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The COVID-19 vaccine is widely available throughout the state, but younger people are still getting coronavirus at the highest rates.
Let’s all do right to reach community immunity and get the good life back.
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Nearly eight years ago, in his inaugural address, Gov. Pete Ricketts pointed to the challenges Nebraska faces in creating jobs.
“There’s a barrier to creating jobs here in the state. And it’s Nebraska’s high taxes. We must cut taxes,” Ricketts said.
In April 2022, Ricketts signed into law a $900 million tax cut that lowers the top individual and corporate income tax rates, gives property owners a refund able tax credit and phases out the state’s tax on Social Security income.
During Ricketts’ tenure, the state’s economy has remained relatively stable, with the excep tion of the pandemic-induced economic downturn. When he took office in January 2015, the unemployment rate was at 2.9%. As of August 2022, it sits at 2.1%.
With his time in office coming to an end, it’s time for Nebraska to choose a new governor. It will likely be one of two candidates: Jim Pillen, a Republican, or Carol Blood, a Democrat.
The Reader asked two econ omists about the top economic challenges facing the state and how the next governor could ad dress them.
Chris Decker, who teaches economics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said the governor’s office is an effective tool for promoting economic growth. He also said governors have a voice nationally to influ ence federal economic policy.
“Governors facilitate trade with other countries and sup
Jim Pillen, RePublican candidate foR goveRnoR. Photo courtesy right cheer.port educational opportunities … which can help stimulate job creation,” Decker said.
Decker said the biggest over arching challenge for the state’s economy is the labor force. Par ticipation in the Omaha metro workforce has fallen by 5% since 2000, he said, and the decline is playing out across the state.
“Population growth is, at best, slow-growing. It’s pressuring wages up, which in turn pres sures other prices in the econ omy up, and it makes it very difficult for businesses to meet growing demand,” Decker said.
With declining workforce par ticipation, a shrinking tax base could make social services hard er to fund, Decker said, which makes it more challenging to provide tax relief.
“[Tax relief] has been done extensively over the last four decades. I honestly don’t know what more can realistically be
done, but we will almost certain ly hear about it,” Decker said.
Eric Thompson, who chairs the economics department at the University of Nebraska–Lin coln, said setting spending pol icy is the most important role of a governor in growing the state’s economy. Thompson said a governor’s role in creating and curating an efficient state gov ernment helps attract both pro fessionals and businesses.
“Obviously, it’s workers and businesspeople that play the biggest role in building the economy. But the governor can play a role in several ways — mak ing sure that money is spent in a way the public appreciates or in ways that are highly productive for the economy,” Thompson said.
Unlike Decker, Thompson thinks tax relief can still be done, but it needs to be less targeted than in previous years.
“A lot of what the state did … eliminated or reduced taxes that only impacted a certain part of the population, like inheritance taxes or Social Security taxes,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the state’s economy would benefit with a sales tax cut or with fewer trans fers to local governments to keep property taxes low.
“The advantage of tax reform is that you can still raise the same revenue while making the econ omy more efficient,” Thompson said.
The Reader reached out to both candidates’ campaigns to ask about their economic pri orities. Pillen’s campaign didn’t respond to multiple requests for an interview, but Blood’s did. She said the very first thing that needs to be done is to put to gether an all-encompassing stra tegic plan for economic growth.
“The state doesn’t have a stra tegic plan. We just pay bills and cut the budget,” Blood said. “If we want to be fiscally respon sible, we need to go across the state, meet with different com munities … and ask what the key issues are in their community.”
Blood said previous attempts to create an economic plan were done by out-of-state consultants who met with everyone but con stituents. The D.C.-based con sulting firm that prepared “Ne braska’s Next Economy,” a 2016 report intended as an economic development roadmap, met with state agency staff, higher education representatives and business leaders.
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“Strategic planning is not just research … it’s one thing to have a report that’s told to people; it’s a different thing to have a report everyone participates in,” Blood said.
Pillen’s campaign website in cludes the “Pillen Playbook,” a set of policy priorities that he’d implement as governor.
The plan consists of one-pag ers outlining his “plays,” a refer ence to his time as a defensive back on the Husker football team. His economic checklist in cludes modifications to growing the economy. That section calls for ending tax incentives for outof-state businesses and a broad call to eliminate regulations as well as “fight federal overreach” and “oppose big-government socialism.”
Both Pillen and Blood say they want to lower property taxes. Pil
len’s plan calls for a limit on gov ernment spending at both the state and local levels as a mea sure that will help keep prop erty taxes low. He also wants to change the way agricultural land is valued, moving from the current market-based system to an income-potential assessment system.
Pillen’s property tax plan also calls for a “major overhaul” of the school funding formula, aimed at equalizing rural and ur ban school districts.
Blood’s top priority on proper ty taxes is to address the state’s unfunded and underfunded mandates. In January, she spon sored a constitutional amend ment that prevents the state from imposing any financial re sponsibility for new programs or expanded services on political subdivisions. That amendment was indefinitely postponed in the Legislature.
“My colleagues always say they have trouble with the im plementation or the legislative procedure. I think they just don’t want to change how property taxes work because they’d like to be able to campaign on it,” Blood said.
Pillen’s plan calls for expand ing post-secondary opportuni ties beyond a four-year degree, creating new internship oppor tunities and expanding skills-fo cused education. His plan also calls for the state to introduce “patriotic knowledge” into the classroom.
Blood said she wants to bring nonviolent offenders out of the correctional system and into the labor force. She also thinks the state should do more to bring those who retired at the onset
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of the pandemic back into the workforce.
“A lot of retirees in my Senate district find jobs as paras at the local school or greeters at WalMart just to stay busy. But if we don’t actively recruit them, why would they come back?” Blood said.
The Democrats haven’t won a gubernatorial election since 1994, when Ben Nelson won re-election in a landslide. In 1998, when Nelson was term-limited, the Republican candidate won by a single-digit margin.
Republicans have won every subsequent election by large margins. Whether that changes this year is up to you. Turn to page 10 for more information on how to vote.
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On Nov. 8, Nebraskans will vote on a new governor, members to represent them in Congress and ballot initiatives, including one to raise the minimum wage. But before you dig into this issue’s stories or scan the included League of Women Voters Election Guide to read what each candidate stands for, The Reader wants to make sure you’ve got the basics covered on voting in the general.
Here’s what you need to know:
Citizens of the United States.
Residents of Nebraska and of the county where you are registering. If you move to another county, you must re-register. You must be at least 18 years of age or will be 18 on or before Nov. 8, 2022.
You must register before you can vote by mail and online by Friday, October 21. www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/ Voter registration forms are available in Spanish here. www.votedouglascounty.com/early_voting.aspx#mail Register in person in the Douglas County Election Commission or DMV by Friday, October 28
VERIFY your voter registration here: www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview
If you are registered you can also update your information, including address, affliation with a party and name changes on your voter registration record.
Citizens who have been convicted of a felony by any state or federal court. You cannot register to vote until two years after the completion of your sentence, including any probation or parole term. People who have been found to be mentally incompetent.
You can apply for an early-voting ballot by contacting your county election office in person, by mail or by fax.
Print and complete the online early-voting application. Mail, fax or scan/take a picture of your application and email it to your county election office. The last day for an early-voting application to be received is 6 p.m. on the second Friday preceding the election.
If you are mailing a registration application and are a first-time registrant to vote in Nebraska, the law requires: a copy of a photo identification that is valid. (This can be a Nebraska state ID or driver’s license.)
a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document. Each must be dated within 60 days before you register and show your name and address.
If you aren’t 18 years old when registering but will be by Nov. 8, you can register. Just be sure to present an ID that shows your birthdate.
You can vote early at your county election office (30 days before a primary or general election and 15 days for all other elections). The day before the election is the last day to vote early in person. Download the form at: sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-forms
If you are registered to vote in Douglas County but you’re voting at the wrong polling place, your address does not match your registered address, or you don’t have proper identification, you must request a provisional ballot
Provisional ballots are separated and examined by the county’s election commission. Check your provisional ballot’s status at: www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/VoterView/ProvisionalBallotSearch.do
Government word salad is complicated. Here’s tHe bare-bones by ArjAv rAwAl
Nebraskans will vote on three ballot measures this fall, with Omahans voting on a set of amendments to the city’s charter. We’ve done the task of breaking down what voting Yes or No on each of these ballot items would mean.
Amendment 1:
Voting Yes would allow any political subdivision (city, county, etc.) that owns/operates an airport to use its revenue to incentivize commercial air service.
Voting No would mean any political subdivision that owns/operates an airport would not be allowed to use its revenue to incentivize commercial air service.
Examples of airports owned by political subdivisions include the Lincoln Airport (owned and operated by the City of Lincoln) and the North Platte Airport (owned and operated by the City of North Platte).
InItIAtIve 432:
Voting Yes would change the constitution to require that a voter must present valid photo ID to cast a ballot. The definition of what can be used as a valid photo ID would be left up to the Legislature if the amendment passes.
Voting No would allow voters to cast their ballots without presenting a photo ID.
InItIAtIve 433:
Voting Yes would change the state’s minimum hourly wage to $10.50 per hour in 2023, $12 per hour in 2024, $13.50 per hour in 2025, and $15 per hour in 2026. After 2026, it would be annually adjusted for increases in the cost of living.
Voting No would keep the state’s minimum hourly wage at $9 per hour.
Amendment 1:
Voting Yes will change the charter so that a City Council members who’s resigning early won’t be able to vote on who replaces them.
Voting No allows a resigning City Council members to vote on the appointment of their successors.
Amendment 2:
Voting Yes changes the procedure for determining if a mayor is disabled. Currently, the Council is required to assemble a medical
committee to make that determination. This amendment would require two-thirds of the Council to vote that the mayor is unable to perform duties.
Voting No requires that the Council assemble a medical committee to determine whether the mayor is disabled and/or unable to perform duties.
Voting Yes would create a line of succession for the mayor’s office beyond the City Council president and vice president. It would provide for an exception to the requirement that the Council meet twice a month in the event of a federal or statewide emergency declaration. The amendment would also require only the city’s official newspaper be allowed to publish notices relating to any initiative petitions.
Voting No would keep the current line of succession for the mayor’s office to just the City Council president and vice president. It would require that the Council meet twice a month in the event of a federal or statewide emergency declaration. Voting no would also allow more newspapers than just the city’s official newspaper to publish notices relating to any initiative petitions.
Voting Yes would increase the size of the city’s cash reserve to 12% of the budget. It would increase the minimum amount for public bidding and Council action on contracts to $50,000.
Voting No would keep the size of the city’s cash reserve to 8% of the budget. It would keep the minimum amount for public bidding and Council action on contracts to $20,000.
Voting Yes would require that the city’s master plan addresses affordable housing and sustainable development.
Voting No would preserve the city’s master plan as is, which does not require addressing affordable housing or sustainable development.
If you’ve received a ballot by mail, you can drop it off at one of the many boxes across the county. Scan this QR code to see where the drop boxes are located. (www.douglas.co.us/ elections/ballot-drop-off-locations/)
If you prefer to vote in-person, you can use this link to check where your polling place is and what district you’re in. All you need to do is enter your first name, last name and the county ayou live in. (www.votedouglascounty.com)
When it comes to im pacting crime or the state’s prison over crowding crisis, the Douglas County attorney plays a big role — overseeing close to a third of the state’s population and sen tencing 38% of its current pris oners.
For the last 16 years, Doug las County Attorney Don Kleine has led the office, carrying out responsibilities spelled out in state law as well as finding an swers in the wiggle room. What offenses do you go after? How do you decide the punishment? Do you use your role as a public
official to affect policy?
This November, voters will decide whether Kleine, who’s spent decades in a variety of the office’s roles, or his challenger, Dave Pantos, an attorney and former executive director of Le gal Aid of Nebraska, have better
answers for those questions, as well as bigger ones about the future of the county’s criminal justice system.
Top of mind for many voters will probably remain summer 2020. That was during the Black Lives Matter protests when Kleine declined to press charges against Jake Gardner after the bar owner shot and killed pro tester James Scurlock in down town Omaha. Kleine said it was self-defense. Protests outside Kleine’s home ensued. An ap pointed special prosecutor and grand jury later filed an indict ment against Gardner, but there was never a trial as Gardner commited suicide in Oregon.
Kleine again received blow back after saying the special prosecutor seemed to have “his mind made up” before investi gating the case. The Nebraska Democratic Party then passed a resolution saying Kleine, one of
Nebraska's prison population has been growing for decades, exceeding its system's capacity.
its members, had perpetuated white supremacy, which Kleine said he wasn’t given a chance to respond to. Kleine publicly switched to the GOP.
“If you knew my history, par ticularly with minorities … we work so hard in that regard,” Kleine said in a recent interview with The Reader. “You could call Don Kleine a jerk or clown or whatever. But white suprem acist or racist? Yeah, sorry, I couldn't handle that.”
But politics are secondary to bigger issues, said Pantos, who in addition to Legal Aid also has experience in private prac tice, federal district court, an Indiana city prosecutor's office and Douglas County’s eviction court.
“We have the worst prison overcrowding problem in the country. We have the worst ra cial disparities in incarceration and sentencing in the whole country,” said Pantos. Reports from organizations such as the Sentencing Project say Nebraska has some of the highest dispar ities in the nation but not the
worst. “We're stuck in the 1980s when it comes to sentencing policies. Where's that all origi nating from? The more I looked, I saw that it really just traced back to Douglas County.”
In Douglas County, Black people are more than nine times as likely to go to prison than their white counterparts, according to a Reader analysis of state data. Disparities aren’t unique to Nebraska, and neither are suggested causes such as poverty, over policing and oth ers that start long before a pros ecutor gets the case.
But Pantos said there are still opportunities being left on the table.
“It's all about leadership,” Pantos said. “As a county attor ney, you can sit there and just run an office and prosecute the cases that are brought to you. Or you can show leadership in the community, build partnerships
and directly impact policy.”
To Kleine, it’s ludicrous to suggest his office isn’t trying to alleviate the causes of crime. In 1997, Kleine said, he helped establish the state’s first drug court in Douglas County, of fering programs and offense forgiveness. It’s one of many “problem-solving courts” the county offers today. It includes veterans treatment and young adult courts as well as diversion and mental health programs.
In 2020, 1,313 people partici pated in problem-solving courts statewide. However, Kleine could not say how many peo ple completed these programs or what effect they have had on overall crime trends.
“If we had another $100,000 or $200,000, we could have more people, or maybe keep better statistics, and have that luxury,” he said. “And I wish we did.”
Kleine and his chief deputy, Brenda Beadle, said they also meet with local pastors and su perintendents as well as serve
on boards such as Project Har mony’s, which advocates for children victimized by abuse and sex crimes. In his tenure, Kleine said he’s added addition al victim advocates who speak a variety of languages and creat ed attorney niches in everything from homicides to DUIs.
“The best way to prevent crime is to give people hope,” Kleine said. “Make sure they have an education. Make sure they have family … we don't want to send people to prison if we don't have to.”
What effect all of this is having on the overall prison population is complicated.
Statewide convictions are down over the past decade, but Douglas County’s share of the admissions is up.
One explanation could be a rise in crime. The Omaha Police Department reported an 18% increase in violent crime arrests
since 2011, and the Douglas County Attorney's Office is fil ing 25% more felonies in dis trict court compared with 2007 — both of which outpace popu lation growth.
In looking for answers, some researchers pay attention to how much time people are serving.
“It's so easy to add another month,” said Molly Robustel li, senior policy specialist with the Crime and Justice Institute, which released a major study of Nebraska’s criminal justice sys tem in January 2022. “But when you're doing it across all admis sions … that's when time served across the board increases and leads to this population.”
In the last decade and before COVID-19, minimum sentence lengths statewide increased 25% according to CJI data.
One factor potentially con tributing to longer sentences is a 2009 law that established harsher penalties for gun crimes.
The number of people serv ing time for a gun crime went from 85 in 2008 to 777 in 2020, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
For Kleine, the punishment still fits the crime.
“If you're going to do a gun crime, if you're going to shoot somebody with a gun, if you're going to hold up a gun in rob bery, if you're a felon that's in possession of a firearm, you're going to do time,” Kleine said.
Kleine also opposed a recent bill in the Nebraska Legislature that would have reduced man datory minimums and felony convictions for drug crimes, among many other major crim inal justice reforms. It failed. In his testimony to lawmakers, Kleine pointed to Nebraska’s relatively low ranking, 36th, in prisoners per capita.
Nebraska counties are much less likely to sentence white people to prison. In Douglas County, white people are more than four times less likely to be imprisoned. Douglas County also imprisons white people at the second-lowest rate among counties in Nebraska. It also has a relatively low incarceration, but still disproportionate, incarceration rate for people of color.
“The idea is, we want to help people,” Kleine told The Read er. “And sometimes it's like, ‘OK, you're getting charged with this felony for having fen tanyl or heroin or methamphet amine.’ And maybe they'll real ize what's going on in their life and they'll be willing to seek the help that we're offering.”
