2025 Omaha Mayoral election

[nebport5]

I'd like to hear Jean make a commitment to biking as the easiest mode of transportation the city can improve sooner than later. At this rate by 2026/7 Omaha will likely be near the top of the list for cities with a streetcar and the worst biking infrastructures.

If there were a Grow Omaha candidate discussion edition this would be the topic of my question for Stothert.

My question for Ewing:

Me: "You're not against the streetcar but you would've put the streetcar to a vote among the majority of citizens who don't support it?"

Ewing: "Correct".

Me: "So you realize there wouldn't be a streetcar? You're not for the streetcar. Got it.
No more questions".

[Busguy2010]

Stothert is behind the street car, MoO relocating downtown, the downtown parks revamp, and the goals of bringing thousands more residents and jobs downtown. How is she viewed as partly blocking or being complacent with momentum?

To rehash what I've been saying for the last 5 years or so for the 100th time, and to boil it down to most basic of it.

Omaha has had that momentum for some time. She didn't create it. She's used it fine.

But where my gripes are that the foundations of what Omaha needs most she hasn't lit nearly enough fires, or even hindered it (Harney Bike Lane).

The things that she could have done to take Omaha from "Great among its peers" to "great compared to any where"

Street cars, more transit (ORBT, Busses, LRT), bike lanes, lane diets, eliminating SFH zoning. Just no vision for what really matters.

Sure we got some nice consolation prizes. But over 12 years I want better. I want the city to treat basic amenities as services not luxuries. And at the current rate I won't live to see Omaha attracting the sort of inbound brains that we need to build a first class medium sized city.

I think if we were able to walk the streets of Omaha today and 12 years ago side by side, it would be a pretty big difference, with a few exceptions (1416 Dodge, lol). I hear your grievances about her not going the EXTRA mile, but if she had campaigned on that ideology, she wouldn't have been elected. She's a reflection of the voters of Omaha. I think Omaha has gotten a little bit more liberal, and I believe she's adjusted a bit to that. You can see it in many of the projects she's getting and gotten done. Sure you can sort of say she's just riding the wave, but at least she's playing and not getting in the way.

I don't think anybody would bear her on bike infrastructure, transit, and more people oriented zoning, because let's face it, it's not a big concern for most voters.

[Athomsfere]

I think if we were able to walk the streets of Omaha today and 12 years ago side by side, it would be a pretty big difference, with a few exceptions (1416 Dodge, lol). I hear your grievances about her not going the EXTRA mile, but if she had campaigned on that ideology, she wouldn't have been elected. She's a reflection of the voters of Omaha. I think Omaha has gotten a little bit more liberal, and I believe she's adjusted a bit to that. You can see it in many of the projects she's getting and gotten done. Sure you can sort of say she's just riding the wave, but at least she's playing and not getting in the way.

I don't think anybody would bear her on bike infrastructure, transit, and more people oriented zoning, because let's face it, it's not a big concern for most voters.

And while all that is 100% fair.

1. I was asked my stance, so I responded.
2. I'm not trying to sway anyone here. I'm just giving my personal opinions.

I'm well aware that we live in a nation that doesn't know how to build a good city anymore. And we are a midsized city in a region especially bad at it.

But until we can do better, I'll vote for those most committed to my vision and champion my best for someone better than what we have.

[Dusty]

I have always looked at Stothert as a steady hand. She has brought stability to the area even during Covid. I can see why people like her. But in the same breathe, some would perceive her leadership as playing it safe for 12 years. She is not a bold and visionary mayor. A lot of big projects happened during her time. To a certain extent, she has rode the wave of success of others. But to be fair...I would think most mayors would have done the same.

She has been a good mayor, but we deserve better. We have been coasting in the slow lane for 12 years. Too many missed opportunities on developments, loosing talented people to other states (brain drain), and not listening to what the upcoming generations want. I want someone who has a bold vision that can get us back to speed.

