Blog Archive

Video production & editing by Rich Robbins at Redbarn.tv

The Omaha World-Herald strongly endorsed Hal Daub for Mayor today.  Below are a few highlights.  To read the full endorsement, click here.
 

To burrow deep into budget details, to push for necessary cost savings, to draw on an extensive knowledge of government in exploring a wide range of options, to stand firm in achieving an affordable police and fire pension agreement, to approach the wide array of mayoral duties with energy and drive — on all these scores, Daub stands out as an impressive leader of proven ability and dedication.

...

On the crime issue, Daub is right that Omaha should strive to put more officers on the street. At the same time, he balances that approach with support for programs to help disadvantaged youths.

Daub’s opponent, Jim Suttle, is a serious-minded, honorable Omahan. But at a time of such challenge for the city, his record and campaign approach give pause about how well-suited he would be to meet the tasks that lie ahead.  Suttle’s campaign has been remarkable for leaving so many questions unanswered about the specific options that he would consider to address important issues. Daub’s campaign, in contrast, has stood out for its notable outpouring of proposals.

....

Omaha finds itself in tough times. It needs a leader with ability, knowledge and energy to steer the city through the current crisis and toward new progress as an ambitious, future-focused city. There’s one mayoral contender who is best suited, through experience and demonstrated competence, to meet that task. He’s Hal Daub.

*** HAL WON LAST NIGHT'S PRIMARY! ***

Thanks to everyone who turned out at the polls to vote for Hal's experienced leadership and vision for Omaha's future.

To everyone who voted, regardless of candidate, thank you for taking part in our democratic system.

There are only 34 days to the general election, and we need your help to keep spreading Hal's message.  If you would like to volunteer, please give us a call at 339-3282.  We'd love to have your help!

We are 6 days away from Primary Day, next Tuesday, April 7th!

Join us on Tuesday night at Regency Lodge (107th & Pacific) for our Victory Party, to show your support and celebrate the next mayor of Omaha: Hal Daub!

If you are supporting Hal in the Primary, this is the night to mark your calendar.  We'd love to have you there.

Whether or not you've gotten involved with the campaign, this is a great chance to plug in, or just to say hi!

If you are curious, or still on the fence, this is a good time to get to know Hal and the campaign better!

Bring a friend!  Bring five!

Doors open at 6:30.  We'll be there when the results begin rolling in after the polls close at 8 -- all the way up to Hal's victory speech!

Tonight Hal will appear in the first debate of the mayoral campaign.

The debate is being coordinated by the Omaha Young Professional's Council and these groups, and will focus on topics developed at a series of meetings of Omaha's young professionals in February.

You can help by meeting us at 5:45 outside the Nebraska Medical Center - Durham Research Tower before the debate to cheer Hal on.  Afterward, we'll caravan to the Qwest Center to show some support for Hal before the Creighton game.

Join us!  If you can, call 339-DAUB or email tower@haldaub.com to let us know you're coming.

*****

Tonight's debate will take place from 7 to 8:30pm, and will not be broadcast live.  If you can't make it tonight, and have Cox On-Demand, you can catch it anytime starting tomorrow in the FreeZone.

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The second debate of the campaign is right around the bend.  It will take place tomorrow at noon, at the Omaha Press Club, and is sponsored by the League of Women Voters.  Seats are available for this debate for $15 by calling the Omaha Press Club at 345-8008.

Our new TV spot, which airs today:

Our other TV spot, which began running yesterday, is posted on the right.  See the rest of our videos, including in-depth testimonials created for the website, on our multimedia page.

A message from Hal:

We all know homeowners struggle with mounting property taxes. When I was mayor, my administration consistently lowered city property taxes. It wasn’t easy, but it was important then, and it is even more important today.

That is why I am proposing a Home Improvement Tax Credit. Here is how it would work: Homeowners making qualifying improvements to their property like an addition, a new roof or installing a new driveway would be eligible for a 10% tax credit spread out over five years.

Many homeowners are reluctant to make home improvements because they know it will increase the value of their home, and therefore raise their taxes....

THE VISION:

Omaha will be a safer, cleaner, healthier city
that beat the recession...and grew in the process.
 

THE PLAN:

(Click here for the full transcript of Hal's announcement speech,
with details on the bullet points below.)

• Develop four business parks with infrastructure and essential services in place.

• Strengthen the partnership between the City and Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

• Re-establish the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

• Streamline permitting and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) processes.

• Encourage “Smart Growth” and “In-fill” projects.

• Support Workforce Development efforts.

• Support local economy – Promote “Say Yes, Buy O!” campaign.

• Make Omaha cleaner and more attractive through efforts of Omaha By Design, recycling and sustainable designs.

• Design streets to better handle new development.

• Promote modern, environmentally friendly transportation systems.

• Development of bicycle lanes and recreational trails

• Incorporate retail in the new stadium design.

