FROM LEFT: Warren Coble, Tim Gassaway, Melodie Graves/Photos by Campaigns
By Amarillo Pioneer’s Publisher’s Committee
Primary voters in Potter County’s Precinct 4 will be selecting their new county commissioner on March 1, replacing the retiring Commissioner Alphonso Vaughn after his long tenure in office. Three candidates are running to replace Vaughn this year: Hilltop Senior Center executive director Warren Coble, real estate professional Tim Gassaway, and Amarillo College academic advising director Melodie Graves.
Whoever wins the primary election will not face an opponent in November and is likely be the next commissioner for the precinct come January 2023.
The three candidates all present similar visions for Potter County, but one key issue separates the candidates — taxes and debt. And on this issue, our publisher’s committee believes only one candidate has put forward a vision that gives taxpayers a voice at the table in the midst of ever-rising tax bills.
Melodie Graves has put forward a platform based on giving strong representation to Potter County’s Precinct 4. On this issue of taxes and debt, Graves has made it clear that she intends to ensure that taxpayers always have a say when it comes to issuing debt and raising taxes. Graves will not support the issuance of debt without taxpayer approval when it comes to funding major projects in the county.
Additionally, Graves has made it clear that she intends to ensure that Potter County residents always have a voice at the commissioners’ court meetings. This is incredibly important when it comes to the issues of transparency, accountability, and trust.
Whoever wins the primary will be the new commissioner for Precinct 4 next January. And our publisher’s committee believes voters should back Graves to be the new voice for the northern part of the precinct come next year.
We recommend Melodie Graves for Potter County Commissioner, Precinct 4 in the March 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.