Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley and Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Chairman Scott Bentley engaged in a candid discussion during a special workshop meeting on Wednesday, addressing concerns over transparency, accountability, and the future of economic development in the city. The conversation followed heightened scrutiny surrounding the AEDC’s financial practices and governance.
Mayor Stanley opened the discussion by stressing the importance of open dialogue between city officials and the AEDC. “I don’t want to take an opportunity, sit across the table, and not talk about it,” Stanley said. “We invited you to dinner, and we also have family business. This is just the way it works when you do business after you open.”
He emphasized the need for clear expectations, particularly regarding the management of city economic initiatives. Stanley acknowledged that economic development can be controversial, especially when incentives are involved. “We need greater controls and accountability,” he noted. “Nothing gets swept under the rug. We talk about the fact that we do have corruption in government, and these are the expectations we need to set, in a very professional way.”