BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 November 4, Monday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
Former educator turned data analyst Aimee Cothran brings her analytical expertise and commitment to transparency to her City Council campaign.
BLAIRTODAY: What drives your commitment to community involvement?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “I want our community informed about what is happening in Blair. I attend most city council meetings and school board meetings then I summarize what happened at the meeting. For the citizens to make an informed decision about what is happening in their community, they need to be informed and not everyone can make all of these meetings.”
BLAIRTODAY: How does your professional background prepare you for this role?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “As a math instructor, I found that using data was very important in developing the next lesson plan. I was always responsible for making sure my students learned concepts in the topic being presented. Data runs deep in decision-making. Before our city council spends money on this project or that project, the data needs to be investigated, and the data needs to show that the Return on Investment for Blair is worth the expense.”
BLAIRTODAY: What specific examples show the importance of data-driven decisions?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “Data can inform one’s decision. At one meeting the city council was talking about budgeting the YMCA a large sum of money to create a senior’s center. There was a person who got up and discussed other money that was previously given to the YMCA for the same initiative. What happened to that money? Was that data looked at before making this decision? What was the Return on the Investment that was made in the YMCA for the funds they received?”
BLAIRTODAY: What are Blair’s most pressing challenges?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “The lack of housing is probably Blair’s number one issue. Blair has several developers now that are going to start building in the spring a couple of different complexes. There is going to be a 130-unit apartment complex going near the roundabout and there is a condo project that is planned west of 10th street due to some rezoning this past year. I would encourage these types of projects to continue to bring housing that a working man can purchase.”
BLAIRTODAY: How do you view Blair’s growth and development?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “Blair is growing and the growing pains of a small town are real. Always listening to the citizens of Blair to check the pulse on new projects, initiatives, etc are meeting the needs of the citizens. Right now I think Blair needs to pause on major growth in Blair and we need to get our housing issue under control. We need our citizens to have the ability to work and live in the same community if they want. Currently, for many people that is not possible.”
BLAIRTODAY: How do you approach fiscal responsibility?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “The city budget is a big challenge to manage and make sure that each dollar will produce benefits for the community. Also, vetting the best contractor to do a project and not necessarily the cheapest. For example, in the water pipe laying project, the contractor we hired got the pipe stuck and this is going to cost us more than if we would have gone with a higher bid. What did we do to qualify the contractor other than he was the lowest bid?”
BLAIRTODAY: How will you balance various stakeholder interests?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “I always feel that businesses and city employees are important to a town. However, many times the needs of the money makers (businesses) in the town can overshadow the needs of the residents in the community. I feel my job is to listen to the citizens and make the best decisions that represent them. Having strong businesses and city employees is important to a strong community. Always keep in mind the citizens’ best interests.”
BLAIRTODAY: What’s your plan for improving city communication?
AIMEE COTHRAN: “Our citizens need to know what is happening in our city government. Therefore, I will continue to report on what is happening at the meetings. In addition, there is a new position being created part of its focus on communicating with the community. This position will be important to get the word out in many mediums, social media, email, etc.”
Cothran’s campaign represents a data-driven approach to city governance, emphasizing transparency and citizen involvement in local decision-making. Her regular attendance and detailed reporting of city meetings demonstrates an ongoing commitment to keeping citizens informed about local government operations.
BlairToday endorses Aimee Cothran for City Council. We know her personally. And, the most important thing we know that she loves Blair, and her heart is set on what is good. Also, her methodical approach to fiscal responsibility, commitment to transparency, and focus on balanced community growth makes her an excellent choice for Blair’s future. Her emphasis on data-driven decision-making and dedication to resident-centered development shows the leadership needed to address Blair’s current challenges.
