With all precincts reporting, Tim Reid has emerged as the clear winner in the race for Amarillo City Councilmember Place 1. In the unofficial final results, Reid secured 60.9% of the vote, a strong lead over the next-highest contender, Patrick Ryan Miller, who received 32%. While these results await official certification on May 13, the numbers suggest broad support for Reid’s message of practical governance, community engagement, and strategic problem-solving.
Listening First: Reid’s Philosophy on Leadership
In his first comments after the election, Reid emphasized a grounded, thoughtful approach to governance. “Kind of learn the job, right?” he said, acknowledging the steep learning curve of city leadership. “That’s going to be the hardest thing.”
This humble admission reflects a common-sense mindset—before pushing any agenda, Reid plans to understand the systems, needs, and voices that shape Amarillo’s city government.
Top Priorities: Water, Crime, and Infrastructure
1. Water Usage in a Semi-Arid Region
Living in the Texas Panhandle comes with serious environmental considerations, and Reid is placing water usage and responsible development at the top of his agenda. He recognizes that Amarillo’s semi-arid climate demands long-term planning: “I don’t have all the answers to it,” he said candidly, “and that’s where I hope that people in the community are going to get engaged.”
Rather than offering quick fixes, Reid is encouraging community collaboration to find sustainable solutions to water consumption, zoning, and neighborhood development.
2. Crime Prevention and Community Safety
With a professional background in law enforcement and as executive director of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, Reid brings a law-and-order perspective to City Council. While he acknowledges that overall crime rates have decreased, he remains focused on key problem areas: gang activity, human trafficking, and drug-related offenses.
Reid's approach is not just about statistics but about presence and visibility: being “the eyes and ears for our citizens,” so their concerns are both heard and acted upon.
3. Neglected Neighborhoods and Aging Infrastructure
Reid has taken time to walk neighborhoods and talk to residents throughout his campaign. He pointed to areas like Pleasant Valley, River Road, and the Heights—communities he says have felt neglected for too long.
His message is clear: Amarillo’s future depends on reinvesting in its present. “We have to really pay attention to what we already have,” Reid said, “and make sure that that is good and that will attract both our businesses and families.”
A Campaign That Changed the Candidate
Reflecting on the path that brought him to victory, Reid spoke honestly about the campaign experience: “This has been a grueling campaign… I learned a lot about the city, the concerns that our citizens have.”
It’s this connection to people—the everyday concerns of Amarillo residents—that Reid says he will carry with him into office. His goal, as he put it, is to “be a good representative for our citizens.”
What Comes Next
Though no results are final until the May 13 canvassing, Reid is preparing to get to work. His vision isn’t flashy or filled with buzzwords—it’s centered on listening, learning, and leading with purpose. As Amarillo continues to grow and change, Reid’s pragmatic focus on water, safety, and neighborhood revitalization could help steer the city toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
.jpg)
.jpg)
