The new council takes their seats/From left: Councilman Don Tipps, City Manager Jared Miller, Mayor Cole Stanley, City Attorney Bryan McWilliams, Councilman Tom Scherlen, and Councilman Howard Smith/Photo by Noah Dawson
During a special meeting of Amarillo City Council, Cole Stanley was officially sworn in as Mayor of Amarillo, replacing a tearful Ginger Nelson in Amarillo’s highest office.
Don Tipps and Tom Scherlen also took their oaths, replacing Freda Powell and Eddy Sauer on Amarillo City Council.
Before the oaths of office were given, the previous council canvassed the results of the election and called runoff elections for places 1 and 4 on the council. The outgoing members of the council then gave parting remarks before officially leaving office. Notably, outgoing mayor Ginger Nelson expressed her gratitude to councilmembers Howard Smith, Eddy Sauer, and Freda Powell, telling each that she loved them. She did not do the same for Cole Stanley.
Following the oath of office, the newly elected members took to the dais, joined by Councilman Howard Smith, who will remain in office pending the Place 4 runoff. Tipps, Scherlen, and Stanley then gave remarks.
Councilman Tipps said that “today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our city’s history and together we will embrace the challenges that lie ahead.” He spoke about prioritizing economic development and public safety and asked for the public to hold him accountable.
Councilman Scherlen said he will strive to represent “each and every one of you,” noting that he would strive to answer all phone calls and emails.
Mayor Stanley thanked former mayor Nelson for her service and said that he respects her. He asked the public to offer prayers and patience as they begin to work on city business.
A closing benediction was given by former mayor Trent Sisemore. The new council will hold a special meeting for an orientation workshop next Tuesday, May 23rd, at 8:00 am. The council will then have their first regular meeting later that day at 1:00 pm.
The runoff election for places 1 and 4 will be held on June 24th, with early voting from June 12th through June 20th.