NELSON STATEMENT ON MIKE FAHEY ANNOUNCEMENT

July 29, 2008 – Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement concerning Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey's announcement today that he will not seek re-election to a third term as mayor:

"I offer my highest compliments to Mike Fahey for the outstanding job he's done during his two terms as mayor of Omaha. He made the tough decisions a mayor has to make, showing wise and creative leadership that helped Omaha continue its remarkable economic, social and cultural transformation. Thanks to his collegial approach and careful stewardship, Omaha's neighborhoods are reinvigorated, businesses are healthy and new opportunities are emerging for many Omahans.

"Mike has been a friend of mine for more than three decades and someone I could always count on for sound advice and counsel.  Mike not only knows when a job needs to be done. He knows how to do it. He leaves a legacy of which he should be proud and one that will benefit generations to come. While I and many others will miss seeing Mike Fahey at City Hall, I am sure his public service is not over."

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