The Stothert Administration

The Political decisions of Omaha.

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guitarguy
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Post by guitarguy »

MadMartin8 wrote:
jessep28 wrote:They could sell it to the Wall Street Tower people for $1.

I still think Eomahaforums should try and get a $1 deal as well. We could lead the city on for years saying we're building a HQ for a "Urban Development Think Tank"
I lol'd.. :lafcry: we truly are something special over here.
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Post by Coyote »

Jean Stothert wrote: Today I named a team of experienced city planners to lead the Omaha Planning Department.

Acting Director James Thele has been named Planning Director. Former Planning Director Steve Jensen will return as a consultant to the department. I am excited to have Steve back. He is well-known and respected in the development community. Together, James and Steve will make a great team to move our Planning Department and city forward in a positive direction.

James has been acting director since June. Previously, he served in a number of positions in Omaha city government, including Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in 1979 and later, as Assistant Planning Director. His responsibilities included managing the housing and community development program and administering federal and state grants. He will be paid $140,000 a year; $40,000 less than the previous Planning Director.

Steve retired as Planning Director in 2009. He was hired as an intern in the Omaha Planning Department in 1972, and over the next three decades worked his way up to Planning Director, a position he held from 2005-2009. As a consultant, he will earn up to $100,000 a year, without benefits. Jensen will also continue to receive his $114,000 annual pension. The Omaha City Council must approve his contract annually.

Steve will help with a number of projects immediately, including a review of the Urban Design code, the ongoing transit study with Metro Transit, Heartland 2050 and the 75 North Project.

I reached out to many developers and former city planners during the search for a permanent director to identify priorities for the department and the essential qualities for leadership. The Thele-Jensen team is a result of their feedback and recommendations.
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Post by S33 »

"I'm going to retire before I give you the good stuff, then I'm gonna make you pay for it" - High dollar consultant

(I'm just mad I never thought of it)
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill
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Post by icejammer »

Coyote wrote:[ James has been acting director since June. Previously, he served in a number of positions in Omaha city government, including Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in 1979 and later, as Assistant Planning Director. His responsibilities included managing the housing and community development program and administering federal and state grants. He will be paid $140,000 a year; $40,000 less than the previous Planning Director.

Steve retired as Planning Director in 2009. He was hired as an intern in the Omaha Planning Department in 1972, and over the next three decades worked his way up to Planning Director, a position he held from 2005-2009. As a consultant, he will earn up to $100,000 a year, without benefits. Jensen will also continue to receive his $114,000 annual pension. The Omaha City Council must approve his contract annually.
Okay, so let me just check the math here....the new director will make $40,000 less than the previous director, and the new consulting director is making $100,000, so that adds up to......$60,000 more to lead the Planning Department?  Did I miss something with the math here, because I'm sure the old mayor was chastised by the current mayor for spending too much for the leaders of City departments?

And dang, he still collects on his pension?  Somebody got a sweetheart deal here.....
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Post by nebugeater »

icejammer wrote:
Coyote wrote:[ James has been acting director since June. Previously, he served in a number of positions in Omaha city government, including Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in 1979 and later, as Assistant Planning Director. His responsibilities included managing the housing and community development program and administering federal and state grants. He will be paid $140,000 a year; $40,000 less than the previous Planning Director.

Steve retired as Planning Director in 2009. He was hired as an intern in the Omaha Planning Department in 1972, and over the next three decades worked his way up to Planning Director, a position he held from 2005-2009. As a consultant, he will earn up to $100,000 a year, without benefits. Jensen will also continue to receive his $114,000 annual pension. The Omaha City Council must approve his contract annually.
Okay, so let me just check the math here....the new director will make $40,000 less than the previous director, and the new consulting director is making $100,000, so that adds up to......$60,000 more to lead the Planning Department?  Did I miss something with the math here, because I'm sure the old mayor was chastised by the current mayor for spending too much for the leaders of City departments?

And dang, he still collects on his pension?  Somebody got a sweetheart deal here.....
That is valid if no consultants were used in the past.  I am guessing this is not the case.  One would have to compare total Consultant cost before and after for the comparison to be complete.
For the record  NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER    !!!!!!!
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Post by icejammer »

nebugeater wrote:That is valid if no consultants were used in the past.  I am guessing this is not the case.  One would have to compare total Consultant cost before and after for the comparison to be complete.
Except in this case, the consultant is being used to augment the lead position of the department (if I have understood the press release correctly), rather than the consultant being used to supplement the department staff when the need arises.  I'm very certain the previous administration did not have a consultant being co-department head.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

I think what it comes down to is "everyone" hated the old Old Regime (Rick Cunningham and company), however "everyone" really liked Steve Jensen.  I would assume Jensen is back to mentor and advise the new Planning Director to help him get his feat on the ground and help him build relationships with the development community.  I can't see him being back for that long, may be a year or two.  

