Beutler announces candidacy for mayor
By: Mark Mahoney
Standing in front of a crowd filled with family, friends and the press and below a red, white and blue "Beutler-Mayor" banner, Lincoln's newest mayoral candidate said, "I am Chris Beutler, and I am running for mayor of Lincoln."
With that, the Nebraska state senator threw his name into the ring in the battle for Colleen Seng's position at the helm of the city. Seng, who was elected mayor in 2003, isn't running for re-election.
During his speech, 62-year-old Beutler said historically great cities have developed three components: good safety and security, a unique sense of place and an exceptional economy.
The last element could be a key part of the upcoming mayoral race between him and businessman Roger Yant, an independent.
City councilmen Ken Svoboda, a Republican, Jon Camp, a Republican, and Jonathan Cook, a Democrat, have also indicated they might run, but none have formally announced their candidacy.
Beutler, a Democrat, said the creation of economic opportunities is important for Lincoln and would be his main priority.
"Lincoln is open for business," Beutler said. "Government should enhance, not impede, business and job growth. Business development has not been effectively facilitated."
Beutler said he would use his nearly 23 years of experience in the Nebraska Legislature and business knowledge to solve the city's dilemmas.
He said the University of Nebraska-Lincoln would be a key aspect of helping Lincoln develop a sense of place.
Two Democrats on the city council, Annette McRoy and Dan Marvin, were present for Beutler's announcement.
Marvin said Beutler is the kind of person who can lead Lincoln into the future.
"I think he'll bring great leadership," Marvin said. "I think he'll bring lots of business experience - experience with the university and experience with the state."
Beutler, who is unable to run for the Legislature again because of term limits, said Lincoln's government faces leadership problems, but he would not name anyone specifically.
"We've let the situation go downhill," Beutler said. "It's about the future, not the past."
He also said there is a "distinct possibility" that there might be a shake-up in the leadership of city departments if he is elected.
Beutler approved of Seng's time in office, however, saying his fellow Democrat did a good job as mayor and deserves fair judgment from Lincolnites.
In opposition to Beutler's announcement, which had been expected for months, the Lancaster County Republican Party released a press statement criticizing Beutler, saying he would be the most liberal mayor in Lincoln's history if elected.
Marvin said Beutler has the kind of personality to bring a divided community together, though he didn't say whether there was evidence of a division in Lincoln.
"I think there are elements out there trying to make a division," Marvin said, "but I really don't think there are."
Beutler ended his presentation saying Lincoln should be the proverbial "City on the Hill." But that could only be accomplished with cooperation and help from Lincoln's citizens and businesses.
"I am convinced, for example, that more creative public/private partnerships can be developed to further enhance the amenities of our city," Beutler said. "Strong business creates good jobs. Good jobs create strong neighborhoods."