The Independent has sent out a candidate questionnaire as part of our coverage of the ongoing primary election for three Goodyear City Council seats to be held Aug. 2, 2022. 

These are preliminary questions, meant to help voters get acquainted with the candidates, their backgrounds, and broad vision for the city of Goodyear. We plan to send out more in-depth questions ahead of our in-person Candidate Forum to be held in late June.  

Each of the five candidates received the same questions, and their responses are listed below in alphabetical order.  

Benita Beckles

Biographical questions:

1. Name: Benita Beckles 
2. Age and date of birth: Age 72, born Feb. 21, 1950
3. City/town you grew up in: Chicago, Illinois
4. Number of years you’ve lived in Goodyear: 9 years
5. Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list prior elected office by term if applicable. No previous political experience
6. What do you do for a living? Retired US Air Force (active duty and AF Reserves (Full Colonel)  – Previously (retired)worked for City of Phoenix and City of Detroit (20+ years total) 
7. What types of involvement have you had within the community? (Ex: volunteering with a charity, serving on a board, circulating petitions for a local cause you care about, etc) Volunteer – Goodyear Community Action Network (CAN), member Archer Ragsdale Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Public Service organization)
8. Family information: Anything you would like to share related to your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, pets, etc. This question is OPTIONAL. Two sons and five grandchildren 
9. If you have a campaign website, please provide a link here: www.benitabecklesforgoodyear.com 

Short answer questions:

1. What do you believe is the role and function of a city council? Goodyear has a Mayor/Council/City Manager form of government. The council fulfills the legislative functions. They establish the overall direction of the city and provide direction to the city manager. The city council reviews the city’s goals, major projects and infrastructure improvements from growth to land use and strategic planning. They review and approve the budget, review the effectiveness of city programs, establish tax rates, communicate policies and programs to the citizens, and hear requests and grievances from citizens and respond as needed. 
2. Why are you running for city council, and what is the first thing you want voters to know about your campaign?  I have been a servant leader all of my adult life. I feel my background in public service make me a uniquely qualified candidate for city council.  I have 30 years of military experience retiring as a full Colonel and 20+ years experience in two other city governments (Phoenix and Detroit) 
3. What do you believe are the three most important issues facing the city of Goodyear? Please describe the approach you would take to solve each of these issues if elected to the council. 1)To continue to grow responsibly – review city staff recommendations along with citizen input; (2)Maintain Quality of Life – monitor and respond to resources for Police/Fire/ Water/ Trash/street traffic control and technology (3) Responsible Fiscal responsibility – Monitor growth and revise projects as needed; plan for possible economic downturn.
4. How do you plan to involve Goodyear residents in the decision-making process at the local level? By reviewing information from citizens' surveys; reading comments from social media and talking directly to citizens. 
5. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the program or project of your choice within the city, how would you use it and why? That is a tough question to answer without more research. Off the top, I would consider either the Loma Linda Pool area or the New Life Center.
6. What neighborhood/part of town do you live in, and why? Name your favorite spots to hang out around town? I live in Estrella Mountain in the CantaMia Subdivision/ favorite spots: CantaMia, Bella Luna and Urban Corner.
7. What is your favorite thing about the city of Goodyear and why? Goodyear has warm welcoming people and the city is committed to making it a safe and wonderful place to live.

Wally Campbell, incumbent

Biographical questions:

1. Name: P Wally Campbell 
2. Age and date of birth: Declined to answer
3. City/town you grew up in: Wichita Falls, Texas  
4. Number of years you’ve lived in Goodyear: 22 years
5. Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list prior elected office by term if applicable. Goodyear City Councilmember since 2011. Former staff to elected state legislative leaders.
6. What do you do for a living? Retired 
7. What types of involvement have you had within the community? (Ex: volunteering with a charity, serving on a board, circulating petitions for a local cause you care about, etc) Board member of the following non-profits: Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, Hope Community Services, All Faith Community Services, Assistance in Healthcare, CTCA, President Goodyear Friends of the Library, Volunteers in Police Service for Goodyear Police Department; Emergency Room volunteer at Abrazos Hospital; Kare Bear Coordinator and Meals Ministry of Desert Springs Community Church
8. Family information: Anything you would like to share related to your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, pets, etc. This question is OPTIONAL. Retired military family  
9. If you have a campaign website, please provide a link here: www.wallycampbellforgoodyear.com  

Short answer questions:

