By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

Amarillo’s City Council is guaranteed to look at least somewhat different in 2021, thanks to the departure of City Councilwoman Elaine Hays at the end of her term this May. But, what should the City Council look like after the dust has settled following the May election and any ensuing runoffs? I believe I can make a suggestion.

With Hays now officially departing the Amarillo political scene for the time being with her retirement from the City Council, we will have at least one open seat up for grabs in the May 2021 election. Mayor Ginger Nelson and Council members Freda Powell and Eddy Sauer have also not made any indications about their plans publicly at this point, providing the potential for additional retirements. Before briefing voters on the landscape for 2021, it is worth reminding everyone that Nelson, Hays, Powell, Sauer, and Smith have all been bought and paid for by Amarillo Matters and the Amarillo political establishment for the past four years. Since this crew has taken over at City Hall, Amarillo residents have experienced higher taxes, more debt, and consistent attacks on the public’s ability to be a part of the process. So, keep in mind, it is very likely that whichever incumbents stick around will once again be backed by Amarillo Matters and the establishment team downtown.

With that point noted, it is clear some significant shifts need to take place on the City Council, despite what Amarillo Matters and the establishment might tell you. Voters need to clean house and elect some new representatives who will have the interest and ability to clean up this mess instead of allowing the establishment to run over local residents. But, as I have said in the past, any candidate will not do. The next City Council in Amarillo needs to be ready and willing to tackle big issues, drawing upon information, values, and experiences that will shape consequential decisions, instead of relying on a ledger of who gave money in past election cycles.

Essentially, our next City Council needs to be informed and dedicated when they first arrive in office. We can no longer tolerate a City Council that openly panders to their campaign donors while leaving average Amarilloans behind. We need a City Council that will put citizens first and ignore the demands of the establishment overlords.

Amarillo needs a citizen-centered government this May. We can do it, but only with the right candidates.

If you are interested in serving your community by shaping the future of our city in a citizen-focused way, I encourage you to run for City Council. You can begin filing on January 12. Election Day is May 1, 2021.

We need strong citizen-centered leaders to step up and make a difference.

We might just need you.