By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

As I have watched the debate over the $275 million downtown projects bond play out this year, I have been surprised as the messaging of Build Amarillo PAC, which is pushing a favorable vote on the bond package, has shifted from economic issues to an argument based on fear. In the midst of a recession and economic downturn, this organization is now choosing not to address the costs of the bond, but instead frighten local voters about what could happen if they don’t pass Proposition A on November 3.

A new television ad produced by Build Amarillo PAC features statements that the WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo could leave Amarillo if voters choose to reject Proposition A on November 3.

“The WRCA has announced it will once again host its annual rodeo this November in Amarillo, pouring millions into our economy. But if we don't pass Prop A, this will be our last year to host the World Championship Ranch Rodeo,” Build Amarillo said in the ad’s description on Facebook.

In full disclosure, I am a big fan of the WRCA event in Amarillo. Going with my grandmother to the event each November has been a highlight of the fall season. However, even though I enjoy the rodeo, Build Amarillo’s threats have not convinced me to support the bond. Let me explain why.

It is my sincere belief that the taxpayers should not a bargaining chip to force a favorable vote on a project pushed by our municipal leaders, especially in the middle of an economic recession. Voters should not be threatened by Amarillo Matters, Build Amarillo, Amarillo Matters-Lite, or whatever the establishment group is called at the time of the election.

We are in the middle of an economic downturn. People are hurting in this economy, but our local governments are still coming back to the taxpayers with their hands out. Amarillo College misled voters and got their bond passed in 2019. Canyon ISD passed a record bond in 2018. Amarillo ISD passed a bond in 2017. Heck, even the City of Amarillo passed two bonds in 2016. In each of those cases, the tax increases still hurt, but we were not in a recession when those bonds passed. Today, however, we are in a recession and the City of Amarillo is attempting to pass a bond which might be of a record amount for Amarillo. These guys truly have no shame.

So, from an economic standpoint, I do not believe now is the right time to pass this bond or any bond. It was bad enough when the Amarillo City Council issued millions of dollars in debt to build a water park as the business shutdowns from COVID-19 were happening in Amarillo, following that up with a tax increase last month. We don’t need a $275 million bond as the cherry on top of this debt sundae.

I also want to remind voters that this is not the first time discussions have been had about the WRCA leaving Amarillo. Voters declined to pass a bond for the Amarillo Civic Center in 2016, and the WRCA stayed in Amarillo. This year’s bond is simply a reheated version of the 2016 bond, with a few more bells and whistles, being put forward as our extortion to bring events to Amarillo. Do not buy into the hype. This bond was bad in 2016 and it’s still bad in 2020.

Make no mistake about it, the 2020 bond is still bad for Amarillo and four years and several millions of dollars extra did nothing to change the problems with this debt proposal. Amarillo taxpayers are simply being held hostage once again by City Hall, with demands that we pass whatever they want so we our community will move forward.

Remember, the Amarillo Civic Center Complex is only one piece of the $319 million spending package. If you vote to approve this bond, you are actually voting to give City Hall a new facility, you are voting to build a new parking garage, and you are voting for several other projects which voters have already declined in the past. Your Civic Center renovations would simply be your consolation prize for accepting City Hall’s demands.

Do not let these guys get away with more lies and sleight of hand. City Hall has shown it cannot be trusted to make the right decision on spending and debt, but now our city leaders want voters to sign on for another $319 million in debt obligations in the middle of a recession, holding both events at the Civic Center and the Amarillo taxpayers hostage.

Never forget, the voters and citizens of Amarillo are at the top of our organizational chart in this town. It’s time we start acting like it.

Do not let Amarillo Matters-lite scare you into approving Proposition A on a basis of fear and sleight of hand. Vote against Proposition A and demand accountability at City Hall.