District 4: Pamela Croff
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent
District 5: James P. Subjack
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent
Voters will go to polls on July 21 to cast their votes in a primary election to select three candidates from five who are running to serve on The Buckeye City Council..
Open seats are for District 4 – northwest Buckeye (including Sun City Festival), District 5 – East Buckeye (South of I-10 and north of Yuma Road) and District 6 (Northeast Buckeye – including Verrado)
The following will appear on ballots:
District 4: Pamela Croff and Incumbent G. Patrick HagEstad.
District 5: James P. Subjack.
District 6: Incumbent Clay Goodman.
Candidates were given the opportunity to answer questions from InBuckeye Magazine regarding their run for office. Below are their unedited responses to each question.
QUESTION 1: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF — INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, CAREER, EDUCATION, VOLUNTEER WORK AND ANY PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC OFFICE.
District 4: Pamela Croff: I am a full-time Buckeye resident and was born and raised in Buckeye. I’m a proud parent of four adult children, and I’ve always been deeply involved in their lives—supporting their athletic pursuits and robotics competitions, and volunteering as a team mom and even an assistant coach when they were younger alongside my husband of 20 years.
Professionally, I’ve worked in the swimming pool construction industry since 1998, where I’ve grown into a leadership role and developed a strong passion for the construction industry.
I’m also an active member of our organization’s “Make A Difference” committee, which focuses on giving back to the community. Through fundraising efforts, we support local elementary schools by organizing Christmas festivals, ensuring every child from kindergarten through 8th grade receives a gift—often delivered with a memorable visit from Santa, who arrives by helicopter.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Mr. HagEstad did not respond to email, text or phone calls from InBuckeye.
District 5: James P. Subjack: I am a native of the Buffalo, NY area, moving to Buckeye in 2015,My loving wife and I have been married nearly 47 years with 2 children, a son who teaches creative writing in Pasadena and a daughter who is a Criminal Justice Professor at Southern Utah University. I am a graduate of Penn State University and the University of Illinois College of Law. My first job after law school was as City Clerk for the City of Dunkirk, NY. That led to appointment as an Assistant DA which led to private criminal law practice. In 1993 I was elected DA of Chautauqua County, NY and held that position for 12 years, retiring back to criminal law private practice. I was a member of both the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs. I was President of our local United Way. I served on our City's Charter Revision Committee. I was later City Attorney for Jamestown, NY. I was a member of the NYS DA's Association, serving on its Executive Committee. I was a member of the NYS Bar Association Criminal Justice Section, serving as its President for 2 years. I've been a speaker at several national and state law conferences. Upon moving to Sundance Adult Village, I joined its Long Range Planning Committee and served as its chair. I have been a member of the SAV Board of Directors since 2019, serving as its President for the last 6 years. I served on the Buckeye GO Bond Committee and was Chair of the Water and Wastewater Rate Committee and have recently graduated from the Buckeye Civic Institute.
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: I’m a third-generation Arizonan, born in Phoenix and raised in what was then north Phoenix near 32nd Street and Cactus Road. My wife, Lynda, and I have been married for 38 years, and we’re proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to one grandson. All of them live here in Buckeye. Our son works at the Palo Verde Generating Station, and our daughter teaches at Verrado Middle School.
I joined the Buckeye City Council in June 2020 after being appointed to fill an unexpired term, and in 2022 I was elected to a full four-year term. I am now seeking reelection.
Community involvement is important to me. I’m a member of the Verrado Rotary and serve on the Board of the White Tank Mountain Conservancy. I’m also a proud member of the Blue Blazer Squadron in support of Luke Air Force Base, and I serve on several additional boards through my work on the council.
Professionally, I spent more than 25 years at Estrella Mountain Community College, retiring in 2015 as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. I then joined Arizona Public Service as the training manager for the non-nuclear generation fleet, retiring again in 2022. Today, I’m honored to serve Buckeye as the District 6 councilmember. Outside of public service, I’m an active mountain biker and also teach SCUBA—something I’ve enjoyed for about 25 years.
As for my education, I’m a proud Sun Devil with a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. I also hold a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a PhD from Capella University.
QUESTION 2: WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
District 4: Pamela Croff: My greatest accomplishment is my children. I gave birth to one and was fortunate to welcome the others into my life as infants, all at the same time. My three boys are biological brothers, with two of them being twins. My oldest was a year old, and the twins were newborns when we were graciously blessed with them. They’ve grown into strong leaders and consistently serve as positive role models for their peers. Recently, they even debated who my favorite child is—and the fact that each of them believes they hold that spot feels like a true parenting success and makes me incredibly proud.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack: While I am proud of my past awards, recognition and achievements which include, but are not limited to, being named a NYS Super Lawyer, a NY Times Top Attorney in NY, admission into the Nation's Top one Percent of Attorneys, a Distinguished Lawyer in Martindale-Hubbell, named as Top Humane Prosecutor in NY by the NYS Humane Association and recently being instrumental in the implementation of the Buckeye Cares Program, I am most proud of my 46+ year loving marriage to my wife, Janel and co-raising 2 wonderful, successful children.
