In a ceremonial recognition of democracy's gears continually turning, the city of Goodyear ushered in a new chapter as three councilmembers took their oaths of office to begin four-year terms. Last night's special induction ceremony honored the commitments of both seasoned and freshman members of the city's governing body. Among the newly minted officials, voters saw the familiar face of Councilmember Laura Kaino as she prepared to embark on her second full tenure, while newcomers Benita Beckles and Trey Terry made their first foray into the municipal council, as per Goodyear City's official announcement.
After filling a void on the council bench in 2018, Kaino secured her seat in the 2019 elections and now, with the latest public mandate, she stands ready to contribute to several key panels—including Goodyear’s Public Safety Retirement Boards and the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. The ceremony, gaining not just a member seasoned by prior experience, appointed Councilmember Wally Campbell as the city’s vice mayor for the coming year.
As reported by the city's official website, Beckles brings a robust background to the council chambers dotted by her military and city government tenure in Detroit and Phoenix, and buoyed by local involvement in Goodyear through various community-focused programs and committees. Evidencing her dedication to public service, she was a key player on the Goodyear Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and partook in the planning of local Juneteenth celebrations.
Trey Terry, a homegrown figure, steps into civic responsibility hallowed by his past military service and an established voice in educational governance. Straddling the line between the electorate's will and the needs of the local youth, he rose to prominence as board president of the Agua Fria Union High School District. His background in media relations and non-profit work underpins his alumnus roots to Millennium High School and the Goodyear Leadership Enrichment and Development program, indicating a trajectory of community engagement that has now ascended to municipal leadership.
