From left: Rusty Carnes, Kelly Giles/Provided by Campaigns

By Amarillo Pioneer’s Publisher’s Committee

Incumbent County Commissioner Rusty Carnes is facing a challenge from local businessman Kelly Giles in the upcoming March primary election for the Precinct 1 seat on the Randall County Commission. And while both candidates are good men who are worthy of praise for stepping up for their county, our publisher’s committee recommends voters back the newcomer in the primary election.

Kelly Giles has spent his career as a local businessperson, operating an angus operation in the Amarillo area. His experience as a local businessman, parlaying his business values into strong fiscally conservative principles as a potential commissioner, makes him an ideal candidate in Randall County at a time when taxpayers across Texas are facing rising tax bills.

Carnes is a former Lake Tanglewood alderman and the appointee who was selected to serve out the remainder of Christy Dyer’s term as commissioner before the special election could take place. While Carnes has a positive attitude about his role as an elected official, believing it to be an honor to serve, we believe that now is the time that change is possible and needed in Randall County.

We recommend Kelly Giles for Randall County Commissioner, Precinct 1 in the March Republican primary election.

Early voting runs February 14-25. Election Day is March 1.

Please note: A publisher’s committee endorsement does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Amarillo Pioneer’s advertisers or staff. An endorsement of one candidate in a primary does not represent a criticism of other candidates running unless otherwise stated. Endorsements may be offered in additional primary races.