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: That’s a tough question. If I’m being honest, my proudest accomplishment is raising two wonderful kids who are now actively contributing to our community.
From a council standpoint, I’m especially proud of my leadership role in the city’s General Obligation Bond Initiative. We brought together a diverse community advisory committee that spent several months reviewing needs and ultimately recommending a bond package to the council. Two questions—Public Safety and Transportation—were placed on the ballot, and both passed with more than 60% voter approval. The resulting $280+ million investment will have a significant, positive impact on Buckeye’s future for many years to come.
QUESTION 3: WHY ARE YOU SEEKING POLITICAL OFFICE WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY? BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR POLITICAL PLATFORM.
District 4: Pamela Croff: I’m seeking public office because I care deeply about this community and want to play an active role in shaping its future. Through my professional experience and years of volunteering, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of strong local leadership, responsive services, and a community that works together to support families and businesses.
My platform focuses on practical, community-driven priorities: supporting local economic growth, supporting public safety, maintaining safe, strong, well-kept neighborhoods, investing in youth and family programs, and ensuring responsible, transparent use of taxpayer dollars. I believe in listening to residents, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the needs and values of our community.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack: Public office is the highest form of community service one can achieve. Too often you hear people complain of all facets of governance, but never offer a solution nor seek to help in any way. I try to think of myself as a problem solver who constantly attempts to analyze a situation and devise a solution to it. That, in essence is my platform
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: I chose to run for office because I wanted to give back to my community and stay actively involved in shaping its future. I believe public service is a responsibility we all share as citizens, and it extends well beyond simply casting a vote. My background and experience help me see the broader picture and understand how the decisions we make today will influence Buckeye for years to come.
I don’t frame my work around a traditional political platform. Instead, I focus on key priorities that matter to our community: securing our long-term water future, strengthening workforce development, investing in infrastructure, supporting smart economic growth, and above, maintaining strong focus on fiscal responsibility.
QUESTION 4: WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FACING PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO MEET AND OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES?
District 4: Pamela Croff: My plan is to take a practical, community-focused approach. That means prioritizing smart, well-planned growth so infrastructure keeps pace with development, supporting policies that strengthen local businesses and create economic stability, and ensuring our police, fire, and emergency services have the resources they need to keep residents safe. I also believe in investing in youth programs and community partnerships that give young people positive opportunities to succeed. Equally important, I will remain accessible and responsive to residents, being transparent in decision-making, and working collaboratively to find solutions that reflect our community’s values and needs.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack: Clearly the greatest challenge to Buckeye is its burgeoning growth and the need for expansion of its infrastructure to accommodate that growth. I will work with City officials, developers, private companies and neighboring communities to ensure that the growth is well regulated and consistent with our needs and our ability to fulfill those needs,
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: We face several challenges as a growing community, including long-term water security, infrastructure needs, power capacity, and managing growth responsibly. I’ll focus on two of the most significant: water and infrastructure.
Water: When I first applied to serve on the city council, I was asked about Buckeye’s biggest challenge. My answer then is the same today: water. It remains our most pressing concern. The good news is that Buckeye is well positioned to address both current and future water needs. Roughly 75% of Arizona’s water use is agricultural, with residential and commercial use making up a much smaller share. Recent Ag-Urban legislation creates incentives that support responsible growth and water management. In addition, the city has invested more than $80 million to secure water rights in the Harquahala Basin, strengthening our long-term water portfolio and supporting future development.
Infrastructure: Streets, roads, and power systems are essential to keeping our community moving. Buckeye was built largely on former farm roads, and as development continues, those roads must evolve into modern thoroughfares that support safe, efficient travel. Through the General Obligation Bond initiative, more than $130 million is dedicated to infrastructure improvements across the city. This includes eliminating scalloped streets, adding lighting, and making other critical upgrades. We are also actively working with the Governor’s Office and the state legislature to secure funding for improvements to I-10, as well as Jackrabbit Trail and the I-10 interchange. Additionally, we collaborate closely with Arizona Public Service to ensure our power infrastructure can support both industrial and residential growth.
