BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 December 10, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
I posted a lengthy comment on Facebook last week. (My plan is to expand on that comment in multiple articles over the coming weeks.) The comment I posted garnered (as of now) 139 “likes” and 182 comments.
(That text above is about 1/4 of the full commentary I made. Again, I’ll address it in full over more than one story in the future.)
However, the one comment I got – that was, to be honest startling, came from City Councilman James Letcher who posted a meme (see below).
Without overstating, what should be obvious, I do not believe what I wrote was “delusional,” and if it was, hundreds of others are, well, “delusional.” And, I do not believe a City Councilman should ever post that way about a citizen for whom there may be a disagreement on facts.
I replied to Mr. Letcher both on Facebook, and in email. It is the email I sent to Councilman Letcher – and his replies – which is the point of this story. I’ve chosen to include the exact text of my email, and his reply.
First, My Email to Councilman Letcher
From: Don Harrold <editor@blairtoday.com>
Sent: Friday, December 5, 2025 3:32:41 PM
To: James Letcher <jletcher@blairne.gov>
Subject: Article Request: Blair’s Future – Seeking Your Input & Solution
Councilman Letcher,
I’m writing an article about the specific concerns I raised regarding Blair’s future. In the interest of fair and balanced reporting, I’m reaching out to you before publication to get your perspective, ideas, and solutions on the record – completely unedited. I’m happy to publish what your thoughts and solutions are to any of the issues I raised.
You mentioned that I didn’t offer plans of my own. So I’m giving you the platform to share yours. I’ll publish your responses in full, exactly as you write them.
THE QUESTIONS:
On Downtown Blair:
- What is your specific plan to address the increasing number of vacant properties downtown, including the Von Loh building that remains open to the elements?
- The bypass diverts traffic away from local businesses toward Walmart and Dollar Tree. What strategies do you propose to revitalize downtown commerce?
- Should the city consider any changes to how it manages or incentivizes downtown property maintenance?
On City Leadership & Transparency: 4. Several residents have expressed concern that key city officials don’t live within Blair city limits. Do you believe city leadership should be required to reside in Blair? Why or why not? 5. What specific steps could the city council take to increase transparency around contracts, development deals, and fiscal obligations? 6. How do you respond to residents who feel their voices aren’t being heard by current city leadership?
On Development & Fiscal Impact: 7. Regarding Blair Crossing Apartments and the bypass: Can you provide a breakdown of the city’s financial obligations and projected costs to taxpayers over the next 5-10 years? 8. What guarantees exist that these developments will benefit current Blair residents rather than primarily outside investors? 9. What is your vision for managed growth that preserves Blair’s character while allowing appropriate development?
On Schools & Infrastructure: 10. Some school system employees have expressed private concerns about upcoming changes. What communication exists between city leadership and school administration regarding growth impacts? 11. As costs for water, services, and infrastructure increase, what is your plan to keep these affordable for current residents on fixed incomes?
On The “Old Boy’s Club” Perception: 12. Many residents describe Blair’s government as an “old boy’s club.” Whether you agree with that characterization or not, what concrete actions could dispel that perception? 13. What would you say to someone like me who might consider running for local office but feels the current system is too entrenched to change?
Looking Forward: 14. In your own words: What is your vision for Blair in 5 years? 10 years? 15. What are the top 3 priorities you’re personally working on right now to improve Blair? 16. What would you say to residents who feel pessimistic about Blair’s future under current leadership?
Final Question: 17. Is there anything else you’d like to address that I haven’t asked about? Any solutions, ideas, or perspectives you think Blair residents need to hear?
CLOSING:
I’m genuinely interested in your answers and will publish them in full without alteration. My deadline is next Wednesday. If I don’t hear back from you, I’ll note in the article that I emailed you this opportunity. I believe that people in Blair will welcome your thoughts on these issues.
As I do with anything I write, I’m willing to give you full license to express your plans on whether the issues I brought up are real, and if they are, how you would solve them.
Thanks,
Don Harrold
editor@blairtoday.com
Councilman Letcher’s Replies
Mr. Letcher wrote me a short, and I felt encouraging, email.
Then, Councilman Letcher wrote a lengthy reply to my questions (see below).
Hello Mr. Harrold.
Here are my responses to your questions. Let me know if you need any additional clarity.
On Downtown Blair:
- What is your specific plan to address the increasing number of vacant properties downtown, including the Von Loh building that remains open to the elements?
I’m not sure if there is a “one size fits all” type of solution, but I will say this. In Jan, you wrote about Nebraska LB256 (see the article here and video here from three years ago…) maybe having some impact regarding vacant properties. In November, the city council approved an ordinance amending the Blair City Municipal Code implementing LB256 to require the registration of vacant properties. Throughout December 2025 city staff will be identifying vacant properties which meet the requirements of the new ordinance. Staff will report to the council in January 2026 a schedule regarding identified vacant properties in Blair. JL
2. The bypass diverts traffic away from local businesses toward Walmart and Dollar Tree. What strategies do you propose to revitalize downtown commerce?
I don’t think that the bypass is diverting local traffic away from downtown. Of course, people are free to shop wherever they choose. We have approached the State for analysis on essentially moving Highway 30 over to the bypass. If that is granted, then it’s possible to reduce truck traffic with city ordinances. Once the highway is relocated, the city would be able to remodel the downtown streetscape to make it more pedestrian friendly. JL
3. Should the city consider any changes to how it manages or incentivizes downtown property maintenance?
I think some of this could be covered with NE LB256 as mentioned in your first point. I’m not sure of any current requirements that the city has for “managing or incentivizing” property maintenance. If you are referring to something like a performance bond, then that could be added in certain circumstances before construction begins. JL
On City Leadership & Transparency: 4. Several residents have expressed concern that key city officials don’t live within Blair city limits. Do you believe city leadership should be required to reside in Blair? Why or why not?
