Nelson, Powell, Sauer, and Smith/Photos by Nelson Campaign, City of Amarillo, Sauer Campaign, and Smith Campaign
By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief
There are probably few individuals who have had a greater impact on the world of entertainment than the Rat Pack. The group — consisting of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop — set the trends for music and film in the 1960s. Many of today’s entertainers owe a debt of gratitude to the Rat Pack and their innovations in the world of entertainment.
When I think about trendsetters like the Rat Pack, I often wonder if the same logic can be applied to other fields. And, in the field of local government, specifically, I believe the same type of trendsetting is happening.
No, these aren’t trends for the good. Far from it. But, when people think back years from now about who set the trend on tax increases, government mismanagement, and disdain and disrespect for constituents, I don’t think they will have to look any further than Amarillo’s own Tax Pack — Mayor Ginger Nelson and Councilmembers Elaine Hays, Freda Powell, Eddy Sauer, and Howard Smith.
With four straight years of tax increases under their belts and numerous scandals involving ridiculous acts and mismanagement, has anyone really set the trend for bad government better than the Amarillo Tax Pack?
Heck, our local officials even have scandals that will transcend time just like the works of the Rat Pack. I mean, you could argue that Ginger Nelson overseeing the arrest of activist Kip Billups for clapping is her Fly Me to the Moon or Love and Marriage. Although, fans of Sinatra and Martin are probably more likely to replay those hits than Nelson’s fans are to replay her arrest of Billups and the ensuing controversy. Remember when she argued her clapping ban was constitutional, despite a constitutional law expert from Southern Methodist University stating otherwise? Yikes.
Still, with numerous tax increases, fee increases, and efforts to crack down on citizens and political enemies under their belts, the record of the Tax Pack speaks for itself.
The good news is voters do not have to blindly accept the Tax Pack as the future trendsetters of local government in Amarillo forever.
This year, Amarillo voters have many good choices on the ballot. Businessman Michael Hunt is an excellent candidate for Mayor, and Hobert “Gunny” Brown, Jason Foglesong, and Tom Scherlen would make for great City Councilmembers. With business experience under the belts of two of those individuals and unparalleled leadership experience among the four, there is a lot to like about this Freedom Team.
So, Amarillo, what will it be? Two more years of the Tax Pack and their anti-citizen, tax-raising, big-government policies? Or two years of Michael Hunt and the Freedom Team, fighting for low taxes and a more responsible government?
I think the choice is clear. But, if voters stay home and allow the Tax Pack to win another two years in office, then that will be, to paraphrase Dean Martin, a real kick in the head…and in the wallet.