FROM LEFT: John Betancourt (Campaign), Anette Carlisle (Anette on Education - Facebook), Dan Henke (Campaign), Adrian Meander (Campaign), Don Nicholson (screenshot), Peggy Carter Thomas (Campaign)
By Amarillo Pioneer Publisher's Committee
In the race for the Amarillo College Board of Regents this May, six candidates will appear on the ballot, each hoping to win enough votes to serve on this important body. With two incumbents seeking re-election against four challengers, there is a lot for voters to consider in this important contest.
Amarillo College is perhaps the single most important institution of higher education in our area. At this college, thousands of students have started their careers and their educational journeys, seeking a quality education at an affordable cost. Beyond just this point, Amarillo College is a major employer in our community, with numerous residents working in positions ranging from law enforcement to education at this facility.
With the important role Amarillo College plays in the lives of so many Amarillo residents — whether they be students, taxpayers, or employees — it is critical that voters elect the right people to lead Amarillo College forward for the next six years. And, because voters will have the opportunity to vote for up to three candidates, there is a real opportunity for voters to maximize their voices by electing three responsible stewards of the taxpayers’ resources to lead this important institution forward.
Voters are luckily this year in that several good, passionate, and qualified candidates will be on the ballot. However, in the opinion of our Publisher’s Committee, three candidates stand out as the right choices for Amarillo voters to support on Election Day:
John Betancourt: As a former trustee for the Amarillo Independent School District, Betancourt was always known as an independent thinker, capable of asking the tough questions before key votes. Betancourt has made it clear that he will take this same style of representation to the AC Board of Regents, which would make him one of the most thoughtful regents on the board.
Don Nicholson: Former AC Board of Regents chairman Don Nicholson deserves the nod from voters to return to the board after his last stint of service ended six years ago. Nicholson has perhaps the best grasp of the issues facing AC of any of the challengers running, and will not require on-the-job training as a regent. Nicholson will be a responsible steward of taxpayers’ resources and will be the experienced and qualified voice that students, faculty, and taxpayers deserve working for them.
Peggy Carter Thomas: Voters seeking an outsider should consider backing Peggy Carter Thomas for the AC Board of Regents. Thomas is making her first attempt at elected office this year, but has already made it clear that she is unafraid of tackling the tough financial issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas will work to keep education affordable and tax bills low while local taxpayers continue to recover from the ongoing pandemic.
While other candidates, such as incumbent Daniel Henke, have also provided impressive takes during this election, our Publisher’s Committee feels John Betancourt, Don Nicholson, and Peggy Carter Thomas are best suited to be the new voices Amarilloans deserve on the AC Board of Regents over the next six years.
Early voting runs April 19-27. Election Day is May 1.