Others opposed changing harsher sentences for “habitual criminals,” a term assigned to people with multiple charges and used to gain harsher sen tences. Kleine said his office brings out the tool only when necessary, although some such as Pantos argue it’s used to force disadvantageous plea deals that lead to prison time. Forty-six people sentenced from Doug las County are listed as habitual criminals in the state system — 30 of whom are Black.
But some say the hammer may still be falling too hard. While decriminalizing drugs fur
ther can impact problem-solv ing courts, Robustelli said she’s seen others find new ways to reach people.
“The [district attorney] in Tulsa shifted away from misde meanor drug court and now has a really strong mental health diversion program,” she said. “The model just shifts.”
Kleine has used his influence to change other policies. He said in 2009 he helped erase the statute of limitations for many sex crimes. He also worked on the study that led to last legis lative session’s major criminal justice reform bill — although he opposed certain pieces of it, such as more leniency toward drugs.
Pantos said that’s a problem because charges such as mari
juana possession — which makes up less than 1% of convictions from Douglas County, accord ing to state data — are being “stacked” with other offenses to build harsher cases. Kleine said there’s no such thing.
Pantos also said he would not prosecute abortion cases if they were to become illegal in Ne braska. Kleine said it would be unethical to promise anything before, and if, laws are passed.
Pantos also wants bail reform. He said the current system pe nalizes the poor, keeping peo ple in jail if they can’t pay the hundreds or thousands of dol lars judges assign to make sure they won’t skip court if released.
“Why can't we envision a sys tem that doesn't discriminate against people because of their inability to pay bail?” Pantos said. “Someone might end up languishing in jail, and other people will plead guilty just so
they can get released. And now, they won't be able to get a job because that's on their record.”
Pantos, as well as some pub lic officials and city employees, have raised concerns about the number of attorneys who’ve left Kleine’s office in the past few years. Kleine said some at torneys have left to take betterpaying jobs or been appointed to judgeships. However, Kleine and the Douglas County De partment of Human Resources said they could not provide past staff lists.
Despite their differences, both candidates agree Douglas
County needs more money for mental health services. That means getting more mental health professionals regionaly, expanding opportunities for outpatient services, processing and treating people better at the Lincoln Regional Center, growing mental health courts and responding appropriately to mental-health-related crimes.
Kleine said his tenure has
been fair and dynamic, and he’s the right person to tackle new concerns, such as addressing crime without making hasty de cisions.
“People are more worried about crime than they ever were before because they see … maybe some of these ideas that some people had aren't work ing very effectively,” he said of trends such as decriminaliz ing all drugs or sending more offenses to diversion. “I think change can be very effective if it's appropriate.”
For Pantos, there’s been a lot of good over the years — the
rise of problem-solving courts in particular is something he wants to see more of. But the office needs new vision, he said.
“We're going to go after [se rious crimes] hard. But what we’re not going to do is waste our time on nonviolent offend ers. We're not going to waste our time prosecuting people with mental illness … there's so many more things we can do in terms of diverting nonviolent offenders from the system.”
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Araceli Guzman takes a breath and knocks on a door near 32nd Avenue and Martha Street. in Omaha’s Hanscom Park neighborhood. The morning sun reflects off her wide-brimmed hat and neon green vest as she waits for someone to walk to the door, but she’s met with silence. Then she knocks again.
Finally, the door opens. A be spectacled man greets Guzman and her co-canvasser, Maria Luz, who stands a couple of inches behind Guzman. She’s clutching an iPad that displays a map with more than 50 addresses they’ll walk to today.
“Hi, we’re with the Heartland Workers Center,” Guzman says.
It’s a Monday morning in mid-September and the canvass ers with the Heartland Workers Center (HWC) are knocking on the doors of eligible voters to share information about the Nov. 8 gubernatorial election. HWC is a nonpartisan organization, so canvassers work to share infor mation on how and when to vote, not who to vote for.
On this year’s ballot, Dem ocratic state Sen. Tony Vargas is challenging incumbent Re publican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon to represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in the
U.S. House of Representatives.
As a member of Congress, the elected representative will help make and pass federal laws for District 2 residents.
District 2 is the most racially and ethnically diverse of Ne braska’s three congressional districts. It’s made up of Oma ha and Douglas County, parts of Sarpy County and Saunders County, the newest addition due to recent redistricting — the process of drawing new elector al district boundaries. The new map of District 2 moved parts of southwestern Sarpy County, including Papillion and La Vis ta, out into Nebraska’s 1st Con gressional District and brought Saunders County in from the
neighboring district.
The 2nd Congressional Dis trict has been a competitive ground for Republicans and Democrats for years. In the last several elections, the district’s precincts have split votes down party lines and emerged with a Republican congressman, except for the late Brad Ash ford’s Democratic win in 2014 over former Rep. Lee Terry. In the 2020 presidential election, Democrat Joe Biden won the district’s votes for president while Republican Don Bacon won for Congress.
Voter registration data in the 2nd District shows 38% of vot ers are registered Republican, 36% Democrat and 25% non
“We’re walking around today to remind you of the upcoming election on November 8. Are you Omar?”
partisan. Whether they live in North, South, West Omaha or Saunders County, many citizens in the 2nd District will base their vote on what Vargas and Bacon pledge to do to improve their communities.
Omar Gutierrez, the Hanscom Park resident standing before canvassers at his door, said though he’s not unhappy with Bacon’s time in Congress, he'd like to see if Vargas “offers some thing more.”
“I liked Vargas’s campaign in the primary, so I wanted to give him a closer look,” he said.
The son of Peruvian immi grants, state Sen. Vargas grew up in New York and began his career as a public school teach er. He’s served as an Omaha Public Schools Board member and in the nonprofit sector, and he touts endorsements from the
Nebraska State Education As sociation. Vargas currently rep resents District 7, which covers downtown and southeast Oma ha, in the Nebraska Legislature.
Rep. Bacon has represented Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District since 2017. His endorse ments for his fourth election run include the Omaha Police Officers Association and Gov. Pete Ricketts. Bacon grew up working on his family’s farm in Illinois, and after attending col lege served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. In the House, he currently serves on the Armed Services and Agriculture congressional committees.
About four miles north of Hanscom Park two days lat
er, another trio of neon-vest ed Heartland Workers Center canvassers greet voters at their doors off North 24th Street.
“Some people don’t know there is an election — you might hear about it, but it goes in one ear and out the other,” said Y’Shall Davis, HWC’s North Omaha organizer. “That’s why it was so interesting finding the Heartland Workers Center because it was finally an orga nization that would teach you (about the election).”
Accessible health care is top of mind this election for Valo ra Mapp, a 70-year-old North Omaha resident who works with the elderly in their homes.
“People need it and depend on (it) to get their medicine,” Mapp said, including herself. She doesn’t drive anymore af ter having surgery on both her
hands and developing arthritis from working in factories for al most 16 years.
Vargas voted to expand Medicaid in Nebraska as a state senator. He supports lowering the cost of prescription drugs and creating a public option for “Nebraskans of any age to buy into a Medicare-like health care plan at an affordable rate,” according to his campaign. Ba con has supported legislation to expand health care benefits to veterans exposed to hazardous toxins while on duty.
Mapp hasn’t felt North Oma ha has been represented or lis tened to by Bacon during his time in office.
“We don’t need (people) like that to sucker us in, you know?” she said. “We need someone to speak and be honest — we want you to stick with your word.”
IMAGES courtESy of B AllotpEdIA.
A couple of blocks east of North 24th Street, Latoyce Wes ley says she will vote, but she’s undecided on who she’ll vote for. Wesley, who works in home care and child care, wants to see more job opportunities in her neighborhood, something she's seen fall out since the pan demic.
Wesley said since the pan demic began she’s seen “a whole lot of people without jobs that I know normally had a job.”
As a Nebraska state senator, Vargas worked with Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney to bring more than $300 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to North and South Omaha. That invest ment will go to businesses and job opportunities in both com munities, which were hit dispro
portionately hard by COVID-19. Bacon voted against ARPA be cause money from previous pandemic relief packages had not yet been spent, according to his campaign.
Drive about 25 miles west, cross the Platte River and enter Saunders County, home to the 22,787 newest residents of the 2nd Congressional District. Vot er registration data shows 62% of voters are registered Repub lican, 19% are Democrats and 18% are nonpartisan.
It’s 5:30 on a Monday night in the eastern Saunders County town of Yutan, and Dixie Trost stands at the front of Creative Hair Works, her beauty salon, as
she waits for her final client of the night to arrive for a trim.
While redistricting may be a new phenomenon to some in her county, it’s not for Trost. The business owner hosted Bacon at her home last spring in his efforts to meet the people of Saunders County who would be merged into his district. Trost hasn’t met Sen. Vargas, but she’s seen his ads on TV.
Trost is most concerned about rising inflation, an issue she says has resulted in some of her clients moving away from Nebraska or cutting back on sa lon visits to save money for fam ily groceries.
“People don't have the dis posable income they used to,” Trost said. “We're still kind of a necessity business, but I can see some people have to space out
their appointments, and they're thinking twice about getting chemical services done.”
The Nebraska Examiner re ported Vargas has pledged to explore inflation solutions, in cluding subsidies for child care costs and tax cuts that help the middle class. In Congress, Ba con voted against the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 because he said it would increase taxes for families and businesses. The law aims to curb inflation by lowering prescription drug pric es and increasing taxes for high earners — adding a tax of at least 15% on large corporations that earn $1 billion or more.
National election and con
gressional race analysis sites expect a close race for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Ac cording to Five Thirty-Eight, a website that tracks redistricting in states, Republicans have a slight advantage over Demo crats on the new map, but the race remains competitive. The Cook Political Report, an inde pendent, nonpartisan publi cation, recently changed the District 2 seat rating from “Like ly Republican” to “Toss Up,” making it one of the few in the country held by an incumbent Republican that’s expected to be up for grabs.
The overturn of Roe v. Wade may be a deciding factor for voters in District 2. A memo from Vargas’s campaign said the Cook analysis “highlights Bacon’s opposition to abortion without exceptions for abor tions, even in cases of rape,
incest, and a mother’s life.” Ba con has co-sponsored a bill in Congress to criminalize and ban abortions nationwide.
Vargas has said he supports the right to an abortion and for people to make their own de cisions when it comes to their reproductive health care.
Vargas and Bacon are sched uled to debate each other twice in October. The first debate is set for Oct. 13 and will be hosted by the League of Wom en Voters and the Omaha Press Club and broadcast by WOWT. The second debate will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 and will be hosted and broadcast by KETV.
For more information about both candidates, check the League of Women Voters’ guide included in this issue of The Reader.
In going from the stage to the sacred to meet people where they’re at, Brother James Dowd founded the Midwest’s first Epis copal monastery, Incarnation, in 2018. This monastic enclave at 3020 Belvedere Blvd. in northeast Omaha centers on prayer, service and addressing hunger.
Dowd grew up Catholic in Queens, New York. Early religious studies led him to The Passionists order. But a summer job stage managing, casting, directing shows at Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia, where his family moved, sparked a new life. Stage veterans praised his “director’s eye.” He studied drama and arts management, directing musicals and plays in Washington, D.C., then off-off-off Broadway in New York.
sense of brotherhood” his New York City firefighter father exem plified. “That and family is what taught me my first lessons in com munity. There’s lots of people, you like some better than you like others, but you love them all, and when there’s trouble people have your back.”
Additionally, the Catholic Church taught him about com munity and faith but also “the two essential things” of his life –prayer and service.
Brother JAmes DowD stAnDs in front of the hAnD-pAinteD icon in the monA stery’s mAin room where puBlic pr Ayer hours Are helD every DAy except monDAy.
He segued into a nation al special event and television production career that includ ed producing the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A de cades-long detour from taking vows followed.
His life proved rehearsal for the community spirit at the heart of monastic life. Start with his large, close-knit Irish-Italian family. “We lived near each other and did all sorts of things together,” Dowd said. Then there was the “strong
He attended Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, whose Sisters of Mercy educators be came his next mentors. “As a collective group of women these are the greatest people I’ve ever known,” he said. “They’re a very active religious order who do social justice-oriented activities. They taught us what that looks like. And they taught us how to pray. It’s a huge influence in my life that resonates all these years later.” Dowd now leads prayer workshops.
Not to be forgotten, he said, “Theater people have a very strong sense of community based around being part of something bigger than you.” Artists and monks “don’t make a lot of mon ey – you do it for love.”
Along the way the openly gay Dowd, 60, faced a crisis of con science and an identity conflict
“Two things were happening at the same time,” he said. “I ab solutely knew I wanted to be a member of a religious order and I was coming out. It felt like it was tearing me in different directions and I didn’t know what to do about that.”
Being gay then, he said, “seemed like a curse or some thing strange or sinful,” adding, “I used to pray this prayer from the time I was 16 until my early 20s: ‘Jesus please make me the man you want me to be,’ and what that meant for me at the time was, please make me straight.
“I came to learn the meditation techniques of the contempla tive life,” Dowd said. “From that I learned Jesus was saying, I am making you the man I want you to be, just accept this is real and from me. I went from shame to this is OK, this is a blessing, this is one of many ways people live in life.”
A spiritual director affirmed his religious life calling but didn’t think he’d be any good at it until he dated. Dowd heeded the ad vice. “I dated, this and that hap pened. Then I could no longer stand with the Catholic Church because they do not condone something so fundamental to who I am as a person.”
He found refuge in the LGBTQ-friendly Episcopal faith, in which, he said, "anyone is wel come at the altar.”
When he made a retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York, he said, “I felt imme diately at home.” Still, he put off following the monastic life. After all, his career was flourishing. An epiphany came during a 2000 allnight, outdoor commercial shoot in Times Square with TV celebrity Dick Clark.
“I turned to see a homeless man not 20 feet away bent over, pushing a shopping cart filled with aluminum cans, a blue can vas tarp over him, no gloves, in the cold, with us in our best win ter wear. And that’s the moment I decided to become a monk. I thought that man is who I’m sup posed to be helping. I gotta get serious about this.
“All those things together cre ated my particular life and voca tional path that’s given me noth ing but joy.”
An advantage to becoming a monk later in life, he said, is “hav ing lived a life similar to those you serve.”
Dowd lost a Franciscan priest friend in the 9/11 attacks. He served the Holy Cross order back East and in South Africa. He then discerned grassroots, prayer-cen tered community in a challenged neighborhood. A friend, Ne
Brother James DowD chats with a visitor in the main room of incarnation monastery.
braska Episcopal Diocese Bishop Scott Barker, invited him to be the diocese’s “monk in residence.” Dowd formed The Benedictine
Way community, whose Incarna tion monastery consists of two adjacent houses. The modest digs seamlessly blend into this Miller Park residential neighborhood. Two partners are Church of the Resurrection next door and Trinity Lutheran down the street.
Oblates and Benedictine Ser vice Corps members operate its food pantry and community gar dens targeting inner-city food scarcity and assist social justice allies Restoring Dignity and Mag dalene House.
“Standing in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized is what a disciple of Jesus does,” said Dowd, the mon astery’s prior. “It’s not just saying those things, it’s actually showing up and doing something about it. I can’t believe I get to live this life.”
The community convenes for prayers and meals. Silence is observed other times. Guests, neighbors, strangers are wel
come. Prayer requests are accept ed.
“It’s a ministry of hospitality or presence,” Dowd said. “We are supposed to be hospitable to any one who comes to the door and help them however we can – if they need food, they need water, they need comfort.”
Feedback he gets tells him “there’s something about the life we live here and the prayer we pray here that radiates peace outward – It is different from a parish church in that it is a 24/7 presence.
“That’s a unique thing about a living Christian community – it’s literally living there and trying to be the disciples Jesus asks us to be,” he said. “I think that would affect any neighborhood, but es pecially a neighborhood like this in which there are more hungry, unemployed people, more vio lence, more need.”
Daily communal prayers focus
on ending violence and healing divisions locally, nationally, inter nationally.
When Dowd and fellow monk Jerry Thompson are in public, their robed garb and shaved heads invite questions. The two show up at neighborhood associ ation meetings and events.
Service Corps members and others who join in prayer and service, Dowd said, “hunger for a way to be contemplative and to be in community” in this disjoint ed era.
“We pray together, we work together, we eat together. Those are the three things that can bring a community together and rein force it,” he said.
He has no regrets leaving the bright lights for serving others. “It feels like exactly the thing I want to do.”
Visit www.thebenedictineway. org
S TOry By Annie Albin | PHOTOS By CHRiS bOWlinG
Some call him Derek. A few call him Dad. But most just call him Voodoo.
Derek Everhart has al ways had an affinity for the abnormal. But now he specializes in it, selling a smorgasbord of skulls, stuffed animal heads and other finds at Voodoo’s Odd Shop on the cor ner of 13th and Martha streets.
“The best way to ex plain the shop – this is my brain,” Everhart said. “Like what you see is what’s all cluttered inside this little noggin here.”
Like all good ghost stories, this one has some lore.
