Low turnout, high spending define Amarillo City Council runoff

Yahoo

7 days ago

With just two days of early voting remaining before the June 7 runoff election, fewer than 4,100 Amarillo residents have cast ballots in the race for City Council Place 3 — even as candidates David Prescott and Tom Scherlen clash over campaign spending, infrastructure priorities, and the tone of the race.
As of May 30, Randall and Potter counties had recorded a combined 4,057 early in-person votes. Randall County accounted for 2,675 votes, with the Comanche Trail Church of Christ leading turnout. Potter County recorded 1,382 votes, with Casey Carpet One and Northwest Branch Library topping the list.
Early voting continued June 2 and runs through Tuesday, June 3. Election Day is Saturday, June 7.
The Place 3 runoff has become one of the most expensive council races in city history, with both candidates taking markedly different approaches to funding and campaign strategy.
Prescott, who reported $144,539.25 in contributions and 55 unique donors during the most recent reporting period, said the high fundraising total reflects 'widespread concern over Amarillo's aging infrastructure' and a desire for 'experienced, project-focused leadership.'
'When people understand the magnitude of our wastewater issues — which could cost the city over $2 billion — they know we can't afford to play politics,' Prescott said. 'We need people who will take a hard look at these challenges and have the background to deal with them.'
He also defended himself against attacks he said misrepresented his past positions, including accusations involving a tax increase or Civic Center funding.
'They're fabricating lies,' he said. 'I never supported that. I made a donation a year after the Civic Center vote failed. It's political theater.'
More: David Prescott Q&A: Council Place 3 candidate puts Hollywood Road plant as top priority
Prescott questioned Scherlen's use of more than $150,000 in campaign loans and the decision to hire ARMADA Strategies, a Florida-based political firm.
'If you're paying a political firm more than $100,000, that firm becomes the driving force behind your campaign,' Prescott said. 'It raises questions about who's really shaping the message — and whether that reflects Amarillo's best interests.'
Scherlen, who reported $122,866.30 in expenditures this cycle — funded largely by two loans from Citizen's Bank — defended his strategy and self-financing.
'I took out about $150,000 in loans this cycle,' Scherlen said. 'To me, it's important to continue the work we've started. I'm trying to win this election for the people.'
He pushed back against claims that his campaign messaging had been misleading.
'I've run a truthful, straight campaign,' he said. 'I haven't gone after my opponent personally. Everything I've put out, I can back up.'
Scherlen also criticized what he called damaging rhetoric from his opponent about Amarillo's infrastructure and public image.
'They've done more to damage Amarillo than help it,' he said. 'Who would want to move here when they're being told there's lead in the water and the streets are crumbling?'
More: Tom Scherlen Q&A: Place 3 councilmember hopes to build on foundation set over past 2 years
He also questioned the role of large donors in Prescott's campaign.
'You look at the Ware family and how much money they've given Prescott — it's one family,' Scherlen said. 'What's the difference if it's the Fairly family or the Ware family? It's all the same kind of money.'
Three political action committees have played an outsized role in shaping the race.
Save Amarillo PAC reported $133,156.74 in contributions — all from Alex Fairly through his entity, DealOn LLC, on May 31. The PAC spent $75,656.74 with Axiom Strategies on printing and advertising, and $57,500 with Vanguard Field Strategies for door-to-door outreach. While no direct contributions from Fairly to Scherlen were reported this cycle, Fairly contributed $35,000 to Scherlen in the previous election cycle. Save Amarillo PAC has shown support for Scherlen in this race through independent expenditures.
Growing Amarillo Jobs PAC, which supports Prescott and opposes Scherlen, reported $77,000 in contributions and $80,631.10 in expenditures, including $20,459.25 to Cygnal for polling and $55,971.19 to SKP Creative for advertising and consulting. Of that, $49,086.20 was reported as in-kind to Prescott.
Amarillo Association of REALTORS PAC contributed $5,000 to Prescott's campaign and reported $46,511.04 in expenditures, mostly related to travel and fundraising. Contributions originated from the Texas Association of Realtors PAC.
Both candidates acknowledged voter fatigue amid the prolonged campaign.
'People are sick of it,' Prescott said. 'But if you want someone who will be a steward of taxpayer dollars and bring real project experience to the table, I'm the clear choice.'
Scherlen said he will remain focused on fiscal discipline and face-to-face outreach.
'I'll be out working the polls,' he said. 'We can build Amarillo without raising taxes — we just need to manage our budget wisely.'
Polls are open for early voting through Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election Day is Saturday, June 7, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Early voting lags while PAC money drives Amarillo City Council runoff