When Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert is out of town, mostly out of the state, she’s no longer in charge.

Stothert finds the rule outdated and asked the recent charter committee to change it and they did, passed it along to the city council, which decided not to change things—leaving it off the November ballot so the voters don't get a chance to choose.

Stothert called that decision “partisan and personal.”

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She didn’t name names, but the Republican mayor was arguably pointing fingers at Democrat City Council President Pete Festersen, who is the first in line as acting mayor when Stothert is away.

Festersen’s argument, “Anything can happen in a city at any time.”

Vinny Palermo: “I’m bringing this forward because I heard loud and clear from the Mayor that she wanted this on there, that she was upset.”

Democrat Council Vice-President Vinny Palermo today suggesting a full council vote to put the issue before the voters, although Palermo intended to vote not to move it on.

Palermo: “I also realize that we live in a technology age, but I’m also aware that I can drive around the city and sometimes I don’t have cell phone service. So, I can only imagine when you’re away from the city.”

But, and here’s what no one saw coming, the proposal passed 4-3, with Democrat Danny Begley siding with the three council Republicans.

Begley later telling me his vote was “an error” and he’s already called for a re-vote next week when he will vote against the Mayor’s plan.