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Seng won't run again

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BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Sep 08, 2006 - 09:18:08 am CDT

Dressed in black and surrounded by her cabinet, staffers and supporters, Mayor Coleen Seng tearfully announced Thursday that she will not run for another term next year.

Seng got choked up and teary as she began her press conference by saying, “Service is the rent you pay for your room in this world.”

That’s been her guiding principle for the past 20 years in public life, Seng said.

Story Photo
Mayor Coleen Seng wipes away tears Thursday while announcing that she will not be running for re-election. (Dior Azcuy)

Coleen Seng

Born: Feb. 8, 1936, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Childhood: In Fremont, where her parents owned a welding, machine shop and repair business.

Education: Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she was First Student Head Resident and graduated in 1958 with a bachelor of arts degrees in political science and sociology.

Girl Scouts: Became a Brownie in 1942; worked for Girl Scouts in Saginaw, Mich., 1958-1960, and in Lincoln, 1961-1962. Past president of Homestead Girl Scout Council and continues to be involved in Girl Scout fundraising activities.

Career: Director of community ministries, First United Methodist Church in Lincoln, 1977-1997.

Public service: Lincoln City Council representing northeast district, 1987-2003; mayor, May 6, 2003-present.

Family: Three children, three grandchildren; husband Darrel died in 1993.

Source: Mayor's Web site

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“Community service is the currency that earns you a place in our society,” she said.

As she was considering whether or not to run for another term as mayor earlier this year, Seng said she reflected on the reasons she ran for public office 20 years ago: “My life has always been about service to the community,” she said, “about participating in the community.”

She always put the public’s interest before her own, she said, and never needed to be publicly recognized.

“I didn’t need the title of mayor,” she said. “I never needed a title to do the right thing.”

And in deciding whether to run again, she said she put the public’s interest first again. She said she didn’t want a re-election campaign to derail the momentum of a number of big, long-term projects, including the Antelope Valley project, opening of the Stevens Creek basin, east and south beltways and possibly a new arena.

She concluded that if she stepped back from what she expects will be a nasty campaign, she’d be more free in the next nine months to ensure those projects stay on track.

“In reflecting on the past 20 years, it became clear to me that running for re-election could and probably would jeopardize the foundation that I’ve tried to (lay),” she said. “Advancing these projects is more important than campaigning for office.”

The possibility that Lincoln will build a new entertainment arena shouldn’t get caught up in a re-election campaign, for example.

“The project should not be torn apart by politics before it even begins,” she said.

In the end, she decided that would be a fitting way to end her political career: as a servant leader.

“The rent is due once again for my room in this world,” she said, choking up again as she closed her speech. “As as I have always done, I will step forward to pay for it.”

Seng said her decision wasn’t influenced by the fact that another Democrat, Sen. Chris Beutler, is interested in running for the position. She said she decided not to run again early this year but waited to announce her plans until the budgeting process ended, to keep politics out of the process.

Among the factors that did weigh into her decision: “The civility that is out there these days,” she said. She believes the level of civility has declined. When she’s out in public, people stop and thank her all the time for her work, but she said those people “would never write a letter to the editor or appear at the City Council.”

When her four year term ends, Seng said she’ll probably continue to serve the community somehow and continue to support issues and projects she thinks will “define the Lincoln to come.”

And while Seng was more emotional than she expected, she also said she felt some sense of relief and freedom.

The subject of whether Seng should bow out now or run again has been hotly debated by Democrats, especially in light of polling indicating she would get clobbered in a match-up with Republican Councilman Ken Svoboda, who intends to run. According to a source familiar with the poll, Seng’s job approval rating was at 41 percent; anything below 50 percent is considered problematic for a candidate.

Svoboda and Independent businessman Roger Yant are the only people who have publicly said they intend to seek the mayor’s seat, but Beutler has a mayoral campaign committee that has raised money.

