Latest news with #ColeStanley
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Amarillo City Council takeaways: Election results, public accusations, police chief search
The Amarillo City Council on Tuesday, July 8 approved two resolutions affirming and clarifying the results of the May 3 and June 7 municipal elections, aiming to resolve lingering procedural concerns while drawing sharp criticism from a resident who contended the actions violated state law. The council also voted to move forward with the city's search for a new police chief, approving a contract with a national recruitment firm specializing in public safety leadership. Resolutions No. 07-08-25-2 and No. 07-08-25-3 attach previously omitted voting tabulations and certificates of election from the May 3 general election and the June 7 runoff. City officials said the documents had been part of the original canvassing process but were not included in the initial resolutions. 'These actions are consistent with state law and ensure completeness of the record and transparency for the public,' City Manager Grayson Path told council members. 'The results and outcomes remain unchanged.' The resolutions passed unanimously among the three members present: Mayor Cole Stanley, Councilmember Les Simpson, and Councilmember David Prescott. Councilmembers Don Tipps and Tim Reid were absent. Mayor Stanley said the city followed Texas Election Code and described the resolutions as 'an affirmation and clarification — not a re-canvass.' 'We simply received the tabulated results and fulfilled our duty under the law,' Stanley said. 'This doesn't change the election outcome, but it does complete the public record.' He said any concerns about election procedures should be directed to the county election administrator, not the council, which hires the county to run city elections. Stanley acknowledged the need for clearer communication and said policy updates are likely. During public comment, Amarillo resident Michael Ford challenged the legality of the city's actions. He argued the elections had not been lawfully canvassed and that the newly passed resolutions were an attempt to retroactively validate flawed procedures. 'All I've asked, and all the law requires, is that you hold a lawful canvass,' Ford said. 'Open the sealed returns, tabulate the votes by precinct, and include early voting — recorded in the minutes.' He contended that the city's failure to perform a public canvass in accordance with Texas Election Code Section 67.004 rendered the certificates of election invalid. Ford warned that the council was knowingly adopting false records and cited several sections of state law outlining potential criminal penalties. In a direct challenge, he questioned the legitimacy of newly seated Place 3 Councilmember David Prescott and others. 'You are not legally qualified to be here,' Ford said. 'Per the Secretary of State, no lawful canvass means no lawful certificate, no lawful oath, and no legal authority.' Mayor Stanley did not directly respond to Ford's accusations during the meeting but emphasized afterward that 'everyone has a right to raise concerns' and that the council took an extra step 'to close the loop and provide transparency.' The council also approved a contract with Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc., a California-based firm composed of former law enforcement executives who specialize in police and fire chief recruitments. The firm has conducted high-profile searches in cities like Dallas, Irving, Killeen, and Oklahoma City, and it has developed a national reputation for identifying community-oriented law enforcement leaders. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman said the firm was selected from a competitive pool of 10 applicants. It stood out for its deep law enforcement knowledge and exclusive focus on public safety recruitment. 'They've built a strong national network of candidates and are constantly engaged with active and emerging police leaders through conferences and association events,' Freeman said. 'They understand what modern policing requires, and they know what Amarillo needs.' The contract carries a base cost of $42,500 and is expected to exceed $50,000 with travel and logistical expenses. It will be paid for using salary savings from the currently vacant chief position. Freeman said the process is already underway and includes stakeholder engagement, department input, and the creation of a recruitment brochure. Finalists — expected to number between three and five — will visit Amarillo for interviews and public forums. 'We're going to work with the firm to define the qualities we're looking for — someone with leadership strength, a commitment to transparency, and a strong sense of community connection,' he said. The city hopes to have a new chief in place by November or December. The council also authorized $3.8 million in funding for street preservation projects, including microsurfacing and cape seal work. The funds are part of a larger $11-12 million effort to address long-deferred infrastructure needs. Residents can track project locations through an online city map. Stanley reaffirmed the city's opt-out policy on automated water meters and emphasized their benefits: real-time leak detection, accurate billing, and usage tracking. He also addressed a shift in how public comments are managed during council meetings, including the return of a visible countdown timer to enforce speaking limits. 'Public meetings are about balance,' he said. 'We've made it easier for people to speak, but we also need to manage time to serve everyone.' As the city addresses calls for greater transparency and prepares to select new public safety leadership, Stanley said the focus remains on public trust and progress. 'We're listening,' he said. 'And we're committed to doing the work to earn people's trust moving forward.' This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: City council votes on election affirmation, police chief search firm
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Amarillo welcomes new councilmember amid election and transparency debates
