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NE: Will Omaha mayor’s police chief choice backfire politically?

By   /   August 16, 2012  /   9 Comments

Mayor Jim Suttle

OMAHA — Democratic Mayor Jim Suttle’s ride to re-election hit two speed bumps this week.

Front and center is the City Council’s unanimous vote, scolding the mayor for secretly raising salaries of his top aides.

The second bump is tucked away in the ethnic politics of south Omaha.

Nebraska Watchdog’s Joe Jordan explains.

Contact Joe Jordan at joe@nebraskawatchdog.org.

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Joe Jordan

  • Biff

    What, two days after the announcement and already second-guessing? Isn’t there any real news out there?

  • Jack

    This was the best choice for Omaha’s and the Department’s future. Picking the wrong Chief would have made a mess that the Mayor would have had to deal with down the line.

  • Steve

    Is there a story missing somewhere? Or is this just a short blurb?

  • steve

    Oooops, sorry, I just seen that it is a video.

  • SusanSmithforLegislatureD11

    Why would there be an ethnic upset over Schmaderer’s appointment? I
    heard the hosts of COX/CTI 22 Grito de Hispania wringing their hands
    over Gonzalez not be chosen for the job too.

    Do people really think that a Mexican can only represent Mexicans,
    Blacks can only represent Blacks; Asians only represent Asians,
    Caucasians only represent Caucasians, etc?

    I think it’s hogwash and I think it takes away from the issues. It
    would be nice and sensible if we all go back to who is the most
    qualified and the right fit for the job.

  • Hunyock

    This is just an attempt to put a wedge between Mayor Suttle and the Hispanic community. Gonzalez was only a captain while Schmaderer was a Deputy Chief. I do feel that Gonzalez will be one of the top contenders the next time the Police Chief job opens up. Hopefully that is several years down the road.

  • Kevin

    Many Hispanics would have preferred Gonzalez. Their mayoral vote may show their disapproval. As much as I hate to say it this way, look at the 2008 Presidential election, and look at the demographics on exit polls in comparison to other elections.

  • ProgressiveOasis

    I’m shocked the “Watchdog” hasn’t seen fit to report that the Mayor’s media pitbull was given a week off without pay for letting slip a truthful statement while he was recovering from that hangover in Ireland.

  • Jazzee

    I bet the mayor’s media person is being paid while ‘on leave’ why? because I don’t trust a dang thing suttle says and you shouldn’t either