From left: Eric Barry and Terry Wright/Photos by Campaigns
By Amarillo Pioneer’s Publisher’s Committee
In the race for Randall County’s precinct two commissioner seat, Republican runoff voters are being given the choice between local opera singer Eric Barry and retired banker Terry Wright. Barry and Wright advanced to a runoff after receiving the most votes of a field of four candidates back in March.
During the first round of voting, our publisher’s committee endorsed Daniel Martinez, a former Amarillo City Commissioner, for the position. Martinez did not make the runoff, so we went back to the drawing board and studied both candidates closely. In races where our initial endorsed candidate fails to make the runoff, we do not always endorse a candidate in the runoff, but we feel an exception might be needed this time.
For the runoff election, we are asking voters to back Terry Wright for Randall County Commissioner. Wright has the right experience as a local financial leader to be an effective member of the commission, and of the two candidates running, shows the most promise to be a fiscally conservative commissioner.
As for Barry, his endorsement from Amarillo Matters PAC should be of concern to voters regarding his ability to be fiscally conservative, as virtually all of the PAC’s endorsed candidates have been tax-and-spenders when elected.
In our publisher’s committee’s opinion, Wright is the only candidate Randall County voters should trust today to be a fiscally responsible steward of the county’s tax dollars and resources. That is precisely why he is the man who needs to represent precinct two on the county commission.
We recommend Terry Wright for Randall County Commissioner, Precinct 2.
Early voting runs May 16-20. Election Day is May 24.
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.