Laura Street spoke passionately about the upcoming voting on November 8, 2016, which will determine the use of $340 million to improve the city. Educating The Amarillo Rotary Club on several issues needing to be taken care of.

 

Mrs. Street explained Amarillo, TX has not had a tax raise in a very long time, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the state. With the budget we have set there is no way to take care of every issue, but we need to be able to catch up to the other large cities around us. Amarillo needs to be able to grow- we have the lowest unemployment rate in Texas!

 

Truthfully speaking, Amarillo needs about $1BILLION worth of updates to get it where it needs to be to be competitive with other cities… However, when the city did the survey to determine exactly what the budget will be, they came up with a modest $340 million to be the budget. Therefore, we need to vote to allocate where these precious funds will be spent.

 

Amarillo has not improved infrastructure in about 50 years… this is basically the bones of the city! Roads, water lines, waste drainage lines, etc! Fire and police stations all need updating, we have brought on 125 more police men in the last 10 years… Animal management and welfare improvements are needed for caring for sick vs. well animals. We need more athletic facilities so we aren’t missing out on the income generated from tournaments. Our civic center needs updating so the auditorium and coliseum may be used at the same time. With our civic center in the state it’s in we aren’t able to bid on large conventions other major cities can – again! Missing out on income generated from travelers.  Laura Street made an exceptional point when speaking to Amarillo Rotarians – Vote! It makes a difference! This is our city, these decisions impact each of us! 

 

The group shot includes our own Dick McKay who is on the mentoring team working to help students who are interested in pursuing medical careers.  Barry Vernon is our grand prize winner who took possession on October 23rd of the Fair Over/Under Shotgun donated by Justin Dodd, Italian Firearms Group for our Club Fundraiser.  The Club raised $9050.00 and Barry was quite happy.

 

Christmas brings many activities to our club.  We have a long standing tradition of donating to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and our actual donations this year will go towards unfunded projects for the Boys Ranch ISD.  Please make checks payable to the club or have Gina bill you NLT December 1st.  We also have another long standing tradition of helping the Salvation Army with their Bell Ringing project.  More information to be announced on how to help fill the kettle. 

 

If you are a Blue Badge we are looking for a few good folks to step up to serve on the board.  Please advise David O'Dell or Rocky Gafford if you would like to run for a position. Elections will be held in December.  Save the date, December 1, for the Christmas Party to be held at the Bar Z Winery.  We always have a good time at The Bar Z.  The gambling Rotarians have raised $1609.00 in the pot for Polio Plus.  Keep up the good work.  Yes, we do encourage gambling for a good cause.

 

****Big Announcement****  The board has made a unanimous decision to recommend to club members that we move our club meeting location.  The Amarillo Club has notified us that we can expect a significant increase in the price of meals which will require an increase in dues.  Polk Street United Methodist Church has offered to accommodate us for a very reasonable $50 a week for a meeting room.  Details to be announced at upcoming meetings so plan to be present and plan to let your voice be heard.  We will be voting on the issue.