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Randy Buschkoetter

NE · Kearney City Council Member

Randy Buschkoetter has served on the Kearney City Council since 1998 and teaches at West Kearney High School. His priorities include keeping the city's property tax levy low and supporting the police and volunteer fire departments.

Where Randy Buschkoetter stands, based on their records

Supports

Public Safety and Crime Control (3 records), Housing Affordability (3 records), Social Programs and Welfare (1 record),

Opposes

Environment and Public Health (1 record), Government Spending Reduction (3 records)

Track record

Track record — Environment and Public Health

Environment and Public Health · 1 oppose
  • Voted against a council resolution backing the Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act (LB 395), a statewide indoor smoking ban. It passed 3-1.

    March 13, 2007Opposes Environment and Public Health

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Track record — Government Spending Reduction

Government Spending Reduction · 3 oppose
  • Seconded approval of the 2025-26 property tax request: $6.47 million for city operations and $619,543 for debt. He also voted for the 2025-26 budget. Both passed 5-0.

    September 9, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Introduced the ordinance to borrow up to $34 million in city bonds to build a sports complex. It passed 5-0.

    March 22, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Moved to ask voters to approve up to $7.5 million in bonds for a youth baseball and softball complex. A 1% restaurant and bar tax paid for it. It passed 5-0.

    August 26, 2014Opposes Government Spending Reduction

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control

Public Safety and Crime Control · 3 support
  • Voted against repealing the city policy that let it post no-weapons signs on city buildings. The repeal passed 3-2.

    November 28, 2023Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted to deny fireworks sales for New Year's after the police chief warned of more calls. The motion passed 4-1.

    October 26, 2010Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against repealing Kearney's city ban on carrying concealed weapons, after a state attorney general opinion. The repeal passed 4-1.

    January 27, 2009Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Track record — Housing Affordability

Housing Affordability · 3 support
  • Seconded a tax break, known as tax-increment financing, for a 24-unit apartment complex by Talmadge Jam, LLC. It covers up to 15 years. It passed 5-0.

    August 11, 2026Supports Housing Affordability

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted to approve plans for an apartment building at 5110 Parklane Drive, despite parking concerns. It passed 3-1.

    May 26, 2026Supports Housing Affordability

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against denying a request to allow duplexes on four lots zoned for single-family homes south of 11th Street. The denial passed 4-1.

    August 13, 2013Supports Housing Affordability

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Track record — Social Programs and Welfare

Social Programs and Welfare · 1 support
  • Moved to rezone 1210 East 11th Street so Crossroads Rescue Mission could build a 66-bed homeless shelter. It failed 2-2.

    April 12, 2011Supports Social Programs and Welfare

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Track record — Public Infrastructure

Public Infrastructure · 2 support
  • Introduced the ordinance to borrow up to $34 million in city bonds to build a sports complex. It passed 5-0.

    March 22, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Moved to ask voters to approve up to $7.5 million in bonds for a youth baseball and softball complex. A 1% restaurant and bar tax paid for it. It passed 5-0.

    August 26, 2014Supports Public Infrastructure

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Track record — General

General · 12 records
  • Urged voters at a council meeting to vote yes on the Good Life District on May 12, 2026.

    April 28, 2026

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted to put the Good Life District on the May 2026 ballot. The plan returns some sales tax to help build shops near the SportsPlex. It passed 5-0.

    February 24, 2026

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Moved to adopt new short-term rental rules, including occupancy limits and a three-strikes complaint policy. It passed 3-1.

    January 27, 2026

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Was chosen vice-president of the Kearney City Council by a 4-0 vote. The vice-president runs meetings when the mayor is absent.

    December 10, 2024

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against asking the state to cancel San Pedro Mexican Restaurant's liquor license after sales to minors. The council passed it 4-1.

    February 24, 2015

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted to allow alcohol sales on Sundays starting at 11 a.m. instead of noon, for bars and stores alike. It passed 4-1.

    October 14, 2014

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted to let stores sell beer, wine and liquor to go on Sundays from noon to midnight. It passed 4-1.

    June 23, 2009

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against denying a permit for the I Believe in Me Ranch to open a school for youth on farm land. He said it would not harm nearby homes. The denial passed 3-2.

    January 8, 2008

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against letting Bill's Liquor West expand the area covered by its liquor license. The expansion passed 4-1.

    February 13, 2007

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against letting Bill's Liquor renew its liquor license automatically. The council approved the renewal 3-2.

    August 23, 2005

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against creating a paving district to rebuild part of 11th Street, after a resident objected to losing trees and green space. It passed 4-1.

    February 22, 2005

    Source: cityofkearney.org

  • Voted against blocking a six-week trial of Sunday morning beer and wine sales in bars. He said it was a chance to test the idea. The denial passed 4-1.

    January 27, 2004

    Source: cityofkearney.org

Past race Randy Buschkoetter ran in: