The Stothert Administration

[Omaha Cowboy]

I remember several posters on this very board bringing up the Conagra concern months before the announcement.

Stothert claimed that her office was blindsided.

I think that was a lie. There were many concerns raised and she was playing hardball.

Her time has run it's course as one of the worst administrations in city history

I’ve never believed the mayor’s office was blindsided by CEO Connolly pulling up stakes and moving ConAgra out of Omaha..and if that was truly the case, then I’d be (and am) even more concerned about what the he!l is going on at City Hall..

As I’ve stated previously here, I question her leadership and agree that Stothert’s time as mayor has run its course. Omaha can do better moving forward...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I don't think there was really anything Stothert could have done to keep Con Agra.Connolly wanted them in Chicago and took less money to make it happen.

Greg

I’m not in disagreement here. Likely there was zilch Stothert could do..

But my point was, regardless of the hopelessness of the situation, should the mayor/city/chamber just chalk a 100 year old Omaha born and bred company as a loss and offer little, if any, persuasive argument to convince them to stay? The only thing I remember reported through the media back then (Oct/2015) was that the mayor/city/chamber had a last minute meeting with Connolly in an attempt to persuade ConAgra to stay in Omaha..Then we had the mayor’s office indicate they were “blindsided” by the move..Really? That certainly signals a Red Alert, if true, as to how could the city be asleep at the switch and be “blindsided”??..One would think something was in the air months, if not at least a year after Connolly took over, that he had been thinking of a potential HQ’s move out of Omaha (there was talk of it on this forum for months in advance)..

Who knows.. Like I’ve stated previously, maybe the mayors office did everything they could to try and convince Connolly to keep ConAgra's HQ’s in Omaha.. But still, I wonder..

In any case what’s done is long done. In the end, when evaluating Stothert’s stint as mayor and her prospects moving forward, I think it’s fair to question her leadership as the city’s chief executive...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Greg S]

I remember several posters on this very board bringing up the Conagra concern months before the announcement.

Stothert claimed that her office was blindsided.

I think that was a lie. There were many concerns raised and she was playing hardball.

Her time has run it's course as one of the worst administrations in city history

I’ve never believed the mayor’s office was blindsided by CEO Connolly pulling up stakes and moving ConAgra out of Omaha..and if that was truly the case, then I’d be (and am) even more concerned about what the he!l is going on at City Hall..

As I’ve stated previously here, I question her leadership and agree that Stothert’s time as mayor has run its course. Omaha can do better moving forward...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I don't think there was really anything Stothert could have done to keep Con Agra.Connolly wanted them in Chicago and took less money to make it happen.

Greg

I’m not in disagreement here. Likely there was zilch Stothert could do.

But my point was, regardless of the hopelessness of the situation, should the mayor/city/chamber just chalk a 100 year old Omaha born and bred company as a loss and offer little, if any, persuasive argument to convince them to stay? The only thing I remember reported through the media back then (Oct/2015) was that the mayor/city/chamber had a last minute meeting with Connolly in an attempt to persuade ConAgra to stay in Omaha..Then we had the mayor’s office indicate they were “blindsided” by the move..Really? That certainly signals a Red Alert, if true, as to how could the city be asleep at the switch and be “blindsided”??..One would think something was in the air months, if not at least a year after Connolly took over, that he had been thinking of a potential HQ’s move out of Omaha (there was talk of it on this forum for months in advance)..

Who knows.. Like I’ve stated previously, maybe the mayors office did everything they could to try and convince Connolly to keep ConAgra's HQ’s in Omaha.. But still, I wonder..

In any case what’s done is long done. In the end, when evaluating Stothert’s stint as mayor and her prospects moving forward, I think it’s fair to question her leadership as the city’s chief executive...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Maybe she could have begged more, but to me in these situations, that's a case that can really only be made at the state level, with incentives. Nebraska offered double what they got from Illinois, and they still left. She could have begged more but really it would have been for show only and I believe it was made clear to everyone involved from the start. I am not one to beg someone to do something that they want absolutely no part of and have already decided against me.

