at Estrella Mountain Park, and shopping and dining at premier stores and entertainment venues. Goodyear will be a recognized top city for choice in the United States to live, work and play.