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Beutler wins endorsement in mayoral race

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Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 - 11:59:29 pm CDT

Back in January, the Journal Star laid out four broad categories that the newspaper’s editorial board would use in deciding who to endorse for mayor.

With just a week remaining before voters go to the polls on May 1, the editorial board has reached the conclusion that Chris Beutler offers the best blend of talents and vision to lead Lincoln city government for the next four years.

JOB CREATION

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Chris Beutler

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Chris Beutler's interview with LJS Editorial Board

Mayoral candidate Chris Beutler is interviewed by the members of the Lincoln Journal Star Editorial Board: Publisher John Maher, Editor Kathleen Rutle...

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Beutler has offered an outstanding package of ideas on how to improve city policies and practices that affect economic development, ranging from the speeding the permit process to forging consensus on economic policy.

He’s honed in on the problems that plague the present administration, and showed analytical ability in proposing solutions.

One example is what Beutler calls his “taking charge of government plan,” which includes appointment of “project managers” to shepherd major projects through city government channels, cutting through red tape and eliminating frustration that erupts when city departments interpret city requirements differently. He wants to establish a “one-stop permit center” to make city government more business friendly.

Beutler plans to appoint an 11-member council dedicated to finding unity of purpose and vision on economic development. Lack of consensus on Lincoln’s priorities — and the fragmented nature of the local business community — have been noted in the past by former Lincoln Chamber President Jim Fram and others.

MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE

While Beutler has private-sector experience from founding, expanding and selling a title business, he inspires confidence mostly because he seems to understand that under the strong mayor form of government he needs to bring his department heads into line and working together. Right now city employees “are not getting the direction they need to be successful in their jobs,” Beutler said. He wants to establish performance standards where none presently exist in order to improve accountability.

Also encouraging is Beutler’s pledge to look beyond party labels when filling key positions on his staff.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Beutler is at his best in thoughtful discussion. He has a quiet conversational style that’s suited to give-and-take. He’s articulate in getting his ideas across on complex topics. While perhaps not the most spell-binding orator or high-energy salesman, Beutler’s abilities will suffice.

COMMUNITY IDENTITY

Beutler has a healthy appreciation for Lincoln’s strong points, including its public school system, its parks and trails and its arts and entertainment community. At the same time he recognizes that Lincoln needs to grow and change as globalization and technology change the workplace and the nature of jobs. “You can’t stay the same,” Beutler said in an editorial board interview. Beutler said he respects the “judgment, energy and commitment” of the 2015 Vision group and plans to work with them on public-private initiatives.

For the challenges of the next four years Lincoln needs a mayor who can help the community develop new unity and momentum, especially on the crucial goal of job creation. Beutler has offered promising, well-crafted strategies based on sound analysis. He wins the Journal Star endorsement.