As a South Omaha kid growing up in the ’80s, Everhart was drawn to the “different.” He noticed things other kids wouldn’t – like racoon skulls de caying in alleyways, prosthetic eyes dropped in grocery store aisles, and sets of dentures aban doned in parking lots.
Everhart and his crew of neighborhood kids could be found out past their bedtimes, playing ghosts in the graveyard in the dimly lit streets. Many nights after traipsing across dewy yards, they’d cross the in tersection of 13th and Martha toward the imposing mansion on the hill.
Everhart would stare at the looming red-brick Victorian mansion from afar. Formerly host to both a mortuary and a rest home for the elderly, the space had an air of the paranormal to it.
Sometimes, Everhart even swore he saw a ghost in the front yard. Covered in chains and flail ing weakly, the image sounds like something out of a book of scary stories and campfire tales. And with the placement of the ghost being in front of the for mer funeral home, it was perfect fodder for urban legend. But to Everhart and his friends, it wasn’t legend. It was reality — some
thing they still talk about to this day.
Only now, more than 30 years later, they aren’t talking about the spooky house on the hill. They’re talking about Ever hart’s home and business.
“There’s days … it’s like I’ve had bouts with depression, and I come down here because this is my memento mori,” Ever hart said. “Like this year alone. I turned 41. [That’s how old my dad] was when he died. So like, honestly owning like this many human remains has actually helped me really deal with death better. Cuz up until I met my wife
it just seemed like I had a lot of death and loss in my life. This has helped me get through it.”
Before starting Voo doo’s Odd Shop, Ever hart followed the mo tions. Oddity collection was his side hobby, but fatherhood and working life as a machine operator took the mainstage. But a life of normalcy didn’t suit him, and Everhart found himself in a deep depression …
He knew something had to change and de cided to open his own shop and fill his days with collecting and chasing the odd and abnormal.
“I guess I had to cre ate my own spark,” Voo doo said.
Now, Voodoo’s days are filled with collecting coffins, seeking strange items from across the country and renting hearses — he owns six, two of which serve as the family cars for everything from dropping kids off at foot ball practice to going through the drive-through. He does it all from the house on the hill, which became his just before the pan demic hit.
After sitting on the market for two years, the house dropped in price and the Everhart family snagged it. But it needed work. A slew of break-ins marked their
first few memories in the home, complete with a stolen chan delier and busted-down back door. Over time, the strangers stopped coming by and asking for the former occupants – and Everhart made sure they knew he meant business.
The creaky floors, old stone fireplaces and Victorian wood work creeping around the home were perfect for a shop dedicat ed to the abnormal – but also for Everhart’s wife, four children and multitude of pets (including a snake with no eyes, a dog, three birds and Tiger, Church and Binx – kittens who were born under a hearse parked in Everhart’s garage). While his kids handle homework upstairs, Everhart is downstairs surrounded by his oddities.
Every item that comes into the shop arrives with a level of respect. From Ouija boards to human skulls, Everhart is careful to ensure all the pieces are re sponsibly sourced and respect fully contained.
He vets every person he pur chases from, and steers away from unsustainable practices like bat taxidermy, which negatively impacts bat populations. Most of his other taxidermied items are 20-plus years old, so as to not contribute to current hunting cy cles. And when it comes to col lecting human remains, much of the marketplace is contained to
older specimens – a reflection of the regulations instilled to stop skull trades that led to unjust deaths. As Everhart points out the pieces in his shop, he can say where they all came from – but never who they were.
As he’s grown his collection over the years, he’s also grown his connections. This year, he’s brought together more than 40 oddity collectors, artists, per formers and other vendors for the bi-annual Omaha Oddities & Art Expo. It’s the fifth time he’s held the expo, and this year’s event on Oct. 8 will feature ev erything from taxidermy, to crys tals, to fire artist performances.
Everhart never knew that life could be like this – that the things known as “odd” or “dark” to others would be what pulled him out of the gloom, helped him find a community, and be come his full-fledged career.
And now, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“This,” Everhart said, “is what makes me happy.”
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Omaha is a vam pire city. From its early his tory of violence and corruption to un derground tunnels in East Omaha, the dark and mysteri ous side of the city offers a lush vein for vampire lore.
“Omaha has ghosts,” said Sean Rourke, creator of the vampire film “Black Ambient.” “The idea of a vampire walking these streets in the modern day, who was also here in Omaha back in those [early] days, that just seems like a rich place for vampire storytelling.”
se An rourke, An oMAhA nAtive, is the cre Ator of “Bl Ack AMBient.”
Slayer’ when Buffy is learning cool ac robatic shit in her tight clothes and stuff,” the char acter says.
Rourke said his love of vam pires began with “The Lost Boys” (1987) and “Vampire: The Masquer ade,” a table top role-playing game published in 1991. He said he brought the game back with him to Omaha during college breaks and his friends would spend their sum
just keep coming back to me in my life.”
For “Black Ambient,” Rourke held auditions at the Emmy Gifford Chil dren’s Theater and was allowed to use the in terior of the under-con struction Rose Theater as the film’s setting for the final standoff be tween vampire and vam pire hunters.
“Bl Ack AMBient,” A vAMpire-hunter flick, fe Atures ’90s oMAhA the Ater Actors And Bygone city loc Ations.
Meredith McAdams played the role of Sap phire in the Omaha film when she was an incoming high school senior. She described the process of filming as a memorable whirlwind.
“Black Ambient,” shot by Rourke in 1995, is a mockumentary-style film about an Omaha crew hunting the bloodsucking predators starring familiar faces from the city’s the ater scene at the time. The film sat shelved until this year, when Rourke revisited and premiered it on “The Vampire’s Castle,” his YouTube chan nel.
The film was shot during sum mer and is nostalgic through and through. Thin eyebrows, dark lip stick and middle hair parts take up shots filmed at people’s houses, the Old Market and bygone Omaha lo cations such as the Astro Theater.
Vampires had a hold on pop culture in the ’90s with “Interview with the Vampire” (1994), “Blade” (1998) and both the film (1992) and TV (1997) versions of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
The influences of Buffy in par ticular are obvious in “Black Ambi ent,” with a character even making a tongue-in-cheek reference to the movie during a training sequence.
“You know this reminds me of a scene, like in ‘Buffy the Vampire
mers creating intricate storylines and vampire lore.
“Working in Hollywood, I find a love for all things science fiction, and comic books and action movies in general,” Rourke said from Los Angeles. “But I find that vampires
“It was such an awesome expe rience,” she said. “Looking back, it doesn’t feel like ten days of shoot ing. When I think back to all the memories we had, it felt like a whole summer.”
McAdams has continued work ing with Rourke on recent projects of his, and the cast and crew of “Black
Ambient” reunited this summer to view the film and share memories of making it.
“Bringing it back out and watch ing it again, I thought, this is every thing great about Omaha as a cre ative place,” Rourke said. “There’s so much richness and texture in Omaha, and so much talent. There are probably not any other vampire movies shot in Omaha, and that’s a shame.”
Love of oddities and the occult is a family affair for Rourke. His par ents, Ann and Denny, performed as magicians in Omaha and traveled the Midwest with their children as a family magic act.
Their performing lifestyle in spired Rourke to study film at the College of Santa Fe, leading to a ca reer in Hollywood. Rourke currently works as an editor at The Third Floor, a VFX visualization studio hired by major movie studios, including Mar vel, Disney and Netflix.
As Rourke’s Hollywood career took off, he said he came to appre ciate his hometown and hopes his vampire projects on YouTube will inspire others.
“I hope somebody sees “Black Ambient” and thinks, ‘Hey I could do that in Omaha,’” Rourke said. “And then I hope somebody does.”
The Kaneko Soirée, an annual fundraiser that kicks off its new ex hibition season, opens in the Old Market from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 7.
This year’s theme focuses on the statuesque: “MONUMEN TAL” underscores the ways renowned sculptor Richard Hunt explores the narrative of African culture — its historical origins and global movement — through large-scale, abstract public artworks.
about the event and exhibitions, which run through Feb. 5, can be found
Two genre-pushing
Think Zappa/The Mothers, King Crimson, and Primus. With Black Midi, listeners get dished more than fast guitar playing and drumming. These are songs you can get swept away by — songs you can experience. “Hellfire” was released in July and reached 22 on the UK Album Chart. It also topped the Emerging Artists Chart.
Quelle Chris, opener and rap per/producer, is based in De troit. He has 15 solo albums and a rich catalog as a songwriter.
The show is all-ages. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8. Tickets are $25-$30.
— Matt Casas
Since 2011, Necronomicast is a horror podcast that focuses on Hollywood horror films, para normal activities, cryptozoology and true crime.
Hosted and produced by lo cal musician and public speak er Brian J. Corey, the podcast’s “Historic Haunted Heartland” event at the Benson Theatre will feature local and international guests as they discuss Omaha’s haunting tales.
Stopping in are occult phe nomena and paranormal leading expert John E.L. Tenney, Villisca Ax Murder House caretaker and
historian Johnny Houser and lo cal paranormal investigator and historian Jamie Nestroyl.
Tickets for the Oct. 8 show are $40 and can be purchased on line at bensontheatre.org. The talk will begin at 7:30 p.m.
— Efren Cortez
The Japanese Ambience Festi val will celebrate the gift of cul ture and autumn’s sweet arrival at Lauritzen Garden for two days.
The garden getaway also hap pily remembers the anniversary of a gift: A castle gate given by Sister City Shizuoka, Japan.
The event features Bonsai and Ikebana plant displays, calligra phy, origami, music, and more.
Admission is free for members and kids ages 2 and under. Tick ets cost $9-$15. Some activities cost extra.
The festival goes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
Have fun, learn, and relax.
— Matt CasasOctober 10 - November 10
California indie rock band The Airborne Toxic Event is making its way to The Waiting Room on Oct. 9. The show and tour were originally planned for last fall.
The group’s most recent al bum, “Hollywood Park” in 2020, coincides with frontman Mikel Jollett’s New York Times bestsell ing memoir of the same name. It was the group’s first album without violinist Anna Bulbrook following her departure.
Some of The Airborne Toxic Event’s heights include the 2008 single “Sometime Around Mid night” being certified gold by the RIAA and writing the song “Hell and Back” for the 2014 Best Picture nominee “Dallas Buyers Club.”
The show will cost $25 and will at 8 p.m., with In the Val ley Below opening. Tickets can be purchased at waitingroom lounge.com.
— Efren CortezContemplating an evening out to honor October 10, In digenous Peoples’ Day (f.k.a. Columbus Day)? Well, why not enjoy artwork that explores the vibrancy, diversity and perse verance of Indigenous cultures through the eyes of four accom plished contemporary artists of Indigenous heritage.
UNO’s October exhibit, “Re silience,” at the Weber Fine Arts building on the UNO campus, opening Oct. 10, features the work of Anita Fields, Sarah Rowe, Lydia Cheshewalla and Reyna Hernandez. All four work in a wide range of disciplines and mediums.
While each of these four artists might fit comfortably under a multi-disciplinary umbrella, their individual works emerge from widely varied backgrounds, in spirations and skillsets.
A closing reception will be held Nov. 4 from 5-7 p.m.
—Kent BehrensThis month, two venues will be recognizing the late Omaha artist, Wanda Ewing.
The Roberta and Bob Rogers Gallery, which represents her es tate, will exhibit “Prints in Color: Ewing, Saar, Rowe” from Oct. 14-Nov. 26. The opening recep tion is from 5-9 p.m.
With Ewing’s bold graphics as a springboard to consider the underappreciated work of print makers who are women of color, a range of her prints is featured alongside those of Allison Saar and Sarah Rowe. Prints by sever al graphic arts students at UNO, where Ewing was a tenured pro fessor, are also included.
The Union for Contempo rary Art, whose gallery space is dedicated in Ewing’s honor, will be hosting “Growing up Black, Growing up Wanda” from Oct. 15-Dec. 17.
It focuses on the nine image/ text diptychs that comprised her 1997 thesis book from the San Francisco Art Institute. With their candid and personal emphasis on race, beauty, sexuality and identity, they remain relevant today. UCA will publish this print
suite as a book, with proceeds supporting the Wanda Ewing Memorial Scholarship at UNO.
The Roberta and Bob Rogers Gallery is at 1806 Vinton St. with open hours Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Union for Contemporary Art is located at 2423 N. 24th St. and its gallery is open Tuesday-Thursday from 1-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.rbrg.org and www.u-ca.org.
—Janet FarberPianist/bandleader Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox brings the Life in the Past Lane Tour to the Holland at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. Here, fans can boldly reimagine their favorite music in a live setting.
This band is more like a musi cal collective with a rotating cast of featured performers. It even has singers from “Saturday Night Live.”
Known for paying tribute to the old glamour and big-band sound while covering more con
temporary songs, the band will offer a mix of more modern hits and the classics throughout the decades.
Tickets are $39.50 to $170.00.
— Matt Casasembellishes some of her canvas es with structures of lumber.
The show runs from Oct. 21 through Nov. 20. A closing re ception will be held Friday, Nov. 18, from 4-6 p.m. The Gallery is on campus at 2500 California Plaza.
On Productions brings a string of interactive performances to the Slowdown.
Many are familiar with the iconic 1975 cult film starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Meat Loaf. The movie has left its imprint on pop culture, music, theatre, and the LGBTQIA+ com munities.
Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on all four days, with an extra 11 p.m. performance on Saturdays. Tick ets are $35-$50.
These shows feature mature content and language.
— Matt CasasWhat began in 2004 for 300 people, thanks to UNL’s anime club, now hosts around 6,000 guests.
It’s not hard to believe our con draws in such a crowd. With one hundred events and even more booths, Nebraskons are the real deal.
Tickets cost $55 plus fees, but then you’re set for all three days. The fun kicks off 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, and ends at 5 p.m. Sun day, Oct. 23. Check out animen ebraskon.com for more informa tion.
— Matt CasasOctober 21-23
October 21
Fresh from a group exhibit at Gallery 1516, Katie B Temple brings more of her expressive, domicile-inspired paintings to Creighton’s Lied Art Gallery for her solo exhibit, “Building A Home.”
This time around, Temple ex pands on what it means to make a place to call home, reflecting on the building process, be it obvious, nuanced, or fleeting.
She employs imagery of arche typal, vintage toys — Lincoln Logs or Tinker Toys — and even
—Kent Behrens
October 21-22 & 28-29
Dr. Frank-N.-Furter and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” troupe have been around in the atre form since 1973. Now Rave
Mid America Center
(Masks are encouraged but not required.)
Nebkon returns with a firsttime host, the Mid America Cen ter in Council Bluffs, for three days of animation, gaming, mu sic, pop culture, and together ness.
Visual artists Travis Apel and Daniel Casteñeda (a.k.a. Sedra D’) and sound artist Jose Trujillo (a.k.a. Sener) will collaborate on multi-disciplinary, visual, sonic and spoken word performances at Benson’s Mayflower Mobile Gallery. A public event is sched uled Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. November First Friday will feature another from 6-10 p.m.
The trio will take on themes of conflict, reconciliation, me moriam and interdependence. Apel and Sedra D’ create sound sculptures and traditional drums made from naturally hollowed out logs. Sener will install tactile sensors and light-activated elec
tric circuitry inside the wooden objects, making them interac tive.
The event will take place at 5603 NW Radial Highway. For more information, go to info@ travisapel.com or call 402-5150698.
—Mike Krainak
The Bemis Center’s fundraiser, the Benefit Art Auction, scales up with offerings of work for pur chase via silent bidding by more than 200 regional and national artists, many of whom are former Bemis residents and exhibitors.
Beginning Oct. 1, art is avail able to view online, with the display open to the public start ing Oct. 15 and culminating in the auction Oct. 28 from 5:309:15pm.
Details are at www.bemiscen ter.org/events/benefit.
—Janet FarberAfter 9 years, local goth-politi cal-punk band No Thanks is play ing its final show.
In that time, No Thanks re leased an EP, a few singles, two studio albums and one live al bum. The group was chosen best punk band in Nebraska by Kerrang! magazine in 2018.
No Thanks was known for cha otic performances consisting of blood and ripped black mesh.
Helping send No Thanks off are local acts Nowhere, Cat Piss and Hussies.
The performance will be at Re verb Lounge on Oct. 29. Doors will open at 8 p.m. with music starting at 9. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door or online at reverblounge.com.
— Efren Cortez$5/month or $50/year
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“Things were getting kind of messy at that point.” Taylor said. “When the pandemic hit, everyone was feeling that blow and trying to acclimate. We moved to curbside only at Midtown, and we felt like we were always trying to catch up. For months we all saw Luke was strug gling.”
And while the pandemic raged on, Taylor was shocked to learn just a week before the Midtown open ing that another location had been planned at Aksarben Village.
whatever any of the locations need ed. but Luke was still juggling literally every other position.”
Ricardo’s work ethic ensured that Culprit always had customer favorites on hand, but he could feel the cracks beginning to show.
When the always-bustling and ever-expanding Culprit Café closed all three loca tions suddenly over the summer, it was more than the standard statistic about how hard it is to run a business during the pandemic. Last month, The Reader spoke with former em ployees of the café to put the rumor mill to rest, and to set the record straight about the work they walked away from.
taylor B. (Taylor asked her last name not be used in publication.)
