Gilbert needs council that works collaboratively with community

Beth Goulden is running for Gilbert Town Council.

Courtesy Beth Goulden

OPINION — I am an Arizona native and lifelong Gilbert resident, a mom of three, and I spent 25 years in law enforcement dedicated to protecting and strengthening communities across Arizona. For most of my career, I specialized in sex crimes.  Protecting the people and most vulnerable in Maricopa County, including Gilbert from dangerous criminals and working to heal families impacted by generational sexual abuse. 

When I retired from my law enforcement career, I started my own consulting company where I consult on criminal cases and with victims of crime.   I also began working with our state legislators to advance criminal justice policies focused on accountability, rehabilitation, victims’ rights, and public safety; issues I found prevalent from working in this system for over two decades. 

I have a proven track record of solving complex challenges and building strong relationships with lawmakers, stakeholders, and community members to deliver results for Arizona.  I was honored to be elected Chair of the Arizona Sex Offender Management Board last Fall where I continue working to promote prevention of sexual abuse, accountability, and community safety for our children and most vulnerable.

I love Gilbert. It’s where I built my life, where we are raising our children, where my childhood home still stands and where my parents continue to reside. Over the past several years, something has changed in Gilbert. From the unanswered concerns surrounding the Gilbert Goons and teen violence, to massive utility rate increases and a town budget that has grown dramatically, many residents feel council has become disconnected from the community they serve.

There is also a growing sentiment that residents who question council decisions are viewed as a problem rather than engaged members of the community. I strongly disagree with that approach. Asking questions, voicing concerns, and holding elected officials accountable is not negativity, it is civic responsibility. Residents and business owners know their neighborhoods, understand the challenges impacting families, and deserve to have their voices respected and valued.  Leadership should never operate from the belief that government knows better than the people it represents.

Gilbert deserves a council that listens, communicates openly, and works collaboratively with the community, not above it.  The divide between residents and town council continues to grow.  Gilbert needs servant leadership that takes concerns seriously, respects differing viewpoints, and leads with transparency, accountability, and empathy. Gilbert deserves leaders who will protect safe neighborhoods, preserve our community character, and make thoughtful decisions that put residents first.

My priorities are to reduce the financial burden on Gilbert residents by examining ways to lower utility costs, cut unnecessary spending, and bring long-term revenue solutions to Gilbert. I believe the town must refocus on fiscal responsibility, core services, and proactive problem-solving before challenges become crises.  I also believe leadership matters. Through my years in law enforcement, public policy work, and collaboration with state leaders, I’ve built the experience and relationships necessary to bring people together, solve problems, and deliver real results for Gilbert residents.

We have an opportunity in Gilbert with this election to change course and I humbly ask for your vote beginning June 24 to help restore trust, accountability, and proactive leadership in Gilbert. Together, we can bring back a vision that puts the people of Gilbert first and ensures our community is a place residents are proud to call home again.

Beth Goulden is a candidate for Gilbert Town Council. 

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