Democrat John Ewing Jr. is ready to turn out to be the subsequent mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, making historical past as town’s first Black mayor. In line with KETV 7 Omaha, on Tuesday night time, the Douglas County Treasurer gained the official vote of the final election, beating out Republican incumbent Jean Stothert who has served as mayor of Omaha since 2013. Per First Alert 6, Ewing claimed the spot with a 56.3% vote, hovering previous Stothert’s 43.7% vote.
Throughout his victory speech, the previous Omaha Police Division Deputy Chief thanked voters for supporting him, vowing to be a “function mannequin” for younger Omahans.
“What I’ve all the time needed to do is to be a task mannequin for our younger individuals on this group. And I need every of our younger individuals — I hope they’re watching, I hope they see these newscasts, I hope they examine it — as a result of I need them to imagine that regardless of the place they begin, it doesn’t matter what they appear like, it doesn’t matter what their non permanent circumstances are right this moment that their goals are doable,” the mayor-elect stated. “Tonight we embark on a brand new chapter. I’m deeply, honored and humbled to be standing earlier than you right this moment as your mayor in Black.”
Ewing has devoted his life to public service.
Ewing has a resume match for the job. Born and raised in North Omaha, he brings greater than 40 years of devoted public service to his function. His profession contains practically 25 years with the Omaha Police Division, the place he rose by means of the ranks to retire as Deputy Chief, in accordance with his web site. Below the function, he was liable for overseeing a big selection of important operations, together with finances administration, fleet and services, the Detention Unit, Crime Lab, Analysis and Planning, the Buyer Companies Unit, the Air Help Unit, and numerous different help companies.
Ewing additionally served as Unit Commander of the Particular Victims Unit, main investigations into crimes in opposition to ladies and youngsters. His efforts prolonged past legislation enforcement into legislative advocacy, drafting legal guidelines to enhance protections for victims and testifying earlier than the Omaha Metropolis Council and Nebraska State Legislature. His efforts contributed to the enactment of ten new state legal guidelines in the summertime of 2004.
Following his distinguished tenure with the police division, Ewing served for 18 years as Douglas County Treasurer, the place he oversaw the gathering of greater than $1.7 billion in taxes for a number of governmental entities inside the county. His duties included managing county and Sanitary Enchancment District investments and making certain the correct disbursement of tax income to the suitable businesses.
All through his marketing campaign, Ewing has pledged to construct upon the inspiration laid by Mayor Stothert whereas accelerating progress in key areas that matter most to Omaha’s future. His priorities embody increasing job alternatives, growing entry to inexpensive housing, strengthening public security, and revitalizing the city core, First Alert 6 famous. Ewing can be dedicated to making sure that taxpayer {dollars} are strategically invested in initiatives that drive financial progress and improve the standard of life for all residents.
Notably, the politician’s historic appointment comes simply days earlier than the anniversary of the late nice Malcolm X’s birthday (Might 19, 1925), a civil rights chief additionally born and raised in Omaha. The timing is vital, as the new function symbolizes a continuation of the legacy and mission for equality championed by freedom fighters like Malcolm X.
In her concession speech, on Tuesday, Stothert congratulated Ewing, expressing pleasure over the Democrat’s subsequent chapter as mayor.
“John Ewing is inheriting tonight an excellent metropolis, and we depart a powerful basis for town that we love. We’re grateful and we’re hopeful,” she stated.
Ewing’s daughters, Christina and Alexandria, had been additionally current to look at their father make historical past.
“I imagine town of Omaha wants a mayor like John Ewing as a result of we deserve somebody we are able to belief, somebody who’s trustworthy, somebody who listens, and somebody who has a confirmed observe file for getting issues executed,” Alexandria gushed throughout an interview with KEYTV 7 Omaha. “I actually imagine, from the underside of my coronary heart, that my dad has executed that for his 43 years of service–I’m so excited.”
Ewing can be sworn in on June 9.
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