The results are in

By Don Bowen/Fremont Tribune
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 11:39:06 am CDT

Fremont Mayor “Skip” Edwards is breathing easier today.

Edwards held off Fremont City Council member Scott Schaller in the Republican Primary on Tuesday. Edwards will be unopposed in the November general election.

Unofficial totals from the Dodge County Clerk’s Office showed that Edwards won by more than 20 percentage points, receiving 1,641 votes (nearly 61 percent) to Schaller’s 1,040 votes (nearly 39 percent).

“I’m very thankful for the outcome,” Edwards said. “I knew Scott would be a tough opponent. I’m thankful for the confidence the people have shown. I’m humbled by it. I’m going to do the very best job I can for the next four years.

“I hope the people feel I’ve done a good job. I do my best to listen and build a consensus. I try to communicate with people and carry out the wishes of the community.”

Schaller said he was surprised by the voter turnout.

“The people spoke,” he said. “I’m disappointed in the voter turnout. With the voters we have in the Republican Party in Fremont and to have only 2,000 people vote. That’s disappointing.”

But Schaller said he anticipated the vote to be closer.

“I thought I might get more votes,” he said. “Maybe not that many early on, but I figured the later results would be a little bit more. We did realize throughout the day that there were some independents who didn’t realize they couldn’t vote on the Republican ballot. It happens. I think that happens every election.”

Edwards said he’s looking forward to another four years as mayor.

“We try to move the town forward and make it a little bit better than when we started,” he said. “I feel that way about city government or any type of government. We try to do the best job we can to provide the services that people come to expect for the price we can afford as taxpayers. That’s not always easy to accomplish. But that’s our job.

“We try to prepare and plan for the future. It’s important to have infrastructure in place to build homes and build businesses. We have to stay ahead of the curve.”

The city council will have two new members next year with Sean Gitt and Jennifer Bixby, but Edwards said his approach to his job won’t change.

“In the next four years I think we have to be tough on drugs and crime, make sure we continue to work to get funding for our III-CORPS Drug Task Force. We have to continue to go after that. We have highway projects that need finished. Economic development is always important to help expand businesses and draw new businesses into town.

“We can always do a better job in all areas,” Edwards continued. “It takes everybody working together. We have to be as efficient as we can be and do as good of a job as we can. Property taxes are a tough issue and tough for all of us. We need to do the best job to provide services at affordable prices. That’s getting tougher and tougher to do, especially with petroleum prices up. That blows those budgets out of proportion. That’s going to be tough on us.”

Schaller said he plans to remain active in the community.

“I do plan on trying to keep involved,” he said. “I’m hoping Skip will press to make sure people are involved, continue to press for technology. I will attend council meetings and talk with council members to ensure that people are taken care of. I will still be a voice for Fremonters. I just want have a vote after December. Fremont is where I am and where I’ll stay.”

Leave a Comment

All posts are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Email Address Required
   
Dave
May 14, 2008 11:45 AM
good for you, Skip. The people are with you. You are a fine Mayor, and you ran an excemment campaign.

