Mike Goodman is an Arizona native, originally from East Mesa, whose family can trace their roots in this state for several generations. He has lived in different parts of Arizona, raised his children here, he had an insurance business, opened a tire shop, and even farmed the land. In 2016, he decided to add public service to this long list and became Pinal County Supervisor for Disctrict 2, covering portions of Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. Mike, however, admits that entering the political sphere was not his idea... it was his older brother's, Sam.
Mike is one of ten, and he and his wife Alice have 12 kids between them. Therefore family is rather an important part of Mike's life. His brother Sam and his father, Gail Goodman, also set an example of public service since both served at various points as Justice of the Peace in Maricopa County. Mike's family emphasized the importance of civic duty through engagement and voting and that eventually extended to pursuing office. Still, when it came to him, Mike was hesitant, he kept to being a dad and coaching.
His brother Sam continued to encourage him, though Mike brushed it off and felt he had no time. In 2016, Mike changed his mind due to the rapid growth of Pinal County and the need for infrastructure to keep up with the burgeoning population. Mike says he welcomes the growth but sees the need to keep an eye on the 'bigger picture'. Part of what is required, in Mike's view, is getting the 'right players in the room together'. This can include town and city officials from neighboring counties as well as private companies and others who could be affected by the changes.
Establishing communication is key and gaining support is a big part of the job just to get a process started. Efforts like incorporation can take up to two years with a carefully coordinated effort. Mike continues to work hard for Pinal County and hopes to bring more industry to the area and to grow a greater 'town center', parks, and retail. 'If we are not growing, we are stagnant,' Mike says. Throughout, Mike remains humble, saying he is not so much proud as he is 'grateful'. All the same, Mike considers his first role is that of husband, father, and grandfather.