liba

During the recent elections, a city council member, Gene Carroll, ran radio ads attacking the Lincoln Independent Business Association. In these ads Carroll resorted to name calling, scare tactics and over-the-top rhetoric.

These ads implied that LIBA advocated closing parks, pools, libraries, fire stations, and cutting Lincoln police officers. I am writing today to provide facts to the community. To keep this letter current and relevant to today’s situation we looked back at the positions LIBA has taken during the past four years that Councilman Carroll has been in office.

• Parks –
LIBA has not proposed closing any Lincoln city park. In 2011 LIBA specifically praised the Mayor and City Council for allocating an additional $352,000 to maintain public parks. LIBA recognized that poorly maintained parks are community eyesores.

• Pools –
Contrary to Carroll’s claim, LIBA has taken no position on public pools. However, Councilman Carroll voted to close Meadow Heights public pool in 2009.

• Police –
LIBA does not want to cut police. In 2012, LIBA testified before the City Council saying that Lincoln should consider increasing the Lincoln police force.

• Libraries –
LIBA has not proposed, or supported closing any Lincoln library. In 2009-10 the community discussed closing libraries and cutting their hours. LIBA suggested that instead of cutting library hours the City review the management structure of city libraries to find efficiencies.

• Fire Stations –
LIBA has not proposed closing fire stations. In 2011 LIBA did support the city’s proposal to close Station 11 in Air Park. Before supporting this proposal, LIBA members researched and deliberated. Members voted to support the proposal based on assurances from Lincoln’s Public Safety Director that Air Park would continue to receive high quality emergency services.

We hope this column clarifies any lingering questions about LIBA and the policies we advocate.


LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.  We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.