Scott, you tried and I give you credit. I hope you will remain active in the community and try for office again some day.
Pathetic
May 14, 2008 11:52 AM
The voter turnout was horrible! I for one voted and when I did so there were only 3 other people there. It is sad and disappointing that the people of our city didn't care enough to take 5 precious minutes out of their busy day to vote for the future of our city. Wake up Fremont! People were quick to post on this website, but I am curious as to how many of you actually took some initiative and voted yesterday.
The See-er
May 14, 2008 11:53 AM
Hmmmmm......perhaps a lot of residents (Democrats) felt they had no voice at the voting booth, so why bother.....
B Carpenter
May 14, 2008 12:10 PM
Way to go SKIP,another 4 years!!!!!from old, old friend.(remenber station on 23 st.)
Dude
May 14, 2008 12:35 PM
I dont live in Fremont So I could not vote for Fremont Mayor. But I have known Scott since the 80s and I am dissapointed he did not win his race. Good Luck Scott!
Old Timer
May 14, 2008 12:50 PM
I'm very disappointed.......NO MATTER how great a mayor or president, etc are.....the law should be 2 terms and out!!!! That's what's wrong with congress and the supreme court system! I'm sure Mayor Edwards is a great person, but think of where Fremont could have been today, had Fremont had new voices/new mayors every 4-8 years.....
Food for thought........
Cant you handle change
May 14, 2008 1:06 PM
I no longer live in Fremont, but I was raised there as a child. I only remember two different Mayors. Art Peters, and Skip Edwards. This may not seem like a big deal, but I'm 32 years old! Every other post that I read on this forum is coming from someone who wants change in Fremont. Where were all of you yesterday? Apparently you were not out voting.
more pathetic
May 14, 2008 1:37 PM
Because of the ridiculous caucus, many stayed home from the election thinking that their vote wouldn't count for anything anyway in the most important races. I voted while at the courthouse before the elections, it couldn't have been easier!!!! Let's try to get our neighbors and friends out for the General Election in November and show that we care who holds elective office.
larry
May 14, 2008 1:37 PM
maybe if scott would have put fremont ahead of his political party and gave all of the fremont residents a chance to voice their opinion for mayor he would have won. but no he let 1641 republicans make the choice for the whole town. thanks scott for four more years of the stats qoue.
RE Pathetic
May 14, 2008 1:39 PM
Pathetic- you stated that when you voted there were only 3 people there, what time of day did you go? I for one, work from 8-5 (actually 7:35-5:30 by the time I take/pickup my children from daycare) and then take the children home, get their supper cooked, sit down and actually eat with them and THEN go to the polls. I am willing to bank that I am not the only one who does this. I guess I don't understand how it can be "horrible" based on the 5 minute observation you had.

Congratulations to those who did win and to those who put up a fair fight- Thanks for not giving up Scott!
AC
NJB
May 14, 2008 1:52 PM
Skip you are upset about voter turnout? What a surprise as the only votes that counted were Republican. I feel very cheated that because I chose not to be a republican I had no vote in my city government. No vote for mayor or for the councilman for my ward. Our city government should not be determined by a select few. This should not be based on party lines and it needs to be changed. If anyone out there knows what a person can do to get this changed, let me know. I am willing to try. I was very upset that 3 qualified people ran for the council in my ward and I could not vote for any one of them, yet one of them will now represent me. Seems wrong to me. I have talked to alot of people who feel the same way and even at the polls people were upset about this. IT NEEDS CHANGED NOW!
Broad Street
May 14, 2008 2:22 PM
Schaller wanted Broad St. widened; Skip didn't. Could that be why Skip won?
Bobo
May 14, 2008 2:52 PM
To Broad Street:
No, Skip won because of the power of Blue: Blue-Hairs.
Hey...Broad Way
May 14, 2008 2:55 PM
You are correct that Schaller favored the widening of Broad Street, and Skip did not! Could it be that Skip lacks the courage to do what needs to be done, and is only taking the easy way out(typical)? Let's build a $50 some million by-pass from the Platte River
to the east 4-lane...when surveys show
85% of the truck/big truck traffic will continue to roar up / down Broad Street. If you enjoy side stepping and problem and wasting money...voting for Skip was the right decision!!
H
May 14, 2008 3:35 PM
NJB, according to an editorial in the Tribune earlier this week, you need to contact your city council representative. I am in the same boat and plan to contact my representative to ask that this be addressed
Confused..
May 14, 2008 3:47 PM
Larry... could you please explain your statement to me. Scott had NOTHING to do with the fact that only Republicans could vote. I know he tried explaining to many voters how the system currently works; to the point, he had some voters switch party affiliation. There are ways to change the way Fremont holds its elections, but there wasn't enough time to make that change before May 13th.

voter
May 14, 2008 4:49 PM
to h:
do you really think that contacting any politician in this town is going to get any results? boy are you in a cloud.
Third Ward Democrat
May 14, 2008 5:14 PM
To "NJB"------I am completely in the same boat as you and just as disgusted. I believe that the city council is the entity to change this? Let's hope they get something done for the residents, so that this doesn't happen again. I went to the courthouse to vote, but felt I didn't have much reason to go. I can't help but wonder what the results would have been for mayor and city councilperson had everyone been given the right to vote.
Get your facts straight
May 14, 2008 5:15 PM
To all who state that Skip didn't want Broad street widened... did you not read the Tribune's interview with him last week? Skip stated that he approved the widening up to 11th Street.

