Name                           Jonathan C. Lathan

Occupation                   Transportation Manage

Education                     High School Diploma 

Political Affiliation        Democrat

Website                       www.lathanfor2021.com

Jonathan Lathan did not respond to The Daily Record’s request to complete a questionnaire by our print deadline. However, Lathan subsequently provided the following answers.

What are your connections to the community?

I was born in North Omaha and am a graduate of OPS. My mother, Emma, taught in OPS for 32 years and my father, James, is a native Omahan and graduated from Tech High School. After returning to Omaha after serving 14 years in the Army, I began coaching youth football and am part of a few mentorship groups aimed at helping youth and families. I chose to come back to Omaha to raise my five children, and I want to leave a stronger community for future generations.

What experience do you bring to the office?

The type of leadership that I bring to city council is multifaceted. The first part of that is I believe in taking a holistic approach to problem solving. This involves actually doing the research to find solutions. As leaders we can not make decisions strictly off of emotion. Another part of this involves the ability to work as a team. I understand that not only will I need to focus on what the community needs, I also have to partner with other individuals to accomplish those needs. Finally, I bring proven experience under fire. I know that public service is a job that will require me to make tough decisions. I’ve had to make those decisions in combat to support those who I was trusted to lead. I will bring that same leadership to City Council.

What would one of your top priorities be?

One of my top priorities will be bringing higher paying jobs to District 2. CDL and trade based jobs can bring wages that are 25% higher than what our community averages now. When jobs are paying more, that makes it easier to focus on housing and transportation concerns, as well as making intentional investments in the community.

What motivated you to run for public office?

I’m running for office to secure to future of Omaha for our children. When all of the civil unrest occurred this Summer, it seemed as if the elected officials of the city weren’t doing enough. I want to make sure that there is equity within Omaha regardless of where you live, or any other category that people face discrimination within. 

What’s the biggest issue that Omaha faces?

The biggest issue that Omaha faces currently is opportunity. Through years of bad policy, it seems as if my community specifically has been left behind economically and physically compared to the rest of Omaha. I want District 2 to have to same amenities, transportation modes, and housing options as other areas of the city.

Is there anything else you want to tell voters?

A vote for me, ensures that Omaha moves in a new direction. If there is anything that I learned over my 14 year career in the Army, it’s the importance of accountability. As elected officials, we must be accountable for all of our action, or inaction, good or bad. It’s time that the community was placed first, and I am the candidate who will ensure that happens. We can no longer keep doing the same things and expecting different results. Let’s all work together to make a stronger Omaha for our future.