What I plan on bringing to city council is new energy, a little youth (being a millennial), fresh ideas, and hard work from someone who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves.”

Juan Ojeda

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Goodyear resident Juan Ojeda has announced he will run for Goodyear's city council in addition to being an entrepreneur, entertainer, and small business owner.

The city of Goodyear will hold its council elections in August 2022 and Ojeda, 35, said he is ready to step into a new role. 

“My entire life has molded and shaped me into the man I am today, which has allowed me to be able to run for city council,” said Ojeda

Ojeda, an Arizona native, earned an associate's degree from Estrella Mountain Community College in 2012 followed by a bachelor's degree in political science from Arizona State University. 

Apart from these milestones, Ojeda has also made a name for himself around the Valley with the success of his business, Taco Head LLC, which was originally just a taco cart and has  grown to become a taco truck and catering business of its own.

After serving his community for more than five years, Ojeda has many tools he said have prepared him for the opportunity to serve as a council member.

“I’ve had the idea and plan of running for city council back when I was a student at ASU pursuing my bachelor’s degree in political science,” said Ojeda. “And now being a successful entrepreneur I bring self-motivation and vision.”

As a council candidate and a Goodyear resident, Ojeda said residents should want to see their hometown thrive.

“It’s comforting and exciting to see someone who knows the community so well step out and make sure things are in the best interests for the future of the city, I love Goodyear and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon,” said Nanette Garcia, a Goodyear resident.

A local businessman, Ojeda said he sees himself as the ideal advocate for small businesses in Goodyear. Seeing as Taco Head will continue to operate, he wishes to expand economic development in the city.

“Some of my future goals as the city council is the help improve education programs, small business development, grow civic engagement, help the marginalized community with affordable housing, and making sure we have the proper resources for our senior citizens living in Goodyear,” said Ojeda.

Giving back is a trait that Ojeda clearly reflects, even through Taco Head.

“We serve our community by providing affordable freshly made authentic Mexican food but more importantly we give back a percentage of our sales to every church, school, and nonprofit organization across the Valley not just Goodyear,” said Ojeda.

As a younger and earlier candidate, Ojeda may be considered the “oddball out” but he can assure you he is eager to serve his community and work hard to ensure his city is in good hands.

“I come from a family of farmworkers who worked alongside Cesar Chavez and the united farm workers back in the late 1970s throughout the early 1990s. So, the importance of being humble and working hard in life was instilled within me from a very young age,” said the candidate.

Ariana Gonzalez is a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.