Former Mayor Mike Fahey
“Today, more than ever, Omaha needs a mayor who has the knowledge, experience, and proven ability to be effective in economic development, education, crime, housing, public safety, and state government. Brad’s experience and accomplishments in these areas are both extensive and extraordinary. I know of few people who have created or preserved more jobs in Omaha than Brad Ashford, and I know of few people who have experience or worked harder in the areas of economic development, education, public safety, and the challenges confronting our inner cities.”

Former Superintendent Rosie Zwieback
Brad Ashford has always put the interests of children – ALL children – at the center of his public service. Whether it is finding a way to strengthen public education or looking for innovative solutions to improve our juvenile justice system, Brad has showing passion, vision, and leadership.”

Educator and Author Cara Riggs
Brad Ashford is a friend to public education. He “gets” the real issues associated with urban public schools. Why? Because he has taken the time to! With eyes and ears wide open, Brad has dedicated so much of his political and personal energy, not just investigating, but sincerely speaking and reaching out to address realistic solutions to the challenges that go along with insuring ALL students receive the best education, regardless of their personal situations. Brad will be a soldier in fighting the battles most desperately facing our city. Brad will BATTLE for change and CELEBRATE success… that’s what exceptional leaders do!

Attorney Woody Bradford
The fruits of Brad’s selfless service to this community and this state can be seen everywhere, everyday: From the person who picks up a lunch pale to the one who sits in the boardroom; the student off to school on a bike and the student off to a special education class; folks seeing affordable housing as an opportunity to own their own home; folks wanting to mediate their own problems and avoid costly litigation; all people with human problems, big, small, day-to-day, in crisis and out have benefited from Brad’s service.

Former Douglas County Attorney Stu Dornan
“Brad is not afraid to take on tough issues. He takes a thoughtful and collaborative approach to finding solutions.”

Executive Director of Building Bright Futures John Cavanaugh
“For more than twenty years Senator Brad Ashford has been the indispensable leader in our community building a better future for our youth. Brad Ashford has worked to make our schools better, our parents better and students more successful. Brad’s efforts to improve school attendance, improve academic performance and provide more opportunities for students to receive an education that will be economically rewarded have contributed to the success of the Omaha community. Brad’s efforts to reduce violence and change outcomes for students in risk have helped many students to stay in school or return to school and complete their education. Brad has been the kind of non partisan leader who always puts solutions above party bickering and finger pointing. Brad is focused on the future and totally committed to the success of the next generation.”

State Senator Ernie Chambers
“Brad Ashford. A good man. Reliable. Some may call him a dreamer, with which I concur. However, he is also willing to work hard and tirelessly to bring those dreams to actuality.”

Former State Senator Dwite Pedersen
“I served with Brad in the Nebraska Legislature for 4 years. I have never seen another lawmaker be as responsive to their constituents as Brad. I am supporting Brad for Mayor of Omaha because I know he will take his long history and love of Omaha to help move it forward.”

Nebraska State Senator Bob Krist
“As an Omaha resident and a State Senator, I believe what is missing from the skill set of current city leadership is state legislative experience. Knowing that process advances Omaha’s unique needs as the only metropolitan class city in the state. The experience belongs to only one candidate for our next Mayor, Senator Brad Ashford. Vote for the experience that takes our city to the next level ‐ Vote Ashford.”

Former President of the South Omaha Business Association John Barrientos
“I am a business owner, former President of the South Omaha Business Association and formerly worked for Boys & Girls Clubs of Omaha as a Gang Prevention Specialist. In all of those capacities I have become very familiar with challenges that Omahan’s of all backgrounds cultural, ethnic and economic face. When Brad was with the Omaha Housing Authority I had the opportunity to work with him in improving South Omaha. I recognized from the beginning that he was about solving problems and improving the situation while being sensitive to the consequences to the stakeholders involved.

“He has always taken a NON PARTISAN approach. In this time of grid lock and partisan bickering we need leaders that pay no attention to partisan lines and are willing to reach out and work with other leaders despite of their political differences to make their state and city better.

“Brad is visionary. Brad doesn’t just talk about eliminating crime and decreasing unemployment in the poorest parts of our City he has a vision and a comprehensive plan and the leadership it takes to move the plan to action.

