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Amarillo voters reject abortion travel ordinance and charter amendments

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Amarillo voters reject abortion travel ordinance and charter amendments

In Tuesday’s election, Amarillo voters decisively rejected a proposed ordinance to restrict abortion access within the city, along with several other ballot propositions. Unofficial results released indicated that of the five city measures on the ballot, only one received voter approval.

The most significant measure, Proposition A, sought to declare Amarillo a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” by banning abortion and limiting travel for abortion-related services. The proposal failed, with 27,544 voters (40.54%) in favor and 40,392 (59.46%) against.

Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley, who opposed Proposition A, expressed relief and pride in the voters’ decision. “I’m super proud of the council for doing their job,” Stanley said. “Our job is to represent the people, not just those who voted for us, but everyone in Amarillo. We brought an extremely divisive issue to the public, and the people had their say.”

Stanley noted that while Amarillo is a largely pro-life community, the ordinance’s wording added complexity. “This measure turned into a legal proposition about the right to sue someone for simply driving through town, and it didn’t align with state law. It was confusing as hell, and when you put something that complicated in front of people, they tend to push back,” he explained.

Councilmember Tom Scherlen also expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of public participation in such significant decisions. “I’m glad the citizens made the decision and not the council,” Scherlen stated. “That’s what democracy is about, letting the people speak. It would have been easier for everybody if we had made the decision, but this issue is so significant that I honestly believe citizens needed to have a say.”

In addition to Proposition A, several proposed amendments to the city charter also failed to gain approval:

  • Proposition B: This measure proposed adding two seats to the city council to expand representation but narrowly failed with 47.57% voting in favor and 52.43% against. Mayor Stanley voiced disappointment over its defeat, noting that additional seats could offer a broader voice for the city’s diverse and growing population.
  • Proposition C: An amendment to stagger the terms of the mayor and city council members also failed, with 39.46% in favor and 60.54% opposed. Stanley observed that Amarillo residents were likely resistant to change. “We’re a gritty community that often goes against the grain,” he said. “Amarillo doesn’t easily say ‘yes’ to changes, especially if they seem like big government moves. There was strong messaging against the charter amendments, and it resonated.”
  • Proposition D: This measure proposed changes to recall election procedures but was defeated with 49.26% voting in favor and 50.74% against. Scherlen expressed surprise at this result, saying, “I couldn’t believe that didn’t pass. The way it’s written today, it’s practically impossible to initiate a recall.”

Only Proposition E, which proposed changes to procedures for filling vacancies on city council, passed with 55.05% in favor and 44.95% against. Stanley indicated that while the defeat of other measures was disappointing, he believed the council would still be able to deliver quality services under the current governance structure.

In the wake of the election, Scherlen suggested forming a permanent charter review committee to consider governance updates on an ongoing basis. Stanley agreed, adding, “I think an ongoing committee would help us stay aligned with state law and ensure our local governance meets Amarillo’s evolving needs without constant charter overhauls.”

Scherlen responded directly to criticism from activist Mark Lee Dixon, who publicly denounced both him and Mayor Stanley for their opposition to the ordinance. “I’m not too worried about what Dixon has to say,” Scherlen remarked. “He came here pushing an agenda that didn’t fit our community. At the end of the day, the council and the citizens stood their ground. This is Amarillo, and we don’t just follow orders from outsiders.”

In response to criticism from anti-abortion activist Mark Lee Dickson, who publicly denounced Stanley and other council members for their opposition to Proposition A, Stanley was undeterred. “MLD [Mark Lee Dickson] and his ordinance suffered a setback,” Stanley said. “Amarillo is a great place, and while I understand the appeal, I’m not concerned with his opinion of me or the council. We did our job, not because we get paid for it, but because it’s our duty.”

Reflecting on the broader context of the election, Stanley praised Amarillo for making its voice heard and pointed out the independent streak in Texans. “Texas did great last night. We saw leaders like Caroline Fairly take office, and no matter where you stand, you have to respect the strength and fight that people bring to the table here,” he said. “I’m proud of Amarillo, and now it’s time to get back to work.”

Also in the Potter County Commissioner race, Republican HR Kelly, who has served on the Potter County Commissioner’s Court for 16 years, won his re-election in Precinct 1, with 7,182 votes, or 70.66%. Challenger David Martinez received 29.34%, or 2,982 of the votes.

In a state race for District 87, Fairly, considered the favorite, got 22,223 votes or 72.57% to Democratic challenger Tim Gassaway’s 8,388 votes, or 27.39% in Potter County.

The results remain unofficial until they are formally canvassed by the city.

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