Four of five incumbents running for re-election will be appearing in the bottom tier of candidates when they appear on the ballot this May.
On Thursday, the candidates for the Amarillo City Council drew for their position on the ball in the upcoming municipal election. Each candidate drew a ping pong ball from a basket held by city secretary Frances Hibbs, with each ball displaying a number corresponding to the number of candidates running for each respective race. With the exception of Elaine Hays, incumbents drew the bottom number in each contest, placing the challengers’ names above the incumbents.
For mayor, homeless advocate Kip Billups will be the first contender on the ballot, followed by paralegal Claudette Smith and incumbent Ginger Nelson.
In Hays’ race for City Council Place 1, which features the largest field of candidates this May, Hays’ son, Taylor, pulled the number one selection for his mother’s campaign, followed by Hayden Pedigo, Richard Herman, and Jay U. Kirkman III, respectively. Hays and Herman were not in attendance at the ballot drawing.
Place 2 saw Treva Harper, a political newcomer, claim the top spot over her rival, incumbent Freda Powell. Powell displayed a two symbol with her right hand to the audience after drawing her number on Thursday morning.
For Place 3, Brad Torch, Tom Warren and incumbent Eddy Sauer drew their numbers in that order, and will also appear on the ballot in that order. Torch, a caseworker, and Warren, a businessman, shared a laugh with Sauer after drawing their numbers on Thursday.
Finally, for Place 4, accompanied by his son, Bear, Steven R. Rosas, Jr. took the top spot in his race. Incumbent Howard Smith, a realtor, took number two in his contest, accompanied by his wife, Carol.
Voters will decide these races on May 4th.