Republican Councilman Jon Camp has expressed interest in the job, and Democratic Councilman Jonathan Cook has left the door open, saying he wants to see how things shake out.

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


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TJA wrote on September 7, 2006 10:31 am:
" Thank the Lord! She has been nothing but BAD NEWS for the city. Now hopefully we can elect someone with some VISION for the city and someone who is OPEN-MINDED for growth. "

 Phil wrote on September 7, 2006 10:40 am:
" Thank God! Now... I can just wish her a happy retirement. It's no fun being angry with someone all the time. As a normal Senior Citizen, I wish her a long and fruitful life. "

 JMK wrote on September 7, 2006 10:41 am:
" YEA!!! She was a least smart enough to realize she isn't wanted here. Now everyone get out and vote! lets get the rest of the incumbants out of there! Come on...now is our chance to clean up the city government. pay very close attention to the issues because unlike the popular Bush opinion, the issues DO matter. "

 Sean wrote on September 7, 2006 10:43 am:
" Seng is probally a nice person but she's a crappy mayor. I can't wait to get someone in who actually knows public policy. You can't treat a city like a Grand Child! It may take 4 years to get the city back on track. For the love of god people, please vote someone in who has public policy and economic development skills! "

 Erik wrote on September 7, 2006 10:48 am:
" My life has meaning again. Be gone! "

 christine wrote on September 7, 2006 10:51 am:
" good----at least that's one thing Lincoln can be thankful for! "

 christine wrote on September 7, 2006 10:57 am:
" what kind of sense does it make to pay Hyvee all that money too move down the street?! They should have paid for themoving theirselves! instead of moving the business sown the street that was already here---why not bring new business in to the city! How stupid! "

 The nozzleman wrote on September 7, 2006 11:02 am:
" Thank god, maybe now Lincoln can get on with being a decent city. "

 Seng unsupporter wrote on September 7, 2006 11:17 am:
" How about quitting today? Maybe we can get Glen Friendt to take the job. "

 R wrote on September 7, 2006 11:23 am:
" Lincoln has made tremendous progress with Coleen in charge. No matter where you look, we are a growing, vibrant city. The City is up over 4,000 jobs since she took over . . . hardly the gloom and doom scenarios pushed by the bloggers and the radio talking heads. She has been aggressive in using city tools to create economic expansion- there would not be a new industrial park if it weren't for her. "

 Jason wrote on September 7, 2006 11:24 am:
" I'm proud to be a Lincolnite again. BUT...the next mayor CAN NOT be another "kick the can down the road" mayor like those previous to Seng and also must get past the 'ol boys club and be willing to move in new business and new opportunities. It's time our leaders stop being slaves to the children of this city's old money. "

 Mrs. B wrote on September 7, 2006 11:34 am:
" Thank God!!! Now, can someone run that will beat Svoboda - PLEASE!!! He's nothing but bad news. If he can't even keep the city's medians in order, how can he possibly run the City of Lincoln??? NOW - THERE'S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!!! "

 Seng Supporter wrote on September 7, 2006 11:36 am:
" I'm assuming I'll be seeing all you running for mayor? Don't complain unless you're willing to do the job. Personally I would have no desire to represent ungrateful people like the ones responding here. "

 hattie wrote on September 7, 2006 11:42 am:
" Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, It's about time. Now we can see who is the strongest contender. Roger or Jon. Maybe the next mayor will be able to see through the educated engineers that only promote their own at all costs. Cut the red tape and costs associated with creating another agency to supervise another agency. At least Wesley had leadership, even if he didn't know what was going on. "

 ty wrote on September 7, 2006 11:54 am:
" best news I have heard in a long time. "

 John wrote on September 7, 2006 11:55 am:
" At last maybe we can get someone who has leadership skills. Now lets hope someone worth while runs for the office. "

 Happy Camper wrote on September 7, 2006 11:59 am:
" Best thing to happen to the future of Lincoln economic development in years!!! "

