Local businessman Alex Fairly addressed calls for him to run for Mayor at a meeting of Conservative Patriots 4 Texas. In his speech, Fairly noted he had not made a final decision, though some potential supporters may find themselves at odds with his small government philosophy.

“We all say we like small government, but when it comes to our thing, we we want to come to the mayor and say but I want this to happen for my group,” said Fairly.

Fairly also expressed that, while he feels like if elected, he would be a good mayor, he would not govern with the idea of running for a second term in mind. He stated that this mindset would make it easier for him to say “no” to people.

The crowd, however, did not seem too dismayed, with the room continuing to erupt in applause when he made his warnings.

Calls for Fairly to run for mayor began last summer after he filed a lawsuit challenging the city's issuance of tax anticipation notes to fund improvements to the Amarillo Civic Center. Calls grew after he won that lawsuit in October. Recently, a group called “Alex Please Run” has been pushing for Fairly to run.

In the mayoral race, incumbent Ginger Nelson has already announced she will not be running for reelection. The only candidate to have announced a mayoral run so far is Tonya Winston.

Also speaking at the event were Mike Yazbek, Tom Scherlen, Hobert “Gunny” Brown, and Cole Stanley. Yazbek is running for Amarillo College Board of Regents, Scherlen is running for City Council Place 3, and Brown is running for City Council Place 4. Stanley, who currently serves in City Council Place 1, hinted at but did not commit to running for reelection.

Filing for a place on the ballot officially begins January 18th. Election Day is May 6th.