By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

Amarillo City Councilman Eddy Sauer filed for re-election on Tuesday, officially kicking off the race for the Place 3 seat on the Amarillo City Council. With his filing, Amarillo voters now have the choice to re-elect one of the establishment’s favorite lackeys — or to opt for a better alternative.

Perhaps the most prominent lieutenant for Mayor Ginger Nelson, Sauer is unsurprisingly seeking another term in office after four destructive years on the Amarillo City Council. He has voted to raise taxes four years in a row, pushed the largest tax increase in Amarillo’s history, and aided Nelson’s crackdown on public engagement, all while lying to local voters about being a “champion for low taxes.” Over the past four years, Tax Increase Eddy has shown he is not dedicated to keeping his campaign promises and always votes in a way that benefits Amarillo Matters and the establishment, while leaving the rest of Amarillo behind.

Councilman Sauer’s record needs to be front and center for local voters this year who are concerned about taxes and the direction of this city. However, it is almost guaranteed that he will once again run from his record, while trying to claim some sort of high ground as a “champion for low taxes,” while voting for every tax increase possible.

The good news is Amarillo voters do not have to tolerate four more years of the Nelson-Sauer high tax, low freedom policy, and can instead opt for a sweeter choice who won’t leave a sour taste in the mouths of local taxpayers.

Local business leader Tom Scherlen filed his application to seek Sauer’s job last week. Scherlen, a former CEO of Austin Hose, has been at the forefront of business leadership in Amarillo. Scherlen oversaw a robust business operation while leading the company and is now looking to represent Amarillo voters as their next Councilman. Additionally, Scherlen has a clear dedication to public service, serving as a board member for the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle and as a Sunday school teacher and volunteer for churches and community organizations across Amarillo.

In the race between Scherlen and Sauer, Amarillo voters will be given the choice between a pro-citizen candidate and a pro-high taxes candidate. One candidate, Scherlen, will be a leader for this community and will listen to every concern brought forward by local citizens. Meanwhile, the re-election of the establishment’s pick, Sauer, would ultimately mean less money in the wallets of local taxpayers who won’t have a say in their local government anyway.

The contrast is clear: Scherlen is the candidate for local taxpayers and citizens. Sauer is the candidate for the establishment and the special interests.

It remains to be seen how this local race will play out, but it is fair to say this year Amarillo voters have the opportunity to make a big change on the Amarillo City Council. And changing faces on the Council’s Place 3 seat wouldn’t be a bad place to start.