 Annie wrote on September 7, 2006 12:11 pm:
" Mayor Seng has been a GREAT mayor. I'm sorry to see her go, and I wonder how much of the opposition she has faced has been just good old-fashioned anti-feminist bias. "

 None of Em! wrote on September 7, 2006 12:16 pm:
" To paraphrase Richard Nixon, you won't have Coleen Seng to kick around any more. But look at the remaining choices: Ken Svoboda, whose lawn service couldn't hold up its end of a city contract, Jon Camp, who acts like a petulant child when he doesn't get his way, and Roger Yant, who judging from some of his past letters to the editor must be more of a right wing nut case than Ann Coulter. I wouldn't vote for any of them if they were running for dog catcher, let alone mayor! I hope Jonathan Cook decides to run because he's the only one I see out there with any kind of common sense and no political axe to grind. "

 Thrilled wrote on September 7, 2006 12:26 pm:
" It is about time. Why couldn't she step down now? Created new jobs???? Where is the tax base to support that contention? My property taxes keep going up, the city is in the red, but the rest of the state is okay? What's wrong with this picture? Since she is not leaving today, the least she could do is fire Casady and some of the rest of the incompetent department heads. "

 JJ wrote on September 7, 2006 12:33 pm:
" This is THE best decision she has ever made. Then again she shouldn't have run in the first place. "

 God Send wrote on September 7, 2006 12:40 pm:
" Svoboda a mayor...that would show citizens don't understand the meaning of substance. Camp is a whiner, Cook, Eschelman and Martin puppets...GOOD LORD, let a outside candidate be sent to lead this city!!!!! "

 Grannie Goes... wrote on September 7, 2006 12:46 pm:
" Thank you, Mayor Seng! You have shown leadership and are a role model for women and the older citizens who were often left behind. Congratulations! None of the current council members would be a candidate of your integrity and determination to improve the city you so Love and have carried forward to be a better place. "

 JAC wrote on September 7, 2006 12:48 pm:
" Lincoln is a growing, vibrant city, and I'm the archbishop of Canterbury. A HyVee on everycorner, a downtown area that is a joke and that includes the Haymarket that has been rammed down our throats for the past 4 years, abysmal shopping opportunities.The only progress made during mayor Seng's term has been reverse progess. As for the city council vote the bums out in the next election and get some people in these positions that care about Lincoln, and not their own personal agendas. "

 Traveller wrote on September 7, 2006 12:52 pm:
" I travel around the country for business and it's always great to come home to Lincoln where I can set back my clock to 1945. Thanks Coleen! You've managed to drive away business opportunities for the city, contribute to the demise of our airport, and keep Lincoln as it was 50 years ago. Your leaving is the only progressive thing you've done in 4 long years. "

 elect me wrote on September 7, 2006 1:16 pm:
" First thing I'd do is cancel the worthless money graft contract with the consulting firm that is supposed to run the fire dept.! Next thing I'd do is is order the law dept. to pursue all legal remedies available so as to collect for the defective fire trucks including the late delivery fee's/fines. Next order of business....call Chief hoppa long and give him one hour to clean out his desk and fax me your resignation. Then I'd call for a meeting face to face with all members of the city council and have a serious meeting of the mind along with setting my specific agenda. Then I see it's time for lunch but before that I'd instruct my chief of staff to notify all deoartment heads that remain that we'll be meeting in my conference room this afternoon @ 2:pm...don't be late. See I'd explain to all that we're a team and I'm the coach. Players that want to run their own game plan need to join a different team. There's more but I now want to ask for your vote. If elected to the job, it comes with a paycheck. That's what pay's my rentjust like everyone else in this city. This crap talk about service is the room rent for life????? Well this person just needs more medication. Give me the job...pay me for it...and I'll give you the results. Just like I do for anyone else who hires me in my contracting profession. Job = pay, pay = results it's as simple as that. "

