Tom Scherlen Q&A: Place 3 councilmember hopes to build on foundation set over past 2 years

Yahoo

17-04-2025

Editor's note: The Amarillo Globe-News is running several Q&As involving Amarillo city candidates ahead of the upcoming May 3 election, with early voting starting April 22. The first three involved the race for mayor, and the next series will focus on the city council. Look for more of these questionnaires to run in future editions of the Globe-News.
Tom Scherlen, the incumbent City Council member for Place 3, is running for re-election with a focus on infrastructure improvements, public safety staffing, and prudent budgeting. A longtime Amarillo resident, Scherlen worked for 38 years at Austin Hose — rising from an entry-level position to become CEO — and currently serves as president of the Amarillo Senior Citizens Association. He hopes to build on the progress he says the current council has made. In this Q&A — edited for clarity and brevity — he discusses his track record and outlines the projects he hopes to advance if voters return him to office.
Q: What specific infrastructure projects would you prioritize if re-elected?
A: Sewer lines, water lines, and the Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Plant top my list. That plant hasn't had a major upgrade since 1996, and it's time for a serious overhaul. We've already broken ground on the Northeast Interceptor to alleviate the load on Hollywood Road. Meanwhile, we have a 15-year street-funding plan in place, so we aren't reliant on bond issues to fix roads. There's still work to do, but these steps should significantly improve Amarillo's overall infrastructure.
Q: How do you plan to support police and fire, especially after the recent pay increases for first responders?
A: The pay hike is paying off with larger academy classes and improved retention. We've also introduced a Regional Crime Center and a liaison position to coordinate with Randall County, Potter County, and federal agencies. With better staffing and closer cooperation between departments, we're on track to fully meet Amarillo's public safety needs.
Q: What's your strategy for attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones, especially in underserved areas?
A: Location is Amarillo's biggest selling point. We sit at the crossroads of I-40 and I-27 and have solid rail access. Many companies already know where they want to expand before reaching out. Our job is to highlight what we offer: ample land, improving infrastructure, and a robust workforce pipeline through Amarillo College and AmTech. We don't need to give away the farm with incentives if we're upfront about these strengths. More companies moving in boosts our tax base and helps local businesses thrive.
Q: Given the region's reliance on the Ogallala Aquifer, how would you secure Amarillo's water future?
A: We estimate 300 years of water supply at today's usage rates, largely due to our well fields, especially in Roberts County. We continue acquiring additional water rights whenever possible. The next step is constructing or extending pipelines to deliver that water, which will be costly. But once our wastewater upgrades move forward, water infrastructure will be the next major priority. Our ample water supply sets us apart from many Texas cities, giving Amarillo a competitive edge.
Q: Many residents are concerned about transparency. How would you keep local government open and responsive?
A: I believe this council has been the most transparent in recent memory. We debate issues publicly — no preset deals — and invite everyone to speak. Some call our open disagreements 'infighting,' but I see it as democracy in action. We don't always vote the same way, yet once a decision is made, we all stand behind it. I'd rather have that than a rubber-stamp process where everything's predetermined.
Q: The Civic Center bond has divided voters in past elections. What's your stance on a potential renovation or expansion?
A: Voters must have the final say when it comes to spending big on something like the Civic Center. If they approve it in a referendum, we'll move forward. If they reject it, we respect that. I'm against bypassing voters' wishes, as happened in 2020. Major expenses need to be put to a public vote.
Q: How would you balance affordable housing with the city's growth so our resources aren't overextended?
A: We use Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) to guide new development beyond existing city limits. This allows developers to tap favorable financing for water and sewer installations — while sticking to city standards. After a set period, those areas can be annexed. This keeps expansion orderly and prevents older neighborhoods from losing out on essential services.
Q: What's your plan to connect with residents, especially in older neighborhoods like North Heights that feel overlooked?
A: I'm fully accessible — being retired lets me devote 40 to 50 hours a week to council duties. If someone reports a pothole or drainage issue, I can drive over there the same day. Taking swift action shows people their concerns matter, which is critical to rebuilding trust in local government.
Q: How do you plan to fund essential services without raising taxes?
A: Amarillo doesn't have a tax problem so much as it risks a spending problem if we're not cautious. We need to focus on needs before wants — essentials like water, wastewater, roads, and public safety. In the last two budgets, we found ways to fund core initiatives by curtailing less critical spending. Big-ticket proposals must clear a simple hurdle: do they genuinely serve residents?
Q: What do you hope Amarillo will look like in two years, and how will you measure success?
A: I want a fully operational infrastructure plan that's transparent to the public. A city 'dashboard' showing project timelines and costs would offer real accountability, letting residents see exactly where their money goes. If we get that dashboard up and running while making strides on roads, water, and wastewater, I'll consider these next two years a success.
Q: Why seek another term, and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: We've started vital projects on infrastructure, economic development, and public safety, but two years isn't enough to finish them. My 38 years at Austin Hose — where I rose from entry-level to CEO — taught me how to build strong foundations that endure. As president of the Amarillo Senior Citizens Association, I've also seen firsthand the value of active, engaged local leadership. I want to continue laying the groundwork so the city keeps improving well into the future.
First elected to the City Council in 2023, Scherlen emphasizes open debate, transparent spending, and a hands-on approach to city governance.
Early voting begins April 22 and continues through April 29; Election Day is May 3. For more information on Amarillo's municipal elections, visit the official city website or contact the local election office.
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This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo City Council Place 3 incumbent Tom Scherlen QA