[Dusty]

I think if we were able to walk the streets of Omaha today and 12 years ago side by side, it would be a pretty big difference, with a few exceptions (1416 Dodge, lol). I hear your grievances about her not going the EXTRA mile, but if she had campaigned on that ideology, she wouldn't have been elected. She's a reflection of the voters of Omaha. I think Omaha has gotten a little bit more liberal, and I believe she's adjusted a bit to that. You can see it in many of the projects she's getting and gotten done. Sure you can sort of say she's just riding the wave, but at least she's playing and not getting in the way.

I don't think anybody would bear her on bike infrastructure, transit, and more people oriented zoning, because let's face it, it's not a big concern for most voters.

I have to disagree on this one. People don't ask for transit and zoning changes because they don't know what that world would look like. They have driven a car in a sprawling city their whole life. People are also scared of change. Stothert sold them on that comfort they know...cars. All it will take is a candidate that can sell a transit-oriented vision. A plan that will bring more housing options and bring affordability back. Attract better developments and more companies move here.

You just need a candidate that knows how to sell the benefits of transit and economic development.

[ita]

State Sen. Mike McDonnell stresses Omaha roots, streetcar stance as he announces mayor bid

Mike McDonnell
State Sen. Mike McDonnell touted his Omaha roots and history as a firefighter and labor leader in formally announcing his campaign for mayor Thursday night.
...
McDonnell wasted no time in signaling that the city’s streetcar project will be one of his main issues as he seeks to derail incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert’s bid for a fourth term. He has criticized the project, the way it was approved without a vote of the public and the way it is being financed.

“Why are we looking at the 100-year-old technology of a three-mile area of a streetcar ... the streetcar named disaster?” McDonnell said. “I think there is some magic math going on there. The thing is, I don’t mind if the people of Omaha want a streetcar, but let the people of Omaha vote on the streetcar.”
...
McDonnell’s announcement makes official what to many has seemed apparent for months, especially as McDonnell initiated a testy exchange of letters with Stothert over the streetcar and the city’s use of tax-increment financing to boost the streetcar and real estate development.
...
McDonnell becomes the fourth person to declare their candidacy in the mayoral race. Nonprofit executive Jasmine Harris and Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, both Democrats, announced earlier this year. So did the Republican Stothert.

[Garrett]

"Why is our city so dependent on the 100-year-old technology of the car?"

[Louie]

"Why is our city so dependent on the 100-year-old technology of the car?"

Yeah his comment there was extremely stupid.

[skinzfan23]

This guy seems like a moron. Does he actually stand a chance of getting elected? If he were, it sounds like he would try to suspend or stop the street development.

[almighty_tuna]

He's just another tool who is trying to create an uproar, pandering to constituents by sowing doubt. Same red herring that Linehan tried to bait with. This platform of faux outrage should be immediately disqualifying - show us your business acumen that can attract new employers, your plan to continue the momentum of a vibrant core, and specific actions you would take to elevate Omaha.

Instead, he's gonna circle jerk suburban voters. I'm glad Stothert is a Republican because at least he can't throw out the usual lazy word salad of recent red vs blue talking points. And again, we will see our local news media (save maybe NE Examiner) ask zero hard questions, push for specifics, or do anything other than play telephone for what candidates, Stothert included, are spinning.

[OmahaFan]

It’s pretty damn clear who you need to vote for and that’s Stothert. Fully support her and the streetcar. I do see though that there is a good amount of west Omaha residents who don’t like the streetcar idea and that may sway the election.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I hope the city also sees all the great things that have happened under Stothert's administration. Everyone else is just throwing out the standard "Omahans want change!" and then have nothing compelling they are going to try to change. My fear is McDonnell will get to the suburbanites who don't understand how transportation works and rile them up about a streetcar that they aren't even on the hook to pay for. Autonomous taxis? Really? You |expletive| moron..

[Brad]

I think the anti streetcar people are very vocal, but they are few and far between.