After a runoff election decided by just 50 votes, David Prescott was sworn in Tuesday, June 24 as Amarillo's new Place 3 councilmember, replacing outgoing member Tom Scherlen. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the council, but debates over election procedures and city transparency, led by resident Michael Ford, underscored lingering challenges. Mayor Cole Stanley, addressing the controversy, outlined steps to boost openness and defended the city's growth strategies, setting the stage for a pivotal term. Prescott, a newcomer to the council, took the oath of office with a pledge to prioritize teamwork over politics. 'The citizens elected five individuals to work together,' he said. 'Politics is a four-letter word — I don't want any part of it.' With three decades of experience leading large boards and serving on state-appointed panels, Prescott emphasized readiness. 'You don't invent yourself the day you're sworn in,' he said. 'I bring skills I'll use from day one — data-driven decisions and collaboration.' Unlike Scherlen, known for his vocal stances on contentious issues, Prescott said he hopes to bring a more measured tone to council debate. 'Am I going to be boisterous? If needed,' he said. 'But we can govern professionally, using metrics — not authoritarian tones.' More: Prescott reflects on runoff win, campaign spending and plans for Amarillo Still, Prescott said he respects Scherlen's commitment to public service and praised the former councilmember's passion and presence. 'Tom was incredibly dedicated and brought energy and heart to the council,' Prescott said. 'He fought for what he believed in, and I respect that. I know he'll still be involved in the community, and I look forward to working alongside him in a different capacity.' Prescott acknowledged the steep learning curve but noted he's been preparing for weeks by attending council meetings since the runoff began. 'God gave us two ears and one mouth — listen twice as much as you speak,' he said. While Prescott's election win marked a smooth transition, the process that certified the runoff results has become a source of debate. The June 16 canvassing — when councilmembers officially reviewed and approved election results — was conducted by only two councilmembers in Stanley's absence. That drew criticism from Amarillo resident Michael Ford, a frequent critic of the council who previously served as Stanley's campaign treasurer during his initial mayoral run. Ford argued that the canvass violated the Amarillo City Charter, which he said requires three councilmembers for any official action, including certifying election results. In a memo presented to council, he also alleged procedural issues — such as the failure to publicly open sealed precinct returns or present vote totals by polling location — amounted to a violation of both city and state law. 'The canvass was not only incomplete, but conducted in violation of both state and Amarillo law,' Ford wrote. 'The council was misled, and immediate action is needed to preserve the integrity of the election.' Stanley defended the process, citing Texas Election Code Section 67.004, which allows a two-member quorum for canvassing in certain circumstances. He said city staff confirmed the legality of the process with state officials. 'We followed the law,' Stanley said. 'Another councilmember even called the state and got a second opinion — it was confirmed.' Still, Stanley admitted the optics were poor. 'I would've preferred to be there to avoid speculation about election integrity,' he said, adding that the certification was necessary to allow for any legal challenges. Ford, who has previously raised concerns about the city's use of executive sessions, potential Open Meetings Act violations, and transparency practices, called on the council to reconvene with a full quorum and re-certify the vote. He also asked the city to notify the Secretary of State and publish sealed precinct returns and polling location reports for public review. As of Wednesday evening, no official challenges had been filed against the election outcome or the canvassing process. Transitioning to broader priorities, Stanley also addressed questions about Amarillo's use of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), which redirect property tax revenue to support development projects. Critics have questioned whether areas like downtown still qualify under state definitions of 'slum or blight,' a condition required for TIRZ designation. 'There's room to interpret the law,' Stanley said. 'When that land was added to the TIRZ, it qualified, and the council approved it.' He warned that overly strict interpretations could limit future investment. 'TIRZ is a tool we need to keep Amarillo moving forward,' he said, citing downtown revitalization and business development projects. To improve financial transparency, Stanley announced plans to publish monthly check registers and general ledger data on the city's website within two weeks. 'It'll be an easy link showing where your money goes,' he said. The city also plans to explore uploading 36 months of historical financial data, although Stanley said that process may require additional staff time and will return for future council discussion. As Prescott begins his term, the council faces growing pressure to address both election integrity concerns and long-standing calls for transparency. Ford's memo, while not triggering legal action so far, reflects rising public demands for accountability. Stanley's disclosure initiative and Prescott's emphasis on collaboration mark early efforts toward transparency — but whether those efforts build lasting trust will depend on how consistently the council governs in full view of the public. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: David Prescott sworn in to Amarillo City Council
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
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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
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Amarillo area candidates draw spots on May 3 election ballot
