First posted Jan. 17, 2015
Mourning announces candidacy for Lincoln Ward 3 Alderman

[February 16, 2015]  LINCOLN - Lincoln. A city rich in history and culture. The first city whose name is taken from one of the most famous men in the history of mankind. A city whose higher educational institutions, much in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, prepare and empower students to reach their full potential and provide a place for students from all over the world to come and learn. In turn, pieces of our culture are taken to all corners of the world when missionaries, teachers and businessmen and women go back to their respective homes. We are a global, progressive community, and we should feel privileged to call Lincoln home.

As the current Ward 3 Alderman, it is a privilege and honor to help craft the future for this great community. Therefore, I am announcing my candidacy in the upcoming February 24, 2015 primary election to continue serving as the Ward 3 Alderman for the next four years.

Progressive communities are not passive communities. We can stand still and let circumstances dictate our direction or we can be proactive and help craft the future we want. We need to use sound business principles and data to support our decisions. While we should learn from our past, decision-making needs to be done with the future in mind. We absolutely need short term gains and wins, all the while understanding that; some decisions we make and money, we spend today, may have no immediate short term benefit. Let us not shut our doors to the outside, let us work together to create an opening that will sustain Lincoln for generations to come!

I believe that there are three areas where we need to focus.

First, finalize a five-year strategic plan detailing economic growth, facility/infrastructure/street planning and expense control. This will allow prospective businesses and families to make a more educated decision when considering Lincoln as a future home. We also need input from community residents for our five-year plan. Let me be your voice!

Second, as a result of that plan we will have the unified vision needed to empower growth and development on multiple fronts. We need to encourage and support organizations like the Logan County Alliance to create reasons for tourists, businesses, and future residents to come to Lincoln. We need to continue to offer support and encouragement to grass roots efforts such as “From the Ground Up” and “We Are Lincoln.” Nothing will build our city quicker and better than empowered citizens united, active, and engaged in the things they believe in.

Third, identify and work to remove existing barriers that discourage economic growth in our Lincoln. We need to reduce the cost of living and doing business in Lincoln. For example, high property taxes make it difficult for residents and local small businesses to remain financially healthy. We need to continue the steps the City has already taken to reduce the municipal tax load on our residents and businesses.

Plan. Empower. Grow. These areas are only first steps. The future of Lincoln is brighter than it has ever been for us and for our children. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I shall prepare myself, for one day my chance will come.” Indeed our city should strive to improve itself and prepare itself for the 21st century, and take the chances when they come our way. Let me be your voice as we develop our future!

Please exercise your right as a citizen and vote in this primary election. To learn more about me and my values, you can like my facebook page at facebook/vote4todd. I will be posting video blogs and updates there. I appreciate and thank you for your support on February 24, 2015.

Yours for a better Lincoln,
Todd Mourning
Ward 3 Alderman