Goodyear prepares for new city council members

By Mary Goldmeer
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As 2024 comes to a close, Goodyear will see the end of the terms for City Council members Sheri Lauritano and Bill Stipp.

Their final two meetings are scheduled for Dec. 9 and 16, after which their seats will be filled by newcomers Benita Beckles and Trey Terry in early 2025.

Reflecting on her time in office, Lauritano expressed her appreciation to the residents who entrusted her with the role.

“As my time on the Goodyear City Council comes to an end, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation to the residents of Goodyear who have allowed me the honor to represent them,” Lauritano stated. “Over the past 14 years, I’ve witnessed Goodyear grow and prosper, and I have been happy and excited to be a part of the team working to make this such a great place to live, work and play.”

Goodyear City Council member Sheri Lauritano.

Submitted photo\The City of Goodyear

Lauritano also thanked her family, colleagues, and the community for their support throughout her tenure. “I promise, I won’t go far,” Lauritano stated, noting she would continue to support Goodyear in new ways. 

In a statement, Stipp reflected on the changes Goodyear has experienced during his time in office, including significant population growth.

Stipp, who has spent more than 40 years in local government, also noted the city’s growth and the investments made in public projects while maintaining its community feel.

Goodyear City Council member Bill Stipp

Submitted photo\ City of Goodyear

“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve this wonderful city,” Stipp stated. “Thank you for trusting me to move our city forward.”

Stipp also expressed appreciation to his wife, Lisa, and fellow council member Lauritano for their encouragement during his final term.

“Thank you, Sheri, for what has been an exciting final term in office,” Stipp stated. 

In January, Lauritano and Stipp will be succeeded by Benita Beckles and Trey Terry.

Beckles, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, was elected to council after a close race in 2024. Beckles, originally from Chicago, moved to Arizona seeking warmer weather and became involved in local government after serving with the city of Phoenix and various West Valley councils.

“It was a matter of getting to know the people and getting my name out there,” Beckles said. “I’m looking forward to being a voice for the city and to better understand what's going on in Goodyear as it grows."

 Terry is a communications and public policy consultant, has strong ties to the community, having grown up in Goodyear and graduated from Millennium High School. Terry is currently serving on the Agua Fria High School District Governing Board. He decided to run for City Council after seeing similarities between the challenges facing the school district and those facing the city.

“I felt compelled to put myself forward to help move the city I grew up in, and the city I'm raising my kids in, forward,” Terry said. “I couldn't be more excited to serve our residents.” 

Council members have a key role in shaping Goodyear’s future. Their duties include drafting legislation, approving budgets, addressing constituent concerns, and overseeing city operations. They also engage in long-term planning to ensure the city's growth is sustainable and meets the needs of its residents.

As Lauritano and Stipp prepare to conclude their service, Beckles and Terry will take office in 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Goodyear’s City Council and its ongoing growth.