Thus, the bottle neck of traffic would occur right at the library versus Military where at least there is an option to turn. EDITOR'S NOTE: Mayor Edwards said Broad Street MIGHT need to be widened up to 10th Street, not 11th Street. -- Tracy Buffington, Tribune Editor.
Sad Time
May 14, 2008 5:18 PM
The worst part of the whole election is that come December, Scott Schaller will no longer be representing Fremont. He had to give up his city council seat to run against Skip. The only way that scenario would change is if he did a "write in" campaign either against Gitt or against Skip again.
Citizen
May 14, 2008 5:27 PM
Hey Scott, please run as a write-in in the November elections so us Democrats can get a chance to show our feelings on the issue.
Brian
May 14, 2008 6:35 PM
To NJB & H

This was a PRIMARY election where the choice is to eliminate various party members who are supposed to run in the GENERAL election in November. Thats why its Partisan. It was up to the D's & the I's to put someone to run so you have a choice to vote for this fall. The System is fine, you D's & I's needes someone to run for Mayor or other community seats. Its NOT Scott's or Skips fault none is running against them in November.
Only in Fremont
May 14, 2008 8:56 PM
I was incredibly disappointed that as a Democrat, I was unable to have a voice in the mayoral election.
Way to go Fremont. Only part of the town, the Republicans, can vote for the Republican Mayor.

Am I the only one who is bothered by the notion that not everyone can input for who gets elected into the office of the mayor?

I hope we have the opportunity to write in Schaller's name on the November ballot. I have to wonder if would have won the nomination if Democrats would have been able to have voted on this.
Tex
May 14, 2008 9:43 PM
Turnout was pathetic, check out the #s, I worked at one of the polls and let me tell you there was barely over 100 voters. That's ridiculous, if you don't vote you shouldn't complain. At least do your part, it takes almost no time. And for those whining that their vote wouldn't count for president on demo ticket, people, letters were sent and lots of publicity, IF YOU WANTED YOUR VOTE TO COUNT-YOU SHOULD HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE CAUCUS, MAYBE IT WAS NEW, MAYBE YOU DIDN'T LIKE IT BUT IT WAS THE ONLY WAY TO VOTE FOR PRESIDENT FOR DEMOCRATS PRIOR TO NOVEMBER.
Dear dear Brian......
May 14, 2008 10:03 PM
for heaven's sake; you are missing the whole point; good grief.
scoop
May 14, 2008 10:32 PM
Well that does it.If there is no Democratic candidate in November, maybe a write in should be organized.At least leave the space blank if there is not another candidate to show your disapproval.Just because there is only one candidate ,it doesn't mean you need to blacken the box!!
NE native
May 14, 2008 11:41 PM
Here's one way to improve voter turnout - change Fremont's city charter or bylaws and make city council and mayor seats nonpartisan. That way, any voter - GOP, Democrat, Independent, etc. - can cast a ballot.

There are places outside Nebraska where mayor and city council positions are nonpartisan and there is just one election. Nonpartisanship frees people to run for office regardless of political party affiliation and gives voters more choices than just contested Republican Party races.

Well, Fremont city leaders, are you willing to be progressive enough to attempt this kind of change?

