Name                           Sarah Smolen

Occupation                   Middle School English Teacher

Education                     Bachelor's of Science in Secondary Education

Political Affiliation        Democrat

Website                       www.smolen4omaha.com

What are your connections to the community?

I have been a long time resident of Omaha the last 18 years, was an active part of the incredible makers community here when I ran my small business, and my son has attended a local elementary school here in District 4 since he started kindergarten.

What experience do you bring to the office?

As a teacher, I am experienced in working with many different people across many different platforms. Teaching includes a lot of problem solving, assessment, and evaluation, as well as teamwork and creative collaboration. Adaptability is a necessary skill in education and one that will certainly be used in city hall. As a resident who has worked in child care, retail, and the food service industry, I understand the concerns and needs of hourly employees and families whose livelihoods rely on several sources of income. Relying on these skills and experiences will keep me connected to District 4 residents and help me prioritize their needs.

What would one of your top priorities be?

One of my top priorities is safe and affordable housing. This includes access to tenant rights in multiple languages, tenant right to counsel in cases of evictions, eliminating source of income discrimination, increasing landlord accountability, expanding low income weatherization programs, and making sure that new developments are equitable for the community in which they're built.

What motivated you to run for public office?

District 4 is often overlooked in the conversation. Our current counselor is not ensuring the voice of District 4 is heard. There is little to no information on what he believes and it is long past due that people in District 4 have someone who is ready to do the full time work it will take to create the needed change to see it grow in an equitable and lasting manner.

What’s the biggest issue that Omaha faces?

A huge issue is that our current counselors do not work together. In order to achieve the needed change in areas of housing, policing, taxes, job development, and community growth our newly elected officials need to be informed and willing to do the hard work together. It is impossible to name a singular issue as the issue of greatest concern because so many of our challenges are woven together. This is why a spirit of collaboration is important to bring to council so we can recognize that by working on any particular issue will bring about solutions that will impact multiple areas for growth.

Is there anything else you want to tell voters?

I want voters to know that District 4 needs a council member who will listen, who will respond when they reach out, and who will act on that information. My campaign's motto is that information empowers people to action, and I am ready and willing to do the work. District 4 does not need to settle for the status quo any longer.