Nearly ten candidates are competing for the Omaha City Council seat representing District 2.
On Saturday, eight of the nine finalists participated in a North Omaha forum at Metropolitan Community College. The event was hosted by the NAACP, Black Votes Matter, the Omaha Star, the Empowerment Network, and other organizations.
The seat is currently held by incumbent Councilwoman Juanita Johnson. Challenging her are former District 2 Councilman Ben Gray, along with LaVonya Goodwin, Maurice Jones, Cheryl Weston, Tyrone Eure, William King, Anthony K. Rogers-Wright, and Michael Lee. Rogers-Wright did not attend the forum.
“We’ve got a great slate of candidates to choose from,” said Nancy Gaarder, president of the Millard Park Minne Lusa Neighborhood Association. “I think the important thing is that we pick leaders from across the city who have drive and vision to come together to make the city stronger.”
During the event, voters had the opportunity to ask questions. District resident Susan Whitfield said key issues for her include employment, education, transportation, and food deserts.
“I think it’s important that, as a citizen of District 2, we all come out to learn how they would handle the challenges we face and the successes we’ve had,” Whitfield said.
Longtime resident Mia Crawford-Gary attended to learn more about her choices, saying it’s difficult to narrow it down to one candidate.
“I want to be an informed voter. I don’t want to just go in and pick someone randomly,” Crawford-Gary said. “I want to hear their answers, see how they address issues, and know they are focused on the concerns that matter to me.”
The primary election for this race and the Omaha mayoral race is set for April 1, with the general election scheduled for May 13.
Ahead of the District 2 forum, a separate event was held for mayoral candidates. A mayoral debate is set for Tuesday, March 11.
