And Then There Were (Finally) Five

Mayor Cole Stanley Flanked By City Council Members (Left) Josh Craft, Don Tipps (Right) Tom Scherlen and Les Simpson.

Les Simpson and Josh Craft went from citizen to city council members Wednesday afternoon.

The chamber was filled with friends and family anxious to watch both get sworn in; Craft for Place 1, Simpson to Place 4.

Both were allowed to address the gallery shortly after taking their seats at the dais and thanked family and supporters. Craft said he felt it was a calling from God to serve and that, “I will serve the citizens of Amarillo to the best of my ability.”

Simpson got emotional early in his turn. It happened when he said he went to the city’s website to view names of those who have served in the past, including former mayor Glen Parkey, who passed away in April.

The only other item on the agenda was extending the mayor’s Disaster Declaration. That passed with a 5-0 vote, which was not lost on Mayor Cole Stanley. “I’m thankful to be able to say that passed with a 5-0 vote.”