Breaking Down the Ballot: North Omaha Town Hall Sparks Critical Conversations
Held at the Assembly of the Saints off North 24th Street, the Breaking Down the Ballot event was a pivotal town hall debate aimed at addressing the political concerns of North Omaha residents. Hosted by prominent community organizers Sherman Wells and Jaden Perkins, the event was organized by the North Omaha Community Partnership, U.N.T.A.M.E.D., and the Nebraska Table, gathering local candidates to debate issues critical to the community.
Douglas County Commissioners Showdown: A Debate Over Youth Detainment
The night kicked off with a fiery debate between JaQuala Yarbro and Chris Rodgers, both running for Douglas County Commissioner, District 3. Tension filled the room as they delved into hot-button topics like the downtown Youth Jail and the treatment of system-affected Black and Brown children. Yarbro, advocating for alternatives to incarceration, focused on reforming youth detainment and rehabilitation practices. She highlighted the importance of keeping young people out of jail and providing community-centered solutions for system-impacted youth.
Rodgers, a seasoned incumbent, doubled down on his support for the opening and operation of the Youth Jail, insisting that it is necessary for the safety of the county. The back-and-forth grew intense as Rodgers challenged Yarbro on county spending and her position on youth detention, claiming that the new facility is vital for addressing juvenile crime. Yarbro, however, remained confident, asserting that investing in youth outside of detention is the only real path to change, stating she had the facts and receipts to back her position.
McKinney and Spivey: Future Visions for North Omaha
Next up were Nebraska State Senator Terrell McKinney, running for re-election in LD11, and Ashlei Spivey, a social advocate vying for LD13. With both of their opponents absent, McKinney and Spivey had the stage to themselves and used the opportunity to outline their shared commitment to the North Omaha community.
McKinney stressed the importance of continuing his economic development efforts, a focal point of his first term, while also remaining committed to dismantling the prison pipeline and pushing for stronger police accountability. He explained his plans to introduce Municipal Oversight Boards and to expand the Police Misconduct Registry, efforts that he believes are necessary to protect and empower the community.
Spivey’s platform centered on property tax reform, tenant rights, and social equity. She spoke passionately about unionizing tenants to combat slumlords and expanding Homestead Exemptions to ease the property tax burden on North Omaha residents. Like McKinney, she sees potential in taxing legalized cannabis and gambling to generate revenue for much-needed programs, including improvements to public education and community infrastructure.
Toward the end of their discussion, U.S. Senate candidate Preston Love Jr. made a brief appearance, delivering a passionate plea to the audience about the importance of voting and getting involved, before having to depart for his fifth event of the day.
Public Transit in North Omaha and Beyond
Peyton Zyla, campaign manager for Clarice Dombeck’s run for Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority, took the stage to represent her as she was out of town for her work with The Redress Movement. Peyton emphasized Dombeck’s commitment to making public transit more accessible, especially in underserved areas like North Omaha. A key part of Dombeck’s platform involves building a multi-modal transit system, with better bus routes, protected bike lanes, and enhanced ADA compliance.
He shared Dombeck’s vision for creating a community-led approach to transit planning, ensuring that North Omaha’s voices are heard when deciding transit routes and schedules. With her background managing large budgets from her time on the Elevate Omaha Board and her dedication to equity, Peyton painted her as a candidate with the experience and vision to reshape Omaha’s transit future. Notably, Dombeck’s opponent, largely criticized for failing to engage with the community, was absent from the debate, reinforcing her campaign’s narrative of inclusivity versus neglect.
Jasmine Harris on Criminal Justice, Housing Reform, and Economic Equity
Closing out the night, mayoral candidate Jasmine Harris was the only Omaha mayoral contender to take the stage. Harris, a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform, outlined her vision for public safety, affordable housing, and inclusive economic development. She criticized the current administration for neglecting Omaha’s housing crisis, particularly in public housing, which she vowed to address. Harris also spoke about her desire to see economic opportunity spread across all parts of the city, not just limited to select areas of town.
A key part of her platform includes changing Omaha’s zoning laws to better facilitate the building of affordable, safe housing. Harris emphasized that reforming zoning is essential for creating neighborhoods where families of all income levels can thrive. She also touched on climate change, pledging to adjust the city’s budget to reflect Omaha’s environmental goals. As part of her public safety reforms, Harris is committed to reinstating a public safety auditor—a role eliminated under the current administration—to restore police oversight and rebuild trust within the community.
A Community United for Change
As the event came to a close, Sherman Wells, Jaden Perkins, and Tamika Mease thanked the crowd for their participation. They reminded everyone that the power to change lies in the hands of voters and emphasized the importance of staying engaged beyond the election. The night concluded with food, fellowship, and a renewed sense of unity, as attendees left feeling more informed and empowered.
