Water park gamble or steady sales: Bellevue splits

Voters in Bellevue face a choice between two different paths to lower property taxes: a bet on large-scale development or a strategy of steady sales tax growth. The mayoral race pits incumbent Rusty Hike against challenger Kevin Pflager, with the outcome hinging on how the city funds its future. Both men agree on the goal of reducing tax burdens, but their methods for achieving it differ sharply.

Hike points to major infrastructure projects, specifically the new water park and the REACH project, as the engine for economic expansion. He argues that these developments attract hotels, restaurants, and out-of-state visitors who spend money in the city. "When you're coming from out of state or outside the city, those people are leaving money here in your city, which allows you to start lowering your property taxes," Hike said. This influx of revenue, he contends, provides the financial cushion needed to reduce local property taxes.

Pflager agrees that the projects are important but warns against relying on them as the sole source of tax relief. He stated that he would work to ensure the water park succeeds, including coordinating complementary development around the site. However, he described the project as "a big, fancy idea" that will help, but is not a "sustainable, guaranteed, foolproof method" to lower taxes. Instead, Pflager advocates for a broader approach that emphasizes consistent sales tax growth to create a more stable financial foundation.

The candidates show more alignment on the revitalization of Olde Towne. Hike describes the area as the city's downtown and a priority for making it a desirable destination. Pflager also supports improvements, proposing the use of grants and loans to fund changes. He envisions a vibrant community space where residents gather on Friday nights with friends and family.

Despite their differing philosophies, the race has proceeded without an official debate, a gap that has drawn criticism from voters. An 18-year-old preparing to cast a first ballot told reporters they wanted more information about the candidates. Pflager had proposed a debate online, which he considers an official invitation made in response to a Facebook post by Hike. Hike said he would participate if an independent party organized the event, emphasizing his desire for an unbiased format. "I'm certainly not afraid to debate anybody, but I want to make sure it's an unbiased debate and not some kind of hit job," Hike said.

Questions of conflict of interest have also surfaced for both men. Residents asked Hike to address how his real estate business might influence his decisions. He stated that he recuses himself from votes on projects near his company's properties. "I do own some properties around town, but there's a lot of people who own some properties around town," Hike said.

Pflager, in turn, questioned Hike's approach to development. He also raised questions about Hike's own interests in specific areas. Pflager’s campaign focused on Hike's plan, while Hike questioned Pflager's role as a city planner for neighboring Papillion. Hike asked how Pflager could effectively represent Bellevue while planning for a competing city. Pflager said his job is not to recruit development to Papillion, noting that developers typically choose their sites before contacting planners. He said the only potential conflicts he foresees involve land swaps or boundary adjustments, many of which were settled years ago.

Voters must now decide whether to trust an incumbent focused on continued development or a challenger arguing for a diversified revenue strategy. The election will determine which approach Bellevue takes to managing its finances and its built environment in the coming years.