Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert says public input will be key as she leads the city over the next four years.
Stothert was sworn-in as Mayor Monday night. She says she’s “honored beyond words” to be Omaha’s first woman Mayor. In her inauguration address, Mayor Stothert told the city council she’ll lead the city based on certain principles.
"Be transparent when doing the people’s work. Listen to those you represent, and never forget whose money you’re spending. Hold yourself and those in authority to high standards. Straight talk and straight answers, and respect the opinions of others even when you disagree. Please hold me accountable to these principles in all of my work."
Governor Dave Heineman spoke prior to Mayor Stothert’s address. Heineman says the state and city of Omaha need to work closely on job creation.
"As good as we’ve done in the past, we need to do even better in the future, and Omaha is key to Nebraska’s future. That’s one of the reasons I’m delighted to be here tonight. Mayor Stothert, members of the Omaha City Council, I want to strengthen and enhance the partnership we have between the city of Omaha and the state of Nebraska."
Among Mayor Stothert’s first tasks will be working on the 2014 Omaha budget. That budget will go before the City Council next month.
Council members were also sworn-in Monday night. Five incumbents were re-elected. Joining them are District 5 Councilman Rich Pahls and District 7 Councilwoman Aimee Melton.