Bellevue mayoral race: Candidates disagree on path to lower property taxes

Bellevue voters will choose between incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike and challenger Kevin Pflager in a November election. The contest focuses on how the city generates revenue to fund services and lower property bills. Both candidates stated they intend to reduce property taxes while maintaining city improvements.

Hike supports a development-driven strategy centered on major infrastructure projects. He cited the construction of a water park and the REACH project as tools to attract visitors and businesses. Hike argued that increased hotel and restaurant activity creates a wider tax base. "When you're coming from out of state or outside the city, those people are leaving money here in your city, which allows you to start lowering your property taxes," Hike said.

Pflager supports the completion of the water park but argues the city needs steady sales tax growth rather than relying heavily on large projects. He described the water park as "a big, fancy idea and I think it will help," but noted "it is not going to be the sustainable, guaranteed, foolproof method to get these down." Pflager said he would work to ensure development around the water park complements the facility.

The candidates also discussed the revitalization of Olde Towne. Hike described the area as the city's downtown and a priority for his administration. Pflager backed improvements to the district and proposed using grants and loans for funding. He envisions the area as a gathering place for residents on weekend nights.

An official debate has not been scheduled, a point of criticism for some voters. An 18-year-old first-time voter expressed a desire to learn more about the candidates through direct comparison. Pflager said he considered his online request for a debate an official invitation. Hike stated he would participate only if an independent party organized the event to ensure neutrality. "I'm certainly not afraid to debate anybody, but I want to make sure it's an unbiased debate and not some kind of hit job," Hike said.

Questions regarding conflicts of interest were raised for both men. Some residents asked Hike to address how his real estate business influences his decisions. Hike said he recuses himself from votes on projects near his properties. "I do own some properties around town, but there's a lot of people who own some properties around town," he said. Hike questioned Pflager's role as a city planner for neighboring Papillion. Pflager stated that developers usually choose their sites before contacting planners. He said potential conflicts as mayor would only involve land swaps or boundary adjustments.