I get Con Agra's history with Omaha and what a blow it was. I just don't think any other mayor would have resulted in a different outcome. And any effort to keep them would have been for show and a look I did everything I could to keep them facade.

It just would have been for optics only and I don't see the value in that. We have too much optics only in politics now.

Greg

[Omaha Cowboy]

I remember several posters on this very board bringing up the Conagra concern months before the announcement.

Stothert claimed that her office was blindsided.

I think that was a lie. There were many concerns raised and she was playing hardball.

Her time has run it's course as one of the worst administrations in city history

I’ve never believed the mayor’s office was blindsided by CEO Connolly pulling up stakes and moving ConAgra out of Omaha..and if that was truly the case, then I’d be (and am) even more concerned about what the he!l is going on at City Hall..

As I’ve stated previously here, I question her leadership and agree that Stothert’s time as mayor has run its course. Omaha can do better moving forward...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I don't think there was really anything Stothert could have done to keep Con Agra.Connolly wanted them in Chicago and took less money to make it happen.

Greg

I’m not in disagreement here. Likely there was zilch Stothert could do.

But my point was, regardless of the hopelessness of the situation, should the mayor/city/chamber just chalk a 100 year old Omaha born and bred company as a loss and offer little, if any, persuasive argument to convince them to stay? The only thing I remember reported through the media back then (Oct/2015) was that the mayor/city/chamber had a last minute meeting with Connolly in an attempt to persuade ConAgra to stay in Omaha..Then we had the mayor’s office indicate they were “blindsided” by the move..Really? That certainly signals a Red Alert, if true, as to how could the city be asleep at the switch and be “blindsided”??..One would think something was in the air months, if not at least a year after Connolly took over, that he had been thinking of a potential HQ’s move out of Omaha (there was talk of it on this forum for months in advance)..

Who knows.. Like I’ve stated previously, maybe the mayors office did everything they could to try and convince Connolly to keep ConAgra's HQ’s in Omaha.. But still, I wonder..

In any case what’s done is long done. In the end, when evaluating Stothert’s stint as mayor and her prospects moving forward, I think it’s fair to question her leadership as the city’s chief executive...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Maybe she could have begged more, but to me in these situations, that's a case that can really only be made at the state level, with incentives. Nebraska offered double what they got from Illinois, and they still left. She could have begged more but really it would have been for show only and I believe it was made clear to everyone involved from the start. I am not one to beg someone to do something that they want absolutely no part of and have already decided against me.

I get Con Agra's history with Omaha and what a blow it was. I just don't think any other mayor would have resulted in a different outcome. And any effort to keep them would have been for show and a look I did everything I could to keep them facade.

It just would have been for optics only and I don't see the value in that. We have too much optics only in politics now.

Greg

I think at that last minute meeting back in 2015, the governor was also present..

I dunno. I get what you’re saying about optics..but I’ve had a growing suspicion, especially over the past 5 years, that our leadership at city hall has been asleep at the switch. From indicating they were “blindsided” by ConAgra leaving in 2015, to the crazy mess of the HDR proposed downtown HQ’s debacle in 2016..to city service related issues like snow removal debacles from several years back..to even Trump like tomfoolery on social media, I question her leadership..

And moving forward, I believe Omaha can do much better.. But that’s me...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[nebugeater]

I remember several posters on this very board bringing up the Conagra concern months before the announcement.

Stothert claimed that her office was blindsided.

I think that was a lie. There were many concerns raised and she was playing hardball.

Her time has run it's course as one of the worst administrations in city history

I’ve never believed the mayor’s office was blindsided by CEO Connolly pulling up stakes and moving ConAgra out of Omaha..and if that was truly the case, then I’d be (and am) even more concerned about what the he!l is going on at City Hall..

As I’ve stated previously here, I question her leadership and agree that Stothert’s time as mayor has run its course. Omaha can do better moving forward...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I don't think there was really anything Stothert could have done to keep Con Agra.Connolly wanted them in Chicago and took less money to make it happen.

Greg

I’m not in disagreement here. Likely there was zilch Stothert could do.

