During the Amarillo City Council meeting on January 14, 2025, community member Mike Ford raised urgent concerns about public safety, particularly regarding traffic fatalities and the performance of local law firms involved in city projects. Ford highlighted a troubling trend of accidents at intersections equipped with stoplights, citing four fatalities in just six months on his street, Assanti. He emphasized that this number exceeds the national average for fatalities at intersections, which he argued indicates a serious problem with traffic management in the city.

Ford criticized the implementation of a smart city initiative that reportedly cost over $1 million, claiming it has led to increased accidents rather than improved safety. He called for accountability from the city’s legal advisors, specifically naming the Underwood Law Firm, and suggested that new leadership is necessary to address these ongoing issues effectively.

In his passionate address, Ford questioned the safety of his neighborhood, Sleepy Hollow, and expressed frustration over the lack of action to rectify the dangerous conditions. He urged the council to prioritize public safety and consider the implications of their decisions on residents' lives.

The meeting underscored the community's growing concern over traffic safety and the effectiveness of city governance, prompting a call for reassessment of both legal and infrastructural strategies to ensure the well-being of Amarillo residents.