Bellevue voters weigh tax cut strategies

In Bellevue, the race for mayor has narrowed to a specific debate over how to reduce property tax bills. Incumbent Rusty Hike and challenger Kevin Pflager both promise lower taxes, but they disagree on the revenue sources that will make those cuts possible. The election will determine whether the city leans on large-scale development or a steady increase in sales tax.

Hike, the longtime mayor, argues that major capital projects like the new water park and the REACH development are the keys to expanding the city's tax base. He notes that hotels and restaurants have already begun to appear near these sites. He stated that when visitors come from out of state or outside the city, they spend money locally, which allows the city to start lowering property taxes.

Pflager agrees that the water park is a good idea but argues it is not a guaranteed solution for long-term tax relief. He described the project as a big, fancy idea that will help, but insisted it is not a sustainable or foolproof method for lowering taxes. Instead, he advocates for steady sales tax growth. If elected, he said he would work to ensure the development around the water park complements the attraction.

The candidates are closer in their views on Olde Towne, the historic district in the city. Hike calls the revitalization of Olde Towne a priority, describing it as the city's downtown and a destination for residents. Pflager also supports improvements to the area. He said he would look to grants and loans to fund those upgrades, envisioning a space where people gather with friends and family on Friday nights.

An 18-year-old voter preparing to cast a first ballot criticized the lack of an official debate. Pflager had floated the idea of a debate online. Hike said he would participate if an independent party organized it, but not otherwise. He added that he is not afraid to debate anybody but wants to make sure it is an unbiased event and not a hit job.

Pflager said he considered his online request an official invitation, especially since it was made in response to a Facebook post Hike wrote about him. The dispute highlights the informal nature of the campaign so far, with no formal forum for the candidates to square off.

Conflict of interest questions have also surfaced for both men. Some residents asked Hike to address whether his real estate business affects his decisions as mayor. Hike said he recuses himself from votes on projects near his company's properties when necessary. He noted that he owns some properties around town, but so do many other people.

Hike questioned Pflager's role as a city planner for neighboring Papillion. Hike asked how Pflager could represent Bellevue while planning for a competing city. Pflager said that view misreads a planner's role and that his job is not to recruit development to Papillion. He said developers have typically chosen a site before they come through. He added that the only conflicts he could foresee as mayor would involve a land swap or boundary adjustment.