Amarillo Globe-News
Apr. 6, 2017

The Amarillo Police Officer’s Association announced it will endorse candidates in four of the five city council seats up for election on May 6.

The association announced Wednesday they are endorsing Ginger Nelson for mayor; Elaine Hays for Place 1; Freda Powell for Place 2; and Eddy Sauer for Place 3. They did not endorse a candidate for Place 4 because neither incumbent Mark Nair or Howard Smith sought out the association’s endorsement.

The APOA represents 324 Amarillo police officers who voted on the endorsements by ballot, according to a press release.

Association president Norm Fisher said the endorsed candidates set themselves apart for a variety of reasons.

“Nelson has strong panhandle roots, a very clear vision for Amarillo’s future, and plans to use her law experience as an asset in her position on the council,” Fisher said.

Nelson will face photography archivist Renea Dauntes and cybersecurity auditor James Lowder II for mayor.

The association said Hays, who is challenging incumbent Elisha Demerson, impressed members with her knowledge of financial law and development, and members believed her experience as a financial planner will greatly enhance the council’s ability to do business.

The association backed Demerson in his 2015 run for office. That year, the APOA also endorsed mayor Paul Harpole for reelection and Place 3 councilman Randy Burkett. Neither are seeking reelection.

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Read the full story: http://amarillo.com/politics/local-news/news/2017-04-06/police-association-backs-four-city-council-candidates