I reported for work at the Amarillo Globe-News in January 1995, the same week that Mac Thornberry took office as the congressman from the 13th Congressional District.
I have teased Thornberry over the years that we “grew up together” taking on new roles in the sprawling environment known as the Texas Panhandle.
At no time during Thornberry’s tenure as the Republican member of Congress did he offer a public endorsement in the non-partisan races for Amarillo City Council. He stayed out of those tussles … publicly at least.
Thornberry’s no longer in office. His successor, the wacky doctor-turned-politician Ronny Jackson, has tossed his name into the brewing municipal kerfuffle by endorsing three candidates for City Council. Jackson did so two years ago as well, endorsing candidates for the council.
Why is this troubling? Well, for one thing Jackson has been an extremely vocal proponent of the policies put forth by Donald Trump. He has been an vehement critic of former President Joe Bden, contending that the 46th president conducted a “shadow presidency” while hiding what he said were “obvious” signs of mental decline.
Jackson is a MAGA Republican whose world view comports nicely with the far-right wing of his party, but which is at variance with the issues that decide municipal contests.
Jackson brings a fire-breathing partisan flare to a contest that should be decided solely on the basis of who is best qualified to set municipal tax rates, who has the best view of policing, fighting fires, providing water and other mundane — but vital — activities associated with running a city on the move.
Mac Thornberry, unlike his successor, always seemed to know his place. He served his constituents with decorum and class and understood he didn’t need to insert himself into a political battle that, to be blunt, he had no business taking part.