Gaylor Baird and Geist meet face to face for first time since Lincoln primary

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The candidates in Lincoln’s mayoral race met face to face Thursday for the first time since the primary election.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and former State Sen. Suzanne Geist talked about infrastructure, housing and growing Lincoln.

“We continue to cultivate our young professionals and make sure that there are wonderful jobs for them,” Gaylor Baird said. 

Geist said the city needs equal opportunity for all.

“No matter if you are a small refugee community or you are a prosperous huge business in our city, from one end of the spectrum to another, that you have equal opportunity for jobs, for business, for growth,” she said.

Gaylor Baird said that to grow, the city needs to be inclusive of all, including the LGBTQ+ community. And she contrasted that with Geist’s legislative record.

“The discussions at the state Legislature are perilous to our competitiveness as a state,” Gaylor Baird said. “I can see why you wanted to leave; those are really dangerous votes to be making.” 

Geist said the mayor was trying to move the focus from the main issues. 

“I think that’s a distraction,” she said. “City business is not political. It’s also not social business. City business is public safety, roads and thriving business and jobs.” 

The candidates also discussed their support for a new convention center in Lincoln.

The event was sponsored by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. 

The general election is set for May 2.