“I started at Culprit in June of 2017 when I moved back to Omaha from Memphis. Right away things were hectic. Culprit had their own coffee program, and I wanted to get really serious about learning coffee,” she recalled.
“We were fully staffed when I start ed, but right before the pandemic things started to feel a little off. We were struggling to staff the kitchen.”
Owner (and new father) Luke Ma bie continued to press on, opening another Culprit in Midtown in 2018, and adding service at the weekly Farmers Market through summer.
“Luke had this mentality of having to always do more, but he was pour ing from an empty cup on a daily basis. He was at Culprit all the time. Sometimes he would catch sleep in his van, sometimes in our dry-storage area. It was too much.”
“I started in May of 2018. I moved here from the West Coast because a friend from culinary school always talked about Omaha. How the cu linary scene is growing and rent is cheap. Luke took me on right away and I kind of learned to feel my way [through the work] at Culprit.”
With a background in pastry and baking, Ricardo learned the business in a trial by fire, as Mabie was in the process of opening the second loca tion while teaching Ricardo how the business should run.
“He would spend the entire day downtown with me, then the whole night at Midtown to paint, put up shelves, check on the kitchen. I of fered to take on more work and really ended up shooting myself in the foot there. We agreed on a salary, and I took on more so he could focus on growing the business. but by the end I was working anywhere from 10- to 16-hour days. We had a lot of wholesale orders, we had the three locations, and I had to be ready for
“I do want to believe that friend ship or that kinship was because we were a team. I spent a lot of time with Luke. I got to meet his family, and a lot of the time it was just me and him working when the business was closed. It felt like more than just a boss and his worker. There were times I put in more effort than I should have, but Luke believed in me and gave me a lot of confidence.”
Everyone who worked for Culprit insist the customers were the best, the menu was exceptional, the coffee program was educational, and Mabie was a hard-working business owner who didn’t know the meaning of the word quit. And maybe that was the culprit behind what led the team to stage a walkout over the summer.
“We absolutely loved our regulars, and they loved us right back, and they showed it.”
Cash tips were kept by the barista who earned them, but electronic tips were pooled. When several members of the staff of about 10 people at Culprit’s downtown location noticed that the busy season wasn’t coming with a higher payout, someone sat down and did the math.
“One of the employees really took the initiative and collected all the sales just from May and realized that between the three locations, $9,000 in tips were never paid. We texted Luke and asked him for a meeting.”
As a collective, the team ap proached the boss in a spirit of prob lem-solving, hoping to find the glitch
A customer fAvorite, the Lox wA s A fe A st for the eye. All imAges Are from whAt remAins of Culprit’s online presenCe.
responsible for the missing tips.
“Luke works harder than anyone, and we all thought so highly of him. He was always there before 6 a.m., he was always there later than anyone else. but his body language when he told us he had no idea what hap pened to the money told us that he knew he was caught. We didn’t see him much that week, then we had a second meeting with him and his accountant.”
Eden said Mabie admitted to the staff that the money had been re-al located to keep the business afloat. He used some to pay wages for nontipped employees, and some to pay bills to keep the three locations alive, Eden added.
“He wasn’t out buying fancy cars or using the money for his personal life,” Eden said. “He put everything he had into Culprit and made a de cision to try to keep them going. We understood that. We don’t know how long it had been going on, but he offered to cut us a check for our lost tips all the way back to January. I loved working at Culprit, and I loved Luke, but we were all paying rent, tu ition, bills.”
when the accountant got back to the staff with estimates for back pay, the numbers still weren’t working out.
“It wasn’t even half of what I was supposed to have made from May, and she said it was back pay since January. We agreed we were all go ing to leave, but Luke left so fast we weren’t able to tell him in person. We called the voicemail and stood in a circle, we each said our names and that we were resigning. I thought our location would close, and maybe Luke would combine staff and keep
one open. He and his wife had kept a location open with just the two of them. We didn’t know that the day we left would be the end of Culprit.”
By the next day, the rumor mill had turned out a dozen theories as to why the shop was suddenly chained and the socials for Culprit and its owner were gone. Despite the cir cumstances, Taylor, Ricardo, and Eden all shared only the best wishes for their former boss and teammate.
“I texted Luke that I was sorry it ended this way.” Eden said. “We saw ourselves as partners, and we all re spected him. You have to trust your team. Nobody wants to talk about money problems, but at the end of the day if you want a loyal staff, you have to have a good relationship.”
“I don’t blame Luke for this. But I’m still not sure how to feel about it all.” Ricardo said. “I definitely went through the stages of grief. Four years I spent at Culprit, and it’s just over.”
“As angry as I am, I truly don’t know what he was going through personally.” Taylor said. “He has a family. He was just try ing to make it.”
Proud pioneers of the fermenter-to-table movement.
It would be wrong to say the freshest beer is automatically the best beer. But the best beer almost always tastes its best when it is, in marketing speak, at the peak of freshness. And it’s hard to get any fresher than beer brewed thirty feet away from your table. And it’s doubly hard to get any better than when that table is here at Upstream. But we suspect you already knew that.
Customers often voiCed their pleasure at both the exCeptional quality and the surprisingly low Cost of the dishes Culprit served.
Arecent weekend of music at Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar reminded me how much serious, national-level talent we have locally. Matt Cox & The Ma rauders played the early show on a Friday, Josh Hoyer & Soul Co lossal played the late show that night and an early show the next. These are two of the best local bands going. As we hopefully get to maintain more normal routines, get out and don’t forget to buy the CD of a band you like, or at least tell them you appreciate their mu sic. In this digital age of streaming platforms and social media, that in-person interaction and support is even more important. And the energy and joy of live music played by real musicians six feet away from you is where it’s at. Liberating, in vigorating, inspiring.
I met a guy in town for the Husker game who said in Virgin ia, where he’s from, there’s no place like The Zoo Bar, and he has to travel to Austin, Texas, or New Orleans to hear music like Hoyer’s. Seeing this kindred spirit so moved by the music and filled with joy on the dance floor got me back out there too, reminding me, after all we’ve been through, of the truly spiritually elevating experience that actively participating in a live music performance offers and how I need that. Hopefully, you do too.
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colos sal celebrate a new CD, “Green Light,” with Omaha and Lincoln shows. This band is as good as or better than any funky soul-blues group working on the nation al scene. Catch their CD release shows at The Jewell in Omaha on Friday, Oct. 21, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. They play Lincoln’s Zoo Bar, Satur day, Oct. 22, with two shows, 5-8 p.m. and 9 p.m.-midnight.
“Green Light,” their sixth CD, was recorded mostly in live, fullband performances at Denver’s Mighty Fine Productions and fea
tures Hoyer’s signature blend of thoughtful lyrics, distinctive, gritty vocals and heavy, funky soul from accomplished players. Glide Mag azine says “Green Light” is “Brim ming with down and dirty oldschool soul instrumentals, [and] finds Hoyer laying down his usual brand of feisty vocal prowess …
[The music] offers yet more proof that Josh Hoyer continues to be a vital force in the soul-music com munity who should be touring large venues around the country .”
Even as reviews like this are hitting, Hoyer announced in Sep tember on Facebook that “after completing our 2022 schedule, we will no longer be doing club-date tours across the country … We will, however, continue to play locally in Nebraska and will be available to play larger festivals and concerts throughout the United States and abroad if it makes sense for us .”
He added “We are very proud of this record and think it is our best work yet.”
Follow the band at joshhoyer. com and facebook.com/joshhoyer andsoulcolossal
October’s BSO Presents shows start with K.C.’s award-winning Danielle Nicole Band playing Rathskeller Bier Haus on Thursday, Oct. 6. Ken Valdez opens. This is an outdoor show, bring your camp chair due to limited seating . Catch the Canadian group HOROJO Trio featuring guitarist JW-Jones at The Jewell on Thursday, Oct. 13. Dustin Arbuckle & The Dam nations play the Philly Sports Bar and Grill, 8116 South 84th St., on Thursday, Oct. 20 . The LA Jones Quartet with blues legend Boo Boo Davis perform at The Jew ell on Thursday, Oct. 27 . Davis is one of a dwindling number of the genre’s earliest Delta-born blues artists . Alligator Records’ gui tar-star Jarekus Singleton plugs in Thursday, Nov. 3 at The Strut. All Thursday shows are 6-9 p.m.
Find all the BSO listings and a cu rated calendar of local blues-roots music events at omahablsues.com and late-breaking announcements at facebook.com/bluessocietyofo maha
The Sunday Roadhouse concert series hosts a band that should ap peal to fans of The Iguanas or Los Lobos and Latin-infused music. Making Movies gigs Friday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m., at the Reverb Lounge. NPR calls their sound “sensual, smoky, and seductive,” and the band says their sound “crunches classic rock into Latin American rhythms — African-derived percus sion and styles like rumba, meren gue, mambo and cumbia.”
On Sunday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m., the return of The Lowest Pair Band is scheduled at Reverb. See sunday roadhouse.com
Blues-jazz-soul keyboard / Ham mond organ wizard Bruce Katz and his band play The Jewell on Sunday, Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m., and Lin coln’s Zoo Bar on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6-9 p.m.
John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett hit Lincoln’s Rococo Theatre on Tues day, Oct. 11, 8 p.m. Tickets at ro cocotheatre.com. Lincoln’s Zoo Bar presents the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m. Todd Snider plays the Scot tish Rite Hall on Saturday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. Tickets at etix.com
Kris Lager Band plugs in with their rockin’ roots-blues at The Zoo Bar on Friday, Oct. 14, after 9 p.m., and at Waiting Room on Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 p.m.
“Remember the Drumstick,” the documentary about Lincoln’s iconic ‘80s chicken restaurant turned rock club, will run at The Ross theater on the UNL campus for one week beginning Friday, Nov. 4. See theross.org for de tails.
did you hear that? In the dis tance, something stirs. An animal? Maybe. It’s proba bly nothing. Wait, what was that? That was definitely something. Warm laughter by the campfire cools to the ash of silence. The tall grass parts. It’s Viola Davis with a goddamned machete.
“The Woman King” does not f**k around.
Within minutes, the film ex plodes into gorgeously choreo graphed, clearly visible carnage. If you had misgivings about the eye-plucking violence, release it. The men being slaughtered are slavers, and Davis is, as always, our salvation.
Inspired by the true story of the Agojie warriors of Dahomey, director Gina Prince-bythewood has reinvigorated the cliched, mes siah warrior epic. It is “Gladiator” or “braveheart” but with a better lead and improved action. It is, hilariously, almost a direct mirror of the plot from “Top Gun: Maver ick.” yet, for some reason, big fans of that movie aren’t as vocal pro ponents of this one …
Set in the 1820s on the African continent, a place and time that public schools may or may not be allowed to even mention any more, “The Woman King” focuses squarely on the slave trade. The Oyo Empire has united with Euro peans to sell captives stolen from
Who could Want more in this life than to Watch Viola daVis chop doWn slaVers With a machete? also, the plot is basically “ top Gun: maVerick,” so it should also do $1.5 billion at the box office, riGht? IMAGE: SONY
other kingdoms into lives of hellish labor. Dahomey’s new king, Ghezo (John boyega), is open to rebelling against Oyo. This is what Nanisca (Davis), the leader of the Agojie, wants. And what Viola Davis wants should absolutely always happen.
As Nanisca bends her king’s ear, a young recruit, Nawi (Thuso Mbe du), learns the ways of the Agojie. Training with the impossibly badass Izogie (Lashana Lynch), Nawi learns how much of her disobe dience and rebellion are a virtue and how much are actually quite obnoxious and dangerous. The new leader of the Oyo forces, Oba (Jimmy Oadukoya), soon forces
Sherin Nicole at idobi.com says: “Fierce women were the spice of all eras. Why weren’t we taught about them in school? I think you already know.”
Britany Murphy at discussingfilm.net says: “It’s extremely rare for Black women to be seen in the way
Dahomey’s hand, and things spi ral into fiery, spectacular violence. That plot again: An aging, rebel lious soldier trains young recruits for a likely suicide mission, one of whom she has a strained family bond with, only to join them for the glory of their nation. So yes, “The Woman King” is “Top Gun: Maverick” but eleventy billion times better, in part, because its villains are pro-slavery.
Honestly, why aren’t slavers more commonly used as bad guys? In the same way no redeem able human being winces when a Nazi is ground into bratwurst on screen, seeing Davis and company
they’re shown in ‘The Woman King.’ What we typically get are watered-down images and controlled voices of Black women that fit the typical Hollywood narrative, which is still largely run and dictated by white men. Thankfully, ‘The Woman King’ is a huge leap away from all of that.”
hack-and-slash their way through rabid anti-abolitionists is cathartic. And that hacking and slashing is capital G Great. The Agojie fight ing style is depicted as a blend of grappling, gymnastics, and god damned machetes. yes please. Polly Morgan’s cinematography is deliciously clean and crisp. It is visually readable in a way that few action movies ever are.
The non-swordplay parts are also pretty damn great, and that’s not just Viola Davis but also very much Viola Davis. Lynch sizzles as the seasoned vet whipping rookies into shape. Mbedu is a fantastic audience surrogate, the appro priate blend of wide-eyed and steel jawed. boyega walks right up to the line of chewing scenery. His deference to Davis isn’t just a function of his character’s choices as written but his performance as delivered.
yes, “The Woman King” is re lentlessly hackneyed. No, nobody should care. This is escapism with slavery as its punching bag. It is rah-rah patriotism for a onceproud African nation. It is rote mythmaking featuring characters often pushed entirely out of histo ry. A review online decried this as having “Disney-fied girlboss ener gy.” That a man could write such a thing in the year 2022 is justifica tion for its entire existence.
Courtney Small at cinemaaxis.com says: “The film is as much about removing the shackles of fear as it is a tale of the importance of uplifting one’s commu nity and forging new paths in the process.”
Other Criti C al V O i C es t O C O nside rFor most of my film-loving life, horror was an after thought, an also-ran, the Luke Hemsworth of genres, if you will. And Luke absolutely will; he’s down for anything. I was lucky enough to have a loving ambassa dor to spooky cinema encourage me to reconsider. She did this by watching horror movies almost all the time. So … many … Like, you know how you see a film called “Bathroom Exorcism 12: A De mon’s in the Shitter” and wonder “Who would watch this?” I know the answer. And I’m quite grate ful!
The reason that so many film careers have been launched through this genre is because it is nonjudgmental and filled with limitless potential. It is uniquely imaginative and touches almost every other genre with its dis membered fingers. Turns out, when it came to horror movies, I was the real monster. I’ve learned a lot, and with the scary season finally upon us, I have 10 rules I think are essential for every horror viewer, from the bloodhounds to spooky newbs.
This isn’t just a suspension of disbelief, although you will ab solutely need to hoist that SOB in the air. What I mean here is that approaching the entirety of horror requires an openness to bizarre, silly, and even potentially offensive things. If you’re not will ing, that’s fine. But if you go into
these movies with judg ment, you are straight up not going to have a good time.
Maybe because dat ed effects are part of the charm, or maybe because the social con text that underlies much horror is so progressively ahead of the mainstream, but old horror movies hold up pretty durn well. You should at least try ingesting classics from Universal’s monsters to Romero’s zombies and John Carpenter’s thing — sorry, that should be John Carpenter’s “Thing.” Whew, punctu ation and grammar made a big difference there.
Speaking of that social con text … Jordan Peele didn’t invent the idea that horror movies can be about stuff. Nor did he some how “woke-ify” or “liberalize” the genre. That shit has been there from the jump. Go back as far as you want, and you’ll see that these films have always been intend ed as metaphors, often decrying intolerance, sexism, racism, and capitalistic greed. Sure, some of
them were also intolerant, sexist, racist, and greedy cash grabs. But by and large, horror movies are “about” stuff more than, say, any wretched period drama.
Another thing that horror movies have been comfortable with longer than their cinema sib lings: Remakes. From Sam Raimi redoing “The Evil Dead” himself to countless Draculas (Draculae?), the idea of saying “that’s fun, let’s
do it a different way” has never been offensive. Remember when they did a shot-for-shot “Psycho” remake, and nobody was really mad about it? This is just a re minder that you shouldn’t bring your baggage about the “90210” reboot or whatever into the hor ror zone.
One of the best things about the genre is its subs. I promise you, there is some subdivision
of horror that you will absolutely love. If you need a guide, I did a whole piece on it a few years back (bit.ly/3QQPHeU). Are you a body horror fan who enjoys Cronenberg cracking open rib cages? Do you like cosmic hor ror, with tentacled beasties that cause madness? What about hor ror comedies, folk horror, crea ture features, or slashers? This is a Cracker barrel of cinema, with nobody mad about impossible meats.
One of my favorite film mem ories is watching “Hereditary” at an early screening at Alamo Draft house. When the flick went total cuckoo bonkers at the end, half of the audience recoiled in ter ror and half was full-on LOL-ing. The Venn diagram of ha-ha and “holy crap” overlaps a lot. It’s OK to find hilarity in things meant to be spooky. In the same way love is not the opposite of hate but odd ly intertwined, so too is it OK to walk the line of silly and scary.
