Jonathan Nikkila, ( Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Incumbent Jonathan Nikkila is running to maintain his seat on the Kearney city council as the general election approaches in November.
Nikkila said he has served on the Kearney city council since 2012.
Nikkila said he is a lifelong Kearney resident and currently works with a non-profit 50CAN, which mission is to “build the dynamic, student-centered American education system of the future that provides a high-quality education for all kids,” their website states.
He also serves on different area boards including Rowe Sanctuary and coaches track and cross country at Kearney Catholic High School.
When asked why he is running again, Nikkila said he is of the mentality that being in office, “is not an entitlement,” and added that Kearney has been headed in a good direction.
Nikkila noted that Mayor Stan Clouse and council member Bruce Lear are not seeking re-election and opens two seats on the council.
This will be the largest turnover on the city council in over 20 years, Nikkila said, he welcomes the new voices and ideas that this will bring.
That said, Nikkila noted that as an incumbent, he can help maintain continuity, even as the board welcomes two new council members and the city is stewarded by a new city manager, Brenda Jensen, who replaced the long serving Mike Morgan.
When asked why he is running for city council again, Nikkila said that he truly enjoys serving Kearney and likes getting into the details and minutiae of a project or idea.
“I love to get into the weeds and know what is going on,” Nikkila said.
Questioned as to the most important issues affecting Kearney at the moment, Nikkila said that while Kearney is in a strong position, but he often thinks about the future growth of the city and all the details that accompany that.
On the housing front, Nikkila said there are things the city can take up, such as zoning and housing regulations that could make development easier.
Keeping the city fiscally responsible is another matter that remains of high importance to Nikkila. He noted the city has one of the lowest amounts when it comes what it asks in sales tax and property tax of peer cities.
Nikkila said when it comes to the finances, the city will always consider what it can cut before it ever thinks to ask more of its residents.
When asked what influences his decisions as a council member, Nikkila said he feels that government should operate as a service and treat residents as though they are customers by striving to provide quality services.
He said Kearney is great because of the people who live here and the businesses that choose to locate in the town. “The city has a role to play…its really important to have a stable government.”
Nikkila said it is important for the council to create a climate for people and businesses to thrive.
When asked why he should be reelected, Nikkila said he strives to keep people informed about the goings on of the council, his experience has taught him the importance of the economy, small business, local government and that balance and they have been able to maintain a low tax rate while still offering a quality place for people to live.
Editor’s Note: Jonathan Nikkila appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.
