After 30 years of military service and four years on the Public Safety Advisory Board, Anthony “Scott” Goodman is ready to serve in a new capacity: as a member of the Murray City Council. Goodman said he's eager to bring leadership experience and passion for public service to the city he calls home.

“I just want to give back more to Murray rather than just the country,” Goodman said. “I’m super excited about it.”

Infrastructure, public safety and building greater resident engagement in local government are Goodman's major focuses as he steps into the councilmember role. He wants to keep the balance between improving the city infrastructure and keeping it at its best while not forgetting about one of the most important areas – public safety. 

"The last city council meeting, I was there and there were only a handful of people there," he noted. "If they got more involved in what’s going on in the city, maybe they would understand it.” 

Encouraging Resident Engagement

Goodman has already brainstormed a number of innovative ways to involve residents in city government, including what he describes as "Bike with a Councilman." The concept is he would make himself available at various locations in the district for informal bike rides, which would provide a casual setting in which constituents could discuss issues.

“I love biking, so I thought maybe there’s other people who would be interested in biking around the district a little bit," he said.

He also hopes to bring more transparency, making sure all city discussions and decisions are done out in the open. 

"I just want all the business of Murray City out in front of the citizens," Goodman said.

Working Together for a Better Murray

Goodman is stepping into a city council that he describes as highly collaborative. While councilmembers have different backgrounds and priorities, he believes mutual respect and teamwork are essential for success.

“We all have different priorities, and we’re only going to accomplish that with working together,” Goodman said. 

As for his future on the council, Goodman plans to run in the upcoming election this November. While his initial priorities are infrastructure and public safety, he remains open to adjusting his focus based on community input.

“If enough people tell me that stinky trees are the biggest issue in Murray, then maybe we change the priority to the stinky trees,” he said. 

Goodman views this as an opportunity to serve and promises to use each day working for the betterment of Murray. 

"I'm just in awe that I was chosen to represent such a great district," he said. "I hope I do a good job—I'd feel bad if I didn't."

Goodman emphasized the support he’s gotten from his wife during this time and how much he appreciates how she stands by him as he steps into the leadership role. 

As Murray looks to the future, Goodman's leadership, dedication, and approach to resident involvement will be a key factor in Murray’s development this year.