Former presidential candidate in Omaha Tuesday

Consumer advocate and past presidential candidate Ralph Nader spoke at the Borders Bookstore on 72nd and Dodge Streets at 7 p.m. on Sept. 29.

He will be signing his new book, "Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!"

He also spoke at The Natural Kind Cafe on 38th and Harney Streets at 3 p.m.

Pictured above right: Nader speaking at the UNO Scott Conference Center in Fall 2008. Photo by Patrick Favara

Lee Terry statement on health bill

Representative Lee Terry spoke about H.R. 3200, the health bill, at the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee Health Markup of H.R. 3200.

City Council approves budget

The Omaha City Council approved today a budget that included a 10 percent property tax increase.

In a 4-2 vote, the approved budget will increase about 4.2 cents more per $100, with council members Pete Festersen and Jean Stothert opposing the increase.

Council member Franklin Thompson, who supported the budget, said he voted for the increase only as a "last option," and reminded the council that the deadline for the budget is Friday, September 18. "We are running out of time here," Thompson said. "We have to drop the ideals and move on."

The council also failed to override two items vetoed by Mayor Jim Suttle. The items in question, a 2 1/2 day voluntary furlough for city employees and a plan to cut 30 police cruisers from the 2010 budget, both failed 3-3. Five votes are needed to override vetoes.

In a rare agreement, the council voted unanimously to kill a 1 percent entertainment tax and satellite dish inspection fee, both of which faced public hearings today.

UPDATE: City Council Journal from September 15, 2009. Click HERE.

Suttle criticizes MECA's operations

In a letter to the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, Mayor Jim Suttle questioned whether MECA is following the Nebraska Open Meetings Law, according to Joe Jordon of NebraskaWatchdog.org.

The law in question states that public business "cannot be operated in secret," which is what Suttle is most concerned. According to Jordan, Suttle became concerned after MECA Chairwoman Gail Werner-Robertson and President/CEO Roger Dixon offered a $5.6 million advance in return for Suttle dropping his proposed entertainment tax.

The article can be read in its entirety here.

OWH School Budget Summary

Here is the most recent OWH summary for school budgets in Douglas County.