By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

In a few years, it is likely that Amarillo taxpayers will have to choose either a new mayor from an open field of candidates or will elect a new mayor over the incumbent Ginger Nelson. Either way, when Nelson leaves office, it is clear that she will leave one central legacy behind: her pushes for higher taxes and more debt.

As Amarillo voters are (hopefully) aware, voters will decide a tax increase of over 24 percent during the November general election. This tax increase — which is ironically named Proposition A, which was the same name as Nelson’s last unsuccessful ballot proposal for a tax increase — is being claimed to fund parks and first responders in Amarillo. In actuality, these two items make up just a tiny fraction of the budget being pushed by the City Council, with the exception of Councilmember Cole Stanley, who voted against the tax increase.

It is a fascinating turn of events to see the City Council push such a large tax increase, just a year after voters defeated their push for a 39 percent tax increase. Maybe 24 percent is more palatable than 39 percent in the minds of our elected officials. Unfortunately, we all know the truth that if this tax increase is passed, it will be just a matter of time until another increase is stacked on top of this one. Taxes will keep skyrocketing, politicians will keep ladder climbing, and Amarillo taxpayers will be even more broke thanks to their fiscally irresponsible city government.

It is my hope that voters reject this tax increase in November, just like voters rejected Nelson’s tax increase last November. However, voters must remember that Nelson has made it clear that she has never met a tax increase she didn’t like. She has been pushing for higher taxes since taking office and isn’t planning on stopping in her third term in office. When she leaves office, her legacy will consist of higher taxes, more debt, and a series of efforts to take as much money out of the pockets of taxpayers as possible.

Let’s prevent Nelson from inflicting her legacy on Amarillo again this November. Vote against Proposition A and let’s bring Nelson’s tax increase train screeching to a halt.