Marking the end of an era for Goodyear's local government, longtime council members Sheri Lauritano and Bill Stipp are gearing up for their final city council meeting on Monday, a public event that will be held inside the Goodyear Council Chambers as well as streamed live on social platforms and the city's YouTube channel. The wrap-up session marks the conclusion of over a decade of service for each member due to term limits, with Lauritano having served for 14 years and Stipp for 13.5 years.
Reflecting on her tenure, Councilmember Lauritano shared a heartfelt farewell message, expressing her gratitude for the trust and support of Goodyear's residents, her family, and her colleagues. "I want to thank my husband, Steve, and our children, Christopher and Victoria, for always being there for me during this journey, as well as my parents for their support and help during this time," Lauritano told GoodyearAZ.gov. Her accomplishments include the focus on community safety with enhanced fire and police services, the establishment of a water treatment plant securing Goodyear's water future, and the addition of parks and events that foster community engagement.
Bill Stipp's farewell echoes a similar sentiment of pride in his contribution to Goodyear's growth from a small town of 52,000 residents to a thriving city nearing 115,000. He emphasized his commitment to fiscal conservatism and leadership without playing politics. "I always sought to do what I believed was best for us as residents," Stipp told GoodyearAZ.gov. He outlined the city’s successes under his watch, such as high property values, low crime rates, and significant investments in public projects, noting that these were achieved without raising property tax rates for over a decade.
Lauritano and Stipp reflect on their strong partnership during their time in office, with Stipp crediting Lauritano for encouraging him to run again in 2019. "Sheri Lauritano and I ran together in 2011 and 2015, and she convinced me to run again in 2019. Thank you, Sheri, for an exciting final term," he said, highlighting their teamwork in shaping Goodyear's Government. As they step down, both have expressed their commitment to staying involved and supporting the city's future.
