Council declines to reconsider three Board of Health reappointments, motion fails 2-5

The Lincoln City Council voted 5-2 against reconsidering the reappointments of Stacy Bleicker, Dr. Katie Garcia and Tom Randich to the Lincoln Lancaster County Board of Health.

Councilmember Tom Duden asked to change his earlier vote and sought reconsideration, citing an extended COVID emergency and a desire to allow other individuals an opportunity to serve. “I’d like to change my vote to no for all 3,” he said, adding that he wanted to give different individuals the opportunity to serve following the extended emergency appointments.

Councilmember Bowers pushed back and outlined the qualifications of the three appointees in detail, saying the members have served the community well. Bowers described Tom Randich’s long service at Good Neighbor Community Center, Dr. Katie Garcia’s credentials as a pediatric dentist and community outreach through programs such as Give Kids a Smile Day, and Dr. Stacy Bleicker’s pediatric and child advocacy experience, including medical-director work with the Child Advocacy Center (BRAVE B) and roles on gubernatorial child-health committees.

A motion to reconsider the appointments was moved and seconded; the clerk called the roll on whether to reconsider and recorded “yes” votes from Studen and Beckius and “no” votes from Carlson, Schaub, Bowers, Weber and Washington. The clerk announced the motion lost 2 to 5 and that the council would not reconsider the reappointments. The reappointments remained in effect with terms to expire April 15, 2028.

The council did not adopt any new findings about the appointees’ conduct or qualifications. Councilmember Duden said constituent feedback influenced his decision to seek reconsideration, while other councilmembers said they had not received prior notice of concerns and emphasized the appointees’ qualifications.