City Council Faces Backlash Over Ballot Language Controversy

During a recent Amarillo City Council meeting, public concerns were raised regarding the agenda item related to the proposed Sanctuary City ordinance for the unborn. Mike Ford, a local resident, criticized the council for inadequate public notice regarding the ballot language, claiming it violated the Open Meetings Act. He emphasized that the vague wording of the agenda item undermined public participation and urged the council to postpone the vote until proper notice could be given.

Jace Yarbrough, an attorney representing the ordinance's initiating committee, echoed Ford's concerns, arguing that the current draft inaccurately described the ordinance as establishing a criminal offense. He insisted that the ordinance explicitly prohibits state officials from enforcing it, thereby disqualifying it from being classified as a criminal offense. Yarbrough warned that misleading ballot language could expose the city to legal liability.

Mark Lee Dixon, another attorney, supported Yarbrough's call for clarity in the ballot language, stressing the importance of accurate communication to avoid misinformation that could negatively impact the election.

In addition to the discussions surrounding the ordinance, the council also addressed plans for the upcoming State of the City address, scheduled for August 25. The mayor outlined a vision for the event that would focus on community achievements rather than solely on council accomplishments. The event aims to highlight local heroes and community stakeholders, featuring music and food trucks to foster a family-friendly atmosphere.

The meeting concluded with a call for council members to engage actively in the upcoming State of the City address, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and transparency in local governance.