[nebport5]

I think the anti streetcar people are very vocal, but they are few and far between.

I hope you're right.


I wish UNMC and Mutual would come out and take a public stance over this b.s.

[djc311]

I know it's not a general consensus but I can say with an older mom who lives west of 72nd and a registered Republican, she's not a fan of Stothert or the street car. If this guy comes in with enough support he could stir up the pot quite a bit.

[MetcalfeHarrison]

Omaha would be out a ton of money if they tried to stop the project now between the actual car purchase, engineering, and the pieces they have bid out. I know it's a sunk cost but it would be pretty wild to throw away ~$100 million for no real reason. The development is there to pay for it even if they were right that no one would use it (it will get used a lot once it's finished).

[ita]

Omaha would be out a ton of money if they tried to stop the project now between the actual car purchase, engineering, and the pieces they have bid out. I know it's a sunk cost but it would be pretty wild to throw away ~$100 million for no real reason. The development is there to pay for it even if they were right that no one would use it (it will get used a lot once it's finished).

Took the words out my mouth. A monumental waste of money if we kill the project at this point. Additionally, they city has already committed to developers like MoO and NuStyle who are already building with the streetcar in mind.

[OmahaFan]

The idea to put this up to a vote at this time is just silly and a waste of time. In my opinion.

[skinzfan23]

I also think there would be lawsuits from all the development proposed or under construction if the streetcar doesn't happen.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Omaha would be out a ton of money if they tried to stop the project now between the actual car purchase, engineering, and the pieces they have bid out. I know it's a sunk cost but it would be pretty wild to throw away ~$100 million for no real reason. The development is there to pay for it even if they were right that no one would use it (it will get used a lot once it's finished).

100% correct here..

McDonnell was on KFAB this morning spewing the same anti-streetcar nonsense. Of course Mike Fahey and PJ Morgan both support this guy..

He’s quite a bit late to the party. Just like “The Oracle” was 18 months ago and Linehan about a year ago.. Too late..so sad..Bu-bye..

The guy is an anti development “johnny come lately” (ahem, like Mike Fahey in his first term- remember the hotel debacle etc etc??)…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Jins123]

He won’t even take a position (McDonnell) just says it needs to be voted on.

I can’t believe I’m gonna live long enough that I’d actually vote for Stothert, if it ends up being these two in the general. I’m a mid 30s guy who’s never voted for her.

I’ve always felt Stohert doesn’t prioritize east of 72nd residents, but at least I know where Jean stands on issues and isn’t flipping them for political opportunity. Mike McDonell is so toxic. Jean is far from someone who can advance better public transportation in this city, but she, with the push of real estate donors are trying with the streetcar.

Mike just comes across as a sour suburban puss when talking about it.

[Renovator2559]

I’ve always felt Stohert doesn’t prioritize east of 72nd residents, but at least I know where Jean stands on issues and isn’t flipping them for political opportunity.

Literally most of the projects that have been completed are on the east of 72nd, the North 24th street corridor improvements, the South 24th street Omaha improvements, the downtown area is getting the most attention and projects. Not only that, Omaha has been kept re-markedly stable since the pandemic.

I would take a responsible mayor like Stothert, that keeps the city safe, stable in these manufactured hard times. While at the same time being consistent and earning trust of our private donors to carry out major projects. Much better than those corrupt mayors of the typical suspect cities that leave their cities in-debt and crime ridden.

Plus Jean Stothert reminds me of one of my favorite Presidents!

[Jins123]

I’ve always felt Stohert doesn’t prioritize east of 72nd residents, but at least I know where Jean stands on issues and isn’t flipping them for political opportunity.

Literally most of the projects that have been completed are on the east of 72nd, the North 24th street corridor improvements, the South 24th street Omaha improvements, the downtown area is getting the most attention and projects. Not only that, Omaha has been kept re-markedly stable since the pandemic.

