Omaha Mayoral Discussion

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sat May 17, 2008 11:51 pm

because the majority of the population is east of 72nd ST.

Not trying to support an east vs west debate... but you should know that Omaha west of 72nd has more than 50% more people than Omaha east of 72nd.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Sun May 18, 2008 1:04 am

Stargazer wrote:Not trying to support an east vs west debate... but you should know that Omaha west of 72nd has more than 50% more people than Omaha east of 72nd.

And every last one of them asks me where I buy groceries while I'm walking to the grocery store and they're spending $3.69/gal to drive there.

-Big E

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sun May 18, 2008 1:30 am

How could there possibly be more people out west when the city council districts are all split pretty evenly? There are 4 in the east and 3 out west.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Mon May 19, 2008 6:05 am

Daub vs. Fahey..

At least the public had its choice on the Qwest Center.

Until the "what Fahey wants Fahey gets" Stadium fiasco I liked the guy.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Mon May 19, 2008 6:58 am

Is it really that hard to figure out that a public vote for bonds is directly tied to the property tax? Me, I'd rather have rental car and hotel taxes pay for it, but I might be crazy. I guess securing an NCAA championship event for the next QUARTER CENTURY isn't good enough. Â :roll:

Anyways that's been gone over in the ballpark thread I'm sure. Fahey has a great deal of momentum going, so if he runs he has my vote. I won't cry if Daub were to win though as I know he is pro streetcar and development too. He is more abrasive than Fahey though IMO.

Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:27 pm

Daub sees real shot to be mayor

C. DAVID KOTOK WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:A survey by prominent national Republican pollster Neil Newhouse shows Daub leading Fahey by 5 percentage points in a hypothetical head-to-head contest for mayor, if the race were held at the time of the survey. The Daub results also were shrugged off by two other potential mayoral candidates - former Mayor P.J. Morgan and City Councilman Jim Suttle. Neither has announced a candidacy but both are mentioned in the memo summarizing the Daub poll. A World-Herald poll in the fall of 2000 found 45 percent of Omahans viewed Daub favorably and 37 percent unfavorably. In Daub's poll from this May, 50 percent rated him favorably and 39 percent unfavorably.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:03 pm

It is not appropriate perhaps to make political hay of the way a civic leader responds to a natural disaster. Â But...Mike Fahey was on top of his game with the way he coordinated city resources to respond to our recent tornado outbreak. Â This is the sort of positive publicity you simply cannot buy.

Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:09 pm

Fahey will announce Tuesday whether he will run for Mayor again. WE know that Daub and Suttle are in the mix with Sigerson and Welch looking to enter. Tuesday should make their decision easier. Many people believe that Fahey will not run again.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:24 pm

There's no way in heck I vote for Suttle. That guy flip flopped so hard on the ballpark it was laughable. He was all kinds of against it clear through the 3 public meetings and stands next to Gernandt at Rosenblatt, etc. Then he totally switched sides which, even though I support the ballpark, I find terrible.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 4:18 am

That just means he can be bought. Â So as rich as you are Josh you can get some |expletive| done.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 1:47 pm

the1wags wrote:There's no way in heck I vote for Suttle. That guy flip flopped so hard on the ballpark it was laughable. He was all kinds of against it clear through the 3 public meetings and stands next to Gernandt at Rosenblatt, etc. Then he totally switched sides which, even though I support the ballpark, I find terrible.

Woah! Â I am no particular fan of Jim Suttle, but I absolutely do not find fault with his position shifting after the NCAA announced their backing of the new stadium plan. Â The bottom line for everyone in government was/is to keep the CWS in Omaha. Â After it became clear to anyone with above a 70 IQ that there was only one "option" - to build a new stadium, I would have found strong fault with Jim if he didn't come around. Â And I don't blame Gary Gernandt because he represents So. Omaha and also he knew his vote was a "throw away" one, that would make absolutely no difference to the outcome.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 1:59 pm

Id settle for either one

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:00 am

Looks like Fahey has had enough and it stepping aside at the end of his term

http://www.ketv.com/politics/17024500/d ... 0307292008

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:50 am

well, then i guess it's not so bad Daub is running. Â At least he can get |expletive| done downtown.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:03 am

Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about Daub or Fahey running a third term.

Fahey did a great Job, we have a new ballpark and over a billion dollars in development east of 72nd street alone, and we don't have to worry about our westword growth being impeded.

Daub did a great Job, First National Tower, Qwest Center Omaha and more.