This will be the command ment that most riles folks up, but I don’t care. Films that are celebratory of grotesque actions, almost always done to women, are vile and useless. That whole “Hostel” nonsense that explod ed for a while can go to hell. you may think this violates the whole “Don’t be close-minded” thing, but lean real close and I’ll tell you a secret: I don’t care. Torture porn isn’t horror, it’s not even filmmak ing. It’s perversion that found a profitable outlet.
Don’t gatekeep is a rule that everyone should follow, unless you work at a moat. Every fandom has its share of jerks, and horror
is no different. Well, horror is slightly different, in that the thing they are gatekeeping is often somewhat gross. “Only I know how to appropriately love these movies in which a mass murderer vivisects ladies” is like doubling down on the odor that permeat ed “Last Jedi” Reddit threads. Let people like what they like, hate what they hate, and don’t apply weird standards.
More of my LGbTQ+ friends are into horror than any other genre. There is just a myriad of reasons for that, but I find this fact to be hugely compelling. As a community, they have rare ly steered me wrong in recom mending stuff. From turning “The babadook” into a queer icon to “Horror Noire,” a documentary about the history of black horror films, to the staggering number of women who direct a genre film as their first full feature, there is a lot to love. Speaking of, give Omaha’s own Gayly Dreadful (gaylydreadful.com) some love while you’re at it.
Here’s the biggest command ment of them all: It’s fine to like horror and not be scared. Other than “The Exorcist,” no flick has gotten to me really. I always am acutely aware that I am watch ing a movie, so it never feels real enough to spook me. yes, jump scares will always alarm us: I’m looking at you, “Haunting of Hill House.” but I think it took me so long to embrace the genre because I just don’t really get creeped out. I thought that was “the point.” but it just isn’t. “The point” is to enjoy the creativity, the ridiculousness, the commen tary, the inclusivity, and the mad ness of it all. If this list helps even one of you do that, I would like your name please.
I can’t remember if I’ve ever fo cused an entire “Cutting Room” on just one event. What I know for an absolute fact is that nobody remembers all 20 years of this column. So, we’re going to say that for the first time ever, “Cutting Room” is entirely dedicated to “Abbott & Costello.”
Sorry, I forgot someone: Franken stein
Actually, I forgot two someones: Fran kenstein and Bruce Crawford
That is to say that at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Crawford will host the ulti mate throuple , as “Abbott & Costel lo Meet Frankenstein.” Tickets for the classic film screening are $24 and can be purchased online at helpequip ment.org/abbott-and-costello/, by call ing 402-341-6559, or by going to Help Equipment at 8522 Park Drive.
As cool as Abbott, Costello, and Fran kenstein’s progressive polyamory is, that’s not why this event gets an un precedented “Cutting Room” to itself. It earned that distinction because it marks three decades of Crawford’s Omaha film events. “I never imagined these events would go this far in 30 years!” Crawford told me in an email. We’ve spoken lots over the years, as we met almost a decade before I got this sweet film critic gig ...
In ’92, when music was grungy and only Al Gore knew how bad the cli mate would get, Crawford came into the Barnes & Noble I worked at with a few friends: Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen. They were in town for a “King Kong” screening that marked
Crawford’s inaugural film event. Talking to those fellas makes that one of the best days of my life. Of the more than 80 guests who have attended screen ings over the years, you’d be hard pressed to outdo those Rays of sun shine in my book. Still, Crawford keeps a great, ever-expanding list that rang es “from Debbie Reynolds to Patty Duke to George Lucas sitting in the balcony when we screened ‘American Graffiti’.” From what I know, those three are not in a throuple.
When I asked him for the big moments he remembers, Crawford ran off a ton. He pointed to screenings for “Ben Hur,” the time Janet Leigh attended the “Psycho” event, “The Longest Day” showing that honored D-Day, and many others. No word on whether the actual Frankenstein will attend the 30th anniversary event, but I wouldn’t put it past Crawford (or Frankenstein).
“It is gratifying to meet people who have come from far and wide to attend our events, from as far as Florida and Canada,” he told me. Celebrating cin ema and championing Omaha are two things I can get behind, like Abbott and Costello behind Frankenstein.
A sincere huzzah for 30 years, Bruce. Let’s do an other 30?
Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send any relevant information to film@ thereader.com
Check out Ryan on KVNO 90.7 on Wednesdays and follow him on Twitter @thereaderfilm.
There are very few times when I feel like the old guy in the room. I credit my ability to keep up with mod ern culture — music, art, film, books. Like everyone, I enjoy the classics, but I’ve got room in my noodle for new things, new ideas, new music from the next generation.
When it comes to technology, I’m your run-of-the-mill early adopter. I stood in line for the first iPhone, I download new apps as soon as they’re announced, I listen to mu sic on Spotify, I run with an Apple Watch strapped to my wrist. A Lud dite I am not.
So how come I feel like the “old guy” when the discussion turns to “remote work”?
I never saw a future in which so many people are working from home. Then again, I also didn’t foresee a crippling pandemic that drove people there in the first place. In May 2020 in these very pages, I wrote about visiting my of fice at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, how it was like living out a scene from the 1971 Charl ton Heston sci-fi thriller “The Ome ga Man” — empty streets, empty offices, a glance at the end of the world.
That column concluded by ac knowledging that some thought COVID-19 would last forever, that it would never be the way it was just a few months earlier. Always the optimist, I had no doubt after a summer of COVID that “normal” would slowly creep back into ev eryday life. And I was right … sort of.
Last month (and two-plus years after that column), the CDC announced an end to COVID-19 was in sight. The numbers had plummeted. Wearing a mask has become the exception rather than
the rule. The only people I see still masking in public are young folks (What do they know that we don’t?).
Life is getting back to normal, except for one thing: Companies have adopted remote work poli cies that are keeping employees out of the office, in some cases permanently. Technology — cam era-equipped computers, Zoom apps — is making personal work place encounters obsolete, or so it seems.
Two things are driving the work-at-home revolution for office slobs like me. First, employers (and employees) discovered the work force is as productive — if not more so — working from home, espe cially in urban areas where dread fully long commutes are suffered daily. Now, instead of sitting on a freeway or a subway for an hour or more per day, many office workers just turn on their computers, sign in and get to work.
During the pandemic I quick ly discovered when I work from home I tend to log in early and stay logged in later because I can’t pull myself away from projects. More work per day. Productivity!
The second fact is that with the national unemployment rate at around 3.7%, for the first time in memory, employees have leverage over work situations. Companies that don’t offer a remote-work op tion could find themselves stand
ing in line behind those that do when it comes to hiring prospects.
According to a recent Gallup survey, 91% of employees want workplace flexibility. Meanwhile, companies like Microsoft, Apple, AT&T and Google that are telling employees they have to come back to the office are being met with protests and resignations. When Elon Musk told Tesla em ployees who work remotely that “they should pretend to work somewhere else,” he quickly back tracked and said he was talking only about his executive staff. Right, Elon.
As of Aug. 22, office occupancy in 10 of the country’s top business centers, including D.C., New York City and Los Angeles, was 43.5% of what it was before the pandem ic, according to The Washington Post. And if unemployment stays at its current rate, I can’t see that changing.
Here’s the part where I sound like the old guy: I vastly prefer working in an office to working at home.
I miss the action when I’m at home. I miss the bustle of hun dreds of co-workers entering the building in the morning. I miss the pleasant surprise when some one brings in donuts. I miss the conference rooms being filled. I miss bumping into acquaintances in hallways. I miss the breakroom chats about yesterday’s ballgame. I miss the gossip.
And, God help me, I actually miss in-person meetings. I miss last-minute brain storm sessions and the ability to peek around a corner and ask someone for an idea, for a hand, for feed back, for sympathy, to share in a victory or help curse a mistake.
It’s these things that have kept me working in an office for 34 years. On the other hand, the folks I talk to who love remote work miss none of it. They point to having more time with their families, their pets, their home. I get it.
When I mention I prefer the of fice to home I often get an eye-roll ing “OK, Boomer” response from those who’ve been in the work force less than a decade (I’m not a Boomer, BTW; I’m your classic Gen X slacker). Whereas those who have spent the last 20-plus years working in an office think some thing is being lost with the move to remote work, though they’re hard-pressed to prove it.
Meanwhile, plans are in motion to build a $600 million, 40-plusstory downtown headquarters for Mutual of Omaha. Why build a massive new HQ when portions of your workforce are working re motely? What does Mutual know that we don’t? Is it only a matter of time before unemployment rises again and those sad ol’ boomers, sitting alone in their offices, de cide they’ve had enough and order the troops back to their cubicles?
Over The Edge is a monthly column by Reader senior contributing writer Tim McMahan focused on culture, society, music, the media and the arts. Email Tim at tim.mcmahan@ gmail.com
Visit Vote411.org for additional candidate information specific to your voting district.
Visit Vote411.org for additional candidate information specific to your voting district.
Visit lwvgo.org for printable PDF versions of the Voters’ Guide.
Visit lwvgo.org for printable PDF versions of the Voters’ Guide.
The League of Women Voters is a non partisan organization that never endorses or opposes any political parties or candidates.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that never endorses or opposes any political parties or candidates.
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This issue of the Voters’ Guide is dedicated to the memory of Annette Conser, 1935 – 2022
We gratefully acknowledge Annette Conser and her many contributions to the League of Women of Voters Greater Omaha and the community. As an active member for 25 years, Annette was involved in many ways. As a Voter’s Guide Director, she tirelessly worked to inform voters each election season. Annette recognized that the League of Women Voters is a vital contributor to the health of our local community, our nation, and our democracy. Her legacy continues.
The following is a list of all races that appear throughout Douglas County. Please note that not all races will appear on your specific ballot.
Responses were limited to a specific number of characters and were truncated thereafter. All submissions are reproduced as submitted, with no corrections to spelling, grammar or punctuation.
If a candidate did not respond by the deadline for print publication, “No response received” is printed. All candidate responses, including those received after the print deadline, are available at VOTE411.org.
U.S. House of Representatives Nebraska District 2
Don Bacon (R): Education: Bachelors of Political Science, Northern Illinois University; Masters Degrees from the University of Phoenix and the National War College; distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Navigator-Electronic Warfare School; Offices held: January 2017 to Present; Military Experience: Retired Brigadier General, United States Air Force; Volunteer Experience: Youth for Christ; Salvation Army's Kroc Center Website: http://www.donjbacon.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonJBacon Twitter: @donjbacon
Tony Vargas (D): Education: Bachelors of Arts, University of New York - Rochester; Masters of Education, Pace University; Current Office held: Nebraska Legislature, District 7 (January 2017 - Present); Member, Appropriations Committee; Chair, Legislature's Planning Committee; Vice Chair, Executive Board of the Legislative Council; Past Office held: Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, Subdistrict 9 (Dates: October 2013 - December 2016); Volunteer Experience: Board Member, One World Community Health Center; Member, Sons of Italy Nebraska; Member, GI Forum; Member, Dahlman Neighborhood Association; Parishioner and Eucharistic Minister, St. Francis Cabrini Church Website: vargasfornebraska.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vargasfornebraska
Twitter: @tonyvargas
What specific measures, if any, would you take to protect voting rights, access to voting, and voter turnout? Why?
Don Bacon: The right to vote is one of the most cherished institutions in the United States as is the right of each state to conduct their elections as outlined in Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution. I will always fight to protect both.
More specifically, I have and will continue to support enhancing voter system security, oversight of election vendors, early voting, the restoration of voting rights for individuals who have completed felony sentences, and voter identification requirements when voting. The federal government should only intervene when the voting rights of any American citizen are clearly undermined or threatened.
Tony Vargas: Secure and safe elections and the right to vote are the foundation of our democracy, and it is critical that we protect them.
When I ran for legislature for the first time in 2016, I saw how many barriers were in place for people to be able to engage in our democracy through voting. So many voters in my district didn't know where their polling places were, that they could vote by mail, that they could vote early, and that they needed to ensure that they re-registered to vote after they moved. After I was elected, I introduced legislation to expand early voting and enact automatic voter registration.
As a member of Congress, I will continue to fight to ensure our elections and our democracy are safe and secure.
Don Bacon I will continue to work towards market-based options to bring down healthcare costs for working families. We can increase options and competition by encouraging associational pools and allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines. I support protecting coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, cosponsoring the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act (H.R. 692). I will continue to advocate for an end to surprise medical billing and lowering prescription drug costs (H.R. 19). I also support modifying Medicare for our senior citizens to expand dental and optometrist coverage.
Tony Vargas: I believe that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. That's why as a state senator, I've been proud to have secured $16.5 million to provide health care services to Nebraskans all across our state.
But there's a lot more that needs to be done. We need to protect healthcare for seniors and veterans through Medicare and our VA system. Health insurance and prescription drugs are too expensive, so I would be open to exploring any option that will lower costs. But I won't support any healthcare plan that would kick Nebraskans off their current insurance and I believe that more competition, not less, is the key to affordable health care.
What changes, if any, should Congress make in immigration policies? Why?
Don Bacon: I support a bipartisan pathway to legalization for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) recipients while working to ensure that our border is secured once and for all. This includes the use of physical barriers, increased personnel and the latest technology. A secure border is a safe America.
More specifically, I voted in favor of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, in both 2019 and 2021. I was also the Republican co-lead on H.R. 5168, WELCOMED Act of 2021, which authorized funds to make certain individuals from Afghanistan eligible for any benefit that is available to a refugee, such as resettlement assistance.
Tony Vargas: I support comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform that creates an earned pathway to citizenship for those without criminal records. And I believe this must be coupled with effective border security measures that will keep our families safe.
But above all, this issue just shows how broken Washington is. Everyone -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- agrees that our current immigration system just doesn't work, yet they can’t put partisan politics aside to get something done that will fix it and strengthen our
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What specific reforms, if any, would you propose in federal health care policy to address the cost and access to health care? Explain.
economy. If we want to get something done here, it's time to send a representative to Washington who is a proven bipartisan leader and has a track record of getting things done.
Carol Blood (D): Education: Metropolitan Community College; Current Office held: Elected in 2016 to serve District 3 in the Nebraska Legislature. Re-elected in 2020; Past Offices held: Elected as the AtLarge Representative on the Bellevue City Council in 2008. Re-elected in 2012; Volunteer Experience: Bellevue Farmers Market, Bellevue Public Safety Foundation, Sarpy County Museum, Military Families Support, Veteran's Support, Foodbanks, decades of volunteerism to my community Website: https://www.electcarolblood.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blood4Governor Twitter: @Blood4G
Jim Pillen (R): No response received
Scott Zimmerman (L): Education: Master of Education; Volunteer Experience: 12 years serving the Libertarian Part of Nebraska Website: www.votezimmerman.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/zimmerman4gov Twitter: @ZimmermanGov
What specific measures, if any, would you take to protect voting rights, access to voting, and voter turnout? Why?
Carol Blood: I will protect voting rights as follows: 1. Ensure/protect safe ways for eligible Nebraskans to easily register to vote through online & automatic voter registration. 2. Support access voting with early No Excuse/In Person voting and secure Vote By Mail methods. 3. Keep our elections fair and transparent to our citizens 4. Protect Nebraskans from any unlawful interference when they go to cast their ballots or when they register to vote. Why?: Democracy cannot work unless all voices are heard. Election day is one day in our lives where we are all equal. One vote-one voice. Fair and accessible elections protect those voices.
Scott Zimmerman: Nebraska voters deserve to have their voices heard. It is critical that we ensure fair and equitable access to the ballots. As Governor, I would work with industry experts in determining the most accessible and secure methods we could implement in Nebraska to ensure that ballot results accurately reflect the will of the people.
What specific reforms, if any, would you propose in state health care policy to address the cost and access to health care? Explain.
Carol Blood: Nebraska must bring all stakeholders to the table to pursue more than one strategy to address cost & access. Emergency rooms are not health care clinics, yet it is not unusual to see Medicaid patients come to the ER for sprained ankles, colds, covid testing, etc. We need to address this growing issue as it effects our health care costs and access. As we lose rural population, we lose healthcare facilities creating an extra burden on our urban areas. We must invest in our current workforce, expand virtual opportunities such as telemedicine, accelerate programming, allow for remote and hybrid work and recruit internationally. Labor shortages drive up healthcare costs & lack of proper reimbursement from the state creates new hurdles.
Scott Zimmerman: The people of Nebraska have the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Access to quality healthcare is a detrimental component to living a quality life. The less Government involvement in healthcare decisions, the better. I will focus on opening up the healthcare market to include support for physician led healthcare decisions and cash based healthcare options. Medical insurance providers have driven the costs of healthcare to a level which prevents those without access to quality coverage to participate in receiving the best care they could possibly receive. It's time to put Doctors and Patients in charge of those highly personal healthcare decisions.
Referring to water, energy, public education, broadband, and transportation: what specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs? Explain rationale.