I would take a responsible mayor like Stothert, that keeps the city safe, stable in these manufactured hard times. While at the same time being consistent and earning trust of our private donors to carry out major projects. Much better than those corrupt mayors of the typical suspect cities that leave their cities in-debt and crime ridden.

Plus Jean Stothert reminds me of one of my favorite Presidents!

I’m talking in terms of day to day life in neighborhoods that developers aren’t in and the downtown spots that MECA doesn’t touch, Jean has shown little interests in helping. Other city officials and member of the community do but Jean cannot be bothered. I cite those really bad storms in 2022, Jean couldn’t be reached because she was at the Senior Open.

[HskrFanMike]

He's just another tool who is trying to create an uproar, pandering to constituents by sowing doubt. Same red herring that Linehan tried to bait with.

You do realize that's how Jean Stothert became mayor in the first place, don't you?

[Greg S]

I’ve always felt Stohert doesn’t prioritize east of 72nd residents, but at least I know where Jean stands on issues and isn’t flipping them for political opportunity.

Literally most of the projects that have been completed are on the east of 72nd, the North 24th street corridor improvements, the South 24th street Omaha improvements, the downtown area is getting the most attention and projects. Not only that, Omaha has been kept re-markedly stable since the pandemic.

I would take a responsible mayor like Stothert, that keeps the city safe, stable in these manufactured hard times. While at the same time being consistent and earning trust of our private donors to carry out major projects. Much better than those corrupt mayors of the typical suspect cities that leave their cities in-debt and crime ridden.

Plus Jean Stothert reminds me of one of my favorite Presidents!

I don't understand how anyone could possibly argue that Stothert hasn't prioritized the urban core and basically 72nd street corridor and east.

A big part of the fight between our current mayor and McDonnel will be over the street car and TIF. He's come out strongly against both.

[djc311]

So after another crummy bout of icy weather, I'm still trying to figure out if anyone will find the answers on how to address this better. This past weekend's conditions were actually pretty well forecasted in advance. Perhaps the major roadways were handled better than side streets, but I've seen SEVERAL videos of vehicles literally sliding completely out of control due to the road conditions. One friend of ours had 4 cars slide down her small hill which also has a slight curve to it, with most of them running into mailboxes and/or other cars.

Is there a solution that can work 100% of the time? I'm guessing not - however, it's not rocket science and we've experienced several of this situations over the past few decades. If we lived in Houston or LA, I could see them being at a complete loss on how to approach these weather incidents, but this is not news to Omaha.

Of course all of the mayoral contenders have voiced their disappointment in how it was handled - hard to say if any of them had something to say of significant value, especially Mike McDonnell who continues to simply take the stance of "Stothert isn't doing it right... but I don't have answers as to how it can be done better".

[Brad]

They don't usually pre-treat roads if there is a chance of rain before things start to freeze. If the do, the rain just washes the tax money right down the sewer.

Also, while the mayor is technically in charge of public works, I'm sure these plans are all in place and almost every situation is laid out well in advance of the winter season. Nobody is sitting around the shop on the day of the storm waiting for the mayor to call and tell the plows to go out.

[skinzfan23]

Yeah McDonnell or whatever his name is, is trying to use this against stothert. I think he is like a ton of politicians, doesn’t have a clue how to run it, but is first to point out when something doesn’t work out perfectly for his competitor.

[GenX]

I thought it was kinda funny how quickly his lies were refuted with facts.

[djc311]

I thought it was kinda funny how quickly his lies were refuted with facts.

Agreed - I can say I've seen some comments and what appears to be support from police and fire dept members, I'm assuming due to his career history. Not sure that's enough to sway the election, but if either of these organizers (fire/police) haven't been thrilled with her handling of contracts, hiring additional members, etc. then I'd say that's certainly something that could play a role in their support (or lack thereof).

