Candidate Nienhueser To Work Proactively

SIDNEY – From overseeing the design and construction of 19 of Cabela’s 30 stores, to fulfilling duties in the construction of projects such as the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center in Omaha, Sidney’s own Mark Nienhueser shows he has the know-how to capitalize on investments. If there is one thing Sidney has in spades, according to the Sidney City Council candidate, it is investments.

“The citizens of Sidney have made significant investments recently in the city’s infrastructure such as water resources, wastewater treatment facility, new residential subdivisions and the new high school,” Nienhueser states in his candidate profile. “With this investment, we have a great opportunity to maximize our return. By executing on this opportunity to grow our community, we will improve the quality of life for our citizens and provide a sustainable environment for the business community to grow and recruit other new businesses.”

Nienhueser said Sidney citizens make a significant investment in the community each year with payment of property taxes. The candidate claims the best way to control or reduce property taxes is to execute a plan to grow the community and increase the tax base while controlling city expenditures.

Currently underway are the 2010 U.S. Census and city comprehensive plan survey, which will arm the city with information to analyze its strengths and weaknesses, Nienhueser said. The candidate believes this information will allow city officials to look for opportunities to grow, ensuring a positive future for the community and citizens.

“By developing a long-term vision for our community, we can cast the foundation for a better future of our community,” Nienhueser said. “We will improve the quality of life for our citizens and provide a sustainable environment for the business community to grow and recruit other new businesses.”

The council hopeful said if elected, he would see it as his responsibility to work cooperatively and proactively with other council members to develop a long-term vision.

Nienhueser brings a long history of construction and real estate development to the table.

Born and raised in Sidney, he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, receiving a bachelor of science degree in construction engineering. The Sidney High School graduate also received a certificate in real estate and land use economics.

Thirty years later, Nienhueser has put such projects as Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum addition and renovation, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument and the University of Nebraska Information Science Technology and Engineering building construction under his belt. Those projects were completed during his employment with Kiewit Construction, in which he held the vice president and area manager positions.

After returning to Sidney in 2003, Nienhueser gained employment at Cabela’s where he serves as its senior director of real estate and construction.

“In the construction and development industry, every project is a new challenge,” Nienhueser said. “It requires one to visualize the project, develop a strategy to execute the project and to monitor the execution of the project to ensure success.”

“This is similar to the City Council’s responsibility – provide the vision for the future of the community, develop a strategy to execute the vision and work with city staff to see that the vision is executed,” he said. “I believe it is the city council’s responsibility to work together to provide the vision and leadership to develop a long term plan to grow the community.”

Nienhueser’s service to the community includes serving on the King of Kings Lutheran Church Board of Lay Ministry, Sidney Public Schools Facilities Committee, Denver Metro Network Economic Development, Denver Area Council Boy Scouts and Leadership Denver.

Mark and his wife Shelley have three sons, Jeff, Chris and Tim.