Claudette Smith (Challenger)
Occupation: Business Owner
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?
“Yes. Without diving into any of the budget numbers or details, my observation is that our current council has been spending a large portion of the general fund on items that are not the role of city government. I feel this is taking away from funding priorities.
One of my main objectives is to reduce waste by scrutinizing the budget and not spending money on items that are not the role of city government. In doing so, this will allow more of the budget to fund projects like the Thompson Park Pool, without raising our taxes.”
What should the future be for the Civic Center complex?
“Although I am in favor of building a new Civic Center complex, I strongly believe the decision should ultimately be for the taxpayers to make. After all, it is taxpayer dollars that will fund any project in relation to the Civic Center complex.”
What should the City of Amarillo's role be in preventing homelessness in Amarillo? How do you plan to implement that role?
“We have tent encampments all over the city. This is not only an issue of urban blight, but is also a health and safety issue. This also does not reflect well on us when those outside the city come to visit. But did you know, an estimated 20% of these homeless people are veterans? That is heart wrenching. People are more than eyesores. We have to do much better.
As mayor, I plan to implement a comprehensive plan to dramatically reduce homelessness in Amarillo, which will address all the issues that come with this problem. I will work with employers, entrepreneurs, employees and foundations to reduce homelessness, hunger and poverty in Amarillo.
Within our diverse population, Amarillo has some of the most generous and kind people there are in all of the U.S.. We can be compassionate and efficient, but firm.”
In what cases would you support the issue of certificates of obligation to incur debt for municipal projects? Please explain.
“Although I am a strong believer in not spending our tax dollars on items that are not the role of city government, in the event it is absolutely necessary and provided the taxpayers approve of such project, I would be open to entertaining it.”
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 do not believe this contract was a wise investment, as red light cameras will likely be banned during this legislative session.”
Would you support the establishment of single-member districts for Amarillo City Council elections? Please explain.
“Yes. I support the establishment of single-member districts because it provides voters with strong constituency representation because each voter has a single, easily identifiable, district representative. I feel it maximizes accountability because a single representative can be held responsible and can be re-elected or defeated in the next election, and it ensures geographic representation.”
