(Oct. 23, 2006) -- ELB's new 5th district Councilwoman, Gerrie Schipske, is inviting 5th district residents to provide input on necessary improvements to the district's infrastructure -- sidewalks, streets and the like -- at the first meeting of a newly created "5th district Infrastructure Advisory Council."

The kick-off event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the El Dorado Senior Center, 2800 N. Studebaker Rd., from 6-8 p.m...and will be followed by regular monthly meetings, Councilwoman Schipske's office says.

"Who knows better than the people that live in our community about what needs to be fixed?" Councilwoman Schipske asked rhetorically in a release. The release adds that it's hoped the Advisory Council will provide an opportunity to educate constituents about what her office calls "the massive amount of work that needs to be completed in the 5th District."

The issue of sidewalk repair -- and whether former 5th district Councilwoman Jackie Kell was the "sidewalk repair queen" or didn't adequately tend to the issue -- became a major bone of contention in the June election that brought Councilwoman Schipske to office. During the campaign, Councilwoman Schipske hammered Kell on the issue...and at one point cited City Hall's own figures against her.

Now in office herself, Councilwoman Schipske is, in effect, following-through on her campaign pledge to deal with the infrastructure issue. "We have the highest percentage of damaged sidewalks in the 5th District, so we have a lot of work to do," said Councilwoman Schipske in a written release.

At the Oct. 25 event, LB's Public Works Dept. is scheduled to present a report to residents on the current condition of sidewalks and streets in the 5th district. Councilwoman Schipske's office says.

And yes, the public will be heard.