BELLEVUE, Neb. Mayor-elect Kevin Pflager is preparing to take over leadership of Bellevue after defeating incumbent Rusty Hike, with plans to discuss the city's major development projects and meet with department heads. Pflager will be sworn into office Dec. 1, following Hike's eight years as mayor.
Pflager described the election result as a surprise and attributed his victory in part to voters' broader interest in change. A week before the election, he said he had decided to run because he wanted a different direction and believed no one else was willing to enter the race. After winning, he said that sentiment appeared to reach beyond Bellevue.
In assessing the outcome, Pflager acknowledged that dissatisfaction among voters across the board had helped his campaign. He also pointed to the cost of everyday life as part of that frustration. “People are fed up. Everything’s really expensive right now,” he said. His account of the election linked his own reasons for running with what he saw as a wider appetite for change.
The focus now shifts to handing over the responsibilities of the mayor's office. Pflager said Hike called after the election to congratulate him on his victory. During that exchange, Pflager congratulated Hike on his eight years leading the city. The two are expected to meet the week after Nov. 6 to review the transition and projects already underway.
Among the developments Pflager expects to discuss are Mattel Adventure Park and the REACH development, along with other active city projects. He said both men want the change in leadership to proceed smoothly and avoid a difficult restart as the incoming administration gets to work.
Hike confirmed that the meeting is planned and said he wants Bellevue's development projects to succeed under Pflager. He pointed to the hundreds of millions of dollars associated with development and said he remains “all about Bellevue.”
Pflager also plans to speak with city department heads before taking office. He said those conversations will help him understand where their departments stand and how he can continue supporting their work.
At American Heroes Park, some Bellevue residents said the development underway during Hike's administration had earned their support for him. Even so, they said Pflager could be a good fit as mayor if he has the right conversations while assuming leadership.
