Left: Powell/Photo by The Amarillo Pioneer; Right: Fortunato/Screenshot via Fred Powell Campaign

Incumbent Amarillo College Board member Michele Fortunato has endorsed Amarillo City Councilwoman Freda Powell’s bid to become Mayor of Amarillo.

In the endorsement, which came in the form of a video posted by Powell’s Facebook, Fortunato said Powell “the best candidate to get the job done.” She also highlighted the fact that she and Powell share similar views on areas such as economic growth. Fortunato closed by praising the fact that Amarillo has been “named one of the top mid-sized cities in the state of Texas.” (Fortunato appears to be referring to a report that Amarillo is the second-fastest growing mid-size city in the nation, though more recent reports have highlighted growing issues with areas of our local economy, including local housing supply.)

Both Fortunato and Powell have a record of voting in favor of increased tax rates and bond packages.

Fortunato is hoping to serve a fourth six-year term on the college board. Other contenders for the three seats up for grabs are fellow incumbent Jay Barret, local educator Jason Foglesong, knife sharpener Mike Yazbek, retired Amarillo College employee Irene Hughes, and Square Mile Community Development director Brady Clark.

According to a previous report by The Amarillo Pioneer, Powell appears to be supporting Fortunato’s reelection bid, with a Fortunato sign spotted in the mayoral candidate’s yard. Powell is facing fellow Amarillo City Councilmember Cole Stanley in the race for mayor, as well as life/consciousness coach Jeffrey McGunegle, former Elkhart City Councilmember Don Collins, and truck drivers Tonya C. Winston and Sam Burnett. Running to replace Powell’s place on Amarillo City Council are insurance agent Don Tipps, AISD employee Misty Vigil, and commercial teller Gabriel McHenry-Herrera.

Election Day is May 6th.