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State senator Brad Ashford made it official Tuesday night. He wants to be Omaha's next mayor.
The registered independent had many prominent democrats and republicans at the fundraiser held at Happy Hollow Country Club.
Former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey introduced him to the crowd.
Ashford said his number one issue is to merge the city of Omaha and Douglas County -- an idea he's been discussing for years.
"I will not hesitate to eliminate decades-old impediments to efficiency. I am running as an independent because my experience has proven that problems are solved only after ditching labels and working together toward a common solution."
Other candidates in the field for next spring's primary which is technically non-partisan include: Mayor Jim Suttle, City Council member Jean Stothert, former councilman Dan Welch and Dave Nabity.
