Voice

Have you ever considered volunteering on a non-profit board, but weren’t sure where to start? Understandably! One of the things that makes Omaha great is the many opportunities to get involved in our community, get your voice heard, and truly make a difference. Ready 2 Serve Omaha is a fantastic place to start. Register online and get connected to boards, committees, and councils that align with your interests and strengths. Not quite sure you’re prepared to serve on a board? Then take a look at the Ready 2 Serve board training workshop. This one day event will take place on February 2, 2010 and offers an in-depth glimpse at all you need to know about serving on a board. If this seems interesting, you may want to register now – last year’s event sold out.

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Does the Omaha metro area need a beltway? What affect will a new beltway system have on quality of life in Omaha? Is there public support for the construction of a beltway similar to those found in St. Louis or Phoenix? The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) has conducted and is now evaluating a beltway study produced earlier this year. The study suggests the need for a beltway based on current growth trends and existing growth policies. It is of the utmost importance that the general public and institutions located in all areas of the city (both suburban and historic neighborhoods) take time to evaluate the study, its suggested proposals, and the ultimate ramifications to Omaha. To read more about the recommendations and feasibility of a metro area beltway, review the full report or executive summary.

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Impact One is part of the Empower Omaha movement working to improve the quality of life in North Omaha. Recently before the Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, they shared details of the last two years of gang violence intervention strategies, which have netted positive results. Interim Police Chief Alex Hayes and former Police Chief Tom Warren both testified that gang violence intervention efforts are making a dent in the violence experienced in North Omaha. The strategy includes employing former gang members as intervention specialists who work to deter retaliation shootings. Governor Dave Heineman has made it clear that none of the $350,000 in grant funds available through the newly created state Office of Violence Prevention may be used for such efforts, simply because they employ former gang members. According to the Governor’s press release, however, the funds should be allocated to programs that show measured results preventing street and gang violence. If you want to see the funds distributed to Impact One and Empower Omaha, contact the governor’s office and request that the funds be distributed to a worthy organization.

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At our last public VOICE meeting, you voted on issues that are most important to you, ranking smart urban design and equal opportunity/social mobility as your top two concerns. Did you know that these two things are inextricably linked? The next public VOICE meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, December 9th at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, will explore the relationship between these two things — specifically how the proposed beltway might affect Omaha’s culture and community. Meeting details will be provided in the next newsletter, but you can expect an incredible panel of speakers, a riveting discussion about Omaha’s future, and an opportunity for you to ask questions and share your own thoughts. Please note that the date has been moved to Wednesday, December 9 so we could accommodate our panelists’ schedules. VOICE members of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. See you there!

The greater our numbers, the greater our involvement, the greater our VOICE!

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A recent audit of the University of Nebraska’s $40-million-a-year purchasing program revealed several questionable purchases made with public funds. One notable example was a $15,000 first class airline ticket to China. According to an Omaha World Herald article, many of the problems revealed were related to improper documentation rather than questionable spending, as some flagged purchases were supported by private dollars. The University responded positively, saying that they will use the information to “improve business practices, strengthen internal controls, and reduce risk of fraud and abuse.”

In a report regarding a list of perks given to top University administrators, Jack Gould of Common Cause Nebraska, cited his concern about how private money could potentially influence a public institution, stating that taxpayers have a right to know how not just public, but private dollars are spent by the University. Gould filed an official request under the State of Nebraska’s Open Records Law to view the list.

VOICE commends the University of Nebraska’s aim for transparency in how it spends public funds, and hopes it will maintain that same transparency in its spending of private funds as well.

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Next Saturday, November 14 from 5:30 – 10:00 pm, The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts will hold its 11th Annual Art Auction and Exhibition. The auction, which spans 10,000 square feet and features local, national, and international artists, is designed as a cyclical gift exchange. In other words, not only does the auction celebrate the work of an exceptional arts community, it is an opportunity for over 200 former artists-in-residence, exhibiting artists and artist friends to support future artists-in-residence. By donating their work to the fundraiser, artists ensure that what has been an enriching experience for them in the past will be available to other artists in the future.

You may preview the works anytime through the evening of the 11th Annual Art Auction next Saturday or click here to view the works online. If you are unable to attend the auction, but are interested in supporting the Bemis Center, you may participate via Proxibid, which offers LIVE online auction bidding.

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As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded 206 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to local municipalities and tribes across the country, totaling nearly $111 million. Closer to home, the City of Omaha received $4.3 million, and the City’s first step towards using that money was hiring Omaha’s first Sustainability Coordinator, Kristi Wamstad-Evans.

Evans, who was previously the National Sustainable Solutions Program Coordinator at HDR, Inc. (a common supplier of talent for Mayor Suttle), reported to City Hall for her first day on September 8, 2009 and will be paid $70,000 per year for the next three years. One of her primary objectives will be to lead the development of the City’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, which must be submitted to the DOE by November 24, 2009.

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Today the Nebraska legislature begins its special, budget-cutting session to address a $335 million budget shortfall. Senator Jeremy Nordquist has launched a website, www.NebraskaBudget.com, where you can submit your priorities and offer input on the state budget. Senator Nordquist states he is “fully committed to ensuring the voice of the public is heard.” Now that’s what we like to hear! Go take this very short survey — the results go directly to the Governor and members of the Appropriations Committee.

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