Gaylor Baird and Geist trade barbs over crime and more in Lincoln mayoral debate
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln’s mayoral candidates discussed public safety and property taxes Sunday night in a debate hosted by Channel 8.
The question of police presence in Lincoln quickly got the sparks flying between Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and former State Sen. Suzanne Geist.
“The number of officers who are patrolling our streets is down today from four years ago and has continued to go down since my opponent has been in office,” Geist said. “These are things that directly affect whether people feel safe on our streets or not.”
SEE ALSO: Geist, other speakers at rally voice concerns on law enforcement in Lincoln
Gaylor Baird said that during her time as mayor, that she has worked to make Lincoln police officers the highest-paid in the state and that the number of officers fluctuates each year.
“People continue to feel unsafe because of the ads you have been airing for months,” she said to Geist. “And if you’re concerned about guns and shots in our community, then you can’t vote for legislation that puts more guns on our streets. We are adding officers every year in our budget.”
In her rebuttal, Geist touched on her votes when she was in the state Legislature.
“I will contend that I maintain the balance between supporting the Second Amendment and also looking out for public safety,” she said.
SEE ALSO: Political ads spark clash over Lincoln crime statistics
Another topic many Lincolnites wanted to hear about was property taxes.
Gaylor Baird said the majority of property tax dollars go to Lincoln Public Schools, not the city itself.
“It’s important to strike a balance to invest the dividend of our city’s growth and providing the services and response times that our constituents expect,” she said.
SEE ALSO: Lincoln candidates talk policing, transportation and more in first forum since primary
Geist said if she were to be elected, she would work to be transparent with the city budget.
“I believe it’s very important for citizens to understand where their taxpayer dollars go, how much of it actually goes to the city and where those dollars are being used,” she said.
Channel 8 spoke with both candidates after the debate to hear their final thoughts before the election on May 2.
“I think I got my message out to the voters,” Geist said. “And I believe that I presented the case that what my campaign is about is city business. Making Lincoln better, safer, more affordable for everyone.”
SEE ALSO: Final primary results suggest a tight race ahead for Lincoln mayor
Gaylor Baird agreed that it was productive.
“I feel really great about the debate,” she said. “I think it created quite the contrast, both in terms of our priorities, and it really highlighted that my opponent has no plan and that her priorities are too extreme for Lincoln.”
The candidates spoke on many other topics as well, including LGBTQ+ rights and creating more job opportunities.
