Former Mayor of Amarillo Ginger Nelson made a return to the spotlight earlier today at the groundbreaking for the Amarillo Buc-ee’s location.

Nelson, who was first elected mayor in 2017 and left office in May after not seeking a fourth term, voted in 2022 to approve an approximately $4.5 million incentive agreement with Buc-ee’s. However, the project soon faced delays caused by a land dispute. After that was resolved, additional rezoning work had to be done before construction could begin.

Nelson was joined by former council members Freda Powell, Eddy Sauer, and Howard Smith. However, none of the former officials, including Nelson, actually took part in the groundbreaking.

(Current Mayor of Amarillo Cole Stanley, as well as Councilmen Don Tipps, Tom Scherlen, and Les Simpson did take part in the ceremony.)

Nelson isn’t the only former elected official in Amarillo to make a return to the spotlight this year. Former Councilwoman Place 1 Elaine Hays, who served on the council with Nelson from 2017 to 2021, announced her candidacy for State House District 64, which includes Wise County, as well as a portion of Denton County. Former Mayor of Amarillo Paul Harpole, who preceded Nelson in office, made a more muted return to politics earlier this year as Amarillo College Regent Michele Fortunato’s campaign treasurer.

The new Buc-ee’s location, located at 9900 I-40 East, is scheduled to open in February 2025.