Deena Winter: Beutler leading in cash race
The latest campaign finance reports are out, and mayoral candidate Chris Beutler continues to lead Ken Svoboda in the money race.
This is the last report that will come out before Lincoln chooses a new mayor in Tuesday’s election.
The reports show how much candidates raised and spent between March 20 and April 16.
According to reports filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, Beutler raised just more than $131,000 and Svoboda nearly $75,000.
That brought each campaign’s totals as of April 16 to about $297,000 for Beutler and $187,000 for Svoboda.
That’s more than Beutler raised when he ran for governor in the 1986 primary.
Dems say Svoboda alienated western lawmakers
The Democratic Party said Svoboda was out of line to suggest temporarily halting state funding for road construction, outside of the interstate, in the western two-thirds of the state.
Svoboda last week called for a seven-year moratorium so Lincoln and Lancaster County can reap more of the road tax dollars its citizens pay the state.
Democrats say such a “radical” statement would alienate western lawmakers and make it more difficult for the city to advance its legislative agenda.
Svoboda admitted his idea was politically incorrect when he said it, but said somebody needs to start a discussion about the fact the county gets only 29 cents of every dollar it sends the state Highway Trust Fund.
Heineman in Svoboda’s corner
Gov. Dave Heineman recently sent a letter to “friends” urging them to support Svoboda — financially and in the voting booth — for mayor in Tuesday’s election.
“For many years now, Democrats have controlled the mayor’s office and City Council,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately, Lincoln’s leadership has not always taken advantage of opportunities to make it an even better place to live and work.”
He said Lincoln ought to be setting an example for the state, and Svoboda’s the one to do it.
Taste of China closed; Wasabi moving
A Chinese restaurant downtown closed its doors April 21, and the Japanese restaurant around the corner is scheduled to close Saturday and temporarily reopen in another downtown location.
The Taste of China closed to make room for the city’s parking garage and high-rise project. City officials are weighing proposals for the block from two developers but it could take months to negotiate a deal.
Taste of China owner Chan Hua said he still hasn’t found a new location, and is putting the restaurant equipment in storage while the search continues. He said the city required him to be out of the restaurant by the end of April. He hopes to find a new place and open by early next year.
Most of his employees are relatives.
Wasabi, the Japanese restaurant, will close Saturday and temporarily move to Phreddy’s Phillys, 114 S. 14th St. Robert Burns owns both Wasabi and Phreddy’s.
Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.
This is the last report that will come out before Lincoln chooses a new mayor in Tuesday’s election.
The reports show how much candidates raised and spent between March 20 and April 16.
According to reports filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, Beutler raised just more than $131,000 and Svoboda nearly $75,000.
That brought each campaign’s totals as of April 16 to about $297,000 for Beutler and $187,000 for Svoboda.
That’s more than Beutler raised when he ran for governor in the 1986 primary.
Dems say Svoboda alienated western lawmakers
The Democratic Party said Svoboda was out of line to suggest temporarily halting state funding for road construction, outside of the interstate, in the western two-thirds of the state.
Svoboda last week called for a seven-year moratorium so Lincoln and Lancaster County can reap more of the road tax dollars its citizens pay the state.
Democrats say such a “radical” statement would alienate western lawmakers and make it more difficult for the city to advance its legislative agenda.
Svoboda admitted his idea was politically incorrect when he said it, but said somebody needs to start a discussion about the fact the county gets only 29 cents of every dollar it sends the state Highway Trust Fund.
Heineman in Svoboda’s corner
Gov. Dave Heineman recently sent a letter to “friends” urging them to support Svoboda — financially and in the voting booth — for mayor in Tuesday’s election.
“For many years now, Democrats have controlled the mayor’s office and City Council,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately, Lincoln’s leadership has not always taken advantage of opportunities to make it an even better place to live and work.”
He said Lincoln ought to be setting an example for the state, and Svoboda’s the one to do it.
Taste of China closed; Wasabi moving
A Chinese restaurant downtown closed its doors April 21, and the Japanese restaurant around the corner is scheduled to close Saturday and temporarily reopen in another downtown location.
The Taste of China closed to make room for the city’s parking garage and high-rise project. City officials are weighing proposals for the block from two developers but it could take months to negotiate a deal.
Taste of China owner Chan Hua said he still hasn’t found a new location, and is putting the restaurant equipment in storage while the search continues. He said the city required him to be out of the restaurant by the end of April. He hopes to find a new place and open by early next year.
Most of his employees are relatives.
Wasabi, the Japanese restaurant, will close Saturday and temporarily move to Phreddy’s Phillys, 114 S. 14th St. Robert Burns owns both Wasabi and Phreddy’s.
Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.
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