 Charlotte wrote on September 7, 2006 1:18 pm:
" Please don't let Chris Beutler run for mayor. If you think the city if bad with Colleen Seng, wait till Chris Beutler is "Mayor". Chris Beutler will be mostly run by his wife, Judy. "

 Excited wrote on September 7, 2006 1:23 pm:
" This is the best thing she has ever done for the city of Lincoln! "

 JULIE wrote on September 7, 2006 1:24 pm:
" Here's a good one. Why don't we hire an outside company to search the world over, for a candidate for mayor. They do it with all the other jobs that are available in Lincoln. Doesn't Lincoln have anyone ,that qualifies for the big jobs? Heck,we have a major university and 2 private colleges, and not to mention the trades schools in the city and the surrounding towns. Come on Lincoln show your spirit for the locals for a change. Good luck on your retirement Mrs Seng. "

 FINALLY wrote on September 7, 2006 1:37 pm:
" Crocodile tears; for what? This is a great day for the citizens of Lincoln. Ms. Seng rode the coat tails of the former mayor and did an even worse job - didn't think that was possible. If public serivce is the true calling, put your efforts there, hold onto your purse!! Ms. Sengs agenda was NEVER to just serve the community. Plain politics, it will ruin the most honest of people and those with the best intentions. I'm certain the actions she came into office with were all great, however, you add Government to the mix and you are out!! You can't plese everyone!! Good Bye and Good Luck. Thanks for the service I quess would be the polite thing to say. "

 About Time wrote on September 7, 2006 1:37 pm:
" "And while Seng was more emotional than she expected, she also said she felt some sense of relief and freedom." Relief and freedom because she CANNOT handle the job! "

 JT wrote on September 7, 2006 1:38 pm:
" Thanks Mayor Seng for your service. Things might not have gone smoothly all the time, but when we look back on the developments that happened under your watch I think everyone will be happy: -Continuation of the Antelope Valley Project -Rejuvenation of 48th and O -Getting the ball rolling on a new arena. And by the way, Lincoln is a great place to live, quit your complaining and get involved if you don't like the way things are going. "

 Chris wrote on September 7, 2006 1:50 pm:
" Finally, a smart decision by Seng! "

 DY wrote on September 7, 2006 1:51 pm:
" I am glad that Mayor Seng realized it was best for her to step down. Now hopefully we can get some candidates to run that won't have the voters making comments like "I voted for the person I thought would do the least amount of damage". Lincoln needs a strong leader that can help us grow without putting all its citizens in the poor house. "

 Jay wrote on September 7, 2006 1:53 pm:
" for all of you saying "thank God, GOOD or about time" if you think you can do better I challenge you to run next year. its easy to whine and complaine but difficult to take action. "

 Ted wrote on September 7, 2006 2:06 pm:
" For the life of me, I cannot figure out where all the property tax money is going. With all the huge big houses built surely their taxes are much much more than mine. I live in a little ole crappy house and my taxes ared $4,000. Unbelievable. The property tax issue is no.l in my view. I am barely hanging on. Mayor Seng is a nice person but the business end is lagging or else there are "friends" she has to cater to. This city is the same size of one I came from and my taxes were only $900. Somebody is living pretty high on the hog. Granted my former city didn't have all the beautiful wall barriers and middle of the street berms and cameras, but at least people enjoyed life and didn't fear going bankrupt. Plus the former city brought in alot of industry that paid their taxes and built or rented property for business. The city didn't build it for them. A foreign auto industry is coming and paying themselves for roads and streets and utilities. If that were Lincoln, the citizens would pay for it all and hand it to the industry on a silver platter. The mayor has worked hard and any probable candidate so far leaves me shiver in my boots. PROPERTY TAXES are destroying peoples' lives and forcing retireds to move out of state. What a time in a person's life to be forced to make that kind of decision!!! "

 Sass wrote on September 7, 2006 2:07 pm:
" Ms. Seng said when she's out in public people come up to her and thank her "all the time" for her work but never appear at a council meeting or write a letter to the editor on her behalf. Good grief, Ms. Seng, are you doing your job to get pats on the back and self-acclaim? "