Look at Trump - I was reading this past weekend how several other countries outside the US are still at a loss as to how that no talent |expletive| clown could win the presidential election. I don't get it - our country is full of fairly intelligent people, yet we (not me) as a whole have now hired a convicted felon to run the most powerful country in the world. It does NOT make sense to me.

[Garrett]

It's been broadly annoying to see the terminally online also harp on the St. Louis issue, when the only reason she was making trips to St Louis a few years ago was to help take care of her mother at the end of her life. It was particularly annoying to see people latch on to an old photo of her on a flight to say she was out of town while the storms were happening.

[skinzfan23]

It's been broadly annoying to see the terminally online also harp on the St. Louis issue, when the only reason she was making trips to St Louis a few years ago was to help take care of her mother at the end of her life. It was particularly annoying to see people latch on to an old photo of her on a flight to say she was out of town while the storms were happening.

Yes, that is crazy. Every job should allow that time to be with family. I just really hope she wins re-election because I really like the momentum that she has built with downtown development and I am afraid that others aren't qualified right now to continue this trend.

[Jins123]

Mike is a lying clown but that post was so unhinged and deserves the criticism it’s getting. The ice storm weekend hadn’t even passed and she doesn't present ideas for making responses better. Instead she posts about rumors and the need to change a city charter to benefit a thing that she swears isn’t a problem, with working out of town. A major miss IMO and not helpful to the valid criticism by us constituents.

[HskrFanMike]

I'm no fan of Jean Stothert and have been a frequent critic of how consistently awful the city has dealt with winter storms under her leadership. Council Bluffs did post on Facebook they were pretreating roads on Friday morning.

https://www.facebook.com/CityofCB/posts ... CwSDfm5Ljl

Also, it did not really rain until the freezing stuff began about 5 pm Friday, nor was it forecast to. The storm predictions never called for significant rain, so it wasn't really going to wash off. It was ALWAYS a freezing drizzle/rain event.

[bbinks]

For some entertaining Stothert Derangement Syndrome look at the Omaha sub-Reddit.

[Padre]

For some entertaining Derangement, look at the Omaha sub-Reddit.

Fixed it for you.

[F0R_L1F3]

For some entertaining Stothert Derangement Syndrome look at the Omaha sub-Reddit.

Just saw one about the issues of the bus system in Omaha. So much hatred towards her and the streetcar disregarding the economic development coming out of it. Another one about her specifically, it was awful to read about. I can understand why people might hate her or disagree with her on numerous issues but that sub-Reddit just had no clue what they were talking about. No strong arguments, nothing. Just pure hatred for some reason.

[Garrett]

For some entertaining Stothert Derangement Syndrome look at the Omaha sub-Reddit.

Just saw one about the issues of the bus system in Omaha. So much hatred towards her and the streetcar disregarding the economic development coming out of it. Another one about her specifically, it was awful to read about. I can understand why people might hate her or disagree with her on numerous issues but that sub-Reddit just had no clue what they were talking about. No strong arguments, nothing. Just pure hatred for some reason.

Which is silly since Metro is a state agency with newly empowered regional funding. It’s gonna get better in the next few years

[F0R_L1F3]

For some entertaining Stothert Derangement Syndrome look at the Omaha sub-Reddit.

Just saw one about the issues of the bus system in Omaha. So much hatred towards her and the streetcar disregarding the economic development coming out of it. Another one about her specifically, it was awful to read about. I can understand why people might hate her or disagree with her on numerous issues but that sub-Reddit just had no clue what they were talking about. No strong arguments, nothing. Just pure hatred for some reason.

Which is silly since Metro is a state agency with newly empowered regional funding. It’s gonna get better in the next few years

Exactly what I try to say! A lot of them also aren't caught up which is annoying when reading their comments. They talked about ORBT and the streetcar and said 24th street should get a line even though that's the next line Metro is developing.

[Athomsfere]

I don't like Stothert for different reasons than most.

But as she is the only person running that seems to be even sort of pro-multi-modal she seems to be the only choice, again.