1. What do you believe is the role and function of a city council? Review and approve annual budget; establish long and short term objectives and priorities; establish tax rates; pass ordinances and resolutions; regulate land use through zoning laws; regulate business activity through licensing and regulations; regulate public health and safety; exercise the power of eminent domain; communicate policies and programs to residents; respond to constituent needs and complaints and represent the community to other levels of government.
2. Why are you running for city council, and what is the first thing you want voters to know about your campaign? My involvement with the City in the past 11 years serving as a Councilmember makes me the most qualified candidate for City Council. I have worked closely with the leaders of many of the neighborhoods in this City. I love this community and I want to see it continue to prosper and be the wonderful City that it is. I want it to continue to be the vibrant City it is. Having worked on City Council issues and initiatives, I am ready to work on day 1. I want the residents to know that I am committed to represent their interests to the best of my ability, I have no hidden agenda on issues or on higher office, and I have years of experience and involvement in Goodyear’s budget process. Volunteering with the City has given me the insight to neighborhood leaders, concerns and successes. If elected, I will be able to carry out the responsibilities immediately because I have been actively involved in Goodyear issues and the community for many many years. 
3. What do you believe are the three most important issues facing the city of Goodyear? Please describe the approach you would take to solve each of these issues if elected to the council. Transportation, roads, congestion, smart growth and water. I will continue to work with Council and staff to complete unfinished roadways through our city, continue aggressive water conservation plans and smart growth for urban planning.
4. How do you plan to involve Goodyear residents in the decision-making process at the local level? I will actively seek their input on issues of mutual interest by attending neighborhood HOA meetings, convening community groups and conduct an open door policy to be accessible to any and all residents. As City Councilmembers we should engage the community in all levels of active dialogue. 
5. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the program or project of your choice within the city, how would you use it and why? I would sit down with City staff and review the City’s Capital Improvement Projects list to ascertain what project could be funded with $1 million dollars. The most urgent project would most likely get the first consideration of funding. 
6. What neighborhood/part of town do you live in, and why? Name your favorite spots to hang out around town? PebbleCreek, and I have 2 favorite spots in our City – Goodyear Recreation Campus and Goodyear Library. You will most likely find me there several times a week.
7. What is your favorite thing about the city of Goodyear and why? Goodyear is a beautiful city with a small-town feel. It is a vibrant city with an excellent quality of life. Every day is a great day to be in Goodyear. 

Tamara Floyd 

Biographical questions:

1. Name: Tamara Floyd
2. Age and date of birth: 58 years old, born Dec. 28, 1963
3. City/town you grew up in: Pomona, California
4. Number of years you’ve lived in Goodyear: 20+ years
5. Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list prior elected office by term if applicable. City of Phoenix Human Services Commission-Chair June 2017- 2022; City of Phoenix Human Services Advisory Committee- Co-Chair November 2016-2022; Travis Williams Community Council- March 2015-present; South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Construction Advisory Board- May 2020-present; Centerra HOA Board of Directors – present; University of Arizona, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Systems; Director Search Committee Team - present; Phoenix South Early Childhood Nutrition Team – present; House of Miracles – Board of Directors  
6. What do you do for a living? Serve the Community as Outreach Director/PC, SR.
7. What types of involvement have you had within the community? (Ex: volunteering with a charity, serving on a board, circulating petitions for a local cause you care about, etc) City of Goodyear – Leadership Enrichment and Development Program; City of Goodyear – Community Action Network; City of Goodyear – Faith & Community Roundtable; City of Goodyear – Goodyear Cares Focus Group; City of Goodyear – Asset Based Community Development Training; Centerra HOA Board of Directors; Avondale/Goodyear Moose Lodge Member #2078; West Valley NAACP; Skyway church monthly food produce distribution team; Legislative District 4 Precinct Committee Person (LD4 PC)
8. Family information: Anything you would like to share related to your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, pets, etc. This question is OPTIONAL. Declined to answer 
9. If you have a campaign website, please provide a link here: www.TamaraFloyd4Goodyear.com.