 Lincolnite wrote on September 7, 2006 2:26 pm:
" Goodbye. Hopefully we can have a more competent person in the mayor's office who cares more about the city's needs than adding bike trails. "

 Joyce wrote on September 7, 2006 2:47 pm:
" I've read the negative comments and am amazed how rude and inconsiderate people can be. I really doubt taxes will go down and things will be better after she's gone. The positive aspect for all you rude folks is you will always have something to complain about. "

 Gary B wrote on September 7, 2006 2:54 pm:
" Ah yes, the "rejuvenation" of 48th & O...I can't think of anything better than to put another Walgreens, Hy-Vee, and West Gate Bank there...oh wait, I could think of several better things. How about a bus hub where people could park their cars and take buses throughout the city, reducing traffic and pollution. How about something creative rather than the same old stores you can find all over Lincoln? "

 Aaron wrote on September 7, 2006 2:55 pm:
" Thank God! Now lets hope that the Lincoln senior citizen voters don't vote in someone who is just as old and out of touch. "

 Julia wrote on September 7, 2006 3:03 pm:
" i hope that this means that finally the city will stop spending all of the money in the downtown area. No other place in town seems to matter. Thank you Lord for the blessings of today. "

 Right on None of Em wrote on September 7, 2006 3:04 pm:
" None of Em is right, look who wants to run now. Thanks Mayor Seng for your service. "

 a farewell tribute wrote on September 7, 2006 3:13 pm:
" With dignity and a record of public service it is surprising the number of negative comments on this post. Seng gave the better years of her life to the community and was a selfless leader trying to bring consenus when everyone else makes it so partisan. Thank you Coleen for being one of the last "true" leaders in our community. "

 Tony wrote on September 7, 2006 3:27 pm:
" Ahhahahahaha. This is the best news I have had all year! Now that we are at rock bottom here in Lincoln, the only place we have to go is up. Regardless if she ran again or not, the people would show her we do not want her in office with the number of votes she (does not) get. Now we have room for two competent candidates (hopefully) that can drag our not so thriving city from the rut it is in! "

 Brian in Lincoln wrote on September 7, 2006 3:28 pm:
" I would love to see how Mayor Seng was responsible for ANY of the new jobs that came to Lincoln. For example, all the jobs/work out at Kawasaki; she did not do anything but attend the announcement. Old and repressed....time for change and quickly "

 John wrote on September 7, 2006 3:48 pm:
" My, my so many after the game quarterbacks. Mayor Seng was not perfect and we all at times did not agree with her decisions but she TRIED in her own way. Abe Lincoln was laughed at when he got down and pulled a pig out of the mud because he got dirty. Mayor Seng got down from near retirement to try to the best of her abilities to help the city and she got dirty and now many laugh at her. So,lets put her in a rock pit(sunken gardens) and let each of you that are better than her throw rocks at her. But be real careful of who is watching you throw those rocks (or comments). "

 Hemet wrote on September 7, 2006 5:25 pm:
" There is no one in the public awareness that is qualified to be mayor. It would take a person who is a true leader. Business is not going to move here if they have to pay for their own infrastructure. they move into Omaha instead where local taxes pay for the infrastructure. But in the long run the new business pays for the city tax and higher paying jobs. To this point the past mayors of Lincoln have not been able to make this a clear issue to the voters. What kills me about local voters is that they complain about property tax but say NOTHING about the great Bush rip-off where voters taxes (1/3 of your income) go to spend trillions on welfare to big oil and other corporations who build military toys that do nothing and 500 dollars for a toilet seat, and will pay for a huge national debt, and billions for Mars, and Billions to start a civil war in Iraq and on and on. "

 E.J. wrote on September 7, 2006 5:26 pm:
" Thanks Mayor Seng for all you've done for Lincoln. "

