[January 13, 2025]  Letter to the Editor

We are looking at a New Year with many expectations for our country. For me and many Republicans these expectations can and should be built on, right down to the local level. There are new hopes and exciting promises. We should, as an involved City Government be aware of the overall sentiment, needs, and concerns of the community. We need to ask ourselves what is happening within the community in order to strengthen the Pulse of Lincoln. We need to make INFORMED decisions to address key issues, improve the quality of life and improve the community's health and well-being.
 

To address what is stated in the first paragraph, I am prepared. It was my good fortune to find an article that was written 10 years ago by an elected official regarding the duties and responsibilities of our Aldermen. It stated that “Aldermen have a significant impact on the lives of the residents and taxpayers of our City.” Two of the most important points that were made: “One, to determine how much money the city will spend each year and two, to determine how it will be spent.” This comment was significant. Quote: “Wanda Lee Rohlfs is a voice for controlling our spending in a manner that will result in growth for our city while preserving our assets, our heritage, and our quality of life.” It is my hope that I have demonstrated those characteristics as your alderman.

As the City of Lincoln looks at Strategic Planning for the next four years, it is my hope that we will work in the directions that are “in the best interest and have the support of the people of Lincoln and are worthy of taxpayer funding.”

A few of some specific targets that I feel need to be considered are:

- Create a good first impression by having a clean and well-kept city appearance, good roads, a vibrant economy, and an enviable quality of life

- Replace inadequate infrastructure for residential and industrial retention and growth

- Promote civic pride through transparency which builds trust, citizen participation, increased accountability, and a sense of ownership
- Further partnerships that increase harmony and resilience in our residents.

Over the eight years as your alderwoman, I have learned that the best way to carry out our missions is to use the Committee Structure which centers on the basic government entities. I have served under a Committee Structure and a Special Committee structure. As an aldermanic form of government there seemed to be more transparency and openness for the council with the Committee Structure. Having been described as a diligent and responsive representative for the citizens, it is important to be as well informed as I can be. Doing research and trying to get as many answers as possible is part of my dedication. Along with common sense and as much knowledge as possible, we can make the best decisions.

As a candidate for Ward 3 Alderman, it is my desire to know what the pulse of the community is and to be able to positively impact the City of Lincoln’s future.

Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman for Ward 3

[Text from file received]