Here are thoughts on a variety of topics in the news:
* * *
Elected officials have a crucial responsibility to maintain the public’s trust. Mark Lakers, the Democratic candidate for governor, needs to show that he understands this obligation, in the wake of claims that he fabricated campaign pledges.
Anne Boyle, a longtime, influential voice in Nebraska Democratic circles, wrote to Democratic leaders this week, saying that Lakers “fabricated” donors on his financial reports and that he risks “disgracing” the party.
Such claims don’t come from a fringe figure. They come from a serious-minded, respected figure in Nebraska political life.
Lakers needs to be given full opportunity to explain his perspective. What’s crucial is that he be open and straightforward about this matter. This isn’t a minor issue to be casually sidestepped. If Boyle’s claims are correct, they would reflect a gross deficiency in Lakers’ judgment.
Nebraska deserves a serious gubernatorial contest this year. Any incumbent should face a rigorous challenge at re-election time. An election is an opportunity for an opposing party to present an alternate long-term policy approach.
Consider the contest for 2nd U.S. House District, for example. The race pits two capable, qualified candidates — incumbent Rep. Lee Terry, a Republican, and State Sen. Tom White, a Democrat — against each other.
In the gubernatorial contest, Boyle’s claims raise a legitimate, serious concern. How Lakers, a political newcomer, chooses to respond will rightly affect how Nebraskans size up his qualifications for elected office.
* * *
The College World Series has always been a tough ticket. It’s incredibly even tougher this year, the final year that college baseball’s showcase event will be played at Rosenblatt Stadium.
The remaining reserved tickets were snapped up quickly in April, and a record for sales of general admission tickets is now well within reach.
An opportunity to witness history is driving a substantial increase in ticket books sold, which are about 900 ahead of a comparable point for last year. Of course, with demand well exceeding supply, fans frustrated by the lack of available ducats will no doubt have plenty of company in their misery.
Chalk it up to the event’s staying power as well as nostalgia, as the end is near for a remarkable CWS run at Rosenblatt and in South Omaha. Omahans and baseball fans across America will wish a heartfelt farewell to our old friend for 60-some years and look toward a new era of CWS baseball next year at TD Ameritrade Park downtown.
For those still scrambling for the hottest ticket in town, general admission tickets are available at The World-Herald front desk. A book of 10 costs $70.
* * *
Ambitious regional cities are rightly expected to show creativity in public spaces. So, a note of thanks should go to all parties involved in the “Take a Seat” project at Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha.
The 13 new benches add a welcome note of visual playfulness to the longtime downtown park.
It’s long been ironic that Leahy Mall, in the very heart of downtown, was marked by a rather shabby appearance. Litter and debris robbed the park of visual vitality and a positive spirit. The old benches were looking tired and worn.
What a positive difference the bright colors and unusual shapes of the “Take a Seat” project have made.
Kudos go to the artists, architects and engineers involved, plus the Omaha city government, the Omaha Downtown Improvement District, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the Omaha Public Art Commission.
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