 AJB wrote on September 7, 2006 5:29 pm:
" Thanks Colleen! As a former Lincolnite who still considers it "home" and who still spends a lot of time (and money) in town I know what a great asset you have been to our community. Your efforts and dedication to all of Lincoln will not be forgotten. "

 YEESSSSSSSSSS! wrote on September 7, 2006 5:32 pm:
" This is GREAT news! Colleen was a terrible choice four years ago and our city is paying for our mistake of electing her. It will take a few years to get back where we were, but with continued hard work by so many, Lincoln will rebound. I'm sure she will pull some late October surprise that will cost us a ton of money, but at least she is going. "

 Cindy wrote on September 7, 2006 5:33 pm:
" I voted for Mayor Seng and have been disappointed by many of her decisions. I would not have voted for her again. It makes me sad though to see people finding so much joy in her announcement. I wish more leaders would show their respect for our city, state, and country to make such a difficult decision when it's apparent they should step down. "

 Jake S. wrote on September 7, 2006 5:36 pm:
" Her rent is due. More like we don't want to renew her lease. I want my damage deposit back for what she did to our city. "

 Lincoln (WE) messed up wrote on September 7, 2006 5:42 pm:
" Seng should NEVER have been where she is at today! How Lincolnites were ever so blinded and voted for her in the last election is unforgivable. We got what we deserved and what we asked for. As local tax payers, we blew more money in Lincoln these past years than anyone would have ever imagined. Lincoln was hit by people from Iran or Iraq, we were almost destoyed by one of our very own. I must say, "Thanks for your willingness to serve us Mayor, but you really stuck it to us." Your city and ours will be much better off with new leadership. Hopefully no one will ever do it to you like you did it to us. "

 Bill W. wrote on September 7, 2006 6:23 pm:
" It is true that Mayor Seng has had her ups and downs in Lincoln but neverless it is time for a change. Four years in a city like Lincoln leaves alot of room for criticism. However I hope Lincoln can move past that and fix its real problems. Rather than make a huge campain slur and waste our money I hope the new mayor really improve our city not boast. My biggest issue would be to help Lincoln grow like Omaha has. Lincoln needs to be liveable and acctrive for College students so they stop leaving Lincoln. "

 Sara wrote on September 7, 2006 6:42 pm:
" Thank you Jesus! Any chance she'll leave early? "

 ONward and UPward wrote on September 7, 2006 6:51 pm:
" Thank goodness she realizes running again would be a train wreck. As for Ken, he has no backbone. He only copies what he hears from others. I do not understand the negative comments about Camp. My goodness people, he has been the only one who has had the courage to speak out and ask questions when things do not seem right.(Ok, you too Robin...snaps!!) When has KS come forward with something creative or original? Camp has been the one watching the way the city spends MY/YOUR money. He uncovered the ambulance/firetruck mess and the cost to US/YOU the TAXPAYER.Do you enjoy having your tax dollars tossed away like trash and then be asked for more because the Mayor made a mistake?? We need someone with a brain, a business brain who understands what it takes to Run a business...and the CITY is a business. There are too many uneducated people out there who are reactive and have NO clue what it takes to operate a company. Do your reasearch (walk in their shoes) before you complain about someone who has been there and made a success of it from the ground up(NOT have it handed to them... John Deere and all)If all of you negative types think you can do a better job.... let's see your name on the ballot!! Yeah, that's what I thought. Jonathan Cook.....oh please....If we only had a brain. RE: Seng rerun "

 Mucho gracias! wrote on September 7, 2006 7:01 pm:
" Seng still has ideas, a desire to work hard and miles to go before she sleeps. Good Luck and Thanks, Ms Semg! "

 Bob wrote on September 7, 2006 7:02 pm:
" There is a God! "

 John wrote on September 7, 2006 7:08 pm:
" I did not vote for Mayor Seng but I do not think she deserves the "trash talk" and rude comments written by so many of you. It's this type of behavior that keeps so many good and decent people from running for office. Would you run for any public office knowing that people are going to be have like this towards you? For this, I thank Mayor Seng for being brave and having the guts to pay her rent. "

