The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Photo by Jim Banner
Name: John Coffee
Office Sought: Potter County Commissioner, Precinct 1
Party Affiliation: Republican
Age: 59
Educational Background:
High School Diploma, studied at Amarillo College, Graduate of Amarillo College Law Enforcement Academy, earned Master Peace Officer License
Occupation: Potter County Commissioner
If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own. (If this question is not applicable, please note that below.)
NA
Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, religious, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
Potter - Randall Appraisal District Board of Directors, Buffalo Highlands Development Foundation Board of Directors, Panhandle County Judges and Commissioners Association Board Member, Center City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 Board of Directors (TIRZ #1), Neighborhood Revitalization Oversight Committee, Cross Bar Steering Committee, Potter County ARPA Commitee, Potter County Information Technology Commitee, Potter County Insurance Commitee.
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
Yes, Potter County Commissioner Pct. 3
If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
coffeeforpotter.com / Facebook John Coffee
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2024?
To continue serving the citizens of Potter County with professionalism and transparency.
To continue my efforts in making a positive impact within the community.
To use my experience in working on county projects to provide better services and benefits for Potter County citizens and employees.
To continue building positive relationships with elected officials, department heads, and city leaders in making Amarillo a safe and economical place for families to live.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
To provide goal-oriented efficiency, leadership, professionalism, and transparency to the citizens of Potter County
To always operate in an ethical manner
To be fiscally responsible to the Potter County citizens
What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
Need more restaurants options in northwest Amarillo, Amarillo Blvd and FM 1061 area, River Road area, North Amarillo, loop 335, Bushland, restaurants and a grocery store. Restaurants and grocery store in northeast Amarillo, east loop 335 area. Encourage development and work with owner / operator / developer on tax incentives.
Managed assigned counsel, the grant is ending in 2024 and we need to address funding and impact if it goes away. Work with the board of directors, members of the court to identify the best path forward.
Employee retention and salaries. We need to strike a balance of an appropriate salary for employee position(s). Work with Elected Officials, Department Heads, and members of the Court to address any inequities.
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters?
Scott Brumley, Potter County Attorney, Jason Herring, 47th District Attorney, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley, Amarillo Councilman Tom Scherlen, Randall County Commissioner Tam Boatler, CP4T Conservatives Patriots 4 Texas.
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
I have a proven track record of being fiscally responsible with the County Budget and tax dollars.
I have made several proposals that resulted in significant savings to the taxpayer.
I am a conservative, committed to government transparency, open to public comments and ideas, willing to listen, and agreeable to meeting with the public.