In the running for Mayor of Pampa is Amy Petroski, who through her years working with the Salvation Army and dedicating much of her time to helping others in need, has the desire to offer more of a hand-up to every citizen of Pampa and help ease their financial burdens, regardless of age, background or social class.
“I’m running because I want to help all citizens who reside in Pampa, from a newborn baby to the oldest citizen here,” she said. “I feel that there are just some needs not being met for many people and it hurts my heart and I just want to help make a difference.”
While Amy isn’t originally from Pampa, many members of her family have lived here since the 1990s, and when she came here in 2017 to be closer to her granddaughter, it didn’t take her long to get involved in many community organizations dedicated to helping citizens in need.
Amy’s work experience includes many years in management, supervising and finances, and also owned a business and ran a successful licensed daycare in her home working with several clients physically and mentally challenged.
She has also worked and held a license with the Government as a USDA inspector and a RCA for USPS.
While at the Salvation Army, she has served as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Council, Vice Chair of the Emergency Disaster Unit, Angel Tree Committee and the Red Kettle Coordinator.
She also serves on the School Board of Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Day School and is a Gold Coat for the Pampa Chamber of Commerce.
During her time in Pampa, she would also volunteer at Good Samaritans and Harvest House, and because they are only open on certain days at certain times, Amy wanted to fill that gap, starting the Heart to Heart Blessings for Texans, a small charity that she actually started when she lived in Indiana and picked back up here.
“I saw parents that weren’t able to get off work to go to the food pantry, and there is just so much food insecurity in Gray County as a whole, so that’s why I started doing it here. People could come to my home from dawn until dusk and there would be food, clothing and shoes available for them.”
Amy also took notice of the food insecurities within each demographic, including the amount of Pampa ISD students on the free and reduced lunch program, as well as the many senior citizens of Pampa who rely on government assistance to keep groceries in the house, and in most cases, is not enough.
“There are so many people just living paycheck-to-paycheck and many of them are falling through the cracks.”
Amy feels that the lack of high-paying jobs with decent health benefits contributes to the struggle of many Pampa residents and just being able to change that alone would greatly help ease the burden.
“As Mayor, you have to set short-term goals and long-term goals and you need to have priorities. I’ve noticed that people in different stages of their lives have different priorities. Some are concerned about the road conditions, some are worried about the water conditions, and there are some who just want to know how they can get a scholarship or grant for their child to play sports through the Optimist Club because they’re low-income.”
“My biggest concern right now is jobs. There has to be better paying jobs that have better health benefits. People need a reason to move here and stay here, and more growth means more revenue for the town and improves our economy.”
“There are people who are struggling day-to-day to make ends meet. You have families where parents work separate shifts because they can’t afford daycare, or there are people who want to work but can’t afford daycare. It’s a vicious circle, so if we can help people get out of being at or close to the poverty level, the entire town would benefit.
Amy understands that today’s struggles can also affect tomorrow’s future and she wants to do what she can to help secure the future for the many generations that reside within Pampa and the ones that will come after. Her slogan, ‘The Change We Need, The Voice We Deserve’ speaks to what Amy Petroski stands for and is willing to do to aid in the fight against the financial burdens that many undoubtedly face.
“I’m worried about there not being any Social Security for when this next generation is set to retire. The news talks about us going into a recession, and is anybody preparing for that? Are they even able to? What’s going to happen to the low-income families if that happens?”
“That’s why we need to do something now. Pampa needs to take care of itself and its citizens.”
Early voting will begin on April 22 through April 29 in the Pampa ISD Administration building, located at 1233 N. Hobart, between 8 AM and 5 PM. Election day is May 3 at MK Brown between 7 AM and 7 PM.