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LJS-A publication of Nebraska Democrats wrote on April 22, 2007 8:28 am:
" LJS You forgot the 5th criteria that you always use 5. They have a (D) next to their name unless they have absolutly no chance of winning then go with the (R) "
Repubican voter against Swoboda wrote on April 22, 2007 9:11 am:
" So, you republicans want a mayor that breaks contracts and has double standards. Swoboda had a contract that was to be completed in 2004 and has yet to complete it. He also raised a ruckus when the penalties on the fire trucks were waived or reduced yet he gladly lets the city waive his $10,000 penalty on that contract. Is this really the type of mayor you want for this city? Things will go from bad to worse with Swoboda. "
Mark wrote on April 22, 2007 9:23 am:
" I have renewed faith in the LJS. They actually focused on the issues and solutions provided by Chris Beutler. It would have been easier to focus on the short comings of the other candidate not only in his failed maintenance contracts and ineffectiveness as chair of city council but his lack of creativity and thoughtfulness in even presenting solutions to the city to "move it forward". Thanks LJS! "
JT wrote on April 22, 2007 9:31 am:
" Please remember the Journal-Star endorsed President Bush and he narrowly beat Senator Kerry. As for this election I think we have two solid candidates and we can't go wrong either way. "
Where is that D? wrote on April 22, 2007 9:34 am:
" These are non-partisan elections, and the unicameral is the same. There is no D next to his name. I am a Democrat and I don't have a D next to my name either. My brother has a D in his name, but that is because his name is David. The LJS just endorsed the better candidate, not because of this D. "
not so wrote on April 22, 2007 9:51 am:
" The LJS is far from a publication by Nebraska Democrats. Think about their far-fetched endorsement of Jeff Fortenberry against Matt Connealy in 2004, their endorsement of Fortenberry again in 2006, and their endorsements of many Republican State Senate candidates. "
Tara wrote on April 22, 2007 10:08 am:
" I guess that's why its called the "LJS endorsement for mayor" and not the "LDH endorsement for mayor." I'm sure the LJS would be happy to run a letter to the editor from you outlining why you think Ken would be a better candidate. "
TG wrote on April 22, 2007 10:47 am:
" Looking objectively at the candidates and their individual plans and using the LJS 4 areas listed above, the editorial board is absolutely correct in its endorsement. Beutler has proven time and time again that he has the ability and intelligence to get the results that Lincoln needs from its mayor. Meanwhile, Svoboda can't even provide a sufficient answer to the question "Why haven't the bike lanes in downtown been re-painted?" My vote is for the better candidate---Chris Beutler. "
Congratulations! wrote on April 22, 2007 11:38 am:
" Kudos the Journal Star for putting so much thought into this very important decision. They clearly illustrated that they had a list of criteria by which they made their decision and I believe they made the right one. Chris Beutler will be a great mayor for Lincoln! "
State Repubs Give Up on Ken wrote on April 22, 2007 1:05 pm:
" I got a mailing late last week from the Stat Republican Party. It was a vote by mail application for Spatz only. There was not mention of Ken Svoboda! Why has the State Republican Party given up on Ken? It looks like they're focused on taking over the City Council, but they realize that Ken is going to lose. "
Why Pick on Fortenberry? wrote on April 22, 2007 1:11 pm:
" The LJ-S endorsement of Fortenberry in 2004 and again in 2006 was a good endorsement. Fortenberry has made tremendous strides and is becoming an influential member of Congress. Thanks to his work and leadership Nebraska is a leader in ethanol and renewable energy production. I just don't see why blind-party loyalists need to pick on talented and hard-working up-and-comers like Fortenberry. "
WD wrote on April 22, 2007 1:26 pm:
" How does LJS a paper for the citizens, have the right to publically or basically tell citizens who is the best candidate and who the people should vote for. As a non-commital voice for the city, this should not be. In other words they are telling Lincoln citizens they should vote for Beutler who has voted EVERY TIME in government to raise taxes and he turns about face and says, "we shouldn't raise property taxes." Now just which way does he want it, he voted every time in the legislature to raise all the taxes, yet campaigns for mayor and says we shouldn't raise property taxes!!!!! This man has lived off the taxpayers all his life, and DIDN'T know he was over paid $10,000. for a 25 hr week collecting donations at the tune of $370,000. Come one people!!! Wake up!!!! Why on earth do you think the rest of the U.S. is laughing at Nebraska and their 5th highest taxes?!! Well it wasn't because Beutler voted against raising them!!! Just tell me why tons of other cities can operate on half the taxes people pay in Lincoln and still have better & bigger services than Lincoln. Could it be alot of pockets are being well padded????? My vote is NO for Beutler!! "
this helps explain your cartoons wrote on April 22, 2007 1:32 pm:
" hmmmm this may now expain why all the negative cartoons about Svoboda and none about Beutler by the resident cartoonist. "
Roger wrote on April 22, 2007 1:46 pm:
" Beutler = Seng, par deux. More of the same - higher taxes, chasing business away, discouraging development, growth and progress. All in the name of "the average person" (read: Union members). Come on Republicans - get the vote out. Svoboda isn't great, but he's all we got! "
