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22-04-2025
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Leif Kertis Q&A: Council Place 4 candidate outlines city priorities, infrastructure vision
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. Look for more of these questionnaires in the Globe-News and online at Leif Kertis, a business owner and former regional finance manager, is running for Amarillo City Council Place 4. With a background in construction, corporate finance, and community ministry, Kertis says his campaign is focused on practical solutions to modernize infrastructure, increase transparency, and make Amarillo a more inclusive and economically thriving city. In this Q&A — edited for clarity and length — Kertis outlines his priorities for the city and how he plans to deliver results for underserved communities. Q: What infrastructure projects would you prioritize, and how would you fund them without overburdening taxpayers? A: We need to stop neglecting historically underserved neighborhoods like North Heights and Eastridge. Residential infrastructure in those areas has been overlooked for too long. The elephant in the room is the wastewater treatment plant — it needed to be addressed yesterday. Funding will have to be creative: federal and state grants, public-private partnerships, and the MUD (Municipal Utility District) program are all tools we need to use. These projects have to move forward without putting the entire burden on local taxpayers. Q: How would you support police and fire departments, especially after recent pay increases? A: The council did a good job getting our first responders closer to where they need to be, but we can't play catch-up every year. We're still short about 30 officers. We need to think long-term — what does recruitment and retention look like five years from now? That starts with supporting leadership, improving facilities, and showing that the city stands behind these departments. I'll be out there at recruitment events, shaking hands with potential recruits, and making sure they know they have support at the council level. Q: What's your strategy to attract businesses while supporting local growth, especially in underserved areas? A: First, we need to get the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) back in order and make sure it's operating with accountability. Amarillo is the true gateway to the West — and to the rest of the U.S. We should be attracting logistics and manufacturing companies naturally. But economic development has to include the people already here. If companies like Amazon are benefiting from tax abatements, they should help improve infrastructure in neighborhoods where their employees live. That's where public-private partnerships come in. Q: Given Amarillo's reliance on the Ogallala Aquifer, what water strategies would you support? A: Water reclamation needs to be a major component of our wastewater plant expansion. Can we use reclaimed water for agriculture to ease strain on the aquifer? What hybrids and xeriscaping techniques make sense for our region? We're in a desert — green lawns shouldn't be the default. This will take collaboration with the groundwater district and long-term planning, not just quick fixes. Q: How would you ensure government transparency and responsiveness to the public? A: We need to be more available. I'd follow Councilmember Scherlen's model by holding regular town halls in off weeks. I also support publishing simple 'vote justifications' online — just a few sentences on why a council member voted for or against an issue. It's not about writing legal briefs, just accountability. And we need more active community boards to inform council decisions before they hit the agenda. Q: What's your stance on the Civic Center and how would you address the public divide? A: I used to work in sports entertainment with the Amarillo Venom and have firsthand experience with the Civic Center. The public wasn't properly informed last time, and too many unrelated items were bundled together. We need a modern facility, but it can't come at the sole expense of taxpayers. A private partnership model could allow a promoter to lease and operate the venue, easing the city's burden while bringing in better events. The Civic Center can be a revenue generator, not a loss leader. Q: How would you balance affordable housing needs with Amarillo's rapid growth? A: We have to modernize our infrastructure first. If we can't get utilities to the 18K zone or other areas, developers won't build here. I also want developers to understand the pulse of the city — don't drop luxury housing in areas where it'll displace long-time residents. We also need to partner with tax assessors to stop massive jumps in property valuations. Housing affordability isn't just about rents and mortgages — it's about taxes too. Q: What's your plan to better connect with areas like North Heights and Eastridge? A: I'll be out there — meeting people, listening, and not just as a council member, but as a fellow Amarilloan. These communities need real engagement, not token gestures. Many don't even know they qualify for resources like SBA loans or Enterprise Center support. We need to fix that and ensure local entrepreneurs have a fair shot. Q: How would you approach the city budget while ensuring essential services remain funded? A: We need to move to a zero-based or incentive-based budget model. Every department should justify every expense. I've managed a $250 million corporate budget — this isn't new to me. But cutting for the sake of cutting is harmful. We need intelligent analysis, transparency, and community involvement in the budget process. People need to understand where their money is going — and they deserve answers when something doesn't add up. Q: What's your long-term vision for Amarillo, and how will you define success after two years? A: Success is a thriving Amarillo where all communities — north, south, east, and west — see progress. Where infrastructure is up to date, AEDC is reformed and attracting the right businesses, and where public safety departments are focused on retention instead of scrambling to fill vacancies. Within two years, I want outdated city codes cleaned up and policies that reflect today's Amarillo, not the past. I'm running because I want my daughter—and everyone's kids—to have a reason to stay here and thrive. Kertis moved to Amarillo in 2008, originally from Allen, Texas. He holds three degrees from West Texas A&M — criminal justice, an MBA, and a master's in finance and economics — and is currently pursuing a master's in Christian studies from Denver Seminary. His business ventures include a construction firm, a consulting agency, and a sports entertainment company. He also teaches finance and life skills through ministry programs at First Baptist Church and the Christian Job Corps. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo City Council Place 4 candidate Leif Kertis Q&A priorities
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17-04-2025
