Bellevue Mayoral Race: Candidates Outline $1 Property Tax Strategy

Bellevue residents will choose between Mayor Rusty Hike and challenger Kevin Pflager on the question of how to lower property taxes. Both men say they want to cut the tax bill for homeowners. Their disagreement lies in the specific method for achieving that goal.

Hike's strategy focuses on large-scale projects to expand the city's tax base. He cites the water park and the REACH project as catalysts that draw visitors and business to the area. The mayor stated that revenue from out-of-state visitors and businesses can be used to lower the tax rate for residents.

Pflager argues that relying on a single large development is not a stable long-term approach. He described the water park as "a big, fancy idea" that he believes will help the city, but added that it is not the "sustainable, guaranteed, foolproof method" to achieve lower taxes. Pflager's plan centers on building steady sales tax growth across the city's economy rather than depending on major projects.

The candidates offer more aligned views regarding the Olde Towne district. Hike identified revitalizing the downtown area as a priority. Pflager supports improvements there and said he would pursue grants and loans to pay for them. Both men express a desire to make the area a destination for residents.

Questions regarding potential conflicts of interest have been raised about both candidates. Residents asked Hike about his real estate business, and he stated that he recuses himself from relevant votes when necessary. Hike has questioned Pflager's current role as a city planner in Papillion. Pflager responded that his job is not to recruit development to that city and that he does not foresee conflicts if elected mayor.

The race has proceeded without an official debate. Pflager proposed a debate online, and Hike said he would participate if an independent party organized it to ensure fairness. One 18-year-old voter preparing to cast a first ballot expressed a desire for more information about the candidates.

The choice for voters is between Hike's plan, which uses large-scale development projects to widen the city's tax base, and Pflager's approach, which prioritizes steady sales tax growth to fund future property tax cuts.

Both candidates have stated their intention to improve Olde Towne, the city's downtown district.