Amazed wrote on April 22, 2007 2:39 pm:
" I have to say that I am very surprised the LJS is opposing LIBA’s choice for Mayor. I thought the editorial board was bought and paid for years ago. Way to stand up and make the better recommendation. "
Are we this stupid? wrote on April 22, 2007 3:06 pm:
" Look at the people working for Beutler. His chief political adviser is Don Wesely. His campaign manager was Coleen Seng's campaign manager. Anybody get it? If we are serious as a city about making change, why are we even considering electing the people who made this mess? I know the liberal crackheads at this newspaper are stupid enough to suggest re-electing the current regime to make more of a mess of this city, but certanily we the people are not this stupid. "
BDJJ wrote on April 22, 2007 4:18 pm:
" I cannot believe that there are people out there thinking Seng, Wesley, etc. are responsible for the things they are unhappy about. HELLO.........the mayor doesn't have a vote, the city council members do!!! If you don't like what has happened, please remember Ken Svoboda did have a vote on ALL the issues. If you want to blame someone, blame him and the other city council members. Look at the median/mowing issues, lack of fulfilling his own contract obligations and the Time/Warner mess. And if anyone thinks LIBA is in support of anything other than their own interests, think again. Beutler is definitely the right choice to be the next Mayor of Lincoln. "
make up your minds for yourself! wrote on April 22, 2007 4:28 pm:
" If I remember right the LJS also endorsed Ms Nantkes and look at what a disater she is for a leader. Read about and talk to the candidates then make up your own mind. "
Lincoln Republican Voter wrote on April 22, 2007 4:53 pm:
" Check your mailbox again, SRGUK. I live in Northwest Lincoln and got a vote by mail piece for John Spatz, then the next day I got one with all of the candidates including Ken Svoboda. Looks like they sent two. "
Jay C wrote on April 22, 2007 5:12 pm:
" I just want to know how many more democratic mayors it's going to take to make this city un-affordable for everyone but the super rich and welfare recipients with housing subsidies? Can't say I'm surprised by the endorsement though...he does have the D by his name. "
mark wrote on April 22, 2007 5:35 pm:
" How about a deal? Anyone that voted for Coleen Seng will opt out of voting this time. And we won't scorn you any longer. If Mr. Beutler voted for Ms. Seng, well, I don't know, that just should be on his campaign material. "
broken record wrote on April 22, 2007 6:11 pm:
" Wesley, Seng, Beutler........Have you ever wondered why the city of Lincoln is in the shape and condition it's in today? Wesley (D), Seng (D), Beutler (D). What is it going to take to get people in Lincoln to wake up to what is going on here. Twelve years of this is enough. We don't need anymore of the good old boys (girls) too continuing to slap each other on the back for more mistakes. We need change now! It isn't enough just to get rid of Seng. Don't replace her with the same old song. "
Svoboda = Seng wrote on April 22, 2007 6:32 pm:
" Again, I'm astounded when people try to tie Beutler to Seng. Beutler announced he was running before knowing what Seng was going to do. There is only one candidate that has served with Seng on the Council and as Mayor and that's Ken Svoboda. Ken Svoboda = more of the same; Beutler, as the LJS so accurately puts it = positive change for Lincoln. "
Dianne wrote on April 22, 2007 9:59 pm:
" The words are simple. Chris Beutler will be the best mayor this city has ever seen. "
Concerned Voter wrote on April 22, 2007 10:07 pm:
" Why does this not come as any big suprise? As a Republican I have come to the realization that Lincoln is becoming very liberal. Its a sad day in Lincoln, and things don't seem to be getting any better. I think it was a short fall when we elected a senior citizen girl scout leader that can't keep track of her own purse to the office that runs our town. Lets take a quick look at what has happend to our local economy in the last 4 years. Flights in and out of Lincoln have decreased even though our population has increased, Douglas Theatres has continued their monopoly as national theater chains have been run out of town, Gallup one of Lincoln's most profititable companies moved to Omaha because they didn't get the land they wanted, and ITI is in continous fights with Seng and maybe on their way out of town if things don't shape up. When will my fellow Republicans pull their heads out of this hole and get to the polls the only place that counts? By not voting you might as well be giving the liberals a vote, I still feel there are enough conservatives learking around town that can sway the polls but we must show up; the Democrats certainly have and look at how bad things have gotten. "
whatever wrote on April 22, 2007 11:59 pm:
" It won't matter who is elected, Lincoln will continue to become just another suburb of Omaha/Bellevue. "
What you expect wrote on April 23, 2007 8:19 am:
" Could it be they are endoring him cause they know there will be more negative news to report if he's elected. Primarily because it will be the same as the last two administrations. "
Mike Honcho wrote on April 23, 2007 8:46 am:
" Hmm...I see a whole lot of back-patting for Beutler, but I don't see any comparison of the candidates...I don't see any analysis of WHY Beutler wins these categories. If you're going to endorse a guy, then perhaps it would be a good idea to compare your guy to the guy he's running against, so that way we would know WHY each person is excellent, or needs improvement, in the selected categories. Then we, the readers, could make up our own minds based on the merits of the candidates. Something tells me that, had Svoboda won the primary, the LJS would be endorsing him right now...but he actually had Republican challengers...who did Beutler have to beat on the Democrat side? "