Short answer questions

1. What do you believe is the role and function of a city council? I believe the role and function of a city council member would be to work together with the City of Goodyear Mayor and all departments within the city of Goodyear, to collaborate and make positive decisions that impact the growth of our city by engaging citizens that choose to make Goodyear their home. I believe city council members must “represent and serve our community as responsible stewards of the public trust.”
2. Why are you running for city council, and what is the first thing you want voters to know about your campaign?  I am running for city council due to my passion for community. I have the expertise and knowledge in addition to my lived experiences and background (personal and professional) which allows me to bring to the council perspectives of the Goodyear community, and as a representative of a diverse population. I am enthusiastic about economic development, affordable housing, and helping residents come back stronger from the pandemic. I believe that working together will be effective in our community. Please know my campaign is dedicated to the growth of Goodyear, supporting quality first childcare, education, supporting small businesses, human services/resources, and adding public transportation. 
3. What do you believe are the three most important issues facing the city of Goodyear? Please describe the approach you would take to solve each of these issues if elected to the council. 1) Sustainable economy: Establishing continued economic growth and increased prosperity for all city of Goodyear constituents, by having an open forum where businesses and residents can grow and develop measures for continued business growth opportunities. 2) Creating a healthy environment: Protecting and conserving Goodyear’s environment and natural resources to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change by using data-based research for conservation methods specifically geared to the unique needs of the Goodyear community, as previously delineated. 3) Neighborhood preservation: Meet the challenge to ensure the safety and enjoyment of Goodyear neighborhoods. By fostering activities that lead to opportunities for engagement involving Goodyear residents, businesses, and public safety members (Mayor, City Council, Fire and Police…) with the goal of strengthening the relationships and trust within the community. 
4. How do you plan to involve Goodyear residents in the decision-making process at the local level? I plan to involve Goodyear residents by successfully building and maintaining positive relationships. Developing strong partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders including participating in multiple community collaborations & coalitions to promote open communication to encourage being a voice in the growth of the city.
5. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the program or project of your choice within the city, how would you use it and why? If a grant of $1 million was received, it would be the start of creating a program which is needed in the Goodyear area focused on children ages birth to 5 years of age. The project name: The Goodyear Family Resource Center, which would be a special place for families with children and provide a community of support and encouragement. This project would enhance learning and build a foundation of success for families & their children of all ages. The Family Resource Center would consist of a list of free programming, parenting workshops and educational activities while learning about their child's development, meeting other parents, and receiving needed resources and referrals for ongoing supportive services and more.
6. What neighborhood/part of town do you live in, and why? Name your favorite spots to hang out around town. I live in Centerra Villages, this is where I found my perfect home. I love the Moose Lodge, I am a member of the Women of the Moose because of all the charity work, the volunteering, and the hosting of community events for families and children held yearly. The chapter does so much in and for the community and I continue to stay engaged with this organization. I am also a foodie and enjoy eating and supporting local at the variety of Goodyear establishments.
7. What is your favorite thing about the city of Goodyear and why? The growth, living in Goodyear when there was not a local gas station nor grocery store and to watch its growth is exciting. Being able to be involved in the community makes it important for quality of life moving forward for generations to come.

Vicki Gillis

1. Name: Vicki Gillis
2. Age and date of birth: Declined to answer
3. City/town you grew up in: Burlington, Washington
4. Number of years you’ve lived in Goodyear: 12 years
5. Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list prior elected office by term if applicable.  I'm a first-time candidate 
6. What do you do for a living?  Fundraiser for charities, usually associated with helping veterans and  first  responders
7. What types of involvement have you had within the community? (Ex: volunteering with a charity, serving on a board, circulating petitions for a local cause you care about, etc)  I've been blessed to  get to work with great people, working with local civic and political causes, and helping our local first responders.
8. Family information: Anything you would like to share related to your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, pets, etc. This question is OPTIONAL. Declined to answer
9. If you have a campaign website, please provide a link here:  www.vickigillis.com

Short answer questions:

1. What do you believe is the role and function of a city council?  We’re elected to look after the needs and best interests of the city as a whole. That means setting policy, crafting a budget to fund Goodyear’s priorities, working with other cities on regional issues like transportation and infrastructure, and of course keeping our citizens safe. And we need to get all of this done as economically as possible, because it's not our money we’re spending, it’s the people’s money, and they deserve the biggest possible bang for their buck. 
2. Why are you running for city council, and what is the first thing you want voters to know about your campaign? I was asked to run because I had already been involved in public safety issues and
   because a lot of people knew how passionately I cared about Goodyear itself. People who don’t know me need to know that I give 100%, I don’t tolerate BS or political games, and I’ll talk to just about everyone, so if you need me, you’ll get me.
3. What do you believe are the three most important issues facing the city of Goodyear? Please describe the approach you would take to solve each of these issues if elected to the council. In no particular
   order, growth, public safety, and maintaining our quality of life – and those three are related in many ways. The whole Valley is growing, and our West Valley is seeing tremendous growth. This is putting a lot of pressure on developers to increase density, build lots of apartments, etc. While there is a place for them, and our long-term plans need to accommodate multi-family housing developments, there needs to be a limit on how many and where, because it isn’t fair to home-owners to have the character
   of their neighborhood changed so dramatically. All of this growth strains our ability to keep our people safe, so we need to monitor response times for police, fire, and medical services, to ensure that we have adequate protection for our citizens. If you call 9-1-1 you need to know that someone will get to you or your loved one in time. And keeping Goodyear such a special place means protecting the feeling of the place, of its communities, and its neighborhoods. Let’s attract more entertainment and dining options and encourage developments that make living here easier and more enjoyable.
4. How do you plan to involve Goodyear residents in the decision-making process at the local level? I talk
   to just about everyone and I think the best way to involve people is to communicate with them. So whether its by email or phone or online or in person, I’ll continue to seek input directly from our residents. If I’m elected, I will be working for the people of Goodyear – so you can be sure I’ll do my best to be available to them!
5. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the program or project of your choice within the city, how would you use it and why? It’s a tough question, because there are probably lots of things we could do with it. But most of the things that would make the list, like parks or bike paths or whatever, belong in our regular city appropriations – we should already be taking care of them. So I’d direct the money towards research to improve the care our first responders get when dealing with a variety of cancers they are contracting on the job, because of the chemicals they are routinely exposed to.
6. What neighborhood/part of town do you live in, and why? Name your favorite spots to hang out around town? Estrella Mountain Ranch, because we just love it. It's our own paradise. Lots of yummy spots, but a special shout out to Babbos and N-Dub Pizza. Both scrumptious!
   
