Lincoln City Council candidates talk about economic growth at forum

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — From taxes to talent, the future of businesses in the capital city is on the ballot in May.

Inside a packed room at the Country Club of Lincoln on Wednesday, all six candidates answered the same questions at a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce forum.

One of them was how they will foster a business-friendly environment in Lincoln.

“First, we must bridge the gap between the business community and city government,” former Councilman Jerry Shoecraft said. “We must change the known mentality, and we must change the culture.”

Stan Parker agreed.

“There’s a real sentiment in the business community, as I relate to it, that feels like the city’s not for them,” he said. “It feels like it’s not a very supportive, business-friendly climate.”

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Each candidate had a slightly different focus, from affordability to equity and access.

“I believe the city owes businesses these things: an understandable long-range plan for growth and a reliable and transparent development process,” Councilman Sandra Washington said.

Councilman Bennie Shobe said it’s for businesses to keep providing jobs and services for Lincoln to grow.

He said the most important thing the city can do to help is to “be consistent so the business community knows what to expect from us.”

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But all candidates shared some common ground, saying they want to keep Lincoln competitive and welcoming to business.

“We need smart leaders who can work with other communities, other businesses,” Maher Aurang Zeb. “So when I came here, I started a job with Job Corps on O Street. Now I have more than three businesses.”

Councilman Tom Beckius said the city needs to listen to business leaders.

“Just in the same way that we need to hear from our first responders, our teachers, our neighbors and learn about their challenges and their triumphs,” he said.

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The forum gave voters a closer look at what the candidates plan to bring to the table.

Each answer gave a glimpse into how they might shape the future.

All city council candidates shared one common message: Vote, because the next four years in Lincoln depend on it.