disapointed fremonter
May 14, 2008 11:44 PM
STATUS QUO STATUS QUO STATUS QUO
WATCH FREMONT STAGNATE AND DISAPEAR
REMEMBER ELKHORN WE'RE NEXT ON OMAHA'S MENU
Fremont Does It Again
May 15, 2008 5:41 AM
Fremont's Mayor will keep Fremont on the road to nowhere. At a time when Fremont neeeds a change of direction and quality leadersship, they vote for a Mayor who has no record of accomplishment and no vision to answer the growing needs of the community.
Fremont will continue its' slide.
Disappointed Voter
May 15, 2008 7:41 AM
It's not too late! Anyone can be a "write in" on the ballot in November. However, pulling off a victory would take a lot of time, support and apparently in this town, money. How much are you willing to give to change the direction of Fremont?
what is a primary
May 15, 2008 8:15 AM
To those complaining that Dems didn't get a "voice" in the mayoral vote, this was a Republican primary. Just like the presidential campaign, I didn't go vote for Hillary or Barack...they weren't on my ballot. The purpose of a primary is to narrow the field of contenders before the general election. Because there is no other party running for mayor, there is no ballot to cast. That is not the fault of either of the men running or the system. Get a candidate for your party and make them compete instead of complaining. To those who say it will be more of the same, good ol' boys club, etc. you need to study up on who "runs" the city of Fremont. The mayor is not a one-man show running everything from his chair behind the City Council table. The City Council is the engine that runs this town and if you are upset with how things are, you need to look further than at just one man to point a finger at. As for progress, there is progress in this town and it is growing whether people choose to believe it or not. Growth alone is not always a good thing for the sake of growing. Economic development will not come to Fremont until companies know there is someone here to support them...i.e. Target stores who specify many milestones be met regarding demographics before locating a store. And, finally, regarding Fremont being the next Elkhorn for Omaha to annex, another place people need to be educated. Cities cannot currently annex across county lines. Omaha is looking to change that, but Sarpy County is proposing legislation to keep it from happening...get on the bandwagon for that one.
Brian
May 15, 2008 8:23 AM
To the person who signed Dear dear brian.

How did I miss the point? the reason primary elections are partisan is for the political parties to eliminate contenders for the General election in November. Then in November the winning candidates in the parites run against each other. 1. Its not Skip or Scott's fault no one from the D or the I's chose to run for office. 2. Skip did switch parties earlier in this decade. and 3. As has been said a several times someone can run as a write in candidate. So if someone desires to step up to the plate you may still have a choice. Have a good day all.
Campaign Financing
May 15, 2008 8:24 AM
Old money runs this town and it always will. Just look at some of the contributors who donated over $500 to Skip's Campaign: Marlin Brabec, Rupert Dunlau, Larry Flamme, Russ Peterson,Skip & Judy Sawyer, Larry Shepard, Richard Wikert.... need I say more?
JpS
May 15, 2008 9:02 AM
To Campaign Financing....as I've always said: (1) Skip never takes a side on any issue, and (2) he always contacts
all the $money$ people in Fremont (per your response...all the $500. contributors)to be told what to do on certain issues. In other words, I have no doubt Skip loves Fremont, and is a good guy at heart, etc., but...he is
your typical "bobble-head" who either can not or will not make a decision "all by himself."
Citizen
May 15, 2008 9:28 AM
Dear what is a primary: You're not getting it. That other candidate we wanted was SCOTT!!!
CM
May 15, 2008 9:34 AM
I voted on Tuesday, I think I was the 104th person at my voting location that day, I was told it was slow. If you want to see change in Fremont, then do more than write emails to this column, get involved in the Chamber, the City Council Meetings, etc. I do agree with a great deal of what is being said, I am a republican, and I would like to see change in Fremont, 2 terms in the Mayors office is long enough, but the city fore fathers, (Jack Sutton era) have that pretty well tied up. If you want to change it, get involved, we need a few more large businesses in Fremont other than another retirement home to come to our fine city, we need to keep our youth here. (Thank you Budweiser and FCC for staying in Fremont)
Fremont Native
May 15, 2008 9:46 AM
Brian is right on this. I still remember years ago we had a write in candidate for Dodge County Sheriff. His name was Dan Weddle. Dan was not deterred by the primary vote and waged an honorable write in campaign and WON. Some of you folks need to stop grumbling and get busy!
NJB
May 15, 2008 10:48 AM
Brian, my point was that our city government should not be determined by political parties, whether they be Rep, Dem or any other party. Everyone in Fremont regardless of political affliation should be able to have a voice in running our city. And by the way, even though I am not a Republican there were two republicans I would have voted for. I just feel party lines should not overshadow getting good people in our government. One party should not be the controller on a city level. And apparently I am only one of the many that feel this way. I spoke to a couple of the council people and they said the council is putting changing the way our primary is run on their agenda to change it. Hopefully if enough people voice their dissatifaction and go to the council meetings we can make a change for the better. I enjoy reading and bantering with you Brian and even if I don't always agree with you, it's interesting and makes one think. Even if you are a Republican, LOL
HEY BROAD WAY
May 15, 2008 11:10 AM
Schaller clouded the truth about the cost of the beltway vs widening Broad St,such as 50M and indicating it has to be paid for by taxpayers. Also, your 85% of trucks still using Broad St. has been proven wrong. Do you REALLY still believe this or just want to keep misinformation going for some personal reason?
voter
May 15, 2008 12:18 PM
well the names of the people who "actually" run this town have been printed. are the rest of you people still believing that the "election" was fair and honest? get a grip people. same ole same ole. fremonts on the way into oblivion.
Brian
May 15, 2008 12:32 PM
NJB,

