Bellevue mayoral race: Tax relief depends on water park bet

Bellevue residents face a choice between two local leaders who agree on the goal of lower property taxes but disagree on the method to achieve it. The upcoming election pits incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike against challenger Kevin Pflager.

The race has centered on the city's financial future, specifically how to fund tax relief. Hike relies on major development projects to expand the tax base. He points to the new water park and the REACH project as key drivers. His argument is that these sites attract visitors from outside the city. "When you're coming from out of state or outside the city, those people are leaving money here in your city, which allows you to start lowering your property taxes," Hike said. He noted that hotels and restaurants are already following the development.

Pflager supports the water park but warns against relying on it as the sole solution. He believes the city needs steady sales tax growth. "We have to do everything in our power to make sure it's a success," Pflager said regarding the projects. However, he described the water park as "a big, fancy idea" that will help but is not a guaranteed method for tax cuts. He aims to ensure development around the park complements the main attraction.

The candidates align on the importance of Olde Towne. Hike views its revitalization as a top priority, describing it as the city's downtown and a destination for residents. Pflager also backs improvements to the area. He plans to use grants and loans to fund changes. He envisions Olde Towne as a place where friends and family gather on Friday nights.

Voters expressed frustration over the lack of an official debate. An 18-year-old first-time voter told reporters they wanted more information about the candidates. Pflager suggested a debate online. Hike said he would participate if an independent party organized the event. He wanted to avoid a "hit job." Pflager considered his online request an official invitation because it responded to a Facebook post by Hike.

Questions about conflicts of interest arose for both men. Residents asked Hike if his real estate business influences his mayoral decisions. He said he recuses himself from votes on projects near his properties. "I do own some properties around town, but there's a lot of people who own some properties around town," Hike said.

Hike questioned Pflager's role as a city planner for neighboring Papillion. He asked how Pflager could represent Bellevue while planning for a competing city. Pflager said his job is not to recruit development to Papillion. He noted that developers usually choose sites before contacting planners. He said his only potential conflicts would involve land swaps or boundary adjustments, which are often settled long in advance.