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December 15, 2021
Goodyear Mayor Lord dies after fall
West Valley View Executive Editor
NEWS ............... 6
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oodyear Mayor Georgia Lord died Dec. 12 as a result of declining health after she fell and broke her hip. Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton will serve as acting mayor until the Goodyear City Council appoints a current city councilmember to complete the mayor’s term, which ends in December 2022. The mayor and council would then accept applications from interested residents to appoint a new councilmember to fill the vacated council position. An election will be held in the fall of 2022 to select a new mayor, who will take office in January 2023 According to Goodyear spokesperson Tammy Vo, Lord was a “powerful advocate for the city of Goodyear” since she moved here in 1997 with her late husband Col. Ronald Lord. Prior to living in Goodyear, they lived in Europe and the Far East. He worked, too, at the Pentagon. “Arizona is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Georgia Lord,” Gov.
Doug Ducey said in a statement. “She was an inspiring woman and a proven leader who cared deeply about the city of Goodyear and the men, women and families who called it home. “Under Mayor Lord, Goodyear was transformed into an economic juggernaut, attracting new businesses and residents. Her care and love for her city was apparent to all, and she was frequently honored by community organizations for her service and accomplishments. “Mayor Lord was dedicated to the people of Goodyear and served them until the end. Her more than 15-year career in civic service is rooted in her city’s economic growth, as she used her keen business sense to create opportunity for Goodyear’s citizens. As Goodyear’s first Georgia Lord became the mayor of Goodyear in female mayor, her legacy as an incredibly 2011. (Submitted Photo) passionate public servant will live on.” On Dec. 12, he ordered all state flags Council in 2005. Her love for public service to be lowered to half-staff starting Dec. 13. deepened when she became the mayor of Lord began her career in local government Mayor...continued on page 3 when she was elected to the Goodyear City
Human smugglers plead guilty to Avondale operation BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
A
malia Gonzalez-Lara, 43, of Phoenix pleaded guilty in federal court in connection with her role as the coordinator of a human smuggling operation in Avondale. During a proceeding before U.S. Mag-
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istrate Judge Jacqueline Rateau, Gonzalez-Lara admitted that she conspired to transport and harbor more than 100 illegals for profit. On Jan. 12, law enforcement agents located 20 people, all nationals of Mexico or Guatemala, inside a residence located
at 1905 N. 119th Drive in Avondale. Over the course of the conspiracy, the house was used to conceal large numbers of people who were smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border and transported to the Phoenix
Guilty...continued on page 4
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