Bellevue race pits water park bet against steady tax growth

Bellevue voters will choose between incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike and challenger Kevin Pflager in a contest defined by competing strategies for property tax relief. Both men promise to lower tax bills and improve city services, but they disagree on the funding mechanism required to achieve those goals.

Hike argues that large-scale development projects, specifically the new water park and the REACH project, form the backbone of his plan. He contends that these attractions draw out-of-state visitors and businesses into the city, thereby expanding the tax base. Hike stated that visitors spending money locally allow the city to begin lowering property taxes. He noted that hotels and restaurants are already following the construction of these major projects.

Pflager supports the existing projects but warns against relying on them as the sole solution. He pledged to work to ensure the water park's success and to coordinate surrounding development to complement it. However, he described the water park as a big idea that will help, but not as a sustainable or guaranteed method to reduce taxes. Pflager advocates for steady sales tax growth as a more reliable path to fiscal stability.

The candidates align more closely on the future of Olde Towne. Hike identified the revitalization of this district as a priority, describing it as the city's downtown and a destination for residents. Pflager also supports improvements to the area, proposing the use of grants and loans to fund changes. He envisions Olde Towne as a place where residents can gather with friends and family on Friday nights.

The lack of an official debate has drawn criticism from some residents. An 18-year-old first-time voter told reporters they wanted more information about the candidates before casting a ballot. Pflager had proposed a debate online, which he considers an official invitation. Hike said he would participate if an independent group organized the event, citing a desire for an unbiased format. Hike stated he is not afraid to debate but wants to avoid what he called a hit job.

Conflict of interest questions have arisen for both candidates during the campaign. Residents asked Hike to address how his real estate business might influence his decisions. Hike said he recuses himself from votes on projects near his company's properties. He noted that many residents own properties in the area, so his ownership is not unique.

Hike questioned Pflager's role as a city planner for neighboring Papillion. He asked how Pflager could represent Bellevue while planning for a competing city. Pflager responded that his job is not to recruit development to Papillion. He said developers usually choose their sites before engaging planners. Pflager identified land swaps and boundary adjustments as the only potential conflicts of interest he could foresee, noting many such matters were settled years ago.