Omaha mayoral candidates are speaking out against the city’s streetcar project, with one contender holding a press conference along the construction route to voice his concerns.
Mayoral candidate Mike McDonnell addressed reporters Tuesday in front of the now-demolished Harney Street bridge, which was removed over the weekend as work on the Omaha Streetcar continues. McDonnell, a former state senator and Omaha fire chief, argued that the project is too expensive and disruptive. He promised that if elected, he would let residents vote on whether the project should move forward.
“If I’m wrong, and the people vote and tell me they want the streetcar, I’ll work night and day to make it successful. But right now, that’s not what people are telling me — and we won’t know for sure until we let them vote,” McDonnell said.
Opponents Say It’s Too Late to Stop the Project
McDonnell’s opponents pushed back on his stance, saying that halting the project is no longer a realistic option.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert told Nebraska News that McDonnell is misleading voters.
“He’s just telling taxpayers lies to confuse them and making this whole election a vote for the streetcar,” Stothert said. “Taxpayers need to understand votes have already taken place. The entire City Council approved it. The Streetcar Authority approved it. So, the streetcar is moving forward, and to say he’s going to stop it is another lie.”
Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, the first candidate to enter the mayoral race, also opposes the project but admitted that stopping it now would be nearly impossible.
“Legal action at this point would be costly and likely unsuccessful, as contracts have already been signed and bridges demolished,” Ewing said in a statement Tuesday evening.
Ewing criticized the project, saying Omaha has over 225 miles of streets in need of repair, yet nearly half a billion dollars is being allocated for a single mile of streetcar track.
“Mr. McDonnell is making promises he knows he cannot keep and misleading the public. If elected, I assure you that I will not make expensive decisions with limited benefits, nor will I make promises I have no intention of keeping. Omaha deserves better leadership, which is why I am running for mayor,” Ewing said.
Candidate Jasmine Harris echoed similar concerns, calling any effort to stop the project now “fiscally irresponsible.”
“The streetcar is projected to cost over $460 million. Streets have been torn up, and the Harney Street bridge has been demolished. It is fiscally irresponsible to stop or pause the project and put it to a vote. That train has left the station,” Harris said in a statement.
She added that as mayor, she would focus on connecting Omaha’s transit systems, potentially exploring a light rail system or a regional train between Omaha and Lincoln.
Mayoral Debates Set Ahead of Election
Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, community activist Jasmine Harris, and Dr. T.J. Brewer have officially entered the race to unseat longtime Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, who is seeking a fourth term. Former State Sen. Mike McDonnell has until Friday to file his paperwork to appear on the ballot.
Nebraska News will provide coverage of the upcoming mayoral debates. The first debate, hosted by the Omaha Press Club, will take place on March 11 and be streamed live at noon. It will also air later for public viewing.
A second debate featuring the two primary winners will be held before the city’s General Election on May 13.
Stay with Nebraska News for updates on the Omaha mayoral race and other important election coverage.
