Meet Your City Council

MAYOR CHARLIE GOEKEN – Email 

City Council Service: Elected Mayor November 2022

Term Expires: November 2024

Community Vision: To provide a safe community in which to live and raise a family. Improve government services, parks and other recreation while being fiscally responsible.

Background: Charlie and his wife Jennifer have lived in Waterford over thirty years. They raised four sons in Waterford, who all graduated from Waterford High School. Charlie is a lifelong Stanislaus County resident and former three-term Mayor of Waterford. Charlie is an eight year veteran of the United States Navy, a retired police captain and has a Master’s Degree from Liberty University.

Community Involvement:  Waterford Lions Club member. Former Sabercats coach, former youth sports coach, former assistant scout leader and former Waterford High Booster member.

Committees:  StanCOG, Stanislaus County Tourism.

 

 

VICE MAYOR JILL KITCHENS – Email

City Council Service: Elected November 2020 to first term.

Term Expires: November 2024

Community Vision: Focusing on new development, bringing jobs and growth to the community. Maintaining our community infrastructure and making our community a better place to live.

Background: Has lived in Waterford since 1987. Married to Josh Kitchens, has one child Josh Kitchens Jr. Jill is self-employed and has worked with her family business in farming and construction since 1999.

Community Involvement: Served on the Planning Commission. Coached Youth Basketball. Served as a 4-H assistant advisor. Volunteered for community fundraisers.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMIE HILTON – Email

City Council Service: Elected in 2020 to first term.

Term expires: November 2024

Community Vision: To promote economic growth in the City and surrounding areas while keeping a small town feel. Continue looking to provide opportunities for our youth in the community and make sure they have programs and activities to help them succeed. Provide a safe environment in the City while making sure city services are run efficiently and at the lowest cost.

Background: Has lived in Waterford for over 30 years, married to his wife Brandy with one son, Skylar. Mr. Hilton is currently working on local almond ranches in a supervisorial position.

Community Involvement: Served on the Waterford Planning Commission, and has directed numerous community fundraisers for those in need. Mr. Hilton has coached youth baseball and basketball in Waterford for many years and has volunteered with local non-profits at their fundraisers.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHRISTINE HARRIS – Email

City Council Service: Elected in 2022 to first term.

Term expires: November 2026

Community Vision: To continue our tight fiscal path, look for ways to provide opportunities for our children, keep the focus on issues in Waterford.

Background: Has lived in Waterford for over 26 years, raised her family in Waterford with husband Robert, and currently work within the city limits.

Community Involvement: Ms. Harris has coached youth softball and volunteered for many community fundraisers and events.

 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ELIZABETH TALBOTT – Email

City Council Service:  Elected in November 2018, Re-Elected November 2022

Term Expires: November 2026

Community Vision: Committed to ensuring that the underserved and under-represented have a voice in the decisions made in our community. Improve our roads, sewer and infrastructure to make Waterford both a better place to live, and more attractive to new and expanding businesses. Expand access to vibrant parks and shared recreational spaces throughout the city. Address the affordable housing crisis to help more families and young adults stay in Waterford. Focus on environmental justice issues that impact Waterford and our region.

Background: Has lived in Waterford since 2010 with her husband, Stephen Talbott; and sons, Ben Talbott and Max Ching. Work experience includes 25 years of health education and community outreach. Grew up in Manteca. Earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz; and an MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Management from University of Phoenix.

Community Involvement: Waterford Planning Commission 2017-2018; Waterford Community Development Committee 2017-current; Waterford Historical Society; Hickman School Parent Teacher Student Association. Member of Latino Community Roundtable, Community System of Care (addressing homelessness), Maternal Child Adolescent Health Advisory Committee, Oral Health Advisory Committee, Merced Breastfeeding Network (Chair and Founding Member).