QUESTION 5: HOW WILL YOU BEST REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS – EVEN THOSE WITH DIFFERING POLITICAL VIEWS? HOW WILL YOU COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH CONSTITUENTS?
District 4: Pamela Croff: I will represent my constituents by listening first and leading with respect. Our community includes a wide range of perspectives, and I believe good leadership means making sure everyone feels heard—even when we don’t agree. I will take the time to understand concerns, ask questions, and make decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole, not just one viewpoint. Transparency and fairness will guide every decision I make.
To stay connected, I will prioritize open and consistent communication. This includes regular town halls, attending community events, and being accessible by email, phone,and social media. I also want to create opportunities for direct feedback, so residents know their voices matter and have a real impact on the decisions being made.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack: If elected, A plan is in place to open an office within the City and hold regular hours to meet with constituents and City employees. I would like to develop an eblast system to inform of significant events or news and to receive questions or concerns.Town halls will be held presuming there is interest in them.
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: I firmly believe every question deserves an answer, and I work hard to provide those answers. Most of the questions I receive start with “What…” followed closely by “When…”. Lately, I’ve been getting more “How…” questions, and those are often the most rewarding to address.
I strive to represent my constituents fairly and equitably. My role is to listen to the many perspectives within District 6 and balance them with the broader needs of the city. A large part of my work on the council involves hearing resident concerns and helping people understand how the city operates, how decisions are made and resolving any issues.
I hold quarterly community meetings where constituents can speak with me directly and ask questions. These are informal conversations over coffee—no agenda, just open dialogue. I also meet individually with residents whenever they prefer a one-on-one discussion. I’m not a fan of one-way communication. Government at any level is a people-centered endeavor, and it works best when we engage in candid, respectful conversation.
QUESTION 6: WHAT PARTS OF THE CITY BUDGET COULD USE MORE FUNDING? WHERE ARE PLACES IN THE BUDGET WHERE CUTS COULD BE MADE?
District 4: Pamela Croff: Parts of the budget that deserve strong, continued investment are public safety, infrastructure, and youth programs. Ensuring our police, fire, and emergency services are properly staffed and equipped is essential to maintaining a safe community. At the same time, we need to keep up with road maintenance, traffic management, and long-term infrastructure planning as our city grows. I also believe investing in youth and community programs pays long-term dividends by giving young people positive opportunities and strengthening families and our future. When it comes to reductions, I believe in a careful, responsible approach rather than across-the-board cuts. We should regularly review administrative and operational expenses to identify inefficiencies, eliminate duplication, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. I would also look closely at underperforming programs or initiatives that are not delivering measurable value and consider reallocating those funds to higher-impact priorities. Overall, my focus is on being fiscally responsible—making smart investments where they matter most while ensuring accountability and transparency in every dollar spent.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack:City Court and the City Prosecutor's office are both in desperate need of additional space and significant effort should be undertaken to make that a reality.. With regard to overfunded departments, in my estimation there are none. Which is why careful, thoughtful study must be made to efficiently and effectively allocate funds consistent with deference to tax rates and departmental needs.
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: My primary responsibility on the council is fiduciary ensuring we use taxpayer dollars wisely and make decisions that reflect strong stewardship of public resources. I consider myself a fiscal conservative, and I don’t believe every challenge can or should be solved by simply spending more. We must live within our means while still delivering the highest level of service possible to our residents.
There is always a need for additional funding across the budget, but it’s important to recognize that new revenue ultimately comes from our constituents in one form or another. At the same time, I don’t believe we need to make cuts. Our city staff understands our fiscal philosophy and works diligently to improve services without increasing costs.
Staff is also proactive in pursuing grants that allow us to fund important projects with little or no impact on the city’s budget.
Shortly after I was appointed, I advocated for process improvements across the organization. I’m proud that Buckeye has embraced this approach. We now have two full-time staff members dedicated to helping departments streamline their processes, eliminate duplication, and reduce waste.
QUESTION 7: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT BUCKEYE’S WATER AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN ANTICIPATION OF CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT?
District 4: Pamela Croff: Protecting water and transportation infrastructure requires being proactive, disciplined, and willing to say “not yet” to development when systems aren’t ready. First, we need longterm, data-driven planning. That means aligning development approvals with real infrastructure capacity—water supply, treatment, roadways, and traffic flow—not just projections. Growth should pay for growth, so new developments must contribute fairly to the cost of expanding and maintaining these systems through impact fees and infrastructure agreements. On water, conservation and sustainability have to be front and center. This includes investing in efficient systems, reducing loss from aging pipes, encouraging water-wise landscaping, and diversifying water sources where possible. In a region like ours, responsible water management is critical to long-term viability. For transportation, it’s about both expansion and efficiency. We should prioritize maintaining and upgrading existing roads, improving traffic flow with smart technology, and planning connectivity before congestion becomes a problem. Coordinating land use with transportation planning is key, so we’re not constantly playing catch-up.
