Former Lincoln City Councilman, Ex-Husker Basketball Player Shoecraft Running For Office

LINCOLN–(KFOR Sept. 25)–Jerry Shoecraft, who played college basketball at Nebraska from 1979 until 1982 and later served on the Lincoln City Council in the 1990s, has announced he’s running for one of the at-large seats on the City Council in the 2025 spring city election.

Shoecraft served on the City Council from 1993 to 2001 as an at-large member and currently works as the property manager of the privately owned The 50/50 student apartments at 18th and “R” Street and co-owns Sapp Craft Properties.

Shoecraft on Wednesday told KFOR News he’s running for City Council again to offer leadership and solutions that’s needed for Lincoln’s continued growth.

“My track record shows I will continue to to be a strong advocate for public safety, but I also intend to push for innovative technologies and sustainable infrastructure to ease traffic congestion and enhance the quality of life for all Lincoln residents,” said Shoecraft.

One thing Shoecraft mentioned is looking at a more cost-effective alternative to the East Beltway project.

“We’ve been talking for years about an East Beltway.  They estimated it has a $550-million price tag and I think the number one reason why it’s not on the table for discussion,” he added.  “I’m recommending a de facto East Beltway.  The infrastructure is already in place.”

Shoecraft said he’ll press for the city to enter into interlocal agreements with Lancaster County to pave streets such as “A”, Van Dorn and Pioneers to connect to 148th Streets.  He says that way roads could possibly be designed around Alvo and Eagle in Cass County to connect up to 238th Street by the Ashland exit to access Interstate 80.  Shoecraft adds that would be at a much lesser price tag and that could provide significant economic benefits to Lincoln and surrounding communities.

“I think that’s something we should put on the table to discuss, as a short-term solution,” he said.

While on the subject of traffic, Shoecraft said increasing the implementation of adaptive traffic signal controls, which includes cameras, sensors and drones to help with traffic management around Lincoln.  It would collect real-time data on vehicle speeds, pedestrian and bike traffic, activity at intersections, while adjusting signal timing to reduce congestion and improving safety.

“I studied a successful model in Alexandria, Virginia, where federal funding was used to launch the (Adaptive Traffic Signal) program,” said Shoecraft.  “It can determine how much traffic is at an intersection in each direction and program those lights to move traffic down the corridor to relieve traffic congestion.”

With budgetary constraints from the state level that puts inflationary caps on future city budgets, Shoecraft believes greater fiscal responsibility is the answer.

“We can’t afford to keeping into our general fund reserves for feelgood projects,” Shoecraft added.  “The city needs to prioritize spending on core services like public safety and infrastructure.”  Shoecraft mentioned that Lincoln needs to continue to foster relationships with small businesses and stay focused on well-planned developments to maintain economic vitality.

Shoecraft concluded by saying he’s dedicated to fostering a prosperous, safe and thriving Lincoln.

“We got to have a progressive mind set to move this city forward,” he said.  “A progressive mindset with fiscal responsibility.”

Shoecraft joins the three incumbent at-large members of the City Council (Bennie Shobe, Sändra Washington and Tom Beckius), who have announced their re-election bids for next spring’s city elections.

The primary is set for April 8, 2025, while the primary will be May 6, 2025.