Tom Warren II (Challenger)
Occupation: Businessman
Do you support repairing or rebuilding the Thompson Park pool, and if so, how do you plan to pay for the project? If not, why?
“I support rebuilding the Thompson Park pool. At a time when our politicians are giving the city manager's office a major budget increase, there is no excuse for an inability to even consider paying for repairs to this important community asset.
I would be interested in taking a look at funding this project through the special revenues item in the municipal budget. This item has been described as ‘petty cash’ by city officials before, so with a multi-million dollar cash flow, this item should be the first considered when looking at repairing the pool.”
What should the future be for the Civic Center complex?
“In 1984, the 'New York Times' described our facility as ‘modern.’ How long has it been since we've heard that?
If the citizens of Amarillo are serious about renovating and expanding the Amarillo Civic Center, then we must be deliberate about our plans to do so. As an elected official, it would be my duty to properly manage the tax dollars of the city in a responsible, accountable manner. I could not in good conscience sign on to approve an expansion of the facility that would do nothing more than put lipstick on a pig, while handing our taxpayers a bill for several million dollars.
We must reject renovation proposals like those from the 2016 bond which included nothing more than a facade improvement, small expansions of non-auditorium/coliseum facilities, and the addition of a kitchen. Any real renovation project would have to include work on the Auditorium and the Coliseum, with an expansion in the number of seats. Amarillo also needs an ‘ultimate arena’ similar to the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, but that is a project for which I would be interested in entertaining a partnership to reduce costs of the project and increase impact for local taxpayers.”
What should the City of Amarillo's role be in preventing homelessness in Amarillo? How do you plan to implement that role?
“The City of Amarillo's role should be getting out of the way to allow individuals and organizations in the private sector tackle these issues. We have many great organizations that are being suffocated by additional fees, regulations, and discrimination. Let's allow the citizens to do what they do best and offer a hand-up to those experiencing homelessness in Amarillo.”
In what cases would you support the issue of certificates of obligation to incur debt for municipal projects? Please explain.
“Never. All issuances of debt should be approved by voters. End of story.”
In 2018, the Amarillo City Council voted to add more red light cameras to Amarillo streets. At a time when Governor Abbott is pledging to ban the use of the cameras in the state, do you believe this contract was a wise investment? Why or why not?
“No. I would not have voted for this project and believe red light cameras are a waste of taxpayer dollars. Studies have shown that the vast majority of cases stemming from red light camera tickets that go to trial in Amarillo are eventually thrown out. This means that taxpayers pay the bills for prosecuting cases on tickets for which we statistically are more likely to lose than win. It is also worth pointing out that out of all the citations issued, only about 25 percent are ever actually issued and accepted. That's a horrible rate, considering what our contractual service fees cost taxpayers every year.
As someone who has been involved in business and non-profit organizations for over twenty years, I have learned a thing or two about investments. Simply put, this wasn't just a bad investment, this was a horrible investment by the City Council.”
Would you support the establishment of single-member districts for Amarillo City Council elections? Please explain.
“Absolutely. Potter and Randall Counties have single-member districts and it has worked out great for those two bodies. I would support expanding the City Council to six members elected to single districts and a mayor elected at-large. This would allow citizens in all quadrants of the city to have a direct, accountable representative for issues facing their communities.”
