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Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Low turnout, high spending define Amarillo City Council runoff
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
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Early voting begins in Amarillo City Council Place 3 runoff
Early voting is now underway in the Amarillo City Council Place 3 runoff between incumbent Tom Scherlen and challenger David Prescott — a rematch prompted by a razor-thin margin in the May 3 general election. Scherlen led the three-way race with 7,748 votes (47.4%) but fell short of the required majority. Prescott followed with 7,433 votes (45.5%), while third-place candidate Nune Perez earned 1,157 votes (7.1%). With fewer than 350 votes separating the top two contenders, the runoff is expected to be one of the city's most competitive council races in recent years. Scherlen, a longtime Amarillo resident and former CEO of a local company, is seeking re-election on a platform focused on infrastructure upgrades, increased public safety staffing, and fiscally responsible budgeting. He points to ongoing capital projects and continuity on the council as reasons for voters to retain his leadership. Prescott, a business owner and environmental consultant, moved to Amarillo in 1990 and emphasizes strategic infrastructure investments and long-term financial planning. He holds multiple degrees from West Texas A&M University and chairs the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, with appointments by two governors. Prescott is also active on several nonprofit boards and regional initiatives. Early voting runs through Tuesday, June 3. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday this week and again next Monday and Tuesday. There will be no voting on the weekend of May 31–June 1. Election Day is Saturday, June 7, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Potter County early voting locations: Santa Fe Building (main location): First Floor, Ticket Office, 900 S. Polk St. Casey Carpet One: 3500 I-40 West Frontage Rd. Cornerstone Outreach: Fellowship Room, 1111 N. Buchanan St. Northwest Branch Library: Meeting Room, 6100 SW 9th Ave. Tri-State Fairgrounds Extension Office: 3301 SE 10th Ave. Randall County early voting locations: Randall County Election Administration Office (main location): 1604 5th Ave., Canyon Randall County Annex: 4320 S. Western St., Amarillo Southwest Branch Library: 6801 SW 45th Ave., Amarillo Comanche Trail Church of Christ: 2700 E. 34th Ave., Amarillo All locations will be open May 27–30 (Tuesday through Friday) and June 2–3 (Monday and Tuesday) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is Scherlen's first runoff campaign. In the 2023 city election, he won his seat outright while two other council races advanced to runoffs. Josh Craft defeated Dean Crump for Place 1 with 60% of the vote, while Les Simpson beat Claudette Smith for Place 4 with 60.4%. Simpson went on to win re-election this May with 69% of the vote — the widest margin among contested council races. Voters must present an approved form of identification to cast a ballot. For more information on polling sites, sample ballots, or voting eligibility, visit This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Early voting begins in Amarillo City Council Place 3 runoff election
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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