But my point was, regardless of the hopelessness of the situation, should the mayor/city/chamber just chalk a 100 year old Omaha born and bred company as a loss and offer little, if any, persuasive argument to convince them to stay? The only thing I remember reported through the media back then (Oct/2015) was that the mayor/city/chamber had a last minute meeting with Connolly in an attempt to persuade ConAgra to stay in Omaha..Then we had the mayor’s office indicate they were “blindsided” by the move..Really? That certainly signals a Red Alert, if true, as to how could the city be asleep at the switch and be “blindsided”??..One would think something was in the air months, if not at least a year after Connolly took over, that he had been thinking of a potential HQ’s move out of Omaha (there was talk of it on this forum for months in advance)..

Who knows.. Like I’ve stated previously, maybe the mayors office did everything they could to try and convince Connolly to keep ConAgra's HQ’s in Omaha.. But still, I wonder..

In any case what’s done is long done. In the end, when evaluating Stothert’s stint as mayor and her prospects moving forward, I think it’s fair to question her leadership as the city’s chief executive...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Maybe she could have begged more, but to me in these situations, that's a case that can really only be made at the state level, with incentives. Nebraska offered double what they got from Illinois, and they still left. She could have begged more but really it would have been for show only and I believe it was made clear to everyone involved from the start. I am not one to beg someone to do something that they want absolutely no part of and have already decided against me.

I get Con Agra's history with Omaha and what a blow it was. I just don't think any other mayor would have resulted in a different outcome. And any effort to keep them would have been for show and a look I did everything I could to keep them facade.

It just would have been for optics only and I don't see the value in that. We have too much optics only in politics now.

Greg

I think at that last minute meeting back in 2015, the governor was also present..

I dunno. I get what you’re saying about optics..but I’ve had a growing suspicion, especially over the past 5 years, that our leadership at city hall has been asleep at the switch. From indicating they were “blindsided” by ConAgra leaving in 2015, to the crazy mess of the HDR proposed downtown HQ’s debacle in 2016..to city service related issues like snow removal debacles from several years back..to even Trump like tomfoolery on social media, I question her leadership..

And moving forward, I believe Omaha can do much better.. But that’s me...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

So, Are you running? ;)

[Omaha Cowboy]

I remember several posters on this very board bringing up the Conagra concern months before the announcement.

Stothert claimed that her office was blindsided.

I think that was a lie. There were many concerns raised and she was playing hardball.

Her time has run it's course as one of the worst administrations in city history

I’ve never believed the mayor’s office was blindsided by CEO Connolly pulling up stakes and moving ConAgra out of Omaha..and if that was truly the case, then I’d be (and am) even more concerned about what the he!l is going on at City Hall..

As I’ve stated previously here, I question her leadership and agree that Stothert’s time as mayor has run its course. Omaha can do better moving forward...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I don't think there was really anything Stothert could have done to keep Con Agra.Connolly wanted them in Chicago and took less money to make it happen.

Greg

I’m not in disagreement here. Likely there was zilch Stothert could do.

But my point was, regardless of the hopelessness of the situation, should the mayor/city/chamber just chalk a 100 year old Omaha born and bred company as a loss and offer little, if any, persuasive argument to convince them to stay? The only thing I remember reported through the media back then (Oct/2015) was that the mayor/city/chamber had a last minute meeting with Connolly in an attempt to persuade ConAgra to stay in Omaha..Then we had the mayor’s office indicate they were “blindsided” by the move..Really? That certainly signals a Red Alert, if true, as to how could the city be asleep at the switch and be “blindsided”??..One would think something was in the air months, if not at least a year after Connolly took over, that he had been thinking of a potential HQ’s move out of Omaha (there was talk of it on this forum for months in advance)..

Who knows.. Like I’ve stated previously, maybe the mayors office did everything they could to try and convince Connolly to keep ConAgra's HQ’s in Omaha.. But still, I wonder..

In any case what’s done is long done. In the end, when evaluating Stothert’s stint as mayor and her prospects moving forward, I think it’s fair to question her leadership as the city’s chief executive...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Maybe she could have begged more, but to me in these situations, that's a case that can really only be made at the state level, with incentives. Nebraska offered double what they got from Illinois, and they still left. She could have begged more but really it would have been for show only and I believe it was made clear to everyone involved from the start. I am not one to beg someone to do something that they want absolutely no part of and have already decided against me.

