Cole Stanley Q&A: Amarillo mayor outlines city projects he wants to see through

Yahoo

12-04-2025

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