Amarillo officials finalized ballot placement for the city's May 3 municipal election during a Thursday morning draw at the new City Hall on Johnson Street. The ballot features a four-way mayoral contest, multiple city council seats, and a range of school board elections — many of which remain uncontested. Meanwhile, Amarillo College Board of Regents candidates will have their ballot order determined in a separate drawing Feb. 24 at the Washington Street Campus. Amarillo's official ballot order follows at the end of this article, below the details about the candidates and other election races. AMARILLO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONMisty Collier – Lists her occupation as a director and previously ran for city council. Emphasizes accountability, transparency, and community engagement. Cole Stanley (incumbent) – Focuses on a business-minded approach, citing first-responder pay increases and alley cleanups among recent achievements. Luke Johnson Marek – A 21-year Amarillo resident working as a delivery driver; limited platform details available. Jason Herrick – Served on the Texas Energy Reliability Council; plans to address infrastructure comprehensively within 120 days if 1 Tim Reid – Retired FBI agent emphasizing public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. Patrick Miller – Former Amarillo College regent focusing on fiscal responsibility and community growth. Sherie Wood – A cashier who ran for council in 2023; advocates transparency, accountability, and lower property taxes. Wendy Flores – A student and longtime resident; platform details pending. (Incumbent Josh Craft is not seeking re-election.) Place 2 Don Tipps (incumbent) – Unopposed; notes improvements in public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal oversight. Place 3 Tom Scherlen (incumbent) – Seeks re-election on a platform of transparency, crime prevention, and responsible spending. David Prescott – Founder and president of Talon/LPE, prioritizing water infrastructure and long-term economic planning. He was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists in 2013 and reappointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2019. Nune Perez – Lists himself as an operations manager and sits on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board; committed to inclusive representation. Place 4 Les Simpson (incumbent) – Highlights infrastructure improvements, creation of a regional crime center, and traffic safety initiatives. Sylvia Elaine Stephens – A World Missions Pastor; limited campaign information available. Leif Kertis – Owner of Floor Coverings International Texas Panhandle; prioritizes transparency, economic growth, public safety, and robust infrastructure. Early voting in Amarillo is scheduled to begin April 21, with Election Day on May 3. The last day to register to vote in this election is April 3. CITY OF CANYON COMMISSION All five incumbents for the City of Canyon Commission including the mayor have filed for re-election, with no registered challengers. CANYON ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES All five seats on the ballot are uncontested: Place One (Special Two-Year Term): Mandi Palmer (incumbent) Place Three: Casey Posey (incumbent) Place Four: Randy Davis (incumbent) Place Five: Kari Trice (Matt Parker is not seeking re-election) Place Six: Jenni Winegarner (incumbent) Since no position is challenged, the Canyon ISD board is effectively set for the upcoming term. OTHER AREA SCHOOL BOARDS Amarillo ISD Four at-large seats will be decided through cumulative voting. Candidates include: Doyle Corder Jr. (incumbent) Don Powell (incumbent) David Nance (incumbent) Kayla Mendez (incumbent) Miguel Garcia Tom Warren II Jonathan Werner Bushland ISD Four board positions are open, though the district has not released its official candidate list. River Road ISD Six candidates are competing for four seats: Michael James Melinda Powell (incumbent) Nikki Forrest (incumbent) Danielle Coleman (incumbent) Elizabeth Ferris Ryan Lawson Highland Park ISD All four seats up for election match the number of candidates who filed, resulting in no contested race. The unopposed candidates are: Ricardo Mercado Kevin Sawyer Tonya Detten Matilde Olivas AMARILLO COLLEGE BOARD OF REGENTS Five candidates will compete for three available seats: Dr. Paul Proffer (incumbent) Dr. David Woodburn (incumbent) Johnny Mize (incumbent) Mary Bralley Jason Foglesong A separate drawing for ballot positions will be held at 3 p.m. on Feb. 24 on the second floor of the College Union Building at Amarillo College's Washington Street Campus. The city of Amarillo released the official order of how candidates will appear on the May 5 ballot, after Thursday's draw: Mayor Misty Collier Jason Herrick Luke Johnson Marek Cole Stanley Councilmember No. 1 Tim Reid Wendy K Flores Sherie Wood Patrick Miller Councilmember No. 2 Don Tipps Councilmember No. 3 David Prescott Nune Perez Tom Scherlen Councilmember No. 4 Les Simpson Leif Kertis Sylvia Elaine Stephens This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Here are the May 3 Amarillo area election candidates
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Coast Packing to open new packaging facility and refinery in Texas
US-based Coast Packing Company has broken ground on a packaging facility and an edible fats and oils refinery. Located in Amarillo, Texas, the building, covering 36,000ft², will accommodate packaging operations, a warehouse, and office space. It will be constructed using tilt-up concrete walls to meet safety and sanitary standards. Coast Packing stated that this building will be a four-level steel structure and will reach 80ft in height. It added that the boiler house will be built from CMU Block while the tank farm will include 12-30ft-tall carbon steel tanks for storing raw materials, which will be delivered via a new rail siding. Food Tech, an American company specialising in food and beverage facility construction, has partnered with Coast Packing for the design and build of the facility. Scheduled to open in June 2026, the facility is expected to create 30 new jobs initially, with the potential to double this workforce in the future. City of Amarillo mayor Cole Stanley said: 'Coast's new facility will create new opportunities for our workforce, contribute to economic growth and further solidify Amarillo's reputation as a prime location for business expansion. 'We are thrilled to welcome Coast Packing Company to Amarillo. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of our community.' Coast Packing said the new facility will incorporate advanced technology for efficient and green practices. Coast Packing Company CEO Eric Gustafson said: 'This ground-breaking marks not just the start of construction, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Coast Packing Company and the Amarillo community. 'For over a century, Coast has been committed to quality, innovation, and tradition in the food industry.' "Coast Packing to open new packaging facility and refinery in Texas" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