I get Con Agra's history with Omaha and what a blow it was. I just don't think any other mayor would have resulted in a different outcome. And any effort to keep them would have been for show and a look I did everything I could to keep them facade.

It just would have been for optics only and I don't see the value in that. We have too much optics only in politics now.

Greg

I think at that last minute meeting back in 2015, the governor was also present..

I dunno. I get what you’re saying about optics..but I’ve had a growing suspicion, especially over the past 5 years, that our leadership at city hall has been asleep at the switch. From indicating they were “blindsided” by ConAgra leaving in 2015, to the crazy mess of the HDR proposed downtown HQ’s debacle in 2016..to city service related issues like snow removal debacles from several years back..to even Trump like tomfoolery on social media, I question her leadership..

And moving forward, I believe Omaha can do much better.. But that’s me...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

So, Are you running? ;)

Well, I was a Political Science major in college........

But naw ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[HskrFanMike]

I think at that last minute meeting back in 2015, the governor was also present..

I dunno. I get what you’re saying about optics..but I’ve had a growing suspicion, especially over the past 5 years, that our leadership at city hall has been asleep at the switch. From indicating they were “blindsided” by ConAgra leaving in 2015, to the crazy mess of the HDR proposed downtown HQ’s debacle in 2016..to city service related issues like snow removal debacles from several years back..to even Trump like tomfoolery on social media, I question her leadership..

And moving forward, I believe Omaha can do much better.. But that’s me...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Was there anything Omaha or the State of Nebraska could have done to convince ConAgra to stay? Probably not.

But to suggest that they were "blindsided" and to finally make the call to the CEO the day before they announced they were moving? That's asleep at the switch.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I think at that last minute meeting back in 2015, the governor was also present..

I dunno. I get what you’re saying about optics..but I’ve had a growing suspicion, especially over the past 5 years, that our leadership at city hall has been asleep at the switch. From indicating they were “blindsided” by ConAgra leaving in 2015, to the crazy mess of the HDR proposed downtown HQ’s debacle in 2016..to city service related issues like snow removal debacles from several years back..to even Trump like tomfoolery on social media, I question her leadership..

And moving forward, I believe Omaha can do much better.. But that’s me...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Was there anything Omaha or the State of Nebraska could have done to convince ConAgra to stay? Probably not.

But to suggest that they were "blindsided" and to finally make the call to the CEO the day before they announced they were moving? That's asleep at the switch.

Wholeheartedly my point .. And I’ve been concerned about her leadership as Omaha’s chief executive pretty much ever since...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Jins123]

Do we think with Councilman Jerram’s proposal to reallocate 1 percent of the purposed police budget money to community metal health organizations, that he’s setting up a mayoral run against Stothert, or does he just feel free to legislate without being bullied by the police union anymore, since announcing he will not seek re-election for city council in 2021?

[ita]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

[Omaha Cowboy]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I’ve made my take very clear in multiple posts in this thread-

Omaha should move on..We can do better than 4 more years of Stothert running city hall..In short, I question her leadership..and believe there is too much quid pro quo and cronyism going on downtown. Omaha would benefit from a change of leadership and fresh perspective. 8 years of Jean is long enough.. The question becomes, who would be a true, viable candidate to challenge her?...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[bbinks]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I'm not going to give her an "A", but still better than Fahey and Suttle. Any new mayor should not be in the pocket of the Fire Union.

[Omaha Cowboy]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I'm not going to give her an "A", but still better than Fahey and Suttle. Any new mayor should not be in the pocket of the Fire Union.

Better than Suttle I agree.. But Fahey? I was not a fan of his 1st term. He redeemed himself a bit in his 2nd. I’d say a comparison of 8 years of Stothert vs the 8 years of Fahey is pretty much a wash...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[GrandpaaSmucker]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

When she announced next years budget a couple months ago the whole thing appeared to be based on projected tax revenues that assumed the pandemic would be gone and revenues would be back to normal. The reality that was plain to see then and now is that there is no way the virus will not be around for at least the first 6 months of 2021. There is no way that tax revenue will NOT be way down next year and yet the budget she showed us was figured as if everything was going to be normal. This is not the way to deal with an obviously rough coming 2021. She didn't even get out in front of the coming financial troubles a little bit. Its scary. Budget cuts needed to be made now and they were not even attempted. Financial crisis for the city next year seems to be in the cards.

