On Wednesday, Patrick Miller, a dedicated educator and community leader, officially announced his candidacy for Amarillo City Council Place 1. The announcement follows current Council Member Josh Craft's decision not to seek reelection, creating an open seat in the upcoming election.
Miller’s deep ties to Amarillo, his extensive background in education, and his unwavering commitment to community service form the foundation of his campaign, which he has aptly titled: “Putting Amarillo First.”
A Homegrown Leader with a Vision
Born and raised in Amarillo, Miller graduated from Palo Duro High School before becoming a first-generation college graduate at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law studies in 2012. He went on to complete a Master’s in Teaching in 2014 and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2020, both from WTAMU.
Miller’s career trajectory is marked by an impressive blend of leadership and advocacy. At 25, he was elected to the Amarillo College Board of Regents, where he managed a $67 million budget and championed student access and affordability. His contributions to the education sector include serving as a Curriculum Assessment Specialist at Whittier Elementary and earning Teacher of the Year honors at Travis Middle School in 2015-2016.
His commitment to Amarillo extends beyond education. As the former President of the Amarillo Branch NAACP, Miller has a long history of addressing social and civic challenges. His service with organizations such as The Loft Church, the Panhandle PBS Advisory Council, and the Randall County Sheriff’s Office Advisory Board reflects his dedication to building a stronger community. These efforts have earned him accolades like the Influential Community Leadership Award in 2017 and the NAACP Community Service Award in 2018.
Campaign Launch and Vision
Standing before a crowd of approximately 50 supporters at City Hall, Miller outlined his platform, focusing on three critical priorities: economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvements.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Miller emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that retain Amarillo’s local talent. He envisions partnerships with educational institutions and trade programs to prepare students for successful careers in their hometown.
“Amarillo deserves a thriving economy that works for everyone,” Miller said. “We must create pathways for our youth to succeed right here in Amarillo — where they can build careers, raise their families, and contribute to our vibrant community.”
Public Safety
Miller pledged robust support for first responders, promising investments in training, tools, and resources. “Nothing is more important than feeling safe in our homes, workplaces, and schools,” he stated. “When our public safety officers are strong, our entire community is stronger.”
Infrastructure Improvements
Highlighting the need for dependable infrastructure, Miller criticized the current administration for neglecting basic city needs. “Reliable water systems and well-maintained streets are not luxuries; they are necessities,” he said, vowing to prioritize essential projects that sustain daily life and prepare Amarillo for future growth.
Engaging the Community
During a question-and-answer session, Miller fielded queries on key issues, demonstrating a clear understanding of Amarillo’s challenges.
On why he’s running now: “We cannot waste this moment. The issues that matter to Amarillo citizens have not been prioritized by the current city council.”
On single-member districts: “Every neighborhood in Amarillo deserves a voice. I am committed to ensuring that every citizen feels heard and valued, regardless of where they live.”
On community-focused initiatives: Miller expressed strong support for programs like the Women’s Clinic, aligning them with his broader vision to address pressing local needs.
A Call to Action
Miller concluded his announcement with an impassioned plea for civic participation. “I encourage you to visit millerforamarillo.com to learn more about my campaign, register to vote, and find ways to support our efforts,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that our priorities for Amarillo are represented and that we build a city that works for everyone.”
The event ended with cheers from supporters, many of whom expressed optimism about Miller’s candidacy. His campaign launch marks the beginning of what promises to be a pivotal race for Amarillo City Council Place 1.
.jpg)
0 Comments