Published Thursday | April 24, 2008
Candidates pledge help for north Omaha
BY TIM ELFRINK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10318399

In a debate moderated by a panel of black community leaders, the two Democrats running for the Omaha area's seat in the U.S. House promised to bring more federal help to north Omaha and to minority communities in the region.

Jim Esch, 32, who ran for the seat in 2006, and Richard Carter, 30, an Air Force veteran making his first political bid, offered plans to bring jobs and ease financial strain in north Omaha.

Each of the candidates explained why he would be better at defeating Rep. Lee Terry, the five-term Republican incumbent, and each sketched out distinct stances on issues including illegal immigration and energy policies.

But during the debate, which was televised live on Cox Cable's minority affairs channel, both argued that north Omaha has not received enough attention under Terry.

"It's been a negative relationship for way too long," Esch said. "Politicians sit here and promise these things, and then they don't happen. That disenfranchises people, so they don't vote, and the whole circle continues."

Carter pledged to find more federal dollars for north Omaha schools.

"Investing in education means investing in the future for American workers," he said. "That's what I do on a day-to-day basis, and I see how that changes people's lives."

Carter also said he'd fund projects to improve north Omaha's infrastructure, including roads and bridges. He said that would create more jobs.

Esch agreed that infrastructure projects could make a significant difference in north Omaha.

He said that instead of the recent economic stimulus package — which will send hundreds of dollars directly to each taxpayer — Congress should have allocated that money to cities for such projects.

"That package did nothing but give more of our debt to the Chinese government so that we can all buy more Chinese products," Esch said.

He said he would also support building a Malcolm X memorial in north Omaha, to attract tourists and create local jobs.

The two Democrats presented contrasting ideas for easing the rising cost of gas and boosting America's energy independence.

The U.S. should first increase its oil supply by encouraging competition between oil companies, Carter said. The government should also reduce demand by mandating higher national fuel efficiency standards, he said.

Esch proposed eliminating a federal subsidy for sport utility vehicles for small businesses and replacing it with a tax break for anyone who purchases a car with high fuel efficiency.

Both candidates promised to hire black and Hispanic staff members on their congressional staffs, and each said he would create stronger links to Omaha's minority communities.

"It begins with knowing the community, hearing them, and being their voice," Carter said. "That's what being a representative is: representing the people's voice."

Esch holds a law degree from Creighton University, and Carter teaches economics at Metropolitan Community College. They will square off May 13 in the Democratic primary.