[S.O.Boy]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

When she announced next years budget a couple months ago the whole thing appeared to be based on projected tax revenues that assumed the pandemic would be gone and revenues would be back to normal. The reality that was plain to see then and now is that there is no way the virus will not be around for at least the first 6 months of 2021. There is no way that tax revenue will NOT be way down next year and yet the budget she showed us was figured as if everything was going to be normal. This is not the way to deal with an obviously rough coming 2021. She didn't even get out in front of the coming financial troubles a little bit. Its scary. Budget cuts needed to be made now and they were not even attempted. Financial crisis for the city next year seems to be in the cards.

I agree

[OmahaJaysCU]

Nm

[ita]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I’ve made my take very clear in multiple posts in this thread-

Omaha should move on..We can do better than 4 more years of Stothert running city hall..In short, I question her leadership..and believe there is too much quid pro quo and cronyism going on downtown. Omaha would benefit from a change of leadership and fresh perspective. 8 years of Jean is long enough.. The question becomes, who would be a true, viable candidate to challenge her?...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

That is the question isn't it; if not Jean, do the other two qualify? Based on the little that we know about the possible challengers, they seem to more progressive, but lack the experience Jean has in City politics. That could be a good thing, particularly since we are likely headed for a budgetary shortfall that is created by the inactivity of Stothert's administration and that certain lobbies that seem to have too much influence in City Hall, which I think is holding the City back.

[Brad]

Things I like about Mayor Stothert,

1. We finally have a long term plan to fix our roads, we have needed this for a long time. I don't care if you love or hate public transit, we will always have roads and they need to be better than what we had. The progress made this year alone ahs been great!

2. The Police Chief job has been stable for the past 8 years. Stability in any organization is very important and its been nice seeing the same chief for 8 years now.

3. The ability to work with the private sector to get things done with a lot of help from private money. From things as large as the riverfront to as "small" as getting pools open during the pandemic, Stothert has done a good job raising funds from private donors to get things done. Tax money is not an endless supply and its nice seeing the private money roll in to get things moving.

[Omaha Cowboy]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I’ve made my take very clear in multiple posts in this thread-

Omaha should move on..We can do better than 4 more years of Stothert running city hall..In short, I question her leadership..and believe there is too much quid pro quo and cronyism going on downtown. Omaha would benefit from a change of leadership and fresh perspective. 8 years of Jean is long enough.. The question becomes, who would be a true, viable candidate to challenge her?...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

That is the question isn't it; if not Jean, do the other two qualify? Based on the little that we know about the possible challengers, they seem to more progressive, but lack the experience Jean has in City politics. That could be a good thing, particularly since we are likely headed for a budgetary shortfall that is created by the inactivity of Stothert's administration and that certain lobbies that seem to have too much influence in City Hall, which I think is holding the City back.

Agreed.. Honestly, 8 years is about long enough. I’m just not satisfied with what I sense, is a lack of leadership and resting on laurels.. Including the good ol’ quid pro quo and cronyism I’ve alluded to before.. Omaha needs new blood and fresh leadership at city hall imo. I just don’t feel 4 more years of Jean (making it 12 years total) is healthy for this city in its quest to move forward..

What the city needs- is a confident, visionary and more progressive leader..one that isn’t imbedded in the “scratch my back I’ll scratch yours“ special interests.. For the ultimate betterment of the city and metropolitan area, I hope this challenging candidate emerges soon..or there likely will be just enough voter apathy for Stothert to win a 3rd term...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I’ve made my take very clear in multiple posts in this thread-

Omaha should move on..We can do better than 4 more years of Stothert running city hall..In short, I question her leadership..and believe there is too much quid pro quo and cronyism going on downtown. Omaha would benefit from a change of leadership and fresh perspective. 8 years of Jean is long enough.. The question becomes, who would be a true, viable candidate to challenge her?...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

That is the question isn't it; if not Jean, do the other two qualify? Based on the little that we know about the possible challengers, they seem to more progressive, but lack the experience Jean has in City politics. That could be a good thing, particularly since we are likely headed for a budgetary shortfall that is created by the inactivity of Stothert's administration and that certain lobbies that seem to have too much influence in City Hall, which I think is holding the City back.

