The City Commission made up of Lance DeFever, Paul Searl, Bryan Fisher, Brian Doughty and Jimmy Keough were officially swore in on Monday afternoon at MK Brown Civic Center auditorium in a special meeting.
The meeting was also a celebration of out-going Mayor Brad Pingel’s service to the City.
Pingel took the opportunity to say a few words to those in attendance.
Pingel first took office in 2005 as the City Commissioner for Ward 1.
“My vision at that time was to serve the community the best I could,” Pingel said. “I had no idea what I was doing. As I got into it, I really learned a lot about the City by Year 4. There is a lot to learn about our City.”
In 2011, Pingel decided that was the right time to step up and run for Mayor.
In the last 10 years, Pingel and the City Commission accomplished a lot; but Pingel emphasized he did not do it alone.
During that time, the City has purchased seven new fire trucks, two motor-cycles for police, constructed pH20 Water Park, raised funds for Pingel Park, two landfill cells, Pampa Animal Shelter, Operation Community Pride, National Guard Armory, City Hall doors and windows and Wastewater Plant renovations.
Working with Pampa EDC, the City also brought in Pampa Energy Center, Las Pampas Square, Lonestar Gin, Hobby Lobby and Keystone Tower Systems.
Pingel then noted a list of City Commissioners he has worked alongside and how grateful he is for them.
“I’ve had the honor to serve alongside each one,” Pingel said. “I can’t speak for every city, but in the City of Pampa, we’ve always gotten along. We had our disagreements, but that’s personally fine. That’s what it’s supposed to be like.”
Pingel also thanked City Manager Shane Stokes and every City Manager he has worked with, as well as every City Attorney he has worked with.
As for what he has enjoyed as Mayor, Pingel said being asked to speak at events is near the top.
“Getting to be that ear in our community,” Pingel said. “Proclamations are another thing I’ve been able to enjoy. My favorite thing is when I got to go to the schools. Going to the elementary schools. Two things: I liked it because young people still think your cool, but I love it because elementary schools are teaching about this position.”
Pingel thanked City staff including Karen Price and Charlene Gardner, his co-workers at Carmichael-Whatley and closed with thanking his family.
“As an elected official, it’s not just me,” Pingel said. “They signed up for it, too. It gets pretty rough. Unfortunately people aren’t always nice and it’s one thing if it’s just me. But when it’s your family, it’s something else. I want to thank them for going through it with me.”
City Manager Shane Stokes then took the podium and thanked the out-going commissioners.
• Karen McLain- McLain had been Commissioner for nine years. Recently her job relocated her away from Pampa. “Up until that point, Karen was very dedicated and rarely missed a meeting or event,” Stokes said. “She loves the opportunity to represent Pampa.”
• Matt Rains- Rains was Commissioner for Ward 2 for three years. “He’s always very eager and energetic to make Pampa a better place for those who live here and will live here,” Stokes said. “I believe God has big plans for Matt. It’s just a matter of him being patient and waiting for that door to open.”
• Gary Winton- Winton was Commissioner for Ward 1 for four years. “Gary has always stayed true to his principles,” Stokes said. “Regardless of what the popular opinion was, Gary is going to give you his thoughts, his opinion and his principles. He’s always supported staff, citizens and the City.”
• Brad Pingel- Stokes lauded Pingel’s leadership and his poise during the ups and downs. “I can remember in 2011 when the water park opened, Mayor Pingel was one of the first ones out there waiting for that bucket of water to dump on his head and ride around the lazy river,” Stokes said. “Then about a year ago when we got news of our first COVID-19 case in Pampa. The task force gathered at City Hall for a video press release, and I remember the heaviness of that night. I remember the feeling of fear. Mayor Pingel stood at the podium with confidence, dignity and transparency. He said something to the effect of, ‘I know this is scary, but through God’s grace we will get through this together.’ That is a leader.”
After awarding Pingel a plaque and the traditional out-going commissioner street sign, the attention turned to the new City Commission members, who were sworn in.
