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District 3 and Mayoral Candidates Weigh in on Midtown
Candidates for City Council District 3 Discuss Issues
On Thursday, April 2, Destination Midtown sponsored a panel discussion for six candidates seeking to represent Midtown Omaha and the rest of City Council District 3. A seventh candidate, write-in candidate Ben Salazar, did not attend.
Held at Mercy High School, 1501 S. 48th St., the event was open to the public. Audience members submitted questions and moderators, Erin Richardson and Craig Moody, posed them to the candidates. Candidates were questioned on a variety of topics, including community policing, incentives for mixed-used development and code enforcement.
"This was a great opportunity for Midtown neighbors and business owners to learn the candidates' positions on issues directly affecting the Destination Midtown area," said Jamie Grayson-Berglund, Destination Midtown's executive director. "When voters go to the polls April 7, they'll be able to make an informed decision."
City Council District 3 covers Midtown Omaha, including the Destination Midtown area (24th Street to Saddle Creek Road, and Cuming Street to Center Street), as well as downtown Omaha and west of the Destination Midtown area to 72nd Street. The District 3 candidates are:
Brian Buescher
Steve Cross
Jim Farho
Chris Jerram
Chip Maxwell
Crystal Rhoades
Ben Salazar (write-in candidate)
View the candidates' bios.
The seven are vying to succeed City Councilman Jim Vokal who is running for mayor and did not file for re-election.
Mayoral Candidates Detail their Plan for Destination Midtown
At the request of Destination Midtown, Omaha's mayoral candidates are detailing how, if elected, they will work to advance the Destination Midtown master plan and fulfill its vision of a vibrant urban environment.
"We thought this would be a great way for voters to learn more about the candidates for mayor and their plans for Midtown, an area that is so important to so many people," said Grayson-Berglund.
Candidate and former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub was among those responding to Destination Midtown's request. He wrote, in part, "I will continue to support this group's efforts and, as mayor, you can count on me to work closely with your leadership to further your goals and continue to make improvements and make Midtown Omaha a vital part of our great city."
The response from candidate and City Councilman Jim Suttle read, in part, "As Mayor, I will share the philosophy that has guided Destination Midtown to your greatest successes - an overarching principal of inclusion."
"Destination Midtown has been an unqualified success since its inception, and I am proud to have played a role in shaping its mission as a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Omaha City Council," said candidate and City Councilman Jim Vokal. "I will continue to strongly support the goals and initiatives of Destination Midtown as Omaha's next mayor."
Candidate Randy Brown responded, in part, "The residents know what is lacking in their areas and the role of the Mayor is to provide for those needs."
View the complete responses from participating candidates listed below.
Randy Brown's response
Hal Daub's response
Jim Suttle's response
Jim Vokal's response