While I say "everyone", I am sure Cunningham had his proponents as well.

If my theory is right and he is there to help develop and mentor, I am fine with the city paying him to consult if its a good investment and leads to great things in the future.  My biggest fear would be that when the current mayor's time is up, the next mayor comes in and wants "Their guy" in that position and then all the money they spent on Jensen goes out the window...
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Post by RNcyanide »

What was wrong with Cunningham?
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Post by guitarguy »

Overpaid do nothing  :;):
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GetUrban
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Post by GetUrban »

In Stothert's eye's, Cunningham wasn't "pro-developer" enough. Plus he was appointed by Democrat Mayor Jim Suttle. Cunningham was actually doing a good job, in my opinion.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
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Post by RNcyanide »

Oh. As long as we don't end up with more North Downtowns and L Street Marketplaces I'm okay with whoever, I guess...
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Post by cdub »

Brad wrote:I think what it comes down to is "everyone" hated the old Old Regime (Rick Cunningham and company), however "everyone" really liked Steve Jensen.  I would assume Jensen is back to mentor and advise the new Planning Director to help him get his feat on the ground and help him build relationships with the development community.  I can't see him being back for that long, may be a year or two.  

While I say "everyone", I am sure Cunningham had his proponents as well.

If my theory is right and he is there to help develop and mentor, I am fine with the city paying him to consult if its a good investment and leads to great things in the future.  My biggest fear would be that when the current mayor's time is up, the next mayor comes in and wants "Their guy" in that position and then all the money they spent on Jensen goes out the window...
The 'and company' are all the same people.  In fact they were the same people as when Mr. Jensen was Director as well.
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Post by Brad »

My bad, I thought he had a couple assistants leave too.
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Post by RNcyanide »

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130926/N ... -direction

Positive editorial on Mayor Stothert's performance so far.
When fortune smiles on something as violent and ugly as revenge, it seems proof like no other that not only does God exist, you're doing his will.

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Post by icejammer »

RNcyanide wrote:http://www.omaha.com/article/20130926/N ... -direction

Positive editorial on Mayor Stothert's performance so far.
Ummm, that's not an editorial, that's a news story.
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Post by S33 »

Even better.
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Post by Linkin5 »

S33 wrote:Even better.
Better for Stothert, but not on how things are actually going.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

Mostly just a fluf piece, but what's actually not going how how it was said?  I actually didn't even see many detail in that story, more just very general statements.
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Post by RNcyanide »

Brad wrote:Mostly just a fluf piece, but what's actually not going how how it was said?  I actually didn't even see many detail in that story, more just very general statements.
Which is why I called it an editorial, most likely erroneously.
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Post by S33 »

Linkin5 wrote:
S33 wrote:Even better.
Better for Stothert, but not on how things are actually going.
Well how are things going? And I ask that honestly, as I don't pay attention much these days. I do know that these trying to crack down on the pension leaches, which should make every tax payer happy.
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Post by jessep28 »

Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum
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Post by HskrFanMike »

Mayoral staffers take Lily outside for bathroom breaks, and she takes the occasional field trip to other offices in City Hall.
I can only imagine what the uproar on KFAB would have been like if city employees had to take care of Jim Suttle's dog at City Hall.
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Post by GetUrban »

That is a cute dog, I admit.

All employees in that building should bring their dogs, cats, hampsters, guinea pigs, reptiles, parakeets, and fish to work.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by Garrett »

$10 Million Budget Surplus

I hadn't seen this posted here yet, so I thought I'd just drop it in here. Quite a nice thing I'd say.
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Post by Garrett »

Ok so we are now more or less one year into Mayor Stothert's administration. How are we all feeling?

Personally, I was very nervous when she took office. I felt like the city would be taking steps back with regards to various social issues. Definitely not the case. I think Stothert's involvement in the community has been amazing, and she has shown she is willing to take part in all types of events, even Pride. Also, no real scandals to note, no PR disasters, and she has the budget under control from what I can tell.