Sometimes I wonder if its time for new blood. Â However if we elect Daub, who's the say we don't get a Streetcar.

BREAKING NEWS: Omaha mayor won't run for re-election

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10393100

KAREN SLOAN WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:There will be no third term in office for Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:21 am

Brad wrote:Sometimes I wonder if its time for new blood. However if we elect Daub, who's the say we don't get a Streetcar.

Agree with the first part, and I'll bet you dollars to donuts the streetcar is done and on paper before Fahey leaves office. Â There's no chance Fahey lets Daub Fahey his streetcar like Fahey Faheyed Daub's hotel. Â (My head hurts after that one.)

I will say I can't think of anyone on that city council that I'm excited about.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:34 am

Big E wrote:I will say I can't think of anyone on that city council that I'm excited about.

Any business leaders that excite you(Not including Shawn from Urban or Brian from Myth)? Â Do we have any good Sokol's or Scott's that could run the city and be interested in running the city?

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:03 pm

As long as it is not Jim Suttle I will be happy. Â Personally, I would like to see some "new blood" in the office, rather than more of the same. Â A Vokal or Welch would be great, in my opinion, assuming one of them enters the race.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:24 pm

Ernie will have some free time.

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:30 pm

Big E wrote:Ernie will have some free time.

OH GOD!

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:59 pm

LOL... Â everyone put their veins back in their foreheads. Â He would have about as good a chance in west O as I do.

I can think of a few people that I think would make wonderful mayors but could never get elected, and a few that could get a elected but would never want to do it, and a few that could get it that would make me consider moving to Council Bluffs (ok, not really).

Unfortunately, no one viable really comes to mind.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:10 pm

I'd like to see Chambers moderate a mayoral debate. Â He would make the candidates squirm pretty good.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:30 pm

almighty_tuna wrote:I'd like to see Chambers moderate a mayoral debate. He would make the candidates squirm pretty good.

Now, I would love to see him on the city council.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:37 pm

Big E wrote:
almighty_tuna wrote:I'd like to see Chambers moderate a mayoral debate. He would make the candidates squirm pretty good.
Now, I would love to see him on the city council.

Can you filibuster the city council?

S33 · Post by **S33** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:42 pm

Big E wrote:
almighty_tuna wrote:I'd like to see Chambers moderate a mayoral debate. He would make the candidates squirm pretty good.
Now, I would love to see him on the city council.

He would be a great candidate to represent district 2 if he can prove to work with other council members on issues outside of North O. I don't see that happening though. He's done some great things but I don't see him on a city council.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:07 pm

Here is what Joe Jordan on Action 3 is thinking:

Former Mayor Hal Daub
Former Mayor P.J. Morgan
State Senator Brad Ashford
City Council Member Jim Vokal
City Council Member Â Dan Welch
City Council Member Jim Suttle
City Council Member Chuck Sigerson.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:59 pm

Big E wrote:LOL... everyone put their veins back in their foreheads. He would have about as good a chance in west O as I do.

I can think of a few people that I think would make wonderful mayors but could never get elected, and a few that could get a elected but would never want to do it, and a few that could get it that would make me consider moving to Council Bluffs (ok, not really).

Unfortunately, no one viable really comes to mind.

whoa whoa whoa...take it easy... ;)

And pj morgan?? Â Isn't he responsible for running omaha into the ground back in the 80's?

JB · Post by JB » Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:26 am

I think Ernie could really shake things up... in a good way. Â I would love it if Ernie ran... I might even volunteer and go door to door for him!

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:24 am

JB wrote:I think Ernie could really shake things up... in a good way. Â I would love it if Ernie ran... I might even volunteer and go door to door for him!

I can't vote for Mayor, since I'm way out of the city line. Â However ...

I don't agree with everything that Ernie says or does, but I do like the way he stirs the pot! He's probably the most effective politician in Nebraska's history in terms of representing the constituents. So effective that those who opposed him had to legislate him out of office!

But could he win any votes west of 72nd?

I just realized this, Ernie is one who, at least regionally, has ascended to single-name status, among those like Cher, Britney, Rush, Prince, and, of course Dubya.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:23 am

Omababe wrote:
JB wrote:I think Ernie could really shake things up... in a good way. I would love it if Ernie ran... I might even volunteer and go door to door for him!
I can't vote for Mayor, since I'm way out of the city line. However ...

I don't agree with everything that Ernie says or does, but I do like the way he stirs the pot! He's probably the most effective politician in Nebraska's history in terms of representing the constituents. So effective that those who opposed him had to legislate him out of office!