Agreed.. Honestly, 8 years is about long enough. I’m just not satisfied with what I sense, is a lack of leadership and resting on laurels.. Including the good ol’ quid pro quo and cronyism I’ve alluded to before.. Omaha needs new blood and fresh leadership at city hall imo. I just don’t feel 4 more years of Jean (making it 12 years total) is healthy for this city in its quest to move forward..

What the city needs- is a confident, visionary and more progressive leader..one that isn’t imbedded in the “scratch my back I’ll scratch yours“ special interests.. For the ultimate betterment of the city and metropolitan area, I hope this challenging candidate emerges soon..or there likely will be just enough voter apathy for Stothert to win a 3rd term...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yeah cronyism is what I'll always remember her for. A few years back she called Lance Fritz (CEO of UP) and basically told him to relocate her daughter (who works at UP) even though there were no open positions available.

[Omaha Cowboy]

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... op-story-1

It's official, Mayor Stothert is going for a third term. What is everyone's take on her two terms as mayor from purely an economic and project development standpoint? Some of the challenges she's faced that we have heard or read about time and again during her first two terms are brain drain, Omaha's difficulty in recruiting and retaining young talent/skilled workers, equitable economic progress, but flight from downtown, and unfettered sprawl. The article outlines the projects she points to show her success, projects she would like to see through, ie. The Riverfront, crossroads, Heartwood and Avenue One. What are your thoughts?

I’ve made my take very clear in multiple posts in this thread-

Omaha should move on..We can do better than 4 more years of Stothert running city hall..In short, I question her leadership..and believe there is too much quid pro quo and cronyism going on downtown. Omaha would benefit from a change of leadership and fresh perspective. 8 years of Jean is long enough.. The question becomes, who would be a true, viable candidate to challenge her?...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

That is the question isn't it; if not Jean, do the other two qualify? Based on the little that we know about the possible challengers, they seem to more progressive, but lack the experience Jean has in City politics. That could be a good thing, particularly since we are likely headed for a budgetary shortfall that is created by the inactivity of Stothert's administration and that certain lobbies that seem to have too much influence in City Hall, which I think is holding the City back.

Agreed.. Honestly, 8 years is about long enough. I’m just not satisfied with what I sense, is a lack of leadership and resting on laurels.. Including the good ol’ quid pro quo and cronyism I’ve alluded to before.. Omaha needs new blood and fresh leadership at city hall imo. I just don’t feel 4 more years of Jean (making it 12 years total) is healthy for this city in its quest to move forward..

What the city needs- is a confident, visionary and more progressive leader..one that isn’t imbedded in the “scratch my back I’ll scratch yours“ special interests.. For the ultimate betterment of the city and metropolitan area, I hope this challenging candidate emerges soon..or there likely will be just enough voter apathy for Stothert to win a 3rd term...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yeah cronyism is what I'll always remember her for. A few years back she called Lance Fritz (CEO of UP) and basically told him to relocate her daughter (who works at UP) even though there were no open positions available.

It’s small sample size examples such as this, when I hear about them, make me wonder about her..

Also, perhaps it’s just me, but the impression I get that Stothert and police chief Schmaderer appear to be joined at the hip- seems a bit unusual/over the top to me..

I just don’t trust the odor wafting from city hall these days...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[GrandpaaSmucker]

Also, and perhaps it’s just me, but the impression I get that Stothert and police chief Schmaderer appear to be joined at the hip- seems a bit unusual/over the top to me..