“Brad has taken a stance that no matter what a person’s ethnic background or immigration status they deserve the right to an education. He has supported our youth by supporting the Dream Act. He has been a leader in defending education for youth in the Nebraska Legislature.

“I endorse Brad Ashford because of his experience, Vision and History of Action.”

Former Omaha City Planning Director Marty Shukert                                                                “Brad Ashford is the kind of candidate all of us say we want… non-partisan, independent, considering all sides of a debate, relentlessly ethical, fiscally responsible, and a person of ideas. He is driven by an abiding passion for the public interest and for serving the people of this city, and has always been there when a job needed to be done. He has always been committed to the development of Omaha as a community of quality and aspiration. He would truly be a great mayor for all of Omaha.”

Businessman John Blazek
“Brad’s commitment to Omaha’s business communities has been exceptional. We are fortunate to have someone with Brad’s experience and proven track record running for Mayor.”

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Brad Ashford in areas of juvenile crime and education. He has been a tremendous asset for county attorneys and law enforcement across the state.”

Attorney Rex Moats
“Brad Ashford works across party lines. He understands how important Elkhorn is to the Metro Area because he knows the historical significance of Elkhorn. I am supporting Brad for Mayor of Omaha because Omaha needs someone who has thirty plus years of experience in solving problems for Omaha.”

Former Elkhorn Chief of Police Tim Dempsey
“Brad Ashford will bring 25 years of experience fighting to make our community safer to the mayor’s office. He understands that violent crime is not a simple problem and there are no simple solutions. Brad will be able to provide the leadership and experience necessary to solve Omaha’s crime problems.”

David Sokol, Founding Member of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority
“I have long respected Brad Ashford’s many contributions to the Great State of Nebraska and to the City of Omaha. Whether it has been as a Legislator, citizen or as a founding member of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (“MECA”) Ashford has consistently worked tirelessly to better the community through thoughtful consensus building. Ashford’s efforts on the MECA Board of Directors were instrumental in gaining the communities support for what has become a cornerstone of the “new” Omaha. I am excited to give my strongest endorsement to Brad’s candidacy for Mayor because I believe that Brad is the right person at the right time to get Omaha looking forward again. Ashford’s commitment to financial discipline and achievement through consensus building will put Omaha in a strong leadership position among its peer cities.”

“Brad, I respect your continued dedication to making Omaha the best City in the heartland of America. Your and your family’s decades of selfless service rank you as uniquely qualified to serve as Mayor. Lastly, win, lose or draw, thank you, on behalf of all Omaha’s citizens, for your unfailing commitment to our community.

State Senator Steve Lathrop
“I have worked with Brad Ashford for over six years in the Nebraska Legislature on a variety of issues. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the City of Omaha and has an ability to work with everyone regardless of party.”

Former Superintendent Ken Bird
“Brad has worked tirelessly to improve education in Omaha and across Nebraska. His knowledge and commitment to education is exceptional. As a community, we are fortunate to have him running for mayor.”

Former Superintendent Jim Tangdall
“It is not only a pleasure but a privilege to support the campaign of Brad Ashford for the mayor of Omaha. I have known Brad since 1965. He was a student at Westside High School where I was teaching mathematics and coaching varsity basketball. Hence, I knew him as a math student and the starting post man on our 1966\67 team. In both cases he was a most conscientious and tireless worker. Although we were not as successful as we aspired to be; it was one of my most gratifying seasons. These young men were dedicated and readily accepted coaching without getting dejected with the poor won/lost record. Brad was the leader of that effort. I knew at that time that he would be successful in whatever he chose to do and it would be in providing service to others.”

“After my teaching and coaching days, I served as principal of Westside and later as superintendent of the Westside Community Schools. These positions gave me further opportunities to work with Brad in his position as state senator and legislator. He was unique in this position as he was non-political. It made no difference to him who nor which party offered the proposal. If it had merit, he would support the idea. I often thought as I observed him that it was unfortunate that too few politicians fail to emulate his attitude.”

“I am convinced that Brad would bring a “Breath of Fresh Air” as the mayor of Omaha!”

