‘It’s part of your legacy’: Clouse reflects on time as Kearney mayor

After more than two decades on the city council and 18 years as mayor, Stan Clouse didn’t seek reelection this cycle.
 

KEARNEY, Neb. — The city of Kearney is going through a transition time in the new year, as is the city’s most prominent public official.

After more than two decades on the city council and 18 years as mayor, Stan Clouse didn’t seek reelection this cycle. Instead, he campaigned and won a spot in the state legislature. But before he takes his seat at the capitol, he’s reflecting on his time in city hall.

“It’s part of your legacy. Some people it’s their family… or they put their name on something," Clouse said. "For me, it’s up here. Yeah, I had a part in that.”

Clouse oversaw massive change in Kearney. Some projects include the construction a second interstate exit, renovation of the airport, the creation of the Central Nebraska Veterans Home and Patriot Park, a new hospital, two in-progress cancer centers, the promise of a new medical school, the expansion of the hospitality district and the anticipated arrival of the Kearney SportsPlex.

“I’ve always been one of those — don’t tell me we can’t do it," Clouse said. "Let’s figure out what we can do.”

Those projects came while Kearney maintained the lowest property tax levy of any Class 1 city in Nebraska.

“Valuations have increased, but when you still have a low levy, you don’t get the windfall that people think you do," Clouse said. "You’re going to get your increase, there’s no question about that, but you’re also a growing city.”

Clouse says he evolved over his tenure to lead with more empathy. He says he always worked to be aware that each agenda item could have a negative impact.

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