Candidates for mayor and City Council in Goodyear are outlining their experience and priorities ahead of the city’s July 21 primary election.
The ballot includes two candidates for mayor and four candidates for three council seats, including incumbents and challengers.
Mayoral Candidates
Joe Pizzillo
Joe Pizzillo runs for reelection.
Submitted photo/City of Goodyear
Joe Pizzillo is the current mayor of Goodyear, first appointed to the role in 2021 following the death of Mayor Georgia Lord and elected to a full term in 2022. He previously served on the City Council beginning in 2009 and as acting mayor in 2010.
Pizzillo has worked in state and local government finance for four decades, focusing on municipal budgeting and fiscal policy. His experience informs his approach to city governance, with an emphasis on financial management and long-term planning.
In addition to his public service, he teaches accounting and finance as an adjunct professor at multiple institutions. He is also involved in regional and local organizations, including economic development and nonprofit groups.
A longtime Arizona resident, Pizzillo has lived in Goodyear for more than two decades. He cites community investment and maintaining quality of life as priorities.
Bill Stipp
Bill Stipp runs to be Goodyear's Mayor.
Submitted photo/City of Goodyear
Bill Stipp is a former Goodyear City Council member who served three four-year terms representing an at-large district. He brings more than 35 years of experience in government operations and public administration.
Stipp has held leadership roles on regional and state boards, including transportation and water policy organizations, and has participated in national and state committees addressing municipal governance and labor relations. His work has spanned communities of varying sizes, including administrative leadership roles in Arizona.
He has a background in fire service and emergency management was recognized by the U.S. Army as a subject matter expert in incident command systems, training response forces for several years before retiring in 2025.
Stipp holds a master’s degree in public administration and has contributed to professional publications on emergency response and management practices.
City Council Candidates
Sheri Lauritano
Sherri Lauritano runs for a Goodyear City Council seat.
Submitted photo/Sherri Lauritano
Sheri Lauritano is a former Goodyear City Council member who has served three terms. She previously served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
Lauritano has professional experience as a small business owner, former prosecutor, and pro tempore judge. She also teaches as an adjunct faculty member at higher education institutions.
Her public service includes leadership roles in regional and national organizations, including water policy and public safety committees. She currently chairs the Goodyear Judicial Selection Advisory Committee.
During her tenure, Lauritano has focused on public safety infrastructure, including fire stations, police facilities, and emergency response systems, as well as community amenities such as parks, libraries and recreational facilities.
Brannon Hampton
Submitted photo/Sherri Lauritano
Submitted photo/City of Goodyear
Brannon Hampton serves as Goodyear’s vice mayor and was first elected to the council in 2017, with reelection in 2022. He has participated in city planning efforts, including the 2025 General Plan committee.
Hampton works as a financial adviser and previously spent more than 17 years at the Palo Verde Generating Station in roles related to operations, quality assurance and project management.
His policy priorities include managing growth, supporting economic development and maintaining balanced budgets. He has served on several regional and national committees related to economic development and municipal policy.
Hampton holds a master’s degree in business administration and other professional certifications. He has lived in Goodyear for more than a decade.
Vicki Gillis
Vickie Gillis runs for reelection as a Goodyear City Council member.
Submitted photo/City of Goodyear
Vicki Gillis is a current council member, elected in 2022. She previously worked in the entertainment industry and later became involved in charitable and public policy efforts.
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Gillis participated in fundraising and advocacy efforts supporting first responders, including work connected to federal legislation addressing health coverage for those affected.
She has also worked with public safety and military communities and has been involved in local efforts addressing homelessness, substance abuse and community safety.
Gillis has identified public safety and support for first responders as key priorities during her time on the council, along with maintaining services amid the city’s growth.
Jason Kish
Jason Kish runs for a seat on Goodyear's City Council.
Submitted photo/Jason Kish
Jason Kish is a candidate for city council and has served for nine years on Goodyear’s Planning and Zoning Commission, including three years as chair. He has also worked with the city’s Charter Committee.
Kish’s campaign focuses on managing growth, maintaining public safety and promoting community engagement. He has emphasized collaboration and responsiveness in addressing city issues.
He highlights Goodyear’s recent development and population growth as key challenges and opportunities, noting the importance of balancing economic expansion with quality of life.
Kish has also pointed to city initiatives in public safety, transportation and community programming as areas he would seek to support and continue if elected.
The primary election will determine which candidates advance, with the general election scheduled for November if required.
More information is available atgoodyearaz.gov. Check Independent Newsmedia in print and online at yourvalley.net for continuing elections coverage.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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