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Beutler proposes development board

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BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006 - 09:55:43 pm CST

Sen. Chris Beutler said Wednesday that if he’s elected mayor in the spring, he will set up a board to form consensus on economic development in Lincoln.

Beutler announced the second plank in his platform during a Wednesday press conference. He is running for mayor in the spring city election.

Beutler said this “MOVE Council” (Mayor’s Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy) would prioritize economic development projects and find resources to make them happen.

Story Photo
Chris Beutler
Who’s running?

Sen. Chris Beutler is running for mayor in the April 3 primary election, along with City Councilman Ken Svoboda and businessman Roger Yant.

The mayoral appointees would also work to streamline business rules and regulations; anticipate future growth; determine the best use of economic development tools and prioritize public investment in jobs projects.

Beutler said Lincoln people are clamoring for new jobs and a better business climate.

“Nobody can deny the fact that we’ve had trouble reaching consensus in Lincoln,” Beutler said, citing  the failed 2004 street bond issue.

“We failed as a community,” he said of the torpedoed bond issue.

The MOVE Council would help the community move faster on economic opportunities, he said.

Mayor Coleen Seng has worked to streamline city government, but Beutler said more needs to be done.

City Councilman Ken Svoboda, who is also running for mayor, said the city has already had plenty of committees working on such issues.

“I’d rather put those community volunteers to work actually getting things done rather than just talking about it,” he said.

And as for Beutler’s goal of creating good jobs, Svoboda said the government’s job is to create a business-friendly environment.

“I don’t think government creates jobs. The only jobs government creates is government jobs and we don’t need any more government jobs.”

