Sigerson continues recovery

It's been nearly three months since Omaha City Councilman Chuck Sigerson was sidelined from City Hall after suffering a stroke and a heart attack.

And if he needs it, Sigerson has three months more before he has to return to the City Council or lose his seat.

A majority of City Council members said Wednesday that they would support a resolution to formally excuse Sigerson's absences from council meetings.

Under the City Charter, the council is required to excuse a council member who is absent for three consecutive months.

After six consecutive months of missed meetings, the council member automatically forfeits the seat under the charter.

Councilwoman Jean Stothert is sponsoring the resolution to excuse Sigerson's first three months of absences. If the council does not approve the resolution, Sigerson could risk losing his seat.

A public hearing is expected to be held at Tuesday's council meeting, followed by a vote.

“After eight years of service, he deserves at least six months to recover,” Stothert said.

Mayor Jim Suttle supports giving Sigerson three more months, saying he believes the City Charter clearly allows for Sigerson to be away for up to six months for medical reasons, said Steve Oltmans, Suttle's chief of staff.

The mayor wants him to return as soon as possible, he said.

“We need a seventh person on there. We need Chuck back,” said Oltmans.

Sigerson’s six fellow council members all said they would support the resolution: Stothert, Franklin Thompson, Pete Festersen, Ben Gray, Garry Gernandt and Chris Jerram.

"I’ve said publicly and privately that Chuck Sigerson has given this city eight years of his life and he deserves to take his time," Jerram said.

Five council members contacted Wednesday all said they would support the resolution: Stothert, Franklin Thompson, Pete Festersen, Ben Gray and Garry Gernandt.

Councilman Chris Jerram could not be reached for comment.

Sigerson, 64, suffered a heart attack and stroke Aug. 29. He initially was listed in critical condition at Lakeside Hospital. Since then, he has undergone both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

Sigerson fully expects to return to his council duties, possibly by the end of the year, said Jim Vokal, a former council member who is acting as the family's spokesman.

Sigerson is taking walks, dining in restaurants and working on getting permission to drive again. The only stumbling block is his speech. He wants to be able to fully communicate before he returns, said Vokal.

“His mind is 100 percent sharp, and he has no problems with his motor skills,” he said.

Sigerson represents District 7, which encompasses much of northwest Omaha.

Currently, his e-mail and constituent telephone calls are being handled by the staff in the City Council offices.

Contact the writer:

444-1309, robynn.tysver@owh.com

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