One of the most crowded Omaha City Council races so far is for the seat that represents northeast Omaha. At least seven people are pursuing campaigns to challenge incumbent Councilman Ben Gray to represent District 2, which stretches from Forest Lawn Cemetery into north downtown and includes Florence, Eppley Airfield and Creighton University. Gray, a Democrat on the officially nonpartisan council, was elected to his seat in 2009 and has twice won reelection. He is one of five sitting council members who are vying for another term. Ben Gray Those looking to unseat Gray include military veterans, community organizers and business owners. Among the issues being raised are increased economic development, better educational outcomes for children and criminal justice reform. Some say the city should divest funds from the Omaha Police Department, while others call the cityâs police force a national example.