Congressional candidate Dr. Ronny Jackson (R–Amarillo) is raising questions over the City of Amarillo’s $275 million bond election on the ballot this November. If passed, the bond would hike taxes by 39 percent.
In a Facebook post over the weekend, Jackson shared a video produced by Amarillo businessman Alex Fairly that raises concerns about the Proposition A bond. The bond is seeking to fund the majority of a $319 million spending package for projects in downtown Amarillo.
Adding his own commentary to the video, Jackson asked whether the projects included in the bond are right for Amarillo.
“I have been asked about this repeatedly over the past few days, and as a true fiscal conservative, I have to say this looks like the wrong plan at the wrong time,” Jackson said in his post.
Jackson’s comments come as Amarillo voters are heading to the polls to decide the fate of this bond election.
If the bond passes, a 39 percent tax increase would be on the horizon, which would fund renovations to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, the relocation of Amarillo City Hall, the construction of a new parking garage, the creation of a central park, and other projects.
There are two other propositions on the ballot this year, as well. One would extend the Amarillo City Council’s term length by two years, while the other proposition would cut the number of council meetings each year by half.
Jackson is facing Democrat Gus Trujillo and Libertarian Jack Westbrook in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R–Clarendon). District 13 is considered by many pundits to be a safe Republican seat.
Early voting runs through October 30. Election Day is November 3.
