Incumbent Chris Jerram and J.R. Jasso are running for the District 3 seat on the Omaha City Council.
Jerram was elected to the City Council in 2009. He serves on the public safety and labor negotiations committees. Jerram identifies his key campaign priorities as public safety, strengthening neighborhoods, and fiscal responsibility. He says he also wants more civility in city government.
Jerram’s opponent, J.R. Jasso, is a media producer at Creighton University. Jasso says his key campaign issue is the fire union contract, which he calls “the greatest threat to the city.” He says lower taxes, addressing violence in Omaha, and responsible spending are among his priorities.
Two former Omaha Police officers are running for the City Council District 4 seat.
Incumbent Garry Gernandt was elected in 2001 to the south Omaha district. Gernandt identifies public safety, government efficiency, and neighborhood involvement as his campaign platform. Gernandt has also been involved in efforts to clean up graffiti in south Omaha neighborhoods.
Gernandt’s opponent is Virgil Patlan Sr. Patlan and his wife, Rebecca Barrientos-Patlan, founded the Burlington Road Neighborhood Association. Patlan says public safety and job creation are his campaign priorities. He says Omaha needs to find new and creative ways to create jobs.
The general election is May 14. More information on polling places and deadlines is available at www.votedouglascounty.com.