· Resolution
Council approves revised AEDC policies and appoints board members in split votes
The council approved the AEDC's revised policies and procedures 5-0. It then voted on AEDC board appointments. Dean Crump (term ending Dec. 31, 2027) was appointed 3-1, with Mayor Cole Stanley abstaining. Elliot McKinney (2027), Alex Fairly (2025) and Randy Burkett (2025) were each appointed 4-1. One nomination failed 2-1 with Stanley and Don Tipps abstaining, and another died for lack of a second. Les Simpson voted no on every appointment. NewsChannel 10 listed Dipak Patel, the one director who had not resigned in November 2024, as the fifth member of the permanent board, and reported that temporary members Howard Smith, Don Tipps and Josh Craft would leave the board.[1][2]
Cole StanleyLes SimpsonDon TippsJosh CraftTom ScherlenAlex FairlyDoug NelsonDean CrumpElliot McKinneyRandy BurkettDipak PatelHoward SmithAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
The minutes record six appointment motions. Dean Crump, to Dec. 31, 2027: passed 3-1 (aye Craft, Tipps, Scherlen; no Simpson; abstain Stanley). A second nominee, to 2027: failed 2-1 (aye Craft, Scherlen; no Simpson; abstain Stanley, Tipps). A third nominee: died for lack of a second. Elliot McKinney, to Dec. 31, 2027: passed 4-1. Alex Fairly, to Dec. 31, 2025: passed 4-1. Randy Burkett, to Dec. 31, 2025: passed 4-1. Simpson cast every no vote.[1]
- ✓ Verified
No fetched source gives a reason for Mayor Stanley's or Councilmember Tipps's abstentions. NewsChannel 10 reported that Simpson did not take part in recommending board members and voted no on every appointment, and quoted Stanley that the choices were based on performance, not politics.[1][2]
- ✓ Verified
NewsChannel 10 listed the permanent board as Alex Fairly, Randy Burkett, Dipak Patel, Elliot McKinney and Dean Crump. It reported that they would be sworn in May 13 and would then search for a new president and CEO, and that temporary members Howard Smith, Don Tipps and Josh Craft would leave the board. The council minutes record four appointments passing on April 22. Patel was the one director who had not resigned in November 2024.[2][1][3]
- ✓ Verified
Item 10.D, revised AEDC policies and procedures recommended by the AEDC board on March 17, 2025 and presented by Doug Nelson, passed 5-0 on a motion by Josh Craft, seconded by Don Tipps.[1]