Congressman Mike Flood back in July bragged about the Columbus Community Building while on the House of Representatives floor in Washington, and on Aug. 24, he brought a memento from the nation’s capital to the City of Power and Progress.
On Thursday, Flood stopped by the Columbus Community Building, 2500 14th St., for an extensive tour of the building that houses City Hall, Columbus Public Library, the Columbus Arts Council, an in-the-works children’s museum and more. He also came with a framed copy of the congressional record he delivered about the building and the community while on the congressional floor.[You can watch the quick video of Congressman Flood presenting the framed copy on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Flood, who is the U.S. representative for Nebraska’s first congressional district, was traveling abroad when the building’s grand opening took place on the morning of July 8th. He was in town for Columbus Days but had been eagerly awaiting to tour the facility and present the City of Columbus the framed copy of his address.
“I was excited to see this building. This met every expectation, and I thought it would,” Flood said after checking out the three-level facility. “What a great opportunity for citizens to not only take advantage of the library and children’s museum, the creative and maker spaces, but also participate in city government. I’m very impressed with it.”
Bulkley said he enjoyed visiting with Flood, calling him “a great asset for the community of Columbus.” He joyously accepted the framed certificate of record, noting it would be on display in the building before long.
(ABOUT THE PHOTO: Congressman Mike Flood, left, and Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley visit while looking out at land that will become much-needed parking downtown.)
“You think about all the communities in the country, and good old Columbus, Nebraska, was mentioned on the congressional floor,” Bulkley said. “That’s pretty impressive. It’s really neat.”
After viewing the public library and Columbus Arts Council, Flood, his team members, the mayor and City Administrator Tara Vasicek headed up to the third floor to walk through City Hall and the Community Room/Council Chamber. City Councilman Ron Schilling happened to stop by and chat with everyone for a bit. Schilling said he was happy to see Flood make the time to drop by the building.
(ABOUT THE PHOTO: City Councilman Ron Schilling, left, joins the conversation alongside Congressman Mike Flood on Aug. 24, 2023, in City Hall.)
“The congressman is someone who appreciates what we are doing here in Columbus,” Schilling said. “And he was here giving his congratulations for what we’ve done. It was very nice ..."
Vasicek said she thought it was awesome and is thankful the congressman took the time to recognize Columbus and the Community Building while in Washington, calling him a great advocate for the area.
(ABOUT THE PHOTO: City Administrator Tara Vasicek, left, Congressman Mike Flood and Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley pose for a photo outside the Columbus Community Building.)
“He’s so involved,” Vasicek said. “He is there to help his communities and it’s obvious. We appreciate Congressman Flood.”
Although from Norfolk, Columbus is undoubtedly a second home for Flood. His wife is from Columbus and his in-laws still live in town.
“I’ve watched this community grow professionally and personally. To see Columbus make such an investment, not just here, but the police department, the fire department, Highway 30 … this is a city of power and progress as you see on the sign. It’s very true,” Flood said. “People around the state are talking about Columbus. They’re excited about this community and the fire it has to achieve big things and I’m seeing it for myself today … There’s no question Columbus is booming. “