Local insurance agent Don Tipps has announced a bid for Amarillo City Council Place 2. In a press release, Tipps noted that he is “a proud, lifetime resident of Amarillo, business owner, and entrepreneur.” Tipps further stated in the release that he is running “to serve our citizens, preserve our conservative values, and help Amarillo prosper.”

Tipps entered the political arena when he testified at the trial in the lawsuit between Alex Fairly and the City of Amarillo in which Fairly successfully put a halt to the city’s illegal plans to issue tax anticipation notes for improvements to the Civic Center.

Tipps, who was called to testify by Fairly’s legal team, had been present at the meeting of Amarillo City Council when the tax anticipation notes at the heart of the case were passed. Tipps was one of the few members of the public there to spoke against the item during the meeting. According to Tipps, even he did not know ahead of the meeting that the council would be passing a $260 tax note package. This testimony helped further the argument by Fairly’s legal team that the city had not given adequate notice to the public about the item.

During Tipps’ testimony against the city’s actions, it was revealed he had already filed a treasurer’s appointment ahead of a potential run for City Council. However, Tipps had since been silent about his bid until tonight’s formal announcement.

The incumbent for City Council Place 2, Freda Powell, is the only member of the original slate elected alongside Mayor Ginger Nelson to have not yet announced plans to not seek re-election.

Filing for the ballot officially begins January 18th. Election Day is May 6th. Be sure to regularly check AmarilloPioneer.com for the latest updates on the upcoming local elections. The full text of Tipp’s announcement is included below:

I am Don Tipps. After much prayer and consideration, I am excited to officially announce I am running for Place 2 on the Amarillo City Council. I am a proud, lifetime resident of Amarillo, business owner, and entrepreneur. It is time for me to get off the sidelines and make a positive difference for our city. I am ready to serve our citizens, preserve our conservative values, and help Amarillo prosper. I eagerly look forward to the next several months, and humbly ask for your support!