By Amarillo Pioneer’s Publisher’s Committee

In the March Republican primary for County Judge, Potter County voters will be deciding who should be tasked with leading the county’s governmental operations for the next two years. Incumbent Nancy Tanner is seeking a third term in office and is being opposed by retired information technology specialist Ed Heath.

Comparing the two candidates side-by-side, it is the belief of our publisher’s committee that Heath is the right person to lead Potter County for the next four years.

Heath spent his career working in cybersecurity and information technology, recently retiring from Pantex after a long career within the U.S. Department of Energy. Heath is well-versed with how major governmental organizations and, as such, knows the signs of a government is that is growing too large and too powerful. Heath is committed to reducing spending and limiting the size of government in Potter County to ensure that the county’s government does not continue its nearly annual raising of property tax bills in Amarillo.

Voters should pay special attention to Heath’s pledge that he will, “[request] only the absolute minimum amount of taxes to carry out [Potter County’s] constitutional duties.” This is in stark contrast to Tanner’s record of regularly supporting tax increases and debt issuances without voter approval. Voters should remember that Tanner supported issuing $54 million in taxpayer-funded debt without voter approval to build a new courthouse in Potter County and later defended the move by claiming that the debt could be defeated in an election. That is precisely why this debt should have gone on the ballot; voters should have the right to decide what debt their tax dollars will be used to pay off.

And letting voters decide whether the county will issue more debt, and thus raise taxes further, is something that Heath supports. Heath believes that every taxpayer should have a say in whether or not their tax bills will go up and does not support mortgaging the future of Potter County’s next generation on wasteful government spending.

In this race, the choice seems to be clear.

We recommend Ed Heath in the Republican primary for Potter County Judge.

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.