Carol Blood: To compete in a global economy, we must address infrastructure needs, fully fund our schools, protect our precious water, continue to support wind, solar and ethanol, and strengthen existing partnerships to move forward. Nebraska needs to do a better job of measuring what we treasure when funding these projects and include upcoming opportunities such as satellites for internet in rural and underpopulated areas, tap into AI when protecting our infrastructure to get our products from point A to point B, consider K-14 Public/Private partnerships allowing students to graduate with a HS Diplomas & Assc. Degree in high growth areas that support our infrastructure & protect our current investments & quit making our citizens collateral damage.
Scott Zimmerman: Access to clean water in Nebraska is a necessity. As a state, we will focus on ensure this access to all Nebraskans at an affordable cost. Access to public education is a Constitutional right in Nebraska. I will work to remove the monopoly current held by Government funded schools and allow access to alternate methods to educate our children. As Governor, I will focus on making Nebraska a leader in Education by making it easier for private sector and independent learning options to exist in our State. Access to broadband is a critical component and I will make it a priority to get high-speed internet to all residents of Nebraska. I will incentivize private rideshare and transport companies to lead the way in commuting Nebraskans.
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Carol Blood: This is a decades old problem in Nebraska. We must reduce the number of those we incarcerate using proven methods such as problem-solving courts, actually rehabilitate those incarcerated, invest in mental health and drug abuse treatment alternatives, and allow for more opportunities with pre-trail diversion programming. We need
to be forward-thinking and invest in better Pre-K education, knowing that parents are our children's first teachers and many need better social tools. Nebraska needs to invest in our families experiencing cycles of violence and/or poverty, provide more innovative choices for successful probation/parole, invest in re-entry and continue bond reform.
Scott Zimmerman: Incarceration in our state prisons should be a last resort and reserved for violent offenders and individuals who are a true threat to our safety and security. I will work to reduce the burden on this system by reducing or eliminating prison terms for offenders of victimless crimes, which is the majority of the system today. I will divert resources into rehabilitation and mental health programs in order to support these individuals transition to becoming better citizens of Nebraska. The Judicial system must be non-political and I will work to ensure equality before the law is the top priority in our Judicial system.
Bob Evnen (R): Education: Michigan State University, B.A. with high honor, 1974; University of Southern California Law School, J.D., 1977; Current Office held: Nebraska Secretary of State, 2019 – present; Past Office held: Nebraska State Board of Education, 2005 – 2012 Website: www.bobevnenfornebraska.com
What, if anything, needs to change in the way Nebraska conducts its elections?
Bob Evnen: I support Voter ID, winner-take-all in our electoral college voting, prohibiting the use of private money to fund election operations ("Zuckerbucks"), prohibiting ballot harvesting, further securing our ballot drop boxes, and making it possible for National Guard members and first responders who are called to service to vote as do our military service members.
What needs to be done to encourage young people and other underrepresented communities to register to vote?
Bob Evnen: Education as to the genius of our country's formation, and the value and necessity of their participation in it.
What changes, if any, need to be made in campaign finance regulations and reporting?
Bob Evnen: No response received.
John Murante (R): No response received
Katrina Tomsen (L): Education: Completed Nebraska teachers' education and certified to teach French; Residency at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK in Family Practice Optometry; Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.; Military Experience: Cadet at United States Military Academy 1992-4; Volunteer Experience: secretary/treasurer for condominium Website: lpne.org
In your opinion, what is the proper balance of tax revenues sources to fairly fund state government, including public schools?
Katrina Tomsen: I do not want to see foreign investors take over our Nebraska real estate because the real estate tax is too low or taxexempt. Thus, I would emphasize real estate parcel taxation keeping in mind it is a burden to family farms and urban home-ownership. Taxing real estate is the most fair way to get revenue. Wealthy individuals can always find ways to reduce their income tax burden. I disagree with the "carbon tax;" I want to see a "toxic tax."
What needs to be done to ensure that Nebraska meets its long-term financial obligations such as infrastructure maintenance, state employee pensions and health care coverage?
Katrina Tomsen: Nebraska needs to make its bureaucracy more efficient. Each department may need to come up with ideas on how they can be of more service to the average citizen that purchases the Nebraska Blue Book and tries to make a simple phone call for help with a problem in the State. Citizens want to talk to someone, they want a call back when they leave a message, and they want to be directed to the right person to solve the problem. Citizens do not want to hear that the position is vacant or that our bureaucracy is so narrowminded that the problem cannot even get addressed.
As Treasurer, what would be your highest priorities for the next four years, and how do you intend to accomplish them?
Katrina Tomsen: My highest priorities for the next four years as a Nebraska State Treasurer: 1) Security. Digital cybersecurity does not exist. We need A) analog devices to keep the digital devices in check, B) people in the loop--no autonomous systems, C) tangibles such as paper back-up documentation. 2) Balanced budget. Good governance means fiscal responsibility. 3) Review of tax-exempt real estate parcels.
Larry Bolinger (LMN): Education: Bachelor of Science; Military Experience: US Airforce and Army National Guards; Volunteer Experience: Volunteered with Activate Alliance, Volunteer in Police Services, DAVA (Disabled Veterans), Nebraska Boys Ranch, YMCA, Planning Commissioner Website: www.LarryBolinger.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/larrybolinger Twitter: @Bolinger_Larry
Mike Hilgers (R): No response received.
What steps will you take to improve the efficiency and fairness of the legal system in Nebraska?
Larry Bolinger: I do believe in treating everyone equally. There have been some issues of inequality based on race and gender. That is something we cannot have in our legal system. We do need to hold the government and businesses accountable when they mistreat the population.
by the League of Women Voters Education Fund
I expect to try all important cases. There will not be cases approved based solely on political affiliation. Cases are based on what is a constitutional infraction or a possible infraction.
I do take officer misconduct very seriously. I am very firm on the proper treatment of employees and I do expect officers to follow procedures.
What considerations, including costs, should be evaluated when filing and/or joining lawsuits relating to federal regulations or corporate misconduct?
Larry Bolinger: There are several things to consider when following through on a lawsuit. I don’t want to fall into issues of supporting lawsuits based on party motivation. I will look at what is constitutionally correct. As far as suits against coorperation, I would have to look at the severity of the case. There are several that I would like to proceed with that have concerning issues of some banking industry's unethical enrichment practices and extortion of contractor funds that violate the 13th amendment. There are issues with IRS billing practices. There are several IRS ethics violations and enrichment violations in their billing practices that our current administration chooses to ignore.
What policies will you support to address discrimination based on race, gender, sexual identity, religion, disability, or socio-economic status?
Larry Bolinger: I have carried a very firm stance on equal rights towards all. I would like to see Congress sign the UN Human Rights Treaty and the Child Rights Treaty. I do support the Fairness Ordinance.
Mike Foley (R): No response received.
L. Leroy Lopez (LMN): No response received.
Gene Siadek (L): Education: BS Civil Engineering, MBA Website: www.siadekforauditor.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SiadekforAuditor Twitter: @Siadek4Auditor
What measures would you take to ensure the reliability of estimates of money available for state spending?
Gene Siadek: The auditors in the department are the experts in developing the proper test to confirm the amounts presented in the state budget are reasonable. However, I would be involved in the process and ask questions on how audit tests are developed. I would, for example, look at previous years budgets and look for large year to year variances and challenge the reasons for such variances. I would also take the process a step further and be an advocate for less state spending overall.
Should independent audit firms be prohibited from making campaign contributions to candidates for State Auditor? Please explain.
Gene Siadek: No. At this moment, I do not see a conflict of interest.
If you are against government debt, inflation, mandates you have the power change this by voting for a candidate and a party that will work to change this.
How does the state office safeguard the accuracy of financial reports from villages, counties, SIDs, etc.?
Gene Siadek: I see no problem in the departments ability to audit political subdivisions. The audits I reviewed appear to be very thorough and accurate. The problem I see is that when fraud or abuse is discovered nothing seems to happen. I would use my position to ensure that such abuses are very publicly exposed and properly adjudicated.
Walt Peffer (R): Education: Nebraska Real Estate License / Nebraska County Assessor Certificate / attended University of Nebraska Omaha; Military Experience: US Army Viet Nam; Volunteer Experience: United Way / Douglas County Census Committee / City of Omaha Charter Review Committee Website: VotePeffer.com
If elected, what would be your first-year priorities?
Walt Peffer: Ease the concerns of the taxpayer of being taxed out of their home. Equal and fair valuations. Hold town hall meetings to discuss any valuation questions the taxpayer may have, saves taxpayer the expense of taking time off work, driving downtown and pay for parking. Update technical aspects of the office. Improve customer services. Show respect for taxpayer.
What is a compelling issue to address within the office?
Walt Peffer: Establish Equalized valuations. No reason for similar homes or commercial properties to have a wide range of values. Control the drastic changes in values. Cap the annual increases in valuations if any at 3%.
What changes, if any, need to be made regarding property valuations and the process of contesting those valuations?
Walt Peffer: Work with my Nebraska Legislature contacts to introduce legislation to limit valuation increase to 3%. Another possible concept is to use the Midwest CPI as one of the gages for valuation. Hold town hall meetings in each of the county board districts in the evening to listen to taxpayer concerns about valuations. Should a taxpayer opt to go to the Board of Equalization and appeal the Assessor valuation and win, I will honor that decision for that year and the next.
Donald W. Kleine (R): Education: Graduated from what is now University of NE at Kearney in 1974 and Creighton University Law School in 1977; Current Office held: Douglas County Attorney from January, 2007 to present; Volunteer Experience: Coached youth sports for over 25 years in Ralston and at St. Gerald's, on the Board of Directors for Project Harmony for over 15 years, Advisory Board for Live On Nebraska and National District Attorney Association Board of Directors.
Website: https://donkleine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cadonkleine
Dave Pantos (D): Education: JD - Indiana University School of Law; MSES - Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs; BA - Rutgers College; Past Office held: Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors District 3 - Feb 2017December 2020; Volunteer Experience: Volunteer Attorney, Tenant Assistance Project; President, Omaha Permaculture; Event Committee, Kids Can Community Center; Board President, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands; Board President, Domestic Violence Council
Website: http://www.davepantos.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pantosforcountyattorney
Twitter: @dpantos
Donald W. Kleine: As Douglas County Attorney it is my priority to ensure that adequate resources are provided to my staff and to provide leadership by example. Since I've tried over 150 jury trials and have built relationships with law enforcement and experts across the country, I can provide the guidance and mentoring needed. I'm fortunate to have a strong leadership team with decades of experience. Brenda Beadle is my Chief Deputy, Nicole Brundo is the head of the Juvenile Division and Theresia Urich is the head of our Civil Division. Each of these women have over 25 years of experience. We have a team concept in my office with five team leads to provide mentorship to the less experienced attorneys. My past experience in the private sector is also useful.
Dave Pantos: As the former Executive Director and Legal Director of Legal Aid of Nebraska, I have significant experience managing a large law office with many legal divisions. Legal Aid has 50 attorneys and multiple support staff spread throughout 8 statewide locations. I will bring that leadership and management experience to the Douglas County Attorney's office.
I think we need to prioritize supporting the work of line attorneys serving the public good. I've heard so many stories about the huge turnover rate at the County Attorney's office. I will invest in the professional development of these deputy attorneys so they feel respected and connected to the communities they are serving. This will both increase public safety and reduce turnover.
What impact does the Douglas County Attorney have on overcrowding in the state prison system?
Donald W. Kleine: Although the judges do the sentencings on individuals going to prison our office also has a great impact on the issue of overcrowding prisons. That is why we have created more problem solving courts than anywhere in the State. These include Diversion, Young Adult Court, Drug Court, Mental Health Diversion and Veterans Treatment Court. Our programs offer a second chance to literally hundreds of individuals each year reducing the prison
population. Here, individuals are incarcerated for very serious offenses such as homicide, child sex assaults and repeat offenders who have been given several opportunities. We have worked to help establish training and education to those being released so they can become contributing members of our community.
Dave Pantos: Prison overcrowding is a public safety threat.
My opponent helped to defeat LB 920, which would have addressed our massive prison overcrowding problem. LB 920 was a bipartisan bill that would have immediately reduced overcrowding and modernized our criminal justice system. My opponent used his position to defeat this compromise and now the problem continues to worsen.
So, first policy when I am in office will be to work with law enforcement, legislators, and community members to pass criminal justice reform.
We also need to create more diversion courts. Let's end prosecution of marijuana. Let's partner with mental health so our prisons are no longer psychiatric institutions.
Finally, we should not prosecute reproductive health care.
Explain ways in which you see this office working with the larger community.
Donald W. Kleine: As Douglas County Attorney it is critical to work jointly with agencies in our community. This is why I serve on the Board of Project Harmony, Live On Nebraska, and speak at various organizations and business groups in Omaha. We work to address white collar crime, abuse of vulnerable adults, crimes against children, truancy and gang prevention and we're involved with the corresponding agencies dealing with those crimes. I was part of the implementation of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council protocols. We work directly with Children's Hospital, Boys Town, Concord Mediation, Center on Children Families and the Law, Lutheran Family Services, U-Turn and CSI. The relationships we build are so important in seeking crime prevention.
Dave Pantos: We need to end the cradle to prison pipeline. I'll work directly with schools to identify risk factors and ensure that young people do not become offenders and system-involved.
We need to connect our county attorneys with the communities they are serving. We can directly improve public safety by having each deputy attorney "adopt" a neighborhood association to learn what crime issues they are experiencing and work to address them.
We need to be transparent. This office is currently the least transparent office in the state and I will work with the larger community to make it the most transparent.
Nebraska has the worst racial disparities in incarceration. I will work with BIPOC leaders and experts to confront this issue and end it.
Thomas Flynn (R): Education: Creighton Prep Grad 1990 University of Nebraska (Omaha) and Metro Tech Community College (1990-1995) Website: https://flynnfordouglasclerk.com/.
Crystal Rhoades (D): Education: University of Nebraska Omaha, Bachelors - Political Science and Psychology, Masters - Political Science; Current Office held: Commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission, 2015- Present; Past Office held: Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, 2006-2014; Volunteer Experience: Chairwoman Douglas County Democratic Party 2016-2020, South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance 2006-2015, Nebraska Democratic Party 2005-2018. Numerous Democratic political candidates 2005Present Website: www.crystalrhoades.com
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities while in office?
Thomas Flynn: When elected to office, my main priority will be to address the current mental health crisis in our community. In my 28 years on the sheriff's office, I have served over 2,000 board of mental health warrants. The clerk's office oversees that office. I will use my years of experience and training to find a collaborative solution to help the overwhelmed mental health professionals. I will advocate for the allocation of any available funds and resources to assist with treatment and case management. I will work to involve all elected officials and department heads in this goal. We need to work together to address the problem that we see play out in our streets, churches, and schools all too often.
Crystal Rhoades: My priority will be to use my experience with the judicial system and technology to address inefficiencies, reduce costs, and improve service. I will do a top to bottom review of the office and the budget and make data driven changes to improve service quality and reduce processing times. Many of the services provided by the office still require in person trips to the court house or a phone call and those options should remain available for people who do not have access to the internet or who prefer an in-person experience. However, many of those services could be moved to online platforms which would reduce cost and improve efficiency.
How could technology be used to improve services in the Clerk of the District Court office?
Thomas Flynn: By keeping current Deputy Chief of the office, Pam Cardenas, in her role we will continue to offer the most updated technology. Effective January 1, 2022, the Supreme Court implemented modernization rules making it mandatory that all attorneys e-file all filings to the Clerk of the District Court through the attorney portal. This allows attorneys to save time coming down to the courthouse to file documents. Mandatory e-filing will be implemented to self-litigants once the processes have been put in place by the Supreme Court which will keep customers on-line instead of in-line. We are currently updating our jury technology system which will allow faster response time to juror issues and allow staff to access and process information faster.
Crystal Rhoades: While at MCC I advocated for the use of financial aid software, instead of paper files, resulting in students being able to access millions in additional federal aid. I advocated for energy audits on campus and we made energy efficiency upgrades and used smart technology to save taxpayers $80,000 in utility costs annually. At the Commission I worked on legislation to legalize Uber and Lyft and Next
Generation 911, which allows for text to 911, a must have in the age of active shooters. I want to use my skills to identify ways technology can be used to reduce processing times for everything from bond refunds to streamlining the jury duty process to make it easier for citizens to access the important services of the clerk’s office.
P.J. Morgan (R): No response received.
Mary Ann Borgeson (R): Education: UNO BGS; Current Office held: Douglas County Commissioner 1995-Present; Volunteer Experience: College World Series, R.E.S.P.E.C.T., Aksarben Future Trust, Angel Share, Inc., Millard Business Community Foundation, Project Wee Care
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryann.stockborgeson/ Twitter: @maryannborgeson
If elected, what are your priorities?
Mary Ann Borgeson: I will continue working full time for the taxpayers of Douglas County. My priorities will be 1) to continue investing taxpayer dollars wisely and providing accountability and transparency in all I do; 2) continue to look at ways to improve efficiencies in service delivery that provide cost savings to the taxpayers, 3) improving our mental health services and reducing the number of individuals with mental health issues in our jails; 4) focus on our older Americans and their caregivers and 5) explore a new, more equitable and favorable way to assess and set values on property.
