We have asked candidates running for various offices to answer questions for our Voter Guide. While full responses are available here, we are offering you an excerpt in “Candidate Comparisons” ahead of the May 1, 2021 general election.
Each response below came directly from the candidate’s questionnaire and is unedited.
FROM LEFT: Michael Hunt (Campaign), Claudette Smith (Campaign), Carl Karas (Facebook), Ginger Nelson (Campaign)
Amarillo Mayor
Michael Hunt
Age: 61 | Occupation: Caterer
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position in 2020?
I am extremely passionate about the people of Amarillo and the whole West Texas Panhandle. I was raised here and moved back as fast as I could. I want to pay back the city with my experience and leadership for what it has done for me and my family for over 30 years. I want to put an end to the yearly increases, stop paying Austin lobbyists hundreds of thousands of dollars, and represent ALL of Amarillo citizens instead of just a chosen few.
I am not a slick, polished politician that is going to promise free internet or anything else. I will listen to you, make a decision and stand on it based on the ethics my dad instilled in me at an early age. I am not going to make everyone happy all the time, but leadership requires making tough decisions and then being accountable for consequences. I am willing to offer that kind of leadership for Amarillo, if they get off their duffs and vote early or on Election Day, May 1st.
Claudette Smith
Age: 34 | Occupation: Business Owner (Escape The Trap House)
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position in 2020?
What separates me from other candidates is that I am NOT a politician. I am a statesman who wholeheartedly believes elected officials work FOR the people, not the other way around. I am not affiliated with any elitist or special interest groups, nor do I bear any interest in property or business located within the city limits of Amarillo. In other words, I cannot be bought. I bring new blood to the table with a clean slate and a collaborative and open mind that is willing to listen to ALL citizens.
Carl Karas
Age: 63 | Occupation: Retired/Registered Architect
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position in 2020?
I believe I can provide the vision, leadership and compassion required in a time of radical change. As Robert Kennedy once said, 'I see things that never were and say why not?'
Moving forward, it's not the time to continue on simply seeking 'stability' or a false 'unity'. Those who need to taking responsibility for the threats to our health and our democracy must realize there are consequences. And drastic change is called for if we're to survive global warming. And we will have to work together, better.
Ginger Nelson (Incumbent)
Candidate did not respond by the deadline.