It is the City of Blair Employee Handbook, Section 2.04, which requires “employees shall reside in proximity to the City. Proximity shall be defined as a maximum distance of 30 miles as measured by a straight line from City Hall.” This is done to ensure the city can hire qualified and skilled employees. Job performance is top priority. Of course, all elected officials need to live within their city limits. JL
5. What specific steps could the city council take to increase transparency around contracts, development deals, and fiscal obligations?
Items such as these are already transparent. They are discussed in length at city council meetings. JL
6. How do you respond to residents who feel their voices aren’t being heard by current city leadership?
That answer is rather simple. They can attend city council meetings. Everything that is discussed, the resolutions, ordinances, public hearings, etc.; all of these items can have questions at the meeting, or questions that have been submitted. JL
On Development & Fiscal Impact: 7. Regarding Blair Crossing Apartments and the bypass: Can you provide a breakdown of the city’s financial obligations and projected costs to taxpayers over the next 5-10 years?
This info will have to come from city staff. JL
8. What guarantees exist that these developments will benefit current Blair residents rather than primarily outside investors?
In my opinion, you can have both. Obviously, there is a financial benefit for developers to build something that is sorely needed. And it will benefit the town by increasing the available housing. More housing opportunities, more in potential tax income for the city. JL
9. What is your vision for managed growth that preserves Blair’s character while allowing appropriate development?
Blair’s character, to me, is one of a small town feel. I think it is possible to maintain that while also being able to bring more housing to the city. JL
On Schools & Infrastructure: 10. Some school system employees have expressed private concerns about upcoming changes. What communication exists between city leadership and school administration regarding growth impacts?
I’m not aware of any communication, you would have to ask city staff.JL
11. As costs for water, services, and infrastructure increase, what is your plan to keep these affordable for current residents on fixed incomes?
Those are always tough questions, and we do keep that in mind when discussing fee structures during budget hearings. I will point out, that Blair has lower fees and rates than our surrounding communities. JL
On The “Old Boy’s Club” Perception: 12. Many residents describe Blair’s government as an “old boy’s club.” Whether you agree with that characterization or not, what concrete actions could dispel that perception?
Since I have been on the council, I haven”t observed anything that makes me feel there is an “old boy’s club”. Obviously, I would point to our own mayor to dispel that notion, but I also think that city staff has a fairly diverse political culture as well. JL
13. What would you say to someone like me who might consider running for local office but feels the current system is too entrenched to change?
I would say go for it! It takes a lot of courage for someone to stand on their beliefs to the point of running for office. And I also think everyone should vote.JL
Looking Forward: 14. In your own words: What is your vision for Blair in 5 years? 10 years?
I hope to see more housing, and forward movement on a north bypass. JL
15. What are the top 3 priorities you’re personally working on right now to improve Blair?
For me personally, I’m trying to work on things that improve me, so that I can better help my fellow residents. I’m trying to volunteer more time to Blair causes. I’m working on offering more answers to questions I see from people online. And I’m trying to be more graceful in how I react online sometimes (FB posts included) :)JL
16. What would you say to residents who feel pessimistic about Blair’s future under current leadership?
I would tell them to make their voice heard and vote. Come speak at the city council meetings and ask questions. JL
Final Question: 17. Is there anything else you’d like to address that I haven’t asked about? Any solutions, ideas, or perspectives you think Blair residents need to hear?
Thank you for reaching out. City council meetings are every second and fourth Tuesday of the month! JL
Thanks,
JL
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mr. Letcher’s response deserves recognition. While he’s not the first official to respond to my inquiries, his reply is by far the most complete and detailed I’ve received. Phil Green (current Blair City Administrator) has also provided detailed answers, but Mr. Letcher’s response sets the standard for how elected and appointed officials should engage with constituents. The rest of the council and Mayor would benefit from following his example.
From an engagement perspective, Mr. Letcher has provided a blueprint for his fellow city officials.
I included the full context of our exchange because it’s important to demonstrate that people can find productive ways to discuss important issues, even when they start from different positions. While I don’t believe Mr. Letcher’s original post about me was fair, warranted, or appropriate, I am thankful and honored he took the time to provide a thorough subsequent reply. Do I agree with everything he wrote? No. (And, I will go over his replies in another article.) But do I value this kind of substantive dialogue? YES, and you should, too.
If you see Mr. Letcher around town, I encourage you to thank him for taking the time to reply to the questions I sent him.
JAMES LETCHER IN SHORT
James Letcher moved to Blair in 1989 as a seventh-grader and graduated from Blair High School in 1995. He returned to the city in 2022 with his wife, a Blair native with family in the community. Letcher works at Charles Schwab in Omaha.
Letcher applied for a council vacancy last summer after learning that interested individuals could submit applications. Mayor Rump appointed him to the position. Letcher said he viewed the role as an opportunity to stay informed about local issues and contribute to the community.
Regarding whether he will run for election to maintain his seat, Letcher said he is undecided but leaning toward it. He described serving on the council as a unique experience that has presented challenges, particularly on unpopular issues requiring difficult decisions. Overall, he characterized the experience as positive.
