Voters in Amarillo are currently circulating six petitions to get various issues on a future ballot, likely as early as May, 2019. As a voter of Amarillo, you should consider signing these petitions.
As we have previously reported, the petitions being circulated by organizers seek to have six issues placed on a ballot, with some supporters targeting May as the preferable election date. Issues such as outlawing paid parking on municipal facilities, banning red light cameras, establishing a no-kill animal shelter and others have caught the attention of voters, with interested individuals raising concerns and praise.
I would encourage you, if you are a voter of Amarillo, to sign all six petitions. While you may not agree with every single issue, the petitions do not state anywhere that a signature on the petition shows support for that issue, but rather support for letting voters decide the issues.
If these issues went to the ballot, I would have to weigh the pros and cons of each item, as every voter should. However, we will not have the opportunity to do this unless we get the chance to vote on these issues.
A few years ago, I remember seeing then-Councilman Elisha Demerson sign a petition to have an issue put on the ballot. It is sometimes rare to see elected officials signing such petitions, but Demerson was the exception. When asked why he signed the petition, Demerson stated that the people deserve to vote. I couldn't agree more.
Voters deserve the chance to make their voices heard. Sign the petitions and let's make it happen.
-Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief
