Candidates for the Amarillo City Council converged at First Family Church Auditorium in front of a packed house on Tuesday night to discuss their platforms and exchange ideas on infrastructure, municipal processes, and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). The forum showcased contenders for Places 1 through 4, each offering their insights on how best to serve the city ahead of the May municipal election.
Candidates drew names to determine speaking order and had two minutes per question.
Question 1: Beyond infrastructure, taxes, and crime
Aside from improving roads, maintaining low taxes, and reducing crime, what three top priorities shape your campaign?
Tom Scherlen (Incumbent, Place 3)
“We created a regional crime center and secured more funds for first responders,” Scherlen said. “We also invested a million dollars into North Heights to expand services. My goal is to continue this momentum across Amarillo.”
Tim Reid (Place 1)
“Though homelessness has improved, we’ve got more to do,” Reid noted. “I managed a $65 million FBI budget using zero-based budgeting. Amarillo can adapt that. And if we want AI and tech firms, we need an electric grid that’s up to the task.”
Patrick Miller (Place 1)
“We’ve seen more than $1 million spent in questionable ways,” Miller said, pointing to fees for an Austin-based attorney and a payout from enterprise funds. “That money should go to initiatives like reducing maternal mortality, creating affordable housing, and lowering library fees.”
Don Tipps (Incumbent, Place 2)
“Our council uncovered $2 million in pharmaceutical overcharges, which funded raises for police and fire,” Tipps said. “I want every taxpayer to understand exactly where their money goes and to keep our fiscal approach conservative yet effective.”
David Prescott (Place 3)
“My wife and I have firsthand experience helping a homeless family member,” Prescott explained. “We need practical solutions for those in need and fair representation for neighborhoods that often feel overlooked.”
Nune Perez (Place 3)
“Our kids shouldn’t have to travel to Dallas or Houston for competitions,” Perez said. “If we invest in facilities here, they might stay. Our roads also need permanent fixes to handle future growth.”
Leif Kertis (Place 4)
“Amarillo always seems to be playing catch-up,” Kertis remarked. “We need to plan ahead for cost-of-living adjustments and explore ideas like municipal utility districts to grow our tax base responsibly.”
Les Simpson (Place 4)
“Only government can tackle major infrastructure, police, and fire,” Simpson said. “Taxpayers deserve a return on that investment, and we should redirect funds to historically neglected needs.”
Transitioning to red tape reduction: After discussing broader goals, the forum shifted to how Amarillo can streamline permits, inspections, and approvals without sacrificing safety.
Question 2: Cutting red tape
What can be done to simplify city processes — such as permits and inspections — while maintaining public safety standards?
Les Simpson (Place 4)
“Sales tax is crucial for funding our city, so we’ve got to be more business-friendly,” Simpson said.
Leif Kertis (Place 4)
“Ask why we need a permit or inspection,” Kertis suggested. “If it’s outdated, drop it. But we can’t compromise safety.”
Tim Reid (Place 1) and Patrick Miller (Place 1)
Don Tipps (Incumbent, Place 2)
“We’re using route mapping to make inspections more efficient,” Tipps noted. “And we reward employees who deliver great service.”
David Prescott (Place 3)
“Amarillo has professionals who know these processes inside out,” Prescott said. “Give them resources, then step back.”
Nune Perez (Place 3)
“My employer dealt with federal and state audits already,” Perez explained. “We don’t need to pile on duplicates at the local level.”
Tom Scherlen (Incumbent, Place 3)
“It’s frustrating when one inspector flags an issue, and another finds something else,” Scherlen said. “Better communication is key.”
Transitioning to the AEDC: With regulatory matters addressed, candidates next turned their attention to the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
Question 3: The Role of the AEDC
Should the AEDC operate independently or remain under City Council oversight?
Leif Kertis (Place 4)
“The council must answer to taxpayers for every dollar,” Kertis said. “We need transparency and measurable outcomes.”
Tim Reid (Place 1)
“It’s our key engine for attracting new business,” Reid explained. “But we have to define its scope clearly.”
Patrick Miller (Place 1)
“We shouldn’t just copy other cities,” Miller said. “Focus on manufacturing and stable jobs that fit Amarillo.”
Don Tipps (Incumbent, Place 2)
“We’ve updated bylaws and will seat a new board soon,” Tipps noted. “More eyes on the process ultimately helps.”
David Prescott (Place 3)
“Hundreds of EDCs are chasing the same companies,” Prescott said. “Good leadership and guidelines set us apart.”
Nune Perez (Place 3)
“Any group using taxpayer money should show people exactly how it’s spent,” Perez added. “Set clear metrics for success.”
Tom Scherlen (Incumbent, Place 3)
“We can’t let other places outbid us,” Scherlen remarked. “But council must ensure full accountability.”
Randall County GOP Chairman Kelly Giles concluded Tuesday’s forum by thanking candidates and attendees, reminding everyone that mayoral hopefuls would address separate questions later in the evening. Voters will choose representatives for Places 1 through 4 in May, with early voting commencing this month and the deadline to register Thursday, April 3.
Additional information on each candidate’s platform and polling locations is available on the city’s official election website, with more information on Randall and Potter County election offices’ websites.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo City Council candidates square off at packed election forum
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
