Date:

May 19, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Mark Bowen, Mayor’s Office, 441-7511

Mayor Coleen J. Seng announced today that she is nominating Dick Esseks to the Lincoln- Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Esseks oversees three U.S. Department of Agriculture grant research projects at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is an instructor of public administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Esseks served on the Mayor’s screening committee for the selection of the Director of the City Public Works and Utilities Department this year. He is a member and current Chair of the County Ecological Advisory Committee. In addition, he serves on the Mayor’s Environmental Advisory Committee.

“Dick’s background in studying land use and the issues of housing affordability at the city and county level will be an excellent addition to the Planning Commission. He shares my priority of creating opportunities for job expansion thorough smart growth,” Seng said.

Esseks has a bachelor’s degree in history from Oberlin College, a master’s degree in regional studies and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University. He has written several publications on topics including agricultural land conservation and municipal growth.

Esseks would replace Dan Marvin who was elected to the Lincoln City Council earlier this month. His nomination will be sent to the City Council and the County Board for consideration.