I just don’t trust the odor wafting from city hall these days...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

No its not just you! In that article that was posted above she called herself a "Law and order Mayor." That statement is the definition of a "dog whistle." She also bragged in that same article that she has voted for Trump already. Contrast that with the fact that 4 years ago she refused to support Trump and said she would not vote for him because she was against what he stood for. She was right 4 years ago and has now fallen to the dark side. So 4 years ago she thought Trump was a bad dude but since then after learning that he has been sleeping with porn stars and cooking up schemes with the Russians and telling people not to wear masks and fanning the flames of racial tension she suddenly has come to the realization that Trump is a good guy.

[bbinks]

Also, and perhaps it’s just me, but the impression I get that Stothert and police chief Schmaderer appear to be joined at the hip- seems a bit unusual/over the top to me..

I just don’t trust the odor wafting from city hall these days...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

No its not just you! In that article that was posted above she called herself a "Law and order Mayor." That statement is the definition of a "dog whistle." She also bragged in that same article that she has voted for Trump already. Contrast that with the fact that 4 years ago she refused to support Trump and said she would not vote for him because she was against what he stood for. She was right 4 years ago and has now fallen to the dark side. So 4 years ago she thought Trump was a bad dude but since then after learning that he has been sleeping with porn stars and cooking up schemes with the Russians and telling people not to wear masks and fanning the flames of racial tension she suddenly has come to the realization that Trump is a good guy.

Quantify why Stothert should vote for Biden.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Honestly, Stothert can vote for whomever she wants..

What we won’t do in this thread, is turn it into national political discussion.. Let’s keep on topic with Stothert and the Omaha mayoral race discussion only please..

Much appreciated...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[BRoss]

Agreed.. Honestly, 8 years is about long enough. I’m just not satisfied with what I sense, is a lack of leadership and resting on laurels.. Including the good ol’ quid pro quo and cronyism I’ve alluded to before.. Omaha needs new blood and fresh leadership at city hall imo. I just don’t feel 4 more years of Jean (making it 12 years total) is healthy for this city in its quest to move forward..

What the city needs- is a confident, visionary and more progressive leader..one that isn’t imbedded in the “scratch my back I’ll scratch yours“ special interests.. For the ultimate betterment of the city and metropolitan area, I hope this challenging candidate emerges soon..or there likely will be just enough voter apathy for Stothert to win a 3rd term...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I totally agree with that. I used to be a fan of Stothert. Back when she was on the city council I had hoped she would run for mayor and was glad when she won. But I have soured on her over the years. On top of that, I'm a huge believer of term limits. We don't need anyone staying in one position for too long.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Agreed.. Honestly, 8 years is about long enough. I’m just not satisfied with what I sense, is a lack of leadership and resting on laurels.. Including the good ol’ quid pro quo and cronyism I’ve alluded to before.. Omaha needs new blood and fresh leadership at city hall imo. I just don’t feel 4 more years of Jean (making it 12 years total) is healthy for this city in its quest to move forward..

What the city needs- is a confident, visionary and more progressive leader..one that isn’t imbedded in the “scratch my back I’ll scratch yours“ special interests.. For the ultimate betterment of the city and metropolitan area, I hope this challenging candidate emerges soon..or there likely will be just enough voter apathy for Stothert to win a 3rd term...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I totally agree with that. I used to be a fan of Stothert. Back when she was on the city council I had hoped she would run for mayor and was glad when she won. But I have soured on her over the years. On top of that, I'm a huge believer of term limits. We don't need anyone staying in one position for too long.

Right!..

I actually met her once when she was new on the City Council and she seemed to have a solid, grounded perspective back then. I don’t dislike her.. But I think after her first year or two as mayor, I started to see cracks in the crystal- especially in regards to leadership and resting on laurels. There is an old saying- “Fat Cats Don’t Hunt”.. And I think today, after 8 years, Omaha can do better..

If she wins a 3rd term, she’d end up as the longest serving mayor in Omaha history.. 8 years is a long enough time for service imo..

It’s time to clean house and get some fresh air at City Hall...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

I am not familiar with local politics and didn't follow the last mayoral race very closely, except for that Royal guy that partially ran on a platform based on promises of going after an NFL team. When do serious candidates/challengers generally start campaigning? Does it not pick up steam until after the national election?