I know you & others feel that city elections should be seperate from politiical parties. I understand what you mean in theory. Most things at the city level involving government are local and it does not matter wether one is a D, R, or an I. However that being said, most political races and the people running for them need logistical help & fuel (money) to get the ball rolling. Also citizens desire to know what a candidate stands for on philosephies as well as issues. The political parties help out there. The system may not be perfect, but its the best there is. Besides look at this logically, if 4 R's & 4 D's ran this past Tuesday. Youn would by now know who would be running this November barring a write in candidate. Once again. Regardless of one's party affiliations, its not Skip or Scott's fault no one ran on the D' ticket for Mayor. I am not exactly sure of Fremont's election rules but perhaps Scott or someone else may step up to the plate as a write in candidate.
The Flamingo
May 15, 2008 12:39 PM
NJB hit the nail on the head.
Question
May 15, 2008 12:44 PM
How many of the people who are "commenting" actually voted?

I did and just like when "Pathetic" went, it was dead. I was there at 6:30 in the evening and there were only 119 people who had signed in before me. I find it very sad that more people didn't show up to vote.

I agree with several of you. I hope Scott Schaller does a "write-in" campaign. I will write you in, thats for sure!
disgusted with voting
May 15, 2008 12:54 PM
What a joke the elections have become. The days of the people's vote actually counting are long gone. Now we have a caucus for a small amount of people supposedly "deciding" who the candidates will be. But really, it's the SUPERDELEGATES who get to choose. What a joke the Democratic Party has become.
Dont give up Scott S
May 15, 2008 1:25 PM
Skip is a wonderful, dedicated Christian man and I applaud his time in office. However, a new voice is needed in this position. God forbid, someone with an opinion that may be different than the majority on City Council be allowed to serve in this capacity!
Write-yourself in for mayor Scott, I think you have more support than the numbers showed.
John
May 15, 2008 2:24 PM
Scott, Like I said last night you need to be a write-in come November. Just look at the blogs. People need to realize Gary Bolton is going to be our next mayor as soon as Skip steps down. We need YOU!
NotSurprised
May 15, 2008 2:39 PM
Living in Fremont and running a business there is like watching paint dry. The politics are the same... The good 'ol boy mentality has helped keep the Fremont community poised to remain YEARS behind any other community that is even the least bit progressive in it's political and economic efforts. I'd hope that Schaller would consider alternatives to get his name on the November ballot. Switch parties, write in, whatever... The voices of the majority of people under 50 years old needs to be translated into VOTES. Get out there and make sure it happens, or be happy watching more paint dry....
Just to Clarify on Weddle
May 15, 2008 3:38 PM
After the primary, Dan Weddle got his name on the ballot by petition. A certain percentage of Dodge Co. voters had to approve his name on the ballot.
no no no
May 15, 2008 4:42 PM
TO Disgusted with voting:
Any registered Democrat could have participated in the Presidential Caucus. And here in Fremont, there was a great turnout. If you missed it, that's unfortunate.
TO the Democrats complaining because we couldn't vote in some of the primary elections: RUN FOR OFFICE! We need more Democrats running for office so that we do have a choice and can vote in these primaries! If you wish you could have voted for Scott S. then you're probably not a true Democrat. Sorry. He's as Republican as you can get.
Henry
May 15, 2008 5:00 PM
Scott Schaller cannot try a write-in campaign since he lost in the primary.

For those of you who are complaining about city government: I wonder how many of you have voiced your concerns at a city council meeting, or talked to the mayor in person about your ideas. He'll listen, you know.