7. What is your favorite thing about the city of Goodyear and why? The people and the feel of the place. It isn’t just the scenery or the quality of life, it's also the people, because none of it would work if you weren’t also surrounded by good people. 

Brannon Hampton, incumbent

Biographical questions:

1. Name: Brannon Hampton
2. Age and date of birth: Age 40, born Feb. 27, 1982
3. City/town you grew up in: Peoria/Avondale/Goodyear
4. Number of years you’ve lived in Goodyear: 15 years
5. Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list prior elected office by term if applicable. Goodyear City Council 2017 -2022,  2025 Goodyear General Plan Committee 2015, Goodyear Citizens Academy - 2016  
6. What do you do for a living? Financial Advisor with Edward Jones
7. What types of involvement have you had within the community? (Ex: volunteering with a charity, serving on a board, circulating petitions for a local cause you care about, etc) Represent Goodyear as a member of Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Advisory Committee, Goodyear Audit Committee and the National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Federal Advocacy Committee, Loaned Executive with the Valley of the Sun United Way – 2017, Be a Leader Mentor – 2012, Arizona Small Business Association Board Member – 2015 -2017, Sierra Winds Board Member 2019-2021, Arizona Service Project – Advisor to the Board 2020 – Present. 
8. Family information: Anything you would like to share related to your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, pets, etc. This question is OPTIONAL. Married for 19 years with three children 
9. If you have a campaign website, please provide a link here: www.Hampton4Goodyear.com

Short answer questions:

1. What do you believe is the role and function of a city council? The City Council represents and serves our community as responsible stewards of the public trust. We envision and shape our future by engaging citizen involvement and fostering City staff innovation. 
2. Why are you running for city council, and what is the first thing you want voters to know about your campaign? I am running for re-election on the Goodyear City Council for a number of reasons. I believe Goodyear is a great place. I want to see that it continues to be a place that people want to live, work and play. I want to make sure Goodyear will be a great place for my family and the families of those in Goodyear. I want to continue to serve the people of Goodyear and see the vision of the City move forward. 
3. What do you believe are the three most important issues facing the city of Goodyear? Please describe the approach you would take to solve each of these issues if elected to the council. 1.Infrastructure – With the rapid growth that we have experienced, we need to strive to keep pace with our infrastructure. The infrastructure plan currently in place includes transportation options/corridors, water, fiber and sewer.  We are only ~13% built out as a City. 2. Economic Development – We need more jobs in all sectors so people do not have to commute. The City is working towards attracting more employers and housing options. 3.  Budget – We need to continue to have a balanced budget that meets the City'sneeds today all while proactively looking forward.  
4. How do you plan to involve Goodyear residents in the decision-making process at the local level?  It is important to me to engage and ask residents what they think of different items that come before council. Residents also deserve the opportunity to voice their opinions via email, phone, or at the city council meetings.
5. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the program or project of your choice within the city, how would you use it and why? I would use it for sports tourism within the City. This would go to a public park that would also drive economic development. Economic development brings more sales tax revenue to the City that helps hire more police, fire, affordable housing, library, City events, and other services that enhance the quality of life for our residents. 
6. What neighborhood/part of town do you live in, and why? Name your favorite spots to hang out around town? We live in Canyon Trails and love being part of the community.  I enjoy running and hiking in the Estrella Mountains, going to the Goodyear Rec Center with my kids, watching my kids play sports at the Goodyear Community Parks,  and going to local restaurants with my family. My kids are really big fans of all of the ice cream options we have now.
7. What is your favorite thing about the city of Goodyear and why? I am a native of Arizona and attended Agua Fria Union High. It has been exciting to watch the growth of the City over the years. Goodyear has so much to offer and is a great place to raise a family, work, play and retire. 

What questions do YOU have for the Goodyear City Council candidates? Let us know by emailing mackley@iniusa.org.