Omaha City Council - District 1 C25


Mark Brannen

Nonpartisan

Martial Status
married
Spouse's Name
Michelle Brannen
# Children
3
High School
Creighton Prep
College
Rockhurst University
Degrees
B.A. Political Science, Minor: History and Spanish
Professional Associations
Nebraska Farmers Union
Organizations
Member, Benson Little League Board
Civic Groups
Benson Neighborhood Association
Contacted by resident of the District
3/6/25, 10:49pm, emailed access code
3/25/25, 9:11 PM, spoke to candidate by phone.  
          Followed up with email containing access code
5/3/25, 4:24pm, emailed 10 days to go request
5/8/25, 8:32PM, left message on answering machine expressing disappointment that the candidate says he wants to be available to his constituents but hasn't bothered to answer any of the questions asked even though early voting is almost done and the election is next Tuesday.
5/11/25, 8:26pm, "one last chance" text

Pete Festersen

Democratic

Martial Status
married
Spouse's Name
Paige
# Children
2
High School
Central High School
College
Connecticut College, UNO
Degrees
B.A., Masters in Public Administration
Religious Affiliation
Presbyterian
Church
Dundee Presbyterian Church
Contacted by resident of the District
3/6/25, 10:45pm, emailed access code
3/25/25, 9:03 PM Emailed access code via link on campaign website.
3/28/25, 3:15 PM, spoke directly to candidate at Mayor's State of the City Address.  
       Provided access code written on a sticky note.
5/3/25, 4:17pm, emailed 10 days to go request
5/11/25, 8:42pm, "one last chance" email

Job Description

How office affects the voter

City Council gathers tax money provided by the county, plus sales tax and other fees, decides how money is allocated to various departments of the city, including fire and police, library, public works, etc. They decide zoning restrictions thereby limiting the location of homes/businesses. They provide for water, sewer, garbage collection.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties for the council include setting policy for the city, setting rules and regulations for the city (i.e., tax rate, money spent, ordinances, new growth and development), and creation of ordinances. Councilperson attends twice/month meetings and serves on committees. Can vary by size of city.

See Complete Description

Job Description

How office affects the voter

City Council gathers tax money provided by the county, plus sales tax and other fees, decides how money is allocated to various departments of the city, including fire and police, library, public works, etc. They decide zoning restrictions thereby limiting the location of homes/businesses. They provide for water, sewer, garbage collection.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties for the council include setting policy for the city, setting rules and regulations for the city (i.e., tax rate, money spent, ordinances, new growth and development), and creation of ordinances. Councilperson attends twice/month meetings and serves on committees. Can vary by size of city.

Requirements for the position

The requirements for the position state that the candidate must be 21 or older, a registered voter in the district, and live in the ward they wish to serve.

Other information

Some cities have wards with 2 councilpersons per ward, others have one councilperson per ward and an at-large councilperson for the whole city. Other cities have the entire council be at-large. Other councils have 6 wards with one representative per each and 3 representatives voted on each election. so that there is not a total replacement of the council each election.

Term of office

4 years

Partisan?

Nonpartisan

When election is held

Every two years.

Links

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=17-105 https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=17-106



How office affects the voter

City Council gathers tax money provided by the county, plus sales tax and other fees, decides how money is allocated to various departments of the city, including fire and police, library, public works, etc. They decide zoning restrictions thereby limiting the location of homes/businesses. They provide for water, sewer, garbage collection.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties for the council include setting policy for the city, setting rules and regulations for the city (i.e., tax rate, money spent, ordinances, new growth and development), and creation of ordinances. Councilperson attends twice/month meetings and serves on committees. Can vary by size of city.

Requirements for the position

The requirements for the position state that the candidate must be 21 or older, a registered voter in the district, and live in the ward they wish to serve.

Other information

Some cities have wards with 2 councilpersons per ward, others have one councilperson per ward and an at-large councilperson for the whole city. Other cities have the entire council be at-large. Other councils have 6 wards with one representative per each and 3 representatives voted on each election. so that there is not a total replacement of the council each election.

Term of office

4 years

Partisan?

Nonpartisan

When election is held

Every two years.

Links

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=17-105 https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=17-106