Beutler said the council would be comprised of 11 representatives of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln Independent Business Association; Neighborhood Business Association; Realtors; Homebuilders of Lincoln; University of Nebraska; 2015 Visioning Group; Downtown Lincoln Association; labor groups; neighborhood associations and non-profits.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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Hattie wrote on December 20, 2006 12:44 pm:
" CONSENSUS: The definition of consensus is the absence of LEADERSHIP. Thats a quote from Margaret Thatcher. Consensus is what Seng tries to do, however she does not know how to, that is what Wesley tried to do. Float an idea around first to see what the general public thinks about it, then gow with the majority. Sounds like Clinton thinking. "
frankly wrote on December 20, 2006 12:50 pm:
" be ready for more of the same. Why do you have to prioritize economic developement? When a company chooses lincoln, that would make it an instant priority. more of the same. He is a lifetime politician with no real goals except to take more money from taxpayers. the street bond failed because the people don't believe any more in the city government with overpaid directors and management with sweet retirement packages. "
LPED wrote on December 20, 2006 1:06 pm:
" isn't this what Lincoln Partnership for economic development gets money from the city to do? "
hummmmm wrote on December 20, 2006 1:48 pm:
" What does DLA hold on people that they are involve in the whole community when they have blinders on only for downtown "
RW wrote on December 20, 2006 1:55 pm:
" Sounds to me like, up the jobs, up the salaries, which ups the housing prices, ups the property tax and businesses will cash in for more money and leaves the retireds further down the drain. What was a prepared retirement has now been reduced to not able to afford a retirement place. Federal taxes has grown the economy, increased taxes drives the economy down, exactly what Lincoln has done! "
KLM wrote on December 20, 2006 3:17 pm:
" I appreciate what both Mayor Seng and Councilman Svoboda have tried to do for Lincoln, but they are both tied completely to failures of the past and the prevailing negativity about city government. This city needs new blood and a fresh perspective to MOVE forward and, so far, Chris Beutler is the only candidate who will be able to get it done. He brings all the experience voters could want with none of the baggage. The fact that Beutler is a man of vision and ideas is only icing on the cake. This election is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the city of Lincoln. The more voters hear this spring, the sweeter "Mayor Beutler" will sound. "
Jason D. wrote on December 20, 2006 3:25 pm:
" I like it. It's a good idea and it makes sense. So far I've heard more ideas from Beutler in the last month about how to move the city forward than I think I've ever heard from Ken Svoboda. If he keeps it up, he'll definitely have my vote and I'd be willing to bet most of the city's. "
Diane wrote on December 20, 2006 3:37 pm:
" I am so excited about Beutler's candidacy. It is refreshing to find someone who has ideas to make Lincoln better. I know Beutler is the type of person that will use his leadership skills to build consensus throughout the community. "
Bob wrote on December 20, 2006 4:38 pm:
" Sounds like more of the same with a fancy new title! "
dr wrote on December 20, 2006 4:44 pm:
" These negative comments are unfortunate but not surprising. The attitudes expressed here are exactly what's wrong with Lincoln. Beutler seems able to move in a positive and productive manor which is necessary to move Lincoln forward. "
Klumpy wrote on December 20, 2006 5:04 pm:
" Seems Lincoln has at least two resonable candidates from which to choose this election. I like the idea of getting collaboration from various groups to move on ideas. It will work with the proper leadership. Much of what this city can or can't get done will be determined by how well it works with the State Legislature. So I would give my support in the election to Beutler. "
mike4mayor wrote on December 20, 2006 7:34 pm:
" More of the same... He will put people on this council that already make the decisions here in Lincoln. Why not elect someone who is going to make a real difference. The only thing that I see changing is the name of the group of people who make the decisions not the people. This man was term limited out and he is fighting to stay a politician. "
H Smith wrote on December 20, 2006 7:41 pm:
" At first I thought, "this sounds like the same old economic development discussion we have had year after year." But after reading further and talking to other proprietors, I realized this planning, prioritizing, and building concensus is what we really need. There are too many groups out there battling for limited resources. We need to identify what projects are most important in expending our shrinking budget, rather than letting it be first come, first serve and having our pockets emptied when a real opportunity knocks on our door. Thank you, thank you, thank you for suggesting a common sense plan, and for keeping our neighborhoods, homebuilders, and Realtors in the discussion! "
A new direction wrote on December 20, 2006 8:13 pm:
" Beutler showed leadership and vision in the legislature and as a Mayor he'll do the same for Lincoln. He's the only candidate talking about real economic development that brings high paying quality jobs with benefits to Lincoln. He has experience in the development community but also has a fresh perspective from the neighborhoods. New ideas, vision and passion.....that's what this city needs. "
colby wrote on December 20, 2006 8:40 pm:
" An 11 member board to come up with consensus on economic development and that will be the the magic? The problem Lincoln has had the past 10 years is that there has been no Leadership from the Mayor on where Lincoln should be headed for economic development. Johanns spent his last 2 years running for Governor; Wesely immediately took office and made it partisan politics for the Democrats and how business was bad for the city; Seng thought you could sit down and talk it through without any idea of where she was going. I need a candidate that tells me where we are going for growth, what we need to invest in (yes it going to cost the taxpayers something), and then spends the time working to see that it gets done, including eliminating hurdles the city has created. In looking at past records, that isn't Beutler. "
History wrote on December 20, 2006 9:44 pm:
" Look at Beutler's history in the legislature, which is the only thing that we have to look back on...He is so concerned about the Chamber and economic development but only about 30% of his votes over 26 years in the legislature favored economic development. He didn't support state chamber issues, let alone Lincoln's. His only changes to his 26 year history came in the last year when he wanted to run for Mayor of Lincoln. Wise up people, he is telling what you want to hear. Not how he acted in the past. Do your homework. Look at his history on the Appropriations committee - he certainly was not pro- business/pro-development. Compare Svoboda's 6 year voting record on the Council - much more pro-business development than Beutler ever was in 26 years. "
Leadership wrote on December 20, 2006 10:54 pm:
" I appreciate the fact that Chris Beutler has been in the Legislature representing Lincoln for the past decade. While everyone loves to criticize Mayor Seng, they seem to forget that Ken Svoboda was on the Council with her, and during her term as Mayor. Ken's as much a part of the problem with city government as she is. Beutler will bring passion, intelligence and dedication to the Mayor's office. "
hummmmm wrote on December 21, 2006 8:23 am:
" Consensus?? What do we elect a Mayor for?? to be a facilitator or run the city. Just another committee loading with strong arm people who have their own agendas. Cann't we get anyone to run who has moxie. "
Layer wrote on December 21, 2006 9:19 am:
" ...yet another layer of bureaucracy. "
Roger wrote on December 21, 2006 1:04 pm:
" Two Democrats as Mayors in a row, now a third wants it. Anyone care to predict the future (his "bond" rant is a good hint). "
Are you kidding? wrote on December 21, 2006 11:56 pm:
" Svoboda has been a pro-business vote on the Council? What? All he does is talk about how bad the city's growth has been, but he forgets that he's been on the council all this time. He's had six years to get this city moving and he couldn't do it. He's part of the problem. It's time for a change. "

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