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Gutier came recommended by Mayor Lyn Truitt, but worked in Surprise from 2000 to 2003 as an intergovernmental programs director, primarily keeping city officials connected with regional, state and national issues. Gutier left to serve in the same position for Glendale until 2005.
Off and on from 2000, she worked as a partner in the Gutier Group consulting firm with her father, Alberto Gutier, a well-known Republican Party insider who previously was employed in two Republican gubernatorial administrations
Gutier, 43, said she is not presently seeking clients with her family business, devoting her time to the Surprise position.
She took time during her first day on the job to answer questions about her new role.
Question: First off, what are your immediate goals for the job?
Answer: My immediate goal is to serve the mayor and council in whatever capacity I can, in a supporting role, so that they can be successful in their positions. That’s really the overall goal.
Q: How do you achieve that goal?
A: Providing the information that they’re seeking when they have an item coming on a council agenda - so they can fully understand the issues. Another area where I can lend a lot of support is helping council members achieve their vision in the particular areas they’re passionate about or have expertise in, such as education.
Q: Is it your intent to seek the position if council ultimately makes it a staff job or political appointment? Why?
A: Yes. Working for the city of Surprise excites me. Being able to come back and work with this mayor and council in achieving their vision to me is not only a challenge, but I’ve always felt like Surprise was home for me in terms of staff and council. The vision created back when I started in 2000 - those were really exciting times for me. Being able to come back now and continue to work with staff and council and be a part of creating that vision is going to be an exciting challenge.
Q: Describe your relationship to Mayor Lyn Truitt.
A: I met Mayor Truitt through Leadership West (a program for present and future West Valley leaders) . . . back in 2002. I got to know him through the yearlong program.
Q: How do you view your relationship with the public?
A: When constituents have concerns or issues they bring to a council member. I’m aiding the council member in either doing research or helping them work through the issues for the constituent. I’m really helping the council member, and they’re providing answers.
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