In the past year, Omaha has seen a 133% increase in car-related pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.  This is unacceptable. We need a serious commitment from city leadership to invest in proven strategies that can save lives.  In addition to implementing elements of the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan, we need to ensure we are leveraging state and federal transportation resources to create safer streets for all users. 

Omaha has underinvested in its neighborhood parks for decades.  I will propose that the city dedicate a portion of its gambling revenue to enhance the quality of our parks, trails, and community centers.

Omaha’s Rental Registration Ordinance has failed to protect the health and safety of our neighbors.  There are too few code inspectors, and many units in the city have yet to be registered.  I will hold the planning department accountable for ensuring the city dedicates the requisite resources to this critical program.  

Accessible to the community I serve.  Constituent support will be my top priority.  I am the only candidate that has committed to work full time as your city council representative.  I promise to hold quarterly town hall meetings to keep all residents informed and included in the process of making Omaha a better community.

Fix the roads.  The condition of our roads is woefully inadequate. The Public Works Department is severely understaffed, and has been for some time.  We will always be playing catch-up with potholes unless we can solve this staffing issue. 

Enhance fire protection. I support opening a new fire precinct in Northwest Omaha to accommodate growth and help deal with the escalating call volume faced by the Omaha Fire Department.  In the past 15 years, call volume for OFD has jumped 78%, but staffing levels have grown only 3%. 

Engage in responsive and responsible budgeting. One of the City Council’s main responsibilities is to pass the city’s annual budget.  I will not act as a rubber stamp, and pass the budget without serious scrutiny.  In the past 15 years, Omaha’s annual budget has ballooned from just over $500 million to a whopping $1.6 billion today.  I will push for the mayor to release the proposed budget to the public well in advance of the date that the document is to be voted on by the council.  This simple step will ensure greater transparency and allow for residents to have a greater voice in communicating their support for or opposition to the merits of the budget. 

Ensure our resiliency. Investing in Omaha’s resiliency should not be a divisive issue. I will ensure Omaha pursues public/private partnerships, state and federal grants, and community input in preparing Omaha for the future.

Data-driven solutions. I will advocate for data-driven solutions such as an expansion of the Omaha Police Department’s Mental Health Co-Responder Squad.