So, in short, I'm cautiously impressed. If she keeps this up she will definitely have my vote in 3 years.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by BRoss »

I honestly think she has ran the city great.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by lmdramos »

The only problem I have with her is that she seems very against help for redevelopment of midtown, east Omaha, and downtown. However, I think she has done a great job of get the ridiculous fire department under control.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by MadMartin8 »

I'd like to see more support for redevelopment efforts, but getting the Fire Department under control was nice to see.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by RNcyanide »

I think she has been doing a good job. I'd like to see redevelopment sure, but I'd rather see nothing at all instead of irresponsible development. I think it helps her legacy a little when we have Suttle to compare her to.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by Coyote »

Councilman challenging budget proposal; Wants property taxes to stay
Josh Egbert: KMTV wrote: Omaha's first property tax cut in more than a decade is being contested. A city councilman says the money would be better used on city roads. Ben Gray says residents he talks too are more concerned about streets than they are about saving $20 a year.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by Uffda »

Coyote wrote:Councilman challenging budget proposal; Wants property taxes to stay
Josh Egbert: KMTV wrote: Omaha's first property tax cut in more than a decade is being contested. A city councilman says the money would be better used on city roads. Ben Gray says residents he talks too are more concerned about streets than they are about saving $20 a year.
Having to drive on some pretty rough streets, I have no problem paying the same amt of property tax --- $20/year that's nothing.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by BRoss »

I'd much rather continue paying $20/year to keep our roads up.

I'm sorry, but these idiots who think they owe nothing to the society they share with everyone else need to wake the |expletive| up and realize they'd have nothing if it wasn't for everyone else's contributions to the greater good. And those who benefit the most out of our benefits deserve to "donate" the most in order to keep up the good trend of our society. If not, it's on them and nobody else...I'm starting to get into the position of deserving to owe more and I can't see myself ever complaining since I'm well enough off to get by without help or worry. Nobody should feel sorry for me if I can't afford to buy a yacht due to my "high" taxes.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by bigredmed »

Road repair is critical.

I am concerned about this notion of people expecting others to pay more in recognition of the other people's contribution to the "common good".

This view conveniently forgets that all of us contribute.
It strikes me of Randian "rent-seeking". That others want to go marxist, but know that if they use those terms, they lose.

Everyone contributes to the common good. Not everyone contributes to the workload. Especially, the uncompensated workload that some of us have.


To get back to roads, their maintenance is essential. If we can do a good job of that and save $20 per person in taxes, that is a good thing.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by GRANDPASMUCKER »

We got something pretty special when we got Jean Stothert for our mayor. I trust her honesty and her decisions. Except for when she endorsed Todd Brunning for governor. How could she not see that guy was a major dick. That would have been bad news for Nebraska having that guy for our governor. All and all I give the mayor an A+.
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Post by BRoss »

bigredmed wrote:Everyone contributes to the common good.  Not everyone contributes to the workload.  Especially, the uncompensated workload that some of us have.
That is certainly true. I do have a problem with people who take advantage of the system, although I will never negate the fact that there are more people who want to make it on their own and feel ashamed to take these kind of "hand-outs". Most people who do take government assistance want nothing more than to provide for their families independently without reliance on any help.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by Brad »

@OWHnews on Twitter wrote:BREAKING: #Omaha City Council unanimously approves amended 2015 budget, including Mayor Stothert's property tax cut — http://bit.ly/1p7npIH" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by iamjacobm »

Actually looks like lots of great stuff passed!

More money going to the libraries, Great Plains Black History Museum and the police as well as keeping someone on staff for pedestrian/bike improvements.

Lets hope none of that gets the ax from a veto.
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Re: The Stothert Administration

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iamjacobm wrote:Actually looks like lots of great stuff passed!

More money going to the libraries, Great Plains Black History Museum and the police as well as keeping someone on staff for pedestrian/bike improvements.

Lets hope none of that gets the ax from a veto.

Looks like Stothert is seriously considering a veto on all the Council amendments to her budget, those you mentioned, plus the eight additional Police officers, which even if the council overrides, she has said she will simply not fill those positions. She got her tax cuts, but will she compromise with the Council? Or demand all of her line items?
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by iamjacobm »

Coyote wrote:
iamjacobm wrote:Actually looks like lots of great stuff passed!

More money going to the libraries, Great Plains Black History Museum and the police as well as keeping someone on staff for pedestrian/bike improvements.

Lets hope none of that gets the ax from a veto.

Looks like Stothert is seriously considering a veto on all the Council amendments to her budget, those you mentioned, plus the eight additional Police officers, which even if the council overrides, she has said she will simply not fill those positions. She got her tax cuts, but will she compromise with the Council? Or demand all of her line items?
Thats what I don't understand. Her tax cut stays in yet there is still this unhappiness with other things passed. I am struggling to see her opposition to this, has she said where the extra unexpected money the city made will go if she vetoes all of this? Pour it all in the contingency fund?
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Re: The Stothert Administration

Post by Coyote »

Contingency fund? Yes. It seems like her main concern is to get Omaha's bond rating back. Darn public services.
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