Mayor Ginger Nelson, Michael Hunt
Photos by City of Amarillo/Hunt Campaign
By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief
In the upcoming Amarillo city election, voters will have the opportunity to choose a new mayor to lead this great city. While four candidates have filed to seek the office, in this writer’s opinion, the choice in this year’s race has come down to just two serious, viable candidates: incumbent Ginger Nelson and businessman Michael Hunt.
For many voters, the difference between the choices on the ballot is simply a matter of names. Both candidates live in Amarillo, work in Amarillo, and have families in Amarillo. So, it’s not really that big of a difference between the two, right?
Actually, there is a huge difference.
Whereas voters know — or at least think they know — the record of Ginger Nelson, Michael Hunt is a fresh face to many voters. With many voters still probably unfamiliar with at least portions of both candidates’ platforms, records, and agendas, I thought it would be worthwhile to help shed some light on where the two candidates stand on key issues and what differences exist between these two candidates. I believe that the most empowered voters are voters who are informed, and there is no better way to become informed than by closely examining the records of the two candidates. Plus, I believe there is a clear distinction between the two candidates once voters examine their records.
With that in mind, let’s get to it:
On the Issue: Taxes
Ginger Nelson: Ginger Nelson has voted for four consecutive years of tax increases and oversaw an attempt to pass the largest tax increase in Amarillo’s history during the November 2020 election. Nelson’s 39% tax increase was handily defeated by voters, but Nelson refused to admit responsibility for her own City Council’s failure, blaming the defeat of the tax increase on billboards.
Michael Hunt: Michael Hunt is a strong fiscal conservative who has already spoken out against Nelson’s yearly tax increases. While Nelson will undoubtedly continue the yearly tax increases, Hunt has called for an end to wasteful spending streams at City Hall, including the up to $365,000 spent yearly on the fees of Austin-based lobbyists.
On the Issue: Animal Management
Ginger Nelson: In the eyes of this writer, Ginger Nelson has neglected the issues at Animal Management & Welfare since the day she took office. Nelson would rarely speak on the issue when she ran for re-election two years ago, and even no-showed a candidate forum in 2019 that was dedicated solely to the issues facing Animal Management & Welfare and proposals for a no-kill shelter. Now, after ignoring the issue two years ago, Nelson claims she wants to focus on those issues in her third term. Don’t buy it.
Michael Hunt: Michael Hunt immediately put forward his proposal to reform Animal Management & Welfare on the first day he launched his campaign. Hunt has spoken at length about his support for a no-kill shelter, and will not neglect the issue for years before seeking re-election, if elected.
On the Issue: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
Ginger Nelson: Despite calls from lawmakers, voters, and even the Republican Party of Texas to end taxpayer-funded lobbying, Ginger Nelson has been an unabashed supporter for the practice. Nelson supports continuing to send the tax dollars paid in by hardworking Amarilloans to Austin lobbyists, even while the City of Amarillo faces a budget crunch in other areas. When pressed on the issue last month, Nelson said taxpayer-funded lobbying is no different than hiring a plumber to work on a toilet.
Michael Hunt: Michael Hunt opposes taxpayer-funded lobbying and has made it clear that one of his first priorities in office will be to end the practice of paying lobbyists with tax dollars to lobby against the interests of the taxpayers.
On the Issue: Public Engagement
Ginger Nelson: During her first term, Nelson worked hard to squelch public engagement, with her City Council ending the longstanding tradition of recording public comments during City Council meetings for the public record. Nelson also took aim at citizens using recording devices in City Council meetings, despite the practice being legal under state law, and oversaw the arrest of a citizen activist for clapping in a City Council meeting.
Michael Hunt: Michael Hunt has made clear his support for accountability and transparency at City Hall. According to his website, Hunt believes it is “important for the voters to know what and why decisions are being made.” It is clear Hunt will not lead a crackdown on public engagement in the same way as the current incumbent.
So, even with just the few issues listed above, it is clear there is a distinction between the record of Ginger Nelson and the platform of Michael Hunt.
Even going a step further, one might consider that Michael Hunt has been a successful businessman long before running for office with no ties to any kind of government corruption or scandals.
Meanwhile, Nelson had her own record before running for office, thanks to a questionable real estate transaction that drew the attention of federal authorities while she was on the board for the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
The records of the candidates speak for themselves: Michael Hunt has a track record of business success and a platform of citizen-first representation. Nelson has a track record of higher taxes, growing government, and less accountability.
Ultimately, the choice in this election will be made by the voters, and it is important that every voter gets out and casts a ballot this year. This election is critical for the future of our city and I think that is well worth taking five minutes to cast a ballot on May 1.
The difference is clear, but the choice is yours. What will it be, Amarillo?