What improvements are needed for mental health services and housing?
Mary Ann Borgeson: We need to focus and strengthen our mental health system in the areas of intervention and diversion services, especially diversion services from jail. We also need a better crisis response system that is built around mental health professionals responding to mental health and mental health crisis calls rather than law enforcement. We need to reduce the wait times for services. We need to build service capacity. We need to increase the mental health workforce. We need to explore, plan and implement a countywide housing affordability plan. We need tiny home projects the serve our elderly, veterans, mentally ill and homeless populations.
With the new Juvenile Detention Center coming online, what changes in staffing and programming are appropriate?
Mary Ann Borgeson: As the leader of the Douglas County Justice Center Project, I am proud to have championed our juvenile justice reform efforts. This is an extraordinary time for our children and families served by our juvenile justice system in Douglas County. With the new facility and several new and exciting program opportunities coming online, such as, the Family Resource Center Network; Partnership with Metro Community College; Job Training Programs;
Gun and Violence Prevention and Early Intervention Programs and Stability Services for our HOME Program to name a few, it will be essential that we have the proper number of staff and appropriate staffing expertise in place to serve our youth and families.
Todd Pfitzer (R): Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Nebraska; Military Experience: 6 years Army Reserve; Volunteer Experience: I spend a number of years chairing a motorcycle poker run in support of Alzheimer's "Ride to Remember" Fundraiser. Over the time I served for this event, we raised over $20,000 towards the care and research of this disease. I volunteer at my church Website: toddpfitzer.com
Jim Rose (D): No response received
What particular experiences or issues compelled you to run for this office?
Todd Pfitzer: I have passion for public safety on our streets, sidewalks, trails and infrastructure system. Over my 32 years of practicing engineering, my list of most satisfying projects are always those that involve improving a school drop off area, unsafe intersection or pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on our public streets. I am also passionate about improving the efficiencies of our systems. We have implemented smart control technologies on several corridors within our region that improve traffic flows, reduce delays and reduce crash frequencies. This is why I got into engineering and why I want to oversee the Douglas County operational engineering challenges.
If elected, what are your priorities?
Todd Pfitzer: This ties directly into the reasons I listed for running for office. We have a lot of work to do in finishing our infrastructure as our county continues to grow. Safety innovations are always being improved. While at the City, I was part of the team that implemented Vision Zero, an effort to get our traffic and pedestrian fatalities to zero within our region. I will continue to work with those in our region from the County Engineer position to more toward achieving this. Creating efficiencies within government is always an area we should strive to improve. I have 32 years of experience working within our region as a consultant and City Engineer and will use that to continue moving towards this goal.
Greg Gonzalez (D): Education: Master's Degree Public Administration MPA, Bachelor's Science Criminal Justice UNO; Volunteer Experience: Mentor Nebraska, Completely Kids, PACE Coach (Police Athletics For Community Engagement, Latino Officer's Association, Black Officer's Association, National Association Of Women Police, Victory Boxing, FOP, Governor's Coalition For Juvenile Justice Website: gregforsheriff.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gregforsheriff2022
Twitter: @gregforsheriff
Aaron Hanson (R): Education: Omaha North High School, UNO, Omaha Police Training Academy; Current Office held: SID 260; Volunteer Experience: Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education Website: www.AaronHansonForSheriff.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hanson4Sheriff
If elected, how will your office ensure the safety and trust of all people (per the mission statement)?
Greg Gonzalez: Transparency will be a hallmark of my organization. I believe any elected official is equally accountable to the public, employees, the county, and him or herself. As Sheriff, I will ensure community responsiveness and the prevention of crime shall always be a top priority. The community expects to know their Sheriff and staff are available to address public safety concerns. It will be a priority for me and my staff to attend community meetings. I oversaw training and gold standard police accreditation and brought body worn cameras to the Omaha Police Department. I have hired over 450 police officers and involved in evidence-based strategies, recruitment, retention, as a nine-year tenured Deputy Police Chief. I have an open-door policy.
Aaron Hanson: The primary responsibility of government is to keep people and families safe. We must keep all people safe from high risk criminals so all families can live a safer, less chaotic existence, focus on working and raising a healthy family with less fear of crime. Safer neighborhoods are more prosperous ones which attract quality employers and jobs. I will use my 25+ years of street level experience working directly with families to break barriers to success and safety, focus on the core drivers of crime and poverty by promoting second chances for worthy people and access to good paying jobs for young people coming out of high school. Having good communication, empathy and a shared vision is key.
How could you use Crisis Response programs to respond to mental health events?
Greg Gonzalez: All DCSO deputies will be trained in crisis intervention and undergo best practices training to respond to emergency crisis calls. I am a CIT trained officer. As deputy police chief, I was part of instituting our first mental health co-responder program where we embedded practitioners to ride with officers on crisis calls. Our team helped create the Douglas County School Threat Advisory Team. This project included the implementation of an anonymous school threat/safety issues reporting system (monitored 24/7 by Boys Town National Hotline counselors), ensuring local school officials, law enforcement and mental health officials work together on problem solving solutions to mitigate violence. I will replicate programs as your next Sheriff.
Aaron Hanson: I am a strong advocate for enhanced, specialized approaches to Behavior Health challenges. OPD has been an area leader with their CORE (Collaborative Outreach, Response
the League of Women Voters Education
&Engagement) model which matches police officers with civilian coresponders to identify, assist and diffuse individuals with an upward trending behavior health condition. I will push to expand that effort by creating a Behavior Health Task force, in which DCSO and other Omaha Metro area Law Enforcement partners will work collaboratively with OPD to expand the numbers of focused police and co-responders across the metro. With enhanced collaboration we can help more people and keep our entire community safer.
Greg Gonzalez: Community Policing is an integral role for law enforcement. Community Policing and crime reduction mean a shared responsibility between deputies, neighbors, and community leaders to work together to solve all violent crime and strengthen relationships. This is my opportunity to expand youth programs like the police athletic league as these efforts have measurable results for crime and gang reduction. I will bring PACE to the DCSO. We raised over $3 million in funding from local donors to provide free athletics and educational resources for 6,000+ at-risk youth. We will sponsor more community-based events such as bike rodeos, a citizen's academy, community forums, at which time we can share results of various community policing efforts.
Aaron Hanson: The Sheriff’s Office can play a much larger role than currently utilized. DCSO is responsible for patrol and investigations in unincorporated Douglas County and will continue to maintain strong relationships and communications with leaders and citizens in those communities. But the Sheriff’s office also has a unique nexus with the courts system and touches many of the people navigating that system (ex. Victims, witnesses, defendants, family members). People navigating the courts system often need the most help, but struggle with advocating for themselves. My goal is to train my Deputies to be efficient “system navigators” to help people navigate and demystify the complex CJ system and reentry / rehabilitation opportunities.
John R. Ewing Jr. (D): No response received
State Legislature
District 04
Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek: Education: I have taken courses at Metropolitan Community College, University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Bellevue University; Volunteer Experience: I 'm President of Rank the Vote Nebraska, Co-Founder of the Nebraska Legislative Study Group, and volunteer with: my children's schools, the Foodbank for the Heartland, OneWorld Community Center, Civic Nebraska and other community organizations
Website: www.cindyfornebraska.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindyForNebraska/ Twitter: @CMaxwellOstdiek
R. Brad von Gillern: Education: BS Construction Management, Engineering College, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Volunteer Experience: Salvation Army Board;Chair of MidAmerica Council of Boy Scouts of America; Secretary, Omaha Leaders; Elder, Lifegate Church; YMCA Board; UNMC Board of Advisors; Commissioner, Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission
Website: www.vongillern4ne.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vongillern4ne
Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek: Nebraskans are right to be concerned. Our prison population has steadily grown over the last decade, while most other states reduced their numbers. We’ve reached more than 150% of the system’s design capacity and more than half are nonviolent offenders. Staffing and turnover issues are also a problem. To address the overcrowding crisis, I support problem solving courts, treatment programs as an alternative to prison, correcting parole eligibility calculations, and ensuring quality programming required for release. In the big picture, I will prioritize legislation that addresses long-standing issues that contribute to crime, including education, mental health, poverty, and racial disparity in statewide arrest and incarceration numbers.
R. Brad von Gillern: I don't believe that sentencing should be driven by our prison capacity. If a crime is committed, a sentence should be reflective of that crime and be an according punishment. We need to get busy building a new prison for a number of reasons. The safety of the prison staff, the safety of the prisoners, and the opportunities for rehabilitation and reduced recidivism will all improve with a new facility.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek: Nebraskans should be able to rely on quality infrastructure to support their growing families and businesses. Prudent appropriation of the federal dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be important to address our highways, bridges, airports, and transportation needs. The Nebraska Legislature must be accountable to distribute those investments equitably and with commitment to long-neglected communities across the state. As a Senator, I’ll build on Legislation passed during this current session with focus on rural and urban broadband access, which is critical for education, small businesses, and agriculture. My priorities also include ensuring our clean drinking water and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure.
R. Brad von Gillern: I am supporting of the Perkins County Canal project as it will preserve our water rights which is our most precious resource and key to our infrastructure. Improving our roads for safer and more efficient travel will always be a priority for me and the State of Nebraska. Lastly, growing our ability to produce electricity, including considering nuclear energy options will be a huge driver for our economy in the future.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek: All of Nebraska’s children are guaranteed an education through our state Constitution and deserve excellent schools that are fully, equitably, and sustainably funded. I am a strong supporter of public education, including paying our hard-working teachers and school staff competitive salaries. Nebraska’s reliance on property taxes to fund our local school districts negatively impacts many communities across the state. Fixing this issue is a priority for me. I am disappointed the Legislature did not seriously debate the bipartisan proposal introduced this session. Whether fixing the current equation and/or
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
finding new revenue sources, I believe the Senators should work together to find a solution through compromise, creativity and hard work.
R. Brad von Gillern: The current funding sources appear to be appropriate. That said, the State Aid to Schools equation is often contested as unfair to many districts and could be reconsidered, especially as a part of an overhaul of our total tax system
Machaela Cavanaugh: Education: Masters in Public Administration, University of Nebraska, Omaha; Current Office held: Nebraska State Legislature, January 2019 – Present Website: cavanaughforlegislature.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cavanaughforlegislature
Twitter: @CavanaughforLeg
Christian Mirch: Education: Juris Doctor; Volunteer Experience: Millard Rotary and Boy Scouts of America Website: http://www.votemirch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/votemirch
Twitter: @votemirch
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Machaela Cavanaugh: In the 2022 session, we had the opportunity to pass significant criminal justice reform in Nebraska. I would like to see the Legislature revisit the recommendations from the Criminal Justice Institute. We cannot build new prisons fast enough to keep up with the growth in population. We need to utilize early, community-based interactions, rehabilitation, and ways to avoid ‘jamming out’. Additionally, we must address the sever lack of mental health access across the state and invest in law enforcements training related to mental illness and specialized de-escalation techniques.
Christian Mirch: There must be a four-prong approach. First, we must continue programs in place and develop new prevention/diversion programs. Second, we must ensure that those who find themselves incarcerated and those who work in the state’s prisons are safe. That is why we must build a new prison. Third, I believe that prior to breaking ground on a new prison, the state needs to invest in job training programs for low-level offenders. This will reduce our prison population and increase our workforce. Lastly, Nebraska’s recidivism rate is over 30% with a recidivism rate of 14% for those who complete probation. This means the state must develop a reintegration program designed to support inmates transitioning back into society.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Machaela Cavanaugh: The first step would be to maximize the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to invest in infrastructure, and then a long term plan for cash reserve.
Christian Mirch: Due to an influx of federal aid in the form of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the state has the opportunity to make a major investment in repairing and in some cases expanding our infrastructure without the need to levy additional taxes or bonds. By using ARPA funds to repair and expand our infrastructure, the state can accomplish to long-term goals and plan for future repairs by creating a fund to be used in 10 to 15 years. The use of ARPA funds will place the state in a sound financial position for future expenses, by allowing the state to beginning saving money for future repairs. Thus
the state will have flexibility to invest in social programs that will bring Nebraskans out of poverty.
Machaela Cavanaugh: Nebraska is 49th in the nation for state funding for public education. Because of this lack of investment at the state level, our property tax system has become unduly burdened with this cost of education. I would like to see the state’s property tax relief fund go to funding property tax relief by taking the cost of education away from the local level resulting in lower local property taxes.
Christian Mirch: Our current formula for funding education is not serving taxpayers, schools, or children. Currently, our educational system is over reliant on property taxes in order to fund our local schools and that over-reliance is actually harming our community. For example, while we are inefficiently funding education, we are creating housing insecurity for low- and middle-class families who cannot afford the significant tax burden and are losing their homes. That is why I believe that it is imperative that we address school funding in a holistic way, considering all sources of revenue to fund education. By balancing the tax burden and spreading it across more than just property we will relieve the pressure placed on taxpayers.
Marilyn Arant Asher: No response received
Megan Hunt: Education: B.A., Intercultural Communication and German, Dana College 2008; Certificate of Completion, Senior Executives in State and Local Government, Harvard Kennedy School, 2019; Current Public Office: Nebraska Legislature, LD8, 2019-2022; Volunteer Experience: Board service: Charles Drew Health Center, Friends of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Friends of the Nebraska AIDS Project, Omaha Area Youth Orchestras. Trustee: Business Ethics Alliance. Volunteer: Girls, Inc., Women’s Center for Advancement Website: www.meganfornebraska.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganHuntNE Twitter: @nebraskamegan
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Megan Hunt: We have to understand that solutions to overcrowding don’t begin and end with the Department of Corrections. I have fought for resources for people facing poverty who engage in survival crimes, opportunities for incarcerated people to maintain connections with their communities, for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated to develop civic connections to their communities through the right to vote, and for education and employment after release to prevent recidivism. Nebraska must also begin reconciling our failed war on drugs and its negative effects on communities of color by legalizing cannabis and allowing people with cannabis convictions to clear or modify their records.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Megan Hunt: Infrastructure is a public good, including public transportation, renewable energy, housing, accessibility for people with disabilities, and a health and education system that works for all of the
people of Nebraska. These are things worth investing in, protecting, and advancing for all society and future generations, and they are issues I have always prioritized as a lawmaker. State and local leaders have an obligation to do the most we can for working people, civil rights, and the planet with the power people have entrusted to us. The vision has to be for those coming after us — not just for the next four years.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Megan Hunt: I am against the use of public funds for private education, full-stop, period. In the Nebraska Legislature I have been an active and vocal check against bills that siphon much-needed funding away from our public schools and into private education. I envision a public education system in Nebraska where every parent feels proud to enroll their children, because parents know that our schools are wellfunded and well-staffed and can fulfill the diverse needs of the children in each community. Public funds from taxpayers should only be used to further improve our excellent Nebraska public schools.
Wendy DeBoer: Education: Burke High School; Hastings College (B.A. in economics and English); University of Nebraska College of Law (J.D.); UNO (M.A. in English literature); Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (M.A. in Theology); Syracuse U. (MPhil in religious studies); Current Office held: State Senator, District 10 (2019-2022); Volunteer Experience: Rejoice! Lutheran Church, Adult Education Instructor Website: deboerforlegislature.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/votedeboer
Lou Ann Goding: No response received
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Wendy DeBoer: As a member of the Judiciary Committee, this is an issue I’ve worked on extensively. I’ve worked to reduce recidivism rates through funding, making programming available, and doing more with the post-release transition. I also believe that we need to do more to help families who are struggling and give everyone the chance to be successful. My goal is to make mental health services and job training more accessible. By doing so, we can prevent crimes from happening in the first place. This will reduce our prison population and make our communities safer.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Wendy DeBoer: In my time in the Legislature, I’ve championed infrastructure bills that help repair our crumbling roads and bridges and expedite the building of new projects. When I think about infrastructure, I think about how new technology in the future will impact the way we travel, work, and live. I’ve supported broadband expansion to unserved and underserved populations in rural and urban areas. This allows for more economic development opportunities, healthcare options, a better learning environment, and overall a better quality of life.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Wendy DeBoer: Last year, I introduced LR141 to create the School Finance Study Committee. As an educator, I know that supporting our schools and providing the best education possible gives each student a chance to succeed and improves our state’s workforce needs. I also know that high property taxes can hurt farmers, businesses, and families. That is why I supported the largest property tax cut in state history and eliminated taxes on social security and military retirement benefits. Going forward, it is vital that we work together to continue to create a more fair tax system, while also keeping basic services, like the future of our kids strong.
