Goodyear Councilmember Brannon Hampton spoke with the PC Dem Club in December.
Alisa Moore
More than 60 members of the PC Democratic Club came together on Zoom for the club’s December meeting to hear from Councilmember Brannon Hampton about what’s happening in Goodyear. Councilmember Hampton also visited the club during pre-COVID meetings. Brannon was elected to his first four-year council term in 2017. His priorities as a councilmember include managing the city’s growth effectively and efficiently, increasing economic development, and maintaining a conservative balanced budget without compromising our quality of life.
The city budget is balanced, Brannon said, noting that it was implemented this year, keeping in mind the potential impacts of COVID. However, with sales tax revenues, housing starts, and job growth all up, the budget has been fully funded.
Mr. Hampton answered questions from the club members, saying that the positive economic development outlook for Goodyear continues and mirrors very diverse development. Upcoming and in-process capital improvements reflect the incredible growth in Goodyear.
* City Hall (spring 2022): The hall will include 20,000 square feet of library, the first Goodyear parking garage, and class A office space, all on donated land.
* City park (spring 2021): The grass is in place and the building almost done. The 30 acres will include a mini-gym, indoor walking track, an aquatic center, and lots of amenities.
* Also in the works: Three new fire stations, a 10-mile pipeline to Avondale (to get top water so the city can keep up with growth), and more than 200 housing permits being issued per month.
* A number of commercial and retail spots have, and are in the process of, opening including Aldi’s, their warehouse and their headquarters, and various restaurants and casual dining outlets.
With a population now over 90,000, Goodyear celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2021 with much to be proud of.
President John Moore provided updated election results, which indicated the high level of interest in the races statewide. 96% of PebbleCreek Dems voted, and PebbleCreekers as a whole turned out at almost 93%. We were one of the highest voting precincts in Maricopa County, whose turnout was 81%, while the state of Arizona had a 79% turnout. Political contributions to all parties and candidates nationally from our zip code totaled almost $630,000, four times the national average.
Linda Tafs explained that the PC Democratic Club women, who, before COVID, met once a month for lunch in a local restaurant, are now meeting monthly on Zoom. Sharing the company of friends and welcoming new members brings camaraderie in these isolating times. Other ongoing activities include the men’s breakfast and several book clubs. The next social event scheduled is Zoom Bingo on Dec. 19 and 20.
The club’s annual meeting is Jan. 7 at 7 p.m., and includes board elections. Dues are now due. Members whose dues are paid are eligible to vote. Please join us! For more info, visit PCDemClub.org.