Transparency and accountability matter. Residents should clearly understand how decisions are made and how funds are being used. If we plan carefully, invest wisely, and hold developers and the city accountable, we can support growth without sacrificing the quality of life people expect.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack: Having served as Chair of the Rates Committee, I learned first hand of the knowledge and abilities of those within that Department. We must trust their judgment and work to implement their recommendations as best possible. With regard to transportation, we must work with State Officials to expand I-10 which saw more than a 40% increase in traffic volume between 2020 and 2025, The high density of traffic seems to have led to a significant increase in the usage of our roads and streets. In addition, we must continue to insist that developers pay their fair share of roadway improvements caused by their project. We must also wisely use the funds made available by bonding for roadway improvements.
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: I touched on this earlier, so apologies if there’s a bit of repetition. When it comes to water, we must be responsible stewards of this vital resource. We live in one of the largest deserts in the world, and we must view our water supply through that lens. Buckeye is not short on water—we have what we need to support our community—but we cannot afford to be wasteful. That’s why recycling and reusing water is so important. Buckeye is actively recharging treated effluent back into the ground so it can be used again in the future. We’re also working with partners to explore the use of brackish water and to remove vegetation along the Gila River that consumes significant amounts of water that could be redirected elsewhere.
As a city, we’re also focused on improving transportation. That includes eliminating scalloped streets, adding travel lanes along I-10, and making needed pavement upgrades. The passage of the 2024 GO bonds provides much of the funding required for these improvements, and we continue to work with the governor’s office and state legislature to secure additional support for I-10, Jackrabbit Trail, and the I-10 interchange.
As a councilmember, I consistently ask questions about how new projects will affect our water portfolio and our transportation network. Ensuring we grow responsibly is always top of mind.
Question 8: Regarding public safety, what should Buckeye’s strategy include to ensure residents have appropriate resources for first responders – police, EMS, fire and wildland fire protection?
District 4: Pamela Croff: To keep Buckeye safe as it grows, the strategy must be proactive, well-funded, and coordinated across all public safety services—not reactive after needs outpace resources.
Staffing and response times must be a top priority. As the city expands geographically, we need to ensure police, fire, and EMS coverage grow with it. That means planning new stations with development, maintaining competitive pay to recruit and retain qualified personnel, and setting clear response-time standards so residents know what to expect. Investment in training and equipment is critical. This includes modern fire apparatus, updated EMS equipment, and the tools officers need to serve effectively and safely. Given Buckeye’s location, wildland fire preparedness must also be a major focus—ensuring crews are properly trained, equipped, and supported to respond to brush fires and protect homes on the edges of development. Strong coordination between agencies improves outcomes. Police, fire, and EMS should train together regularly and operate under clear communication systems, so responses are efficient and seamless, especially during largescale incidents or emergencies. Prevention and community engagement matter just as much as response. Supporting community policing efforts, public safety education, fire prevention programs, and emergency preparedness outreach helps reduce incidents before they happen and builds trust between residents and first responders. Growth must help fund safety. New developments should contribute to the cost of additional stations, staffing, and infrastructure so existing residents aren’t carrying the full burden.
District 4: G. Patrick HagEstad, incumbent: Did not respond.
District 5: James P. Subjack: Buckeye is blessed with outstanding first responders. We must continue to recruit the finest people available, but we must also ensure that our facilities become and remain state of the art. Thus, we must build the Public Safety Headquarters and fire stations authorized in the GObond election. We must also strive to retain the chiefs, supervisors and responders already in our employ.
District 6: Clay Goodman, incumbent: Our police and fire departments are the most visible parts of city operations. Whether it’s our patrol vehicles or our fire engines, our public safety teams are always ready to respond. Buckeye is a very large city in terms of land area—our planning area covers 640 square miles, and our incorporated limits are nearly 100 square miles larger than the City of Phoenix. That size creates real challenges in ensuring every resident receives timely, effective protection.
When new developments come to Buckeye, we work closely with them to ensure the necessary public safety resources are in place. For example, a development may be required to provide land and equipment for a new fire station, which may also include space for a police substation. The Verrado Marketplace is another example—it will include a police substation and technology infrastructure designed to support a safe environment for visitors.
Our police and fire departments are well equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, including technical rescues, wildland fires, and real-time monitoring. As a council, we are committed to making sure our public safety professionals have the tools, training, and support they need to protect our residents and their property.
