As Amarillo prepares for its upcoming municipal elections, the Amarillo Police Officers Association (APOA) has announced its official endorsements for key city leadership positions. Representing 324 active police officers—95% of the city’s sworn officers—the APOA has thrown its support behind a group of candidates it believes will continue prioritizing public safety, responsible governance, and fiscal accountability.
Following a membership vote, the APOA has endorsed Cole Stanley for Mayor, Tim Reid for Place 1, Don Tipps for Place 2, Tom Scherlen for Place 3, and Les Simpson for Place 4. The association highlighted these candidates’ commitment to strong leadership and their ability to continue the progress made by the current city council.
Acknowledging the Work of the Current City Council
The APOA praised the current city council for taking decisive action to address long-standing issues within the city government. When voters demanded change, this council listened—placing needs over wants and reshaping the city budget to reflect Amarillo’s most pressing priorities.
For years, city leaders were told that there was no money available to fund essential services, including public safety. However, the current council took a different approach, dedicating themselves to an in-depth budget overhaul that identified inefficiencies, redirected funds to critical needs, and ultimately produced a surplus.
Addressing the Police Staffing Shortage
One of the most urgent concerns brought forward by the APOA in recent years was the shrinking pool of police applicants, a problem that, for too long, was pushed down the road without a solution. Amarillo faced an officer shortage, making it difficult to keep up with the city’s growing needs.
However, this city council did not ignore the issue. They took direct action, working with law enforcement leaders to create a historic agreement that positioned Amarillo as a competitive city for young people pursuing a career in law enforcement. Since that agreement was put into place, applications have nearly doubled, significantly improving recruitment efforts and ensuring that Amarillo has the officers it needs to protect and serve its citizens.
Additionally, this renewed focus on law enforcement has contributed to a decline in the city’s crime rate, reinforcing the importance of continued support for the police department. The APOA believes that maintaining strong leadership on the city council is critical to keeping this positive momentum going.
APOA Endorses Tim Reid for Place 1
Among the endorsed candidates, the APOA is particularly confident in Tim Reid’s ability to bring valuable insight and leadership to Place 1 on the city council.
Reid is a former FBI agent with a distinguished career in law enforcement that took him across the country, giving him firsthand experience in dealing with complex security and investigative issues. Following his retirement, Reid chose to settle in Amarillo—a testament to his deep appreciation for the city and its people.
Currently, he serves as the Director of the Panhandle War Memorial, where he is well-known for his work with local veterans. His commitment to public service, leadership experience, and analytical skills make him a strong candidate who will approach city governance with the same dedication and thoroughness that defined his law enforcement career.
The APOA believes Reid’s investigative background will help him analyze issues from all perspectives, ensuring that decisions made at City Hall are fact-based, well-informed, and in the best interest of the entire Amarillo community.
Encouraging Citizens to Support Proven Leadership
The APOA is calling on Amarillo residents to support Cole Stanley, Tim Reid, Don Tipps, Tom Scherlen, and Les Simpson in the upcoming election, ensuring that the city continues to have leaders who prioritize public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
"These candidates have demonstrated the leadership qualities Amarillo needs to keep moving in the right direction," the APOA stated. "Their commitment to honest, effective governance and support for law enforcement will help make Amarillo stronger, safer, and more prosperous."
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