BEATRICE - Four candidates vying for two spots to become Beatrice Mayor all attended a Beatrice Area Chamber election forum Thursday night, emphasizing why they should become Mayor when two-term Chief Executive Stan Wirth completes his service this year.


Gary Barnard said he’s the only lifelong resident of the city, in the race. Formerly in the oil and realty business, Barnard is currently serving as a city councilman and is a former county supervisor.  "There are going to be some issues coming up that require knowledge of how our city works....our finances, state and federal laws and budgetary issues and a whole host of things. The next mayor is going to need experience and expertise to get us through those issues and situations. With my private sector knowledge and my government service experience we can resolve any issues brought before us."


Bob Morgan is completing a second term on the city council. He’s a former business owner and a retired campus director and vice president of program development for Southeast Community College. He led efforts to establish online learning and set up six learning centers in the college’s area.
"In my tool chest I have fiscal management, leadership, critical thinking, resolution management, transparency...I do know how to work hard and I have common sense. You may ask why I want to run for mayor. I am presently in my second term as first ward councilman...I believe during the past eight years, the council has been effective and successful, and I want to see that continue."


There are two new candidates in the running. Ashley Mason describes herself as a God-fearing wife, mother and concerned citizen…active in the community.
"I'm running for mayor of Beatrice because our constitution states clearly that government is for the people, by the people. Today, government's only role is to protect the inalienable rights of citizens....it is never to infringe on those rights or remove those rights. We need local government to put simple guides in place for those with no moral compass. Thomas Jefferson said, the care of human life and happiness...and not their destruction, is the first and only object of government. Our local government should not have ordinances or fees in place that restrict the ability of residents to pursue life and property."


Jake Speakman is running for mayor. The 12-year resident of Beatrice is a diesel mechanic for Armstrong Rentals. "My biggest thing is getting our community to come together to make things happen. It doesn't always seem like us residents of Beatrice have the final say of what goes on in our town. I think it's time we do have a say-so. Our town needs more things for families and kids to do, together. The majority of families tend to go to Lincoln because there's more options, other than just a bowling alley, a skating rink and a skate park. Do I know what I'm getting myself into for running for mayor? Hell no, absolutely not...but I'm not afraid to learn, and dig in."


Candidates were asked whether they would change anything…be it a program, department or service. Mason says the city needs to remove what she calls unconstitutional ordinances.  "Our budget of $50 million a year is excessively high for the State of Nebraska, with a population of 12,000 which hasn't seen growth in over 80 years.....70 years, depending on who you talk to. Our city can change, and needs to."


Morgan said city department heads do a good job, but he says evaluation of operations should take place just like in any other business. "And, I also think that evaluation has to take a look at the number of employees that they have...are they understaffed, are they overstaffed? And, what's the best way to make them even more efficient than they are, today."


Candidate Speakman says direction on projects and cleanup are important. "Significant change, I think starts with a community coming together...not just someone picking this out and saying, we're gonna do this. A lot of it is just upkeep of the town...the buildings that are dilapidating...it needs help."


Gary Barnard said department heads of the city have done an excellent job given the budget they work within.  "And, with the price of everything going up....I don't see how we would want to change anything, with that."


Two Beatrice Mayoral candidates will advance from the May Primary Election to the November General.  Three candidates running for the post of Wymore Mayor were invited to the forum Thursday night, but none of them appeared. The forum was moderated by Chamber Governmental Affairs Chairperson, Krista Wiedel.