By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The City of Goodyear held a formal induction ceremony Monday, Jan. 6 to swear in its newly elected City Council members. The event, which drew a standing-room-only crowd, saw Wally Campbell appointed as Vice Mayor and Benita Beckles, Laura Kaino and Trey Terry sworn in as councilmembers.

The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by the Goodyear Fire and Police Honor Guard. Sophia Pizzillo, granddaughter of Mayor Joe Pizzillo, performed the national anthem, and members of the Goodyear Leader Youth Commission led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The new councilmembers took their oaths of office, pledging to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Arizona, and discharge the duty of council members, according to the best of their abilities.

Wally Campbell was appointed Vice Mayor for a one-year term. Campbell, who has served on the Goodyear City Council since 2011, has been involved in various community organizations, including the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club. Her focus has included fiscal responsibility, community development, and improving city-to-citizen communication.

Beckles was sworn in by her sons and took the time to thank her voters and community in her speech. 

“Support comes in a variety of ways it can be financial project or emotional support. I found an amazing village that provided me with that,” Beckles said.

Beckles, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, joined the council after serving 30 years in the military. Beckles has been active in the Goodyear Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and other community organizations, including veterans' groups and youth programs.

Benita Beckles is inducted into the Goodyear City Council by her sons Lionel and Jefferson.

 “It is not lost in me that I am first in Goodyear as I take my seat as a council member on the ninth fastest growing city in the United States. I thank you all for my support. I appreciate you all and I pledge to continue your work of growth in Goodyear,” Beckles said.

Kaino was sworn in by her grandchildren after being re-elected for a second full term.

“Being a good ambassador for the city of Goodyear is really at the core of everything I do,” said Kaino. 

Kaino, a former human resources professional with the City of Phoenix, chairs Goodyear's Public Safety Retirement Boards and represents the city on the WESTMARC Quality of Life Committee, among other roles.

“There is much to be celebrated and excited about as we continue to grow,” said Kaino. “I’m very confident that we will work together for the good of Goodyear.”

Councilmember Laura Kaino thanks her community for their support after her induction.

Terry previously served as president of the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board, where he focused on school safety and community engagement. He has lived in Goodyear for most of his life. 

“It’s such an honor to serve and to have the support of the community, especially as I stand here as someone who was shaped by Goodyear,” said Terry. 

Trey Terry is inducted into the Goodyear City Council.