Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I feel uniquely qualified to speak on this ordinance. I'm an artist, I've been involved in several public art projects in Omaha, and I even worked with the Visitors Bureau last year at the bus convention in Louisville. I also work with the Papio Natural Resources District to install bicycle fix-it stations in Omaha and I helped install one at the base of Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge last month. So when I saw Omar's ordinance was on Second Reading and the Public Hearing was today, I had to speak up. Those who come to visit Omar often do not have a clue what the troll is about and how he came to live under the Bob. So let me tell you a little about Omar the troll. OMAR is bringing different races, ethnicities and ages together. OMAR is building inclusivity in classrooms. OMAR is relatable and is not of a specific race, ethnicity, or age. That's all from the attachment on file. I will point out there is a continuity error on page 2 of the application, where it says Omar is in his late 30s. (I just hope the kids using the Omar filter on Snapchat don't find out his real age. That would be a bummer.) Let me get back on topic with a quote from Council President Jerram, you said in 2019 Quote "We are a car-centric city and we continue to have policies that promote cars." End Quote I cannot think of a better way to promote this car-centric city then by giving a fictional character a walking stick. But $10,000 for an authentic troll walking stick is not enough. I noticed in the recent budget on page 371 that Mayor Stothert reduced the number of maintained crosswalks. And that is in line with what Public Works keeps telling us that "Pedestrian crosswalks give people a false sense of security." So what I'm suggesting is, take some of the money from defunding the crosswalks and give Omar the troll a better walking stick. A proper troll walking stick is usually made of high quality wood like mahogany, ebony, or teak and it is usually fitted with gold accents as well as jewels. The current design looks like a stick found floating down the river. How is a generic looking walking stick going to help with diversity and inclusion in Douglas County? I know The Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau is requesting an additional $65,000 for a virtual story about the new walking stick, but I think the City Council could do more for Omar the troll especially during a pandemic. I see people wearing a thin blue line mask, OMAR is blue, he appreciates that. Thank you and I'm happy to answer any questions.
I feel uniquely qualified to speak on this ordinance. I'm an artist, I've been involved in several public art projects in Omaha, and I even worked with the Visitors Bureau last year at the bus convention in Louisville. I also work with the Papio Natural Resources District to install bicycle fix-it stations in Omaha and I helped install one at the base of Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge last month. So when I saw Omar's ordinance was on Second Reading and the Public Hearing was today, I had to speak up. Those who come to visit Omar often do not have a clue what the troll is about and how he came to live under the Bob. So let me tell you a little about Omar the troll. OMAR is bringing different races, ethnicities and ages together. OMAR is building inclusivity in classrooms. OMAR is relatable and is not of a specific race, ethnicity, or age. That's all from the attachment on file. I will point out there is a continuity error on page 2 of the application, where it says Omar is in his late 30s. (I just hope the kids using the Omar filter on Snapchat don't find out his real age. That would be a bummer.) Let me get back on topic with a quote from Council President Jerram, you said in 2019 Quote "We are a car-centric city and we continue to have policies that promote cars." End Quote I cannot think of a better way to promote this car-centric city then by giving a fictional character a walking stick. But $10,000 for an authentic troll walking stick is not enough. I noticed in the recent budget on page 371 that Mayor Stothert reduced the number of maintained crosswalks. And that is in line with what Public Works keeps telling us that "Pedestrian crosswalks give people a false sense of security." So what I'm suggesting is, take some of the money from defunding the crosswalks and give Omar the troll a better walking stick. A proper troll walking stick is usually made of high quality wood like mahogany, ebony, or teak and it is usually fitted with gold accents as well as jewels. The current design looks like a stick found floating down the river. How is a generic looking walking stick going to help with diversity and inclusion in Douglas County? I know The Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau is requesting an additional $65,000 for a virtual story about the new walking stick, but I think the City Council could do more for Omar the troll especially during a pandemic. I see people wearing a thin blue line mask, OMAR is blue, he appreciates that. Thank you and I'm happy to answer any questions.
