By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

I hate to keep bringing it up, but there is much more on the ballot this year than just the presidential race.

While many voters will inevitably be focused on the presidential race and the four listed candidates and numerous write-in candidates who will receive votes on Texans’ ballots, there is a race which is equally as important, if not more important, to local taxpayers. That race, of course, is the City of Amarillo’s municipal propositions election.

Amarillo voters will decide Propositions A, B, and C this year, which each have their own repercussions. One proposition would issue $275 million in bonds for downtown projects, another proposition would hand add another two years to the terms of the Amarillo City Council’s members, and the final proposition would cut the number of meetings in half for the Council to attend.

I am skeptical that any of the three propositions are good for Amarillo. I know the City is making lots of arguments in favor of these propositions and are telling voters to trust them when it comes to the unanswered questions. Let’s just say there doesn’t appear to be much reason to trust the City Council when, as recently as June, Mayor Ginger Nelson was discussing using a false talking point about COVID relief funds to sell Proposition A to voters.

These propositions would have significant impacts on Amarillo and our governing structure if they are passed. Elected officials would have fewer times they would have to face voters on the ballot and fewer times they would have to be held at accountable at City Council meetings. Plus, did I mention your taxes would be going up significantly?

In saying all of this, it is worth reminding local voters there are other important things on the ballot this November. So, research your candidates and pick who you are going to support, but also make sure you research these propositions. Propositions A-C might affect you in a much more obvious way than what happens in Washington.