UNMC to city leaders: We appreciate what you do

UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., addresses Mayor Jim Suttle and the city council at UNMC on Tuesday.

Mayor Jim Suttle and members of the Omaha City Council were honored at UNMC on Tuesday for their support of the medical center’s growth.

“Elected officials often become the target of intense criticism but it’s important for us to realize that they work hard to make the lives of their constituents better,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “Today’s event was a chance for us to tell our city officials that we appreciate what they do for us.”

Dr. Maurer noted two recent examples of the city’s support:

• The city council’s approval of the closing of 40th Street on the medical center campus to facilitate expansion and safer pedestrian routes; and
  
• The city’s partnership in exploring the feasibility of moving Saddle Creek Road west to make room for further UNMC development.

Dr. Maurer presents Mayor Jim Suttle with a certificate of appreciation for the mayor’s efforts on behalf of UNMC.

Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray talks with UNMC public relations’ Vicky Cerino during a campus event to salute Omaha leaders on Tuesday.

Suttle and all seven members of the city council were on hand for Tuesday’s event, during which they each received certificates of appreciation from UNMC.

The council members are:

• District 1 — Pete Festersen;
  
• District 2 — Ben Gray;
  
• District 3 — Chris Jerram;
  
• District 4 — Garry Gernandt;
  
• District 5 — Jean Stothert;
  
• District 6 — Franklin Thompson; and
  
• District 7 — Thomas Mulligan.

The medical center has become a great partner of the city because of its ability to provide vital care, create strong jobs and attract and retain talented professionals, Suttle said.

“We appreciate what you stand for and we are honored to have you here,” Suttle said. “The city is fortunate to count the medical center as one of its assets.”

The medical center and its initiatives are easy to support because of the benefits they bring to the city, said councilman Chris Jerram, who represents the district that includes UNMC.

The council’s unanimous support for UNMC’s request to close 40th Street on campus was an example, Jerram said.

“It’s rare that all seven of us agree on anything,” he said.