Goodyear City Council members at the May PebbleCreek Democratic Club meeting, left to right: Tamara Floyd, Teri Roberts, Trey Terry, Vicki Barber (club president), Laura Kaino, Benita Beckles, and Dr. Angie Amarillos (photo by Gillian Driscoll)
Gillian Driscoll
At the May 1 meeting of the PebbleCreek Democratic Club, members heard six candidates for Goodyear City Council express their visions for the city and comment on issues.
Candidates attending included Dr. Anglie Amarillas, a doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, former vice president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and a single mother of four.
Benita Beckles has more than 20 years of experience in city government administration. She served 30 years in the Air Force attaining the rank of Colonel overseeing security forces, IT, civil engineers, family support, and more. She is active with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and Community Action Network.
Tamara Floyd is University of Arizona Outreach Director at the Roosevelt Early Childhood Family Resource Center. She has served on Goodyear’s Boards and Commissions and is involved with the Fire at Safe Kids Community car seat checks.
Laura Kaino is currently the Goodyear vice mayor running for reelection. She retired from the City of Phoenix HR management working with several departments. In 2018 she replaced a resigning member and was reelected in 2019.
Teri Roberts has a doctorate in physical therapy. With her husband, Ryan, since 2007 she has run a physical therapy clinic in Goodyear as well as Kids Place Pediatric Therapy treating children with developmental, neurological, and orthopedic issues. They have more than 120 employees throughout Arizona.
Trey Terry was elected to the Agua Fria Union High School District governing board. He is a U.S. Army combat veteran endorsed by the Fire Fighters Union. He has worked in media relations and now works for a national nonprofit.
After brief introductions, the round robin format of the meeting allowed each candidate to address specific topics. The first topic concerned the Goodyear General Plan required by the state every 10 years. Comments included that the plan was timely given recent and future city growth, that engaging residents is essential, and there are concerns about affordable housing. The second topic focused on transportation. All felt that this is an important issue, and more is needed to help reduce pollution.
The third question concerned jobs and job growth. It was generally agreed that more small businesses are needed, and attracting more specialists and entrepreneurs is necessary. The fourth issue was public servants. Police, fire, etc., need support, and improved technology can help services such as 911.
The fifth topic asked about the elimination of rental tax and how this might affect budgeting and expenditures. It was felt the budget was in control and that lost revenue would easily be recouped from growth. Current funds could be redirected and more businesses will help.
Democratic Club President Vicki Barber ended the meeting by thanking the candidates for their time and contributions.
The PebbleCreek Democratic Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom. Social hour is at 6 p.m. and the meeting is at 7 p.m. The meetings are open and all are welcome. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 5.