Robin Richards: Education: Bachelor's UNO/Mater's Colorado State; Current Public Office: Vice President of the Ralston School Board 11/2019-present; Volunteer Experience: II have outstanding volunteer awards from OPS, Westside, Millard and Ralston School Districts. I serve on the boards and volunteer for many arts organizations in town including the Omaha Children's Choir and Vesper Concerts Website: www.richards4ne.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RR4NE
Merv Riepe: Education: Bachelor of Science, Business Finance, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Master of Arts, The University of Iowa, Health Care Policy and Management; Current Office held: Ralston Board of Education, 2020 to date; Past Office held: Nebraska State Legislature, Legislative District 12, 2014-2018; Chair, Health & Human Services Commitee, 2016-2018; Military Service: U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, Honorable Discharge; Volunteer Experience: Board member, Mid-America Council of Scouts, Omaha Symphony, Outlook Nebraska (Chair), United Way of the MIdlands (Vice-Chair), Nebraska Wesleyan University (president's advisory board), Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) Website: voteriepe.com
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Robin Richards: The first step happened when the state started paying correctional officers nearly double what they had before, bringing some highly trained staff to our state. I believe that the next step is the Legislative Bill that Senator Lathrop has up for discussion this session. In this bill, the reform starts, not with new facilities, but with educational and vocational training programs for the incarcerated people in our state. Next the decriminalization of marijuana, we can release 14% of incarcerated people from our prison system if we legalize and a plant that is considered medicine in most others states, including many of our neighbors.
Merv Riepe: Believe the dated prison in Lincoln needs to be replace and located in close proximity to Omaha given the population base and work force. Also need to focus on re-entry of prisoners into society with training of personal skills, personal issues, mental health services and general education. Explore the opportunity for community sponsors (including employers) for non-violent prisoners pre- and post-release. Monitored work release programs.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Robin Richards: As a school board member, the inequality of the distribution of resources in our state became overwhelmingly clear as we tried to navigate the pandemic. Having reliable internet was a concern but even more that, it was making sure kids are safe and fed.
Some of the American Rescue Plan funds should be used to help make sure that no child in Nebraska lives in poverty, through adult training programs and employment opportunities, as well as tax breaks for child care and tax credit for parents, we can make that a reality. The next step is to fix our roads, internet connections, and ensure clean drinking water and air for all. Working closely with the agencies in charge of each of those, the state should have recommendations on achieving that.
Merv Riepe: I think of infrastructure as highways and bridges. Nebraska has many bridges in particular in need of repair and replacement. We must prioritize replacement to promote the highest and best use of resources. In the world of technology, broad ban is important but merits pro-formal cost/benefit analysis, and establishment of priorities for re-placement or new construction.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Robin Richards: I would contact the Nebraska Department of Education for needed and trusted information but I would also rely heavily on the Ralston and Millard Schools Districts to know what would work best for them. I know that the power of school lies in local control. No one knows and understands a district’s needs like the people who live and work there. The boards are legally required to live in the district they serve and the administration in most districts has decades of experience. I trust these professionals and committed citizen to know what is best for their community.
Merv Riepe: Our schools currently are highly dependent of property taxes and we must seek other sources. Other sources would require funding from the General Fund. As a sitting school board member, I recognize we have approved most school bond issues--yet have fallen short on testing proficiency and the challenges of families, poverty, and English learning students. We need to engage the parents and the philanthropic community as to the critical importance of education and education's need for funding stability
Christy Armendariz: No response received
Michael Young: Education: Metropolitan Community College and University of Nebraska at Omaha; Past Offices held: Metropolitan Community College of Nebraska Board of Governors 2016-2020, The Transit Authority of the City of Omaha 2010-2020; Volunteer Experience: Carole's House of Hope, Code Black Tech, Butler Gast YMCA, Partnership for Kids, 100 Black Men of Omaha, City Sprouts, Downtown Omaha Inc, Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Website: https://www.youngforne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/young4ne Twitter: @youngforne
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Michael Young: I would champion legislation that would provide more support for prevention programs, such as community and gang outreach that treats the causes of why our prisons are over populated. Additionally, we need to work on programs in our perspective communities that allows our returning community members to truly have a success and not reenter the system. I currently volunteer with RISE.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Michael Young: Working with our Congressional and Senate delegations to bring infrastructure funding to Nebraska and then champion legislation that allows for these funds to make large impacts in our communities. As former Transit Authority Chair, I know the large impact transit and infrastructure has on economic development and growth.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Michael Young: I am a proponent of the existing structure in the TEEOSA even though there has been some changes. We used a similar structure that the community college. I am not a proponent the currently proposed voucher based system.
Stu Dornan: Education: University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida B.A. - 1979 Major: English. Louisiana State University Law Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana J.D. – 1983; Current Office held: 2010 to present - Board of the Nebraska Educational Service Unit #3; Past Offices held: 2000 - 2003 Board of Education, Westside Community Schools. 2003 - 2006 Douglas County Attorney; Volunteer Experience: Board of Directors, Community Alliance. Board of Counselors for UNMC. Past member, Board of Directors at Lutheran Family Services and the Ronald McDonald House. Youth basketball, softball, and baseball coach for 30 years Website: votestudornan.com Twitter: @votestudornan
John A. Fredrickson: Education: New York University: Bachelor of Science in Social Work; Columbia University: Master of Science in Social Work; Volunteer Experience: Operation Others, America Reads, West Africa AIDS Foundation Website: https://www.johnfornebraska.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/John-Fredrickson-forLegislature/100076096687574/ Twitter: @JohnforNE
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Stu Dornan: Our criminal justice system includes our courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense counsel, correction facilities, and offender programs. As a community, we must continue to work together to address repeat offenders, provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitative programs, institute and expand problem-solving courts, prevent additional crimes, and support and ensure justice for crime victims, as the cancer of crime infects victims physically, emotionally, and often financially. Separate housing for low risk and elderly offenders at the Women’s Center in York; and the construction of a new women’s facility at much less cost and capacity is a novel but very cost-effective solution.
John A. Fredrickson: The overcrowding of Nebraska’s prisons is a crisis in need of immediate action. This is both a public safety issue as well as a moral issue as a society. We must address the root causes of crime and incarceration with a focus on evidence-based preventative measures, including investing in mental health services, early childhood education, supportive housing, and employment
opportunities. In January 2022, the Nebraska Criminal Justice Reinvestment Working Group published a report outlining 21 policy options to address overcrowding in our prisons. This report offers promising solutions, and I believe implementing these measures will begin to improve the intolerable situation we currently have.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Stu Dornan: I believe Nebraska has sufficient funding to address our most critical infrastructure needs. This is especially true with the enactment federal infrastructure bill last November that provides funding of $1.2 trillion for our nation’s infrastructure needs. In Nebraska, this includes $2.5 billion for roads and bridges, $100 million for rural broadband expansion and $200 million for replacing lead pipes that deliver drinking water. With this new funding and our existing state resources, we must be laser-focused on the management and appropriations process to ensure these and other funds are well managed through strong competitive bidding, coordinating expenditures with cities and counties, and ensuring transparency in all our spending.
John A. Fredrickson: The passing of the federal infrastructure bill gives Nebraska the opportunity to utilize nearly $2.5B for our state’s hard infrastructure needs. We need to repair the 1300+ bridges and 1100+ miles of highway that are deemed in poor condition. Nebraskans have seen a 6.6% increase in commute times since 2011 - a time tax on all of us. These updates will improve this quality of life issue. Additionally, Broadband Internet has become essential for education, telehealth, and our economy. We need to ensure all Nebraskans have access to reliable, high speed internet. I am also focused on our community infrastructure. We must prioritize paid family leave, affordable housing and childcare, and mental health services to enable Nebraskans to thrive.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Stu Dornan: Our public schools now operate primarily with revenue from local property taxes and additional funding from the State of Nebraska. I believe this is an appropriate mix of revenue sources for our taxpayers because it provides local control through local school boards who set and manage property tax rates and spending. Having served on the Westside Community Schools board, it is important to me to have this close community and parental input on local education, funding, and curriculum. However, we should direct more funding from the state to our local public schools. The Legislature has made significant strides in this direction in the past few years - because of our strong economy and higher state revenues - and this trend should continue.
John A. Fredrickson: A strong education system is an essential component of a healthy, flourishing society. I am passionate about ensuring that our teachers and schools have the resources they need to ensure that our children graduate with the skill sets needed to be successful in today’s world. School funding has long been debated in Nebraska, with a focus on the role of property taxes. The state has not adequately funded our public education and ranks near the bottom in the US for state aid to education. I believe that the state needs to increase its funding of our school system so that we are not overly reliant on property taxes. This will help alleviate the tax burden and ensure our school funding is reliable, stable, and equitable.
Kathleen Kauth: Education: Masters in Public Policy, BA in Criminology; Current Office held: State Legislator - LD31 June, 2022 –current; Volunteer Experience: Omaha City Charter Commission Aging Advisory Committee, State of Nebraska Volunteer Judge and Coach, UNL Law School Vice President, Omaha Senior Resources Group 2017 ENOA Foster Grandparents Advisory Board Member 2017 - current Concord Mediation Cent Website: https://kathleenkauth.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electkathleenkauth
Tim Royers: Education: Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education (Northwest Missouri State University), Master of Arts in History (University of Nebraska - Omaha), Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration (Walden University); Volunteer Experience: St. Luke Teen Center mentor, YMCA Youth Soccer Coach Website: https://royersfornebraska.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoyersForNebraska Twitter: @RoyersForNE
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Kathleen Kauth: Our prison was built in 1869 and our population has more than doubled since then. Nebraska is doing a good job with diversionary programs to keep people out of prison, but a new prison needs to be built that will accommodate our population needs and allow for the types of programming that help with rehabilitation.
Tim Royers: There have been some worthwhile efforts in the Legislature in recent years that we need to continue to build on. Namely, we need to thoroughly examine our sentencing guidelines, and asses what we currently offer to assist people in completing their sentences so they can successfully return to the community and have gainful employment. Reducing recidivism is critical to addressing prison overcrowding.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Kathleen Kauth: Making sure the funding is directed to the types of infrastructure that is most needed based on each area. Urban areas will have very different needs and solutions than suburban or rural areas. Ensuring the efficient movement of goods and people is a primary goal.
Tim Royers: We need to make sure we're utilizing the federal funds that were recently made available to help address critical issues like rural broadband. We also need to make sure that we have enough resources allocated, through sources like the Highway Trust Fund, to keep up to date with our maintenance needs. Finally, we need to make sure that we are promoting the skilled trades in our school systems, so that way we have the workers with the needed expertise to maintain and upgrade our bridges, electrical systems, and other critical infrastructure.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Kathleen Kauth: The existing formula to find public schools is unsustainable. Our sky-high property taxes are the primary driver of public school funding in Nebraska, and our tax climate is not
competitive with our neighboring states. This results in brain drain and a lack of economic growth. We need a complete tax code overhaul to ensure our state can be competitive while providing appropriate funding to maximize our children’s education and potential.
Tim Royers: Nebraska is one of the most property tax reliant states in the country to fund its schools, and until we redesign the state's funding formula (TEEOSA) to make the state an equal partner in funding, that will not change. Millard Public Schools has seen a cut in state funding for the past three years, which creates an impossible situation where we either have to provide less for our kids, or ask more of the homeowners in our community.
The state currently has a revenue surplus, we should use those additional funds as well as thoroughly examining the tax loop holes and carve outs that currently exist to build enough funding at the state level that we can lower our property tax levies and provide more stable funding for our kids.
District 36
Angie Lauritsen: Education: Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Professional Communication; Past Public Offices: Gretna City Council 2016-2020; Volunteer Experience: Board Member (current) - Survivors Rising (Treasurer), Lift Up Sarpy County, Concord Mediation Center, Leadership Nebraska Alumni Council and Gretna Tree Board Board Member (past) - PromiseShip and Gretna Chamber of Commerce Committee Member – Gretna Website: AngieLauritsenForLegislature.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngieLauritsenForLegislature Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngieLauritsen
Rick Holdcroft: No response received
Nebraska's prisons are the nation's most overcrowded. What measures would you use to manage this situation?
Angie Lauritsen: When we think about crime, we need to be proactive in preventing it from happening in the first place. We need more focus on mental health resources and other proven methods that keep our communities safe. In addition, we need to focus on rehabilitation and not just punishment. We should be providing those who are incarcerated with education, job training, and other skills to lower recidivism rates and make those who have done their time productive members of our society.
What specific measures do you propose to meet the state's growing infrastructure needs?
Angie Lauritsen: We need to be innovative in how we approach infrastructure projects going forward. Infrastructure isn’t just the concrete we use in roads and bridges. It’s also building out broadband to underserved and unserved areas, adequate water and sewer lines to ensure our water is clean and safe, and upgrading our power grid to support modern technology. I’m a supporter of LB1016, with allows for more public-private partnerships to allow roads projects to be built quicker by using a new funding mechanism. This also saves the taxpayers money by not having the added costs of inflation by kicking the can down the road.
From what funding sources will you draw to educate our state's children?
Angie Lauritsen: I believe that strong schools are an economic driver that helps local businesses thrive and are essential to attract and retain families in Nebraska. There is no doubt that property taxes are too high. That is mostly due to the fact that Nebraska ranks in the bottom five in state aid to schools. For us to provide real property tax relief that is needed for farmers, businesses, and families, we need to provide an alternative source of funding that does not fall solely on the backs of property owners. The easiest solution is to balance the three-legged stool (property, income, sales taxes) that is out of whack. We need a comprehensive approach that evaluates our entire tax system to find a fair approach.
Deborah Neary: Education: MA History & Public Administration; Current Office held: State Board of Education 2018-present; Volunteer Experience: Leadership Nebraska; Leadership Omaha; ServeNebraska Board appointed by Gov Ricketts in 2015 & 2018; Madonna School Board 2016-19; Business Ethics Alliance Trustee; League of Women Voters 1990-present. West Omaha Rotarian since 1990. Website: www.DebForEd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahNeary4StateEducation Twitter: @Neary4StateEducation
Marni Hodgen: No response received
Should Board members be elected or appointed? Explain.
Deborah Neary: Elections of SBOE members help to limit the influence of politics and provide for greater input from voters. Legislators recognized the importance and value of an elected board when they proposed creation of the State Board in 1951. An elected board is crucial to a strong education system because: • Elected State Board members serve as the citizen’s voice in education.
• Board members represent geographic districts across the state.
• Nebraska has long prided itself as a “local control” state. Having regional elections for state board members ensures decision making and responsiveness is closer to the local voter.
• Greater stability and continuity of policy is maintained with an elected board.
Deborah Neary: I believe that the State Board of Education should do its job to continue to ensure the development and passage of policies that set academic goals and guidelines-- but that also give local school districts and education professionals the freedom to make decisions on lesson delivery and book selections. The Department of Education was founded 2 years after Nebraska became a state, and since that time there has been a continual improvement of regulations and policies to insure that Nebraska's education policies are balanced for scholarly achievement, parent voice, and teacher creativity.
Trade training, general education classes, and higher education programs make our community attractive to new business, retain existing businesses, and create growth in many industries. With a strong presence in underserved areas, Metro inspires students and lowers unemployment. It also reduces the Brain Drain when young people leave our state for more attractive jobs.
Deborah Neary: Having a State Board set academic "standards" is intended to ensure that all students have the skills & knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, & life upon graduation from high school, regardless of where they live. Not all standards are mandated. The curriculum requirements, text books & other resource materials, are all decided by local school districts which allows for strong local control & more parent input. The balance of local & state allows for the best results possible. There have been many controversies around "standards" previously in Nebraska. In the past voters fought to exclude climate change from science standards & fought to include creationism instead of evolution. Balance of state & local ensures excellence.
Phillip Klein: Current Office held: Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors - completing second term; Past Office held: City Council for City of Elkhorn - 1 term, Mayor for the City of Elkhorn - In the middle of 4th term when annexed by Omaha
Mark Stoj: Education: Associate's Degree in Professional Studies-Metropolitan Community College, Bachelor's Degree in Business Management--Bellevue University, Master's Degree in Business Management--Bellevue University; Volunteer Experience: Notary Public 1994-2021, Treasurer Steve Brock for Metro College Board 2006-2013, Vice Pres. Ramble Ridge Neighborhood Assn 2009-2011, Pres. Omaha Chapter of The Nebraska Credit Union League 2001, Pres. South Omaha Neighborhood Assn 2001-2002 Website: https://markstoj.com/
Phillip Klein: Student graduations and input from the private sector on how happy they are with new employees traine by Metro. Mark Stoj: Success occurs when a student reaches their goal. Grades and graduation rates are our objective measurements. However, with over 100 career programs and many non-credit classes, there are many different unmeasurable signs of success. One example is my mother’s face when she learned I would be the first in our family to graduate from college.
Other examples are when a student gets a long-needed raise and promotion after finishing computer classes; an electrician program graduate enters an apprenticeship; hearing the doctor’s excitement when he finds out you lost ten pounds after a non-credit fitness class; and, having someone buy your items after taking a craft class. These are all examples of how I and many Metro students measure success.
What particular experiences or issues compelled you to run for the Board?
Phillip Klein: Every successful life should include some form of public service. I feel my life experience which includes my terms with the City of Elkhorn serves the Metro board well.
Mark Stoj: When I was 22 years old, I worked paycheck to paycheck overnight in a warehouse in