omnione wrote on April 23, 2007 9:32 am:
" Though there were potential Republican candidates who may have had some interest in running for mayor, Svoboda was the only Republican in the primary election. No, Roger Yant doesn't count despite his flip-flopping between independent and Republican ideals. There is a comparison of the candidates through the Election website on LJS where you can compare candidates on major issues. Though I agree that the LJS should have run a comparison of responses and depicted why Svoboda lost to Beutler in their four categories, it seems that Republicans think that the LJS is liberally-biased if the paper picks against them but say nothing if the paper picks one of their candidates. "
Mike Honcho wrote on April 23, 2007 9:49 am:
" I'm not accusing bias based on this article, just questioning why the comparisons that led to Beutler's supposed "victory" were not included here. This article makes no mention of Svoboda at all! The editorial staff make it sound like Beutler is running unopposed. How did they reach their conclusions? These are questions that should be answered before recommending a candidate. "
Mark wrote on April 23, 2007 10:39 am:
" For all those who have been calling for change at city hall these past few years, well here is our chance. I think the majority of Lincolites see through the political b.s., and they don't need the local paper to make up their own minds who is the best choice. It is very, very obvious the Ken S would be a better Mayor of Lincoln, by far! "
Sowed up wrote on April 23, 2007 11:26 am:
" Lincoln had gone liberal long long ago. Living in another state some years back, the national news would say Nebraska was very conservative so they knew how they would vote. I would rise to my feet and say "WHAT?" They use to be but anything goes now. You can't expect LJS to give equal comparison to delegates when this is a dictator town! Theres the "in" group that doesn't want the town to grow, just exsist. Consequently those with mayoral criteria and energy have left town and moved to where their city grows. Those left here are basically just living off the citizens of Lincoln. Thats what Beutler has done most of his life, he's only looking out for Beutler, period. If you've lived in several prosperous cities with excellant mayors, you can sure see the difference living here. And none in comparison the lessor of two evils is Svoboda! "
Airport wrote on April 23, 2007 11:58 am:
" "Flights in and out of Lincoln have decreased even though our population has increased" "Gallup one of Lincoln's most profititable companies moved to Omaha" I got two words for you that would explain both of these problems: Airport Authority "
Neal wrote on April 23, 2007 12:01 pm:
" Well, I went back and looked at my cartoons from the past 5 months or so. I counted 1 picking on Svoboda, 1 picking on Beutler, several picking on Seng, and quite a few picking on the arbitrary angry people who contradict themselves all over the place in their efforts to angrily condemn Lincoln while saying that the best way to clean up city hall is to elect a guy who has been there for a decade. It personally doesn't bother me who people support. But when they're contradicting themselves all over the place, it makes ripe fodder for commentary. It just amazes me - if you have to make up statistics and doomsday scenarios in order to convince people Svoboda is the right candidate, what does that say about him? Surely the guy has SOMETHING going for him, doesn't he? And I'm just laughing, imagining if the Journal Star had done a contrast-compare endorsement (rather than an actual endorsement, which they have done). "Can't the Journal Star say anything nice about Beutler without having to rip on Svoboda??!?!!" (For the record, I'm a freelancer. The LJS doesn't tell me what to draw.) "
I'm listening... wrote on April 23, 2007 1:31 pm:
" All of those endorsing Beutler keep making a better and better case why he should be Mayor. He seems to have a plan, the expertise, and the optimism to be Mayor. "
umm wrote on April 23, 2007 1:47 pm:
" The only thing more laughable than Republicans complaining they're persecuted in Lincoln and Nebraska is Christians making the same argument. Wow. "
Rockin Robin wrote on April 23, 2007 3:05 pm:
" BDJJ... the mayor sets the policy to be considered by the council!! Learn a little about city government. This mess is ENTIRELY Wesely and Seng's fault. And look at Svoboda's record. You'll see when it comes time to deal with the deficit, Svoboda ALWAYS votes to cut expenses. When dealing with r5oads came up, Svoboda correctly assessed that the road infrastructure here is good -- it's the roads' condition that's bad. The bottom line is Beutler is a clone of Wesely and Seng, and Svoboda wiull actually try to change what Wesely and Seng have wrought. This election is a no-brainer. Of course, as liberal as Lincoln is, it won't surprise me if the brainless vote Beutler in. "
TK wrote on April 23, 2007 3:42 pm:
" Yes, as brainless as this town is, they'll propably vote for Beutler's pretty face and grinning smile, but above all that, theres NOTHING THERE!! Maybe he's good at cutting ribbons, who knows. Kinda of hard for Svoboda to do anything on the council with all the other brainless voting against him. "

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