In the upcoming primary election, Lincoln citizens will vote on the city’s next mayor, city council, board of education, and the airport authority. Voting in this election is extremely important as it has a major impact on local changes that affect the whole city. The election for mayor is one that Lincoln citizens should be informed on especially, as the mayor is responsible for the general welfare of the city, policy making, breaking tie votes, and vetoing legislation.

There are three different candidates running for mayor. Democratic Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, who is running for re-election, Republican State Senator Suzanne Geist, and Republican Stan Parker.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird is up for re-election. Gaylor Baird has over 15 years of experience serving the Lincoln city government, from volunteering to serving on city council, to being elected mayor in 2019. Her focus for the coming years, if re-elected, ranges from creating new jobs to create financial security, tackling the rising housing prices, and developing a second source of water for the city.

“We’ve accomplished so much together – Lincoln is a top-ranked city in the country for safety, economic well-being, and quality of life,” Gaylor Baird said to 1011 News. “Still, there’s more to do. I am running for mayor to make Lincoln an even better place to call home.”

Senator Suzanne Geist is one of the two Republicans running against Mayor Gaylor Baird. Geist has been a member of the Nebraska Legislature since 2017, and is currently chair of Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. Geist looks to focus on taxes, public safety, and roads in Lincoln.

“The citizens of Lincoln are looking for a leader in city hall who will prioritize looking out for their interests and their safety, each and every day,” Geist said to 1011 News. “Living in Lincoln for the past 40 years, raising our three children here, and now our nine grandchildren, I believe we deserve a safer, more affordable Lincoln.”

Stan Parker, the second Republican candidate, has served on the Board of Directors for People’s City Mission, People’s Health Center (now Bluestem Health), and Christian Heritage. Similar to Geist’s biggest issues to tackle, Parker looks to focus on taxes, safety, and roads in the city of Lincoln.

“With the volatility of our world, strong leadership of our community is critical, and to that end I offer my service,” Parker said to 1011 News.

As many East Students vote in their first election, it is important to remember the role voting has in the government and what impact it holds.

“Voting is both a right we’ve been given as citizens of a free country and a responsibility we need to steward. We can’t authentically be a free country without people exercising their freedom by voting,” Stan Parker said. “Just be sure you vote responsibly by doing your homework about the candidates and issues before you vote.”