Former City Prosecutor Marty Conboy
“Over the years I have had many opportunities to work Brad on legislative issues of all sorts. He has always been prepared, respectful, and open minded. In particular, there have occasions where I disagreed with him and testified in opposition. To my surprise, he was anxious to consider opposing views, and willing to change legislation where it was needed. His goal was to always have the best legislation possible.”

Dona Smith, Community Organizer
“Brad and I have been friends for almost 20 years. Throughout the years Brad has always been there for me whenever I needed advice personally as well as professionally.  As being a strong advocate for the youth in our community with coaching inner city kids for 20 years, being the Director for the Bryant Center, as well as working with the Boys Club and other organizations, I have seen violence, racism, bullying and lack of education in our community. I wholeheartedly believe Brad is the man to make the needed changes in our community. Brad will talk to the people as well as listen to the people. HE WILL WALK THE WALK with the people of Omaha because he is “THE COMMUNITY”.  On a very personal note I made a promise to my son Steve who committed suicide over a year ago that I would help Brad become the next Mayor of Omaha. Brad is a strong advocate for the mental illness problem is our city as well.”

Businessman Gene Spence
“Omaha is blessed to have fine mayoral candidates in the current race. What sets Brad Ashford apart is his fiscal conservatism coupled with his ability to work with all sides of an issue to obtain the solutions Omaha needs to continue to be a dynamic community.

“Brad, to me, is the A.V. Sorensen of this era. He will always put people first, not special interests. He will work hard to bring our community together. He is the right person, at the right time. He has no hidden agenda. He listens. I’ll say that again: he listens. He digests the various thoughts, opinions, and interests of disparate groups and then does what a good leader must do: he finds the middle ground, the consensus so that all parties have won something and no one has lost everything.”

Owner and Editor of Nuestro Mundo Newspaper Ben Salazar
“I’ve been on this good earth for 67 years. I’ve seen many a politician come and go, and some who have passed me by during a luncheon or some other political gathering. Here’s what impresses me about someone who’s running for office. It’s their heart.  You hear and read a lot about a particular candidate’s positions on a variety of policy issues. But you don’t often hear a lot about what makes them tick. I try to read inside a person’s mind and his or her heart, first. You know, the other day Brad and I had lunch at the local American G.I. Forum club. It’s a club originally founded on behalf of Mexican-American G.I.’s who were being discriminated against in Texas. After briefly reviewing the menu, your father ordered up a bowl of “menudo.”  That surprised the hell out of me! That’s the first time I can recall any non-Latino politician ordering up our “Mexican breakfast of hangovers,” menudo!  Here’s what that told me. It told me that Brad has a history of connecting with my community. Not something his campaign manager or some faceless advisor told him to order. This was more than symbolic for me. This is real life. This guy knows about menudo? He devoured it like he was sitting at my mom’s kitchen table with the rest of mi familia.

I’ve spent time on important issues to Latinos and immigrants, both here in Omaha and at the Legislature in Lincoln. More often than not, it was Brad’s leadership in opposition to Draconian anti-immigrant bills that saved this state from welcoming Jim Crow back into our lives. His positions on these bills, along with his compassion for the young, for the health of pregnant undocumented women and babies yet unborn, and for other laws that protect the most vulnerable among us, impresses me greatly. I know that many other Nebraskans want to hear positions and policies about taxes and roads and agriculture, etc. And these are important issues for our state. But as I said early on, before I support a candidate, any candidate, I look first to his or her heart. Brad has a great heart. I know that when he is elected as mayor of Omaha, he will be able to unite many of the factions in our community towards a common goal. To make Omaha our shining light in the great midwest. I might add that on most political positions that I know of, I am in accord with him 99% of the time. As soon as that other 1% shows up, I’ll let you know!”
Tu amigo,
Ben Salazar

Attorney William Harding
“I first met Brad years ago on the squash court, and it is one of my goals to get him back to that sport.  I worked with Brad on CIR reform (LB 397) and he was a key member of the team which worked long and hard to bring about the legislative reform.  He was involved, collegial, committed and focused on the end result.  Other key players were involved, but the end product would not have been completed without Brad’s involvement.”