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Tom Scherlen Q&A: Place 3 councilmember hopes to build on foundation set over past 2 years
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. Amarillo council candidate Q&As More: Patrick Miller Q&A: Council Place 1 candidate focuses on city's core needs Amarillo mayor candidate Q&As More: Cole Stanley Q&A: Amarillo mayor outlines city projects he wants to see through More: Jason Herrick Q&A: Infrastructure, water, and growth in Amarillo's mayoral race More: Misty Collier Q&A: Public safety, housing, and her vision for Amarillo This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo City Council Place 3 incumbent Tom Scherlen QA
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12-04-2025
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Cole Stanley Q&A: Amarillo mayor outlines city projects he wants to see through
Editor's note: This is the third of several Q&As involving Amarillo city candidates ahead of the upcoming May 3 election, with early voting starting April 22. The first three have focused on those running for Amarillo mayor — Jason Herrick, incumbent Cole Stanley and Misty Collier. Look for more of these questionnaires to run in future editions of the Globe-News. Cole Stanley, Amarillo's current mayor, is running for re-election after a first term focused on upgrading the city's infrastructure, bolstering public safety, and stewarding local finances. In the following Q&A — edited for clarity and brevity — he details his vision for Amarillo's continued growth and explains why he believes he's best positioned to see existing projects through to completion. Q: Amarillo's streets, water system, and utilities need ongoing attention. Which projects top your priority list in the next term? A: From my first month in office, we've zeroed in on the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Flooding damage revealed longstanding issues that should've been addressed decades ago, so we teamed up with the Army Corps of Engineers and Congressman Ronnie Jackson. We've secured $38 million for design work, which should wrap up within a year. After that, we'll build a new or upgraded facility over two to three years. That remains priority one. Q: How do you plan to further support police and fire services, especially following the recent pay raises for first responders? A: The pay hike worked better than we imagined. Morale surged, and our latest academy class drew about 200 applicants — up from only a few dozen in previous years. That could lead to 25 to 30 new graduates, versus the usual 7 or 8, putting us near full staffing for the first time in about a decade. Another raise — maybe $5,000 per badge — could solidify our competitive edge in Texas. Q: How do you plan to attract new businesses while supporting existing ones, especially in underserved areas? A: Skilled labor drives economic decisions these days, so AmTech's training programs are critical. Companies see our strong transportation links and available land, but the real hook is a ready workforce. On housing, we can't just push development outside city limits. By working with developers through a Municipal Utility District (MUD) — which finances and manages utilities like water, sewer, and drainage — we help offset infrastructure costs while keeping new neighborhoods under our future city boundaries, ensuring sustainable tax growth. Q: Given Amarillo's reliance on the Ogallala Aquifer, how would you secure the city's water supply? A: We have to plan for neighborhoods south of the city that depend on wells and septic systems. Those wells will eventually run dry. We're partnering with Randall County to buy additional water rights before that happens. With a cooperative approach, we can expand infrastructure to serve these areas without depleting the aquifer or risking that Amarillo's water will be redirected elsewhere. Q: Many residents still worry about government transparency. How will you maintain openness within City Hall? A: We make sure every council discussion happens in public. Our meetings are streamed live, and I take part in regular interviews, town halls, and Q&A sessions. We also highlight what's working, what isn't, and how we plan to fix any shortcomings. That openness has defined my term, and I'll keep it going if re-elected. Q: The Civic Center bond issue was a hot topic in past elections. Where do you stand on expansions or renovations? A: My focus is first on essentials — like the WWTP, roads, and public safety staffing. Once those are addressed, then we can consider Civic Center improvements. Let's optimize what we have, maybe working with a third-party promoter to bring in bigger events and operate profitably. We don't need a $550 million overhaul to keep Amarillo entertained and the venue thriving. Q: How do you balance affordable housing demands with city growth, ensuring infrastructure can keep up? A: We shouldn't be pushing new developments outside city boundaries, because that loses potential taxpayers. The MUD policy allows developers to eventually recoup infrastructure costs but keeps those homes within our future limits. That means more efficient use of water and sewer, plus more revenue to help keep housing prices in check. Q: With fiscal responsibility a top priority, how do you plan to fund core services without raising taxes? A: We need to expand our tax base — another reason MUDs matter. We also track every dollar in the budget. We've identified tens of millions in excess reserves, and once we update our financial policy (hopefully by June), we'll reallocate those funds to capital improvements and infrastructure. This ensures taxpayers see tangible benefits from their contributions. Q: What do you envision for Amarillo over the next two years, and how will you measure success? A: We've always valued faith, family, and freedom here. My goal is to keep taxes low so people can chart their own futures. Success means fully staffed public safety departments, well-maintained roads, and an economy propelled by local expertise, not heavy-handed governance. Q: Why seek re-election, and what do you hope to accomplish in your next term? A: We're nearing completion on key projects — like the WWTP overhaul — and I want to see them through. In another term, I plan to fully staff the police force, upgrade roads, refine the MUD framework, strengthen the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation's strategy, and lock in better financial policies. Ultimately, I want to deliver a solid return on the community's investment. Cole Stanley has served as Amarillo's mayor since 2023. A former local business owner, he advocates for transparent governance, careful budgeting, and a pro-growth agenda. If re-elected, Stanley says he'll continue emphasizing essential city services, all while honoring Amarillo's long-standing traditions of independence and self-reliance. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo mayor candidate Cole Stanley Q&A: Finishing projects, plans
