Three North Omaha City Council Candidates Seek Votes - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Franque Thompson

OMAHA (KPTM)-  Things are heating up in the race for district two's City Council position.  Candidates met Wednesday to express the need for better leadership in North Omaha.

"A lack of jobs, a lack of innovative thought, a lack of responsibility in terms of our elected officials.  And these are the kinds of things that I want to bring to the forefront," said candidate Bruce Hunter.

A full café of North Omaha residents paid close attention to what was said.  And for the most part they were pleased.

"Meeting the three candidates today and hearing their positions, I'm actually not sure who I'm going to vote for, but it will be one of those three," said district two resident Elaine Wells.

Five candidates are up or election, but only three were present for the community meeting, Hunter, Timothy Ashford and current district two council member Ben Gray.  Candidates Dennis Wommack and Tariq Al-Amin did not attend.  Some residents said their absence was a red flag.

"If they're running in this district, they need to take every opportunity to communicate their plan to the people of this district.  If they're not here, they're automatically off the slate for me," said Wells.

One thing that was on the slate—discussion of a police auditor.

"It would send a message to citizens in North Omaha.  You have an avenue, an easy avenue and somebody will listen to you about your concerns about police misconduct," said Ashford.

"My suggestion as it relates to a police auditor is that it be a part of the city charter.  That way if it's in the city charter it is protected and we have to pay for it as a council and a mayor," said Gray.

Residents hope an auditor could help the relations between the community and police.

"Making people in North Omaha feel comfortable with dealing with the police, not feeling like they're the bad guy.  People understand there's a job, we all have to work together," said district two residents Robert Wagner.

Starting Sunday March 17^th, Fox 42 will give viewers an inside look on all city council districts and its candidates.  Mayoral candidates will also be featured throughout the week.  Tune in Monday March 18^th to learn more about candidates in district two.

fthompson@kptm.com