[Omaha Cowboy]

You’ll likely start seeing the mayoral campaigning start to pick up as early as mid January if memory serves..

Although if I was a newcomer challenging an incumbent, I’d want to make it known and get my name out there as soon as possible..even just before the holiday season...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Linkin5]

I am not familiar with local politics and didn't follow the last mayoral race very closely, except for that Royal guy that partially ran on a platform based on promises of going after an NFL team. When do serious candidates/challengers generally start campaigning? Does it not pick up steam until after the national election?

Oh god I forgot about that guy, he got his dad to fund that hilarious campaign.

I tend to agree with others, I think it is time to bring in some new blood to the mayor’s office. I certainly don’t have the vitriol others have for Stothert, but think there is somebody out there that can do a better job.

[annad]

I started a 2020 Mayoral Campaign thread.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=21186

[Coyote]

Did I hear that Stothert got re-married again.

[arjavrawal]

Did I hear that Stothert got re-married again.

Correct.

[Coyote]

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announces marriage to longtime friend

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has married a longtime friend, her office announced Thursday.

Stothert, 68, married Dr. J. Kevin O'Rourke in a private ceremony on Wednesday, according to a spokeswoman for the Mayor's Office. O'Rourke is an anesthesiologist who completed his training at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

Stothert's late husband, Dr. Joe Stothert, 72, died in March 2021. He and Stothert were married 40 years and had two children.

[Coyote]

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announces marriage to Dr. J. Kevin O'Rourke in private ceremony Wednesday



KMTV 3 News Now

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced on Thursday morning that she married a long-time friend, Dr. J. Kevin O'Rourke in a private ceremony on Wednesday.

[Linkin5]

This is weird right.

[Dundeemaha]

This is weird right.

We don't know what her marriage was like, we don't know the circumstances of this relationship and really we shouldn't.

She's not just the mayor, she's a human too and I hope this relationship brings her happiness.

[Greg S]

This is weird right.

We don't know what her marriage was like, we don't know the circumstances of this relationship and really we shouldn't.

She's not just the mayor, she's a human too and I hope this relationship brings her happiness.

I knew people would want to bring up this angle. I would hate to speculate. The only thing I would add is that it's not that uncommon where after people lose their spouse they reconnect with an early life love for their second marriage.

If it makes her happy from here on out I am all for it. Life is short, make the best of it.

Greg

[omahahawk]

Thank you. We now return you to your regular scheduled programming of 70 story skyscrapers, streetcar routes, and which restaurant has the best ribs.

[Garrett]

This is weird right.

We don't know what her marriage was like, we don't know the circumstances of this relationship and really we shouldn't.

She's not just the mayor, she's a human too and I hope this relationship brings her happiness.

I knew people would want to bring up this angle. I would hate to speculate. The only thing I would add is that it's not that uncommon where after people lose their spouse they reconnect with an early life love for their second marriage.

If it makes her happy from here on out I am all for it. Life is short, make the best of it.

Greg

Yeah it’s not that uncommon for people who were long time friends to get together after a death like this.

[bigredmed1]

This is weird right.

Not really. It's way more common for widowers to both remarry and remarry soon, but it's not really that out of the ordinary for widows these days. Especially if the new man is close to start with.

Also, they remarried in a private ceremony. That cuts a lot of lag time. Considering all the |expletive| you have to do for even just a wedding with a 100 guests and how much disappears when it's basically your kids and grandkids and maybe a few inlaws.

I started dating a couple of months after my wife died. Found someone good pretty soon as I didn't waste time on the games. We aren't getting married, but if we had that in mind, we would be so now and it's only 2.5 years since my wife died. I imagine that the two have clicked long ago and just kept it cool all these years.

Again, if Stothert was a man, it would be speedy, but not crazy fast and as an alpha woman, this is probably typical. Hope they have a good life.

[Coyote]

Proposal would allow Omaha mayor to remain in power when out of town




Omaha World-Herald

Omaha's City Charter puts an acting mayor in charge when the mayor is out of town. Mayor Jean Stothert, who has been away 21% of the time during the first half of 2022, wants to change that rule.