But could he win any votes west of 72nd?

I just realized this, Ernie is one who, at least regionally, has ascended to single-name status, among those like Cher, Britney, Rush, Prince, and, of course Dubya.

Should we rush to get his autograph?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:09 am

Omababe wrote: I just realized this, Ernie is one who, at least regionally, has ascended to single-name status, among those like Cher, Britney, Rush, Prince, and, of course Dubya.

Um you forgot Madonna and D'Shawn.

Ernie has been horribly ineffective for his constituency.

As of now I'd be inclined to vote for Daub but if I found out more about Welch I could be inclined to vote for him.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:30 am

thenewguy wrote:And pj morgan?? Isn't he responsible for running omaha into the ground back in the 80's?

No, we was not mayor until the 90's

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:50 am

DTO Luv wrote:Ernie has been horribly ineffective for his constituency.

His constituents might disagree with you, because they have overwhelmingly re-elected him over and over and over. Â He's probably one of those who could continue to get re-elected after death by way of write-in votes! I can't remember him having any serious opponents.

dandr1229 · Post by **dandr1229** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:51 am

[quote="Omababe"][quote="JB"]I don't agree with everything that Ernie says or does, but I do like the way he stirs the pot! He's probably the most effective politician in Nebraska's history in terms of representing the constituents. So effective that those who opposed him had to legislate him out of office!quote]

How so? Â Explain that one... Â

I will argue that it was beneficial to have him in the legislature (slowed down the process which is a good thing), but I highly question how much he benefited his constituency.

This is probably getting things off topic (unless he does choose to run) from the origiinal thred.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:05 am

Beneficial and effective are two different words. On top of that, the definition of beneficial is purely subjective, while effective is marginally subjective.

I don't think anyone can really make an argument against his effectiveness. He ran that legislature for decades. He was there as a career, and the good ol' boy network had no answer for him other than throwing themselves under the bus with him (term limits).

I'll leave the the ultimate definition of beneficial up to his constituents, but he opposed and flat out stopped some of the most backwards |expletive| redneck dumb |expletive| proposals and just plain upset poor legislation any state government has seen in a long time. If it wasn't for him, we'd all be subsidizing construction of Cabella's and WalMarts at every freaking I-80 exit in Nebraska - and that's just the most recent one I can think of. I, personally, consider that beneficial. Â WalMart and Cabella's probably disagree with me.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:41 am

dandr1229 wrote:
Omababe wrote:He's probably the most effective politician in Nebraska's history in terms of representing the constituents.
How so? Â Explain that one...

The first job of an elected official is to retain office! Poly Sci 101! No, it's not to serve the people or make the world a better place to live, it's to get re-elected.

It's not how you benefit the district, or how much pork you bring in, it's the numbers at the polls that tell you how effective you are as a politician.

Term limits, per se, are not necessarily a Bad Thing<tm>, but what we saw was a blatant "Get Ernie" bill. It did cast a very broad shadow, but it was most definitely focused upon one particular office-holder.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:46 am

Big E wrote:If it wasn't for him, we'd all be subsidizing construction of Cabella's and WalMarts at every freaking I-80 exit in Nebraska - and that's just the most recent one I can think of. I, personally, consider that beneficial. Â WalMart and Cabella's probably disagree with me.

As for Cabellas, aren't they Nebraska-based? I admit I've never been to one, even though I pass one every day, but I can't remember hearing anything bad about them. I do know all of the fishing fans love them.

As for Wally World, AFAIC you can send them back to Arkansas with no return address!

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:03 pm

Well the reason he's been voted in over and over again is that he's not in a district where lots of people really want to get involved or would even know how.

Plus the people that have tried running against him in the past have faced death threats and even had a house set on fire.

JB · Post by JB » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:41 pm

Well the reason he's been voted in over and over again is that he's not in a district where lots of people really want to get involved or would even know how.

Plus the people that have tried running against him in the past have faced death threats and even had a house set on fire.

What district do lots of people want to get involved in? Â I don't think you make a very good argument. Â Who threatened death? Â And why would they if they didn't want to be involved?

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:46 pm

JB wrote:
Well the reason he's been voted in over and over again is that he's not in a district where lots of people really want to get involved or would even know how.

Plus the people that have tried running against him in the past have faced death threats and even had a house set on fire.
What district do lots of people want to get involved in? I don't think you make a very good argument. Who threatened death? And why would they if they didn't want to be involved?

Poverty stricken areas are less educated therefore less politically informed and involved(as a whole).