 Karen wrote on September 7, 2006 7:53 pm:
" Let's just hope Jon Camp doesn't make it to the Mayor's office. I've emailed him before about his narrow minded views on the city council. Being a new resident in Lincoln as of last year, I'm not planning to stay another year! Lincoln has stagnant business growth, big time traffic issues, and over lack of being a likable place. "

 Julia wrote on September 7, 2006 8:31 pm:
" The negative comments are due to the mayor. How many times did she not work with developers who made changes to accomodate her wishes, and then with no apparent reason or warning, she pulled out the veto stamp. Her actions have not been rational. Too many projects did not happen because of her, and those projects would have produced good paying construction jobs and added to the tax base. It is called growth! "

 YEAH wrote on September 7, 2006 8:38 pm:
" Best thing I have heard all day! "

 Debra wrote on September 7, 2006 9:22 pm:
" The majority of these posts just show how our society whines and complains and doesn't do anything to improve things themselves. Stop with the personal attacks on the mayor and if you think other cities are so great, get packing! Not everyone wants to be another Omaha. Mayor Seng has made some very visible improvements. The best job that was possible? Who knows. All of you people doing a jig over this announcement should really consider whether you have anything substantive to offer to the community yourselves. What have you done to improve Lincoln? It surely hasn't been putting forth kindness, or even civility. You all have the power to move yourselves to another community if you think other places are so great. Ask yourselves why you stay here. Could it be that it isn't quite so bad as your complaining makes it seem? "

 Elated wrote on September 7, 2006 9:44 pm:
" Well I didn't con anyone into believing I was the answer to all the city problems either. This isn't all just whining. The mayor has been unresponsive to the communities wants and desires. She has shown up at ribbon cutting and starting lines, but has she led her department heads? Has she made the budget cuts when we were in the red? Has she kept a line on taxes? Has she ever scolded the city council for not rubber stamping her and Casady's control? The fact of the matter is that we cannot have 250,000 mayors. She convinced people she could do their bidding. She failed and lost their faith. When an incumbent's own political party does not want her running for re-election, it is not because of 'whining' on the part of a few people in a newspaper blog. It is because there are serious problems in your leadership and administration, and there is no hope for turning it around in a 2nd term. So for all of you back slappers and consolers; start a write-in campaign for mayor and see how successful you will be. I'm afraid you would see an avalanche at the poll if Mayor Seng were to run for a second term. "

 BOB wrote on September 7, 2006 9:51 pm:
" The Mayor should change the retirement system for city employee's so that it is better for the tax payer and not so great for the city worker's. That is a start to lower taxes!!! "

 A. Gibson wrote on September 7, 2006 10:02 pm:
" Now can we clean out the four seats up for council next year!!! Please. "

 We need a New Mayor wrote on September 7, 2006 10:29 pm:
" maybe a new mayor can bring us competition for some of the monopolies in town like Cable television services & movie theatres. "

 Jed wrote on September 7, 2006 10:41 pm:
" Running and building this city is much different than a mayor in a small town throughout Nebraska. The town I left 40 years ago was more vibrant and fun to come to to shop and etc. Coming back all I see is stagnant growth for business. Lincoln is a nice clean city but this day and age, it takes someone with business and financial experience. None of which I feel any on the city councel have and I fear electing any of them is a step down the rung. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for caring for elderly, and I don't think Lincoln would appreciate having another person on their poverty/medicade roll. However, with Lincoln's unbelievable property taxes and cost of living I'm fearing my bank account is close to turning pink. There is good and bad in all cities, but affordable is not one in Lincoln. Also I'm told Omaha property taxes are just as bad and people complained to me about property valuations over valued like mine when others property with larger homes valuation is less. And protests went on deaf ears, which causes me to question the honesty of the city's assessors. Is this the way Nebraskans' live???? "

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