But I guess it's easier to complain in a chat room.
Does anyone else notice this
May 15, 2008 5:25 PM
Hmmm.... I wonder why Gary Bolton just resigned from his current position. Did someone NOT warn Fremont before the election that a vote for Skip is really a vote for Gary Bolton???
Here it is again: FREMONT, FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET SCOTT BACK ON THE BALLOT IN NOVEMBER (PAY FOR HIS CAMPAIGN AS A WRITE-IN OR WHATEVER IT TAKES) OR YOU HAVE JUST VOTED FOR GARY BOLTON AS MAYOR!
Quit Whining
May 15, 2008 10:35 PM
Funny, Old Timer says there should be a term limit on the mayer. Well if someone ran against Skip has been unoposed most of the elections up until now. If there were a term limit who would be mayer now if not for Skip. I agree we need change, and sorry Skip it is time for you to retire and enjoy life, and let someone else take charge.
disapointed fremonter
May 15, 2008 11:20 PM
Re: Henry

Voicing an opinion at a city council meeting would be yelling in a tornado unless your one of the
$money$ voices nobody will hear you politics at any level has gotten to that point you have to own someone to even think about getting your voice heard also the whole point of a write in campaign is just that it's a write in you could put mickey mouse in there and if he got enough votes he'd be the new mayor regardless of the primary results or not that just decides who get the party's "OFFICAL" backing
Upset Fremonter
May 15, 2008 11:24 PM
Fremont has always been run by a select few and this trend will continue in the future. I think that the few high income individuals that there are in town all think the same and use the county officials as their own personal puppets to control the area. It's just a big puppet show. I think the problem is that money talks in this town and there aren't enough high paying jobs so that other people can make a decent living for themselves and get their point across. These people will continue to bring home a meager paycheck from the businesses of the big shots in town, while the big shots continue to get richer off of the cheap labor. Edwards is just another example of a puppet in the puppet show that does what the money makers want him to do. Things won't change unless the people band together and take a stand against this injustice. As mentioned earlier, it would be a good idea to simply attend council meetings and voice your opinion, no matter what it is.
Write in Candidate Support
May 16, 2008 7:26 AM
There has been numerous posts made regarding Scott running as a write in candidate in November.

However, keep in mind that the only way to pull this off is to have MAJOR support.

I'm not sure if anyone knows how many people read or comment online.. is it 10? 20? 100? How many actual supporters are there?
NJB
May 16, 2008 9:15 AM
Doesn't it scare anyone to realize that our mayor has just opened the door to having Gary Bolton as the next mayor? Does me! This is why our elections should not be done through the party lines. Will all of you be happy with Bolton as a mayor should Skip resign? This is not about Dem, Rep or any other party and I am not anti republican, I am anti party for city government elections.
It all adds up
May 17, 2008 11:48 AM
A mayor known for doing nothing + a community filled with apathy + low voterturnout + no vision + bad leadership = a town on the road to nowhere. Welcome to Fremont!!
Years ahead with amayor who does it as a hobby with no direction or leadership abilities.
Fremont need someone with executive experience, anota retiree who worked in a gas station.
Wake up Fremont!!


Story Photo
Mayor "Skip" Edwards talks with City Administrator, Bob Hartwig, prior to the city council meeting Tuesday evening. (Chris Bristol/Fremont Tribune)
Print This Story Email This Story
U.S. Senate

Democrat

x-Scott Kleeb 69 Percent

Tony Raimondo 25 Percent

James Wilson 3 Percent

Larry Marvin 3 Percent

Republican

x-Mike Johanns 78 Percent

Pat Flynn 22 Percent

Fremont

Mayor-Republican

x-Skip Edwards 61 Percent

Scott Schaller 38 Percent

Ward 3-Republican

x-Sean Gitt 39 Percent

Chris Maki 24 Percent

Patti Emanuel-Vaughan 32 Percent

Dodge County Board of

Supervisors

District 4-Republican

x-Ken Walter 50 Percent

Terry Synovec 41 Percent

Metropolitan

Community College Board of Governors

District 1

Roger Larsen 26 Percent

x-Carol Russell 36 Percent

x-Patrick Leahy 38 Percent

Nebraska Legislature

District 15

x-Charlie Janssen 57 Percent

Richard Register 39 Percent



Note: All results

unofficial. x- means

candidate won

nomination.

Blogs

Calendar of Events

Photos