• Expanded Qwest Center and downtown hotel space

• Renovate W. Dale Clark Library, expand Millard Branch and continue new library construction in Northwest.

• Promote health and wellness with more recreational facilities in all areas.

• Build new South Omaha fire station.

This morning, Hal became the first to officially file his candidacy to be Omaha's next mayor.

In order for their name to be placed on the ballot, each candidate must collect 1,000 signatures from registered voters in Omaha. The deadline for turning in these signatures and officially filing with the Douglas County Election Commission is March 6th.

Thanks to the many hundreds from all over Omaha who signed our petition forms, and to the dozens of tireless workers who collected these signatures, Hal was able to file his candidacy over a month before that deadline!  We couldn't have done it without you.

This is a great help to our team, since it allows us to turn our attention to other priorities sooner.  Thanks to you all for your help.

On January 5, Hal announced his 7-Part Plan to fight violent crime.  Today we went up on TV with our first ad to spread the word.  Check it out:

          "It has been a pleasure for me to volunteer my time and efforts in facilitating the election of Hal Daub as Mayor of Omaha in 2009. As a former two-term Mayor of Bellevue, and as a school administrator in the Omaha area for almost a decade, I have viewed Hal’s accomplishments both as a Congressman and as Mayor of the great city of Omaha as nothing short of outstanding.

          "To me, Hal has always personified professionalism and dedication. He is a tireless proponent of positive change and has always had a proactive approach in designing ideas, plans and goals which ultimately result in both individual and city-wide enhancement.

          "As a Daub volunteer, my entire focus will be on supporting Hal during the 2009 election campaign. I consider it a privilege to play a small role in facilitating the election of a strong leader who will build on past achievements in leading Omaha with a vision and a long term plan for many years to come."

Jerry Ryan
Former Mayor of Bellevue, Nebraska

1. Use Federal racketeering laws more aggressively against gangs

2. Create leadership position to focus on reducing violent crime

3. Tougher state laws

4. City funds to sustain truancy and after-school programs

5. Implement zero tolerance policy on graffiti

6. Develop veteran officer retention program

7. Increase officer presence on the street
 

To hear more on each point, CLICK HERE.

To read Hal's speech from the announcement, click "Read More."

Congratulations to the Huskers on their 26-21 Gator Bowl victory vs. Clemson--in one of the most memorable wins in Husker history!

"People couldn't believe [the 2008 US Olympic Swim Trials] was happening right here in Omaha. That wouldn't have happened if we didn't have the Qwest Center, and the Qwest Center wouldn't have been there if it hadn't been for Hal."

See the rest of our videos here.

"You come across, in your lifetime, very few visionaries..."

"Hal is one of those persons who can look at a wall and not just see the wall, but look behind it.  That takes years of experience and understanding of people, and being open to people."

See the rest of our videos here.

Will you be out of town for the April 7 Primary or the May 12 General Election?

Do you not enjoy waiting in line on election day?

Beginning today, the Douglas County Election Commission is accepting applications for early voting ballots for this spring's election. Download yours right here on our website, print it out, fill it out, and mail or fax it in. Early Primary ballots will be sent out beginning March 23; Early General Election ballots will be sent out beginning April 27.

This week begins a special time of year when we all think more about families, our spiritual blessings and just how lucky we are to live in the greatest country on earth.

Thanksgiving’s roots go back to the pilgrims who celebrated and gave thanks for their fall harvest. Like them we still give thanks not only for a bountiful harvest but also for our family, friends and many blessings.

We are certainly blessed to live in the United States and even more so to live in a uniquely great city like Omaha.

As Mary and I spend the next several days celebrating these blessings with our children and grandchildren, we wish you and yours a truly happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

I want to welcome Scott Knudsen to our campaign. Scott is a friend and long-time volunteer who has accepted the responsibility of managing our ward and precinct organization.

I hope that you will give Scott a call at our headquarters, 339-DAUB, and volunteer to assist Scott as a precinct or block captain.

Scott has a significant background in local politics and civic involvement. He works in mortgage banking and is Nebraska State Captain of the Patriot Guard.

I’m proud to have Scott working to ensure the success of our campaign.

In order for a candidate to place their name on the ballot next spring, they must submit nominating petitons that show 1,000 registered voters in Omaha support their candidacy.  We started that effort on Monday, with our kickoff announcment, and I want to congratulate Joe McDaniel for being the first volunteer to return a completed form with 20 valid signatures.  Thanks, Joe!

To pick up your own petition form, you can stop by our campaign headquarters, give us a call at 339-DAUB, or send an email to hal@haldaub.com anytime.

The World-Herald posted a video feed of our announcement on Monday morning.  For anyone who was unable to attend and would like to see it, click here.

This morning we officially kicked off our campaign at our headquarters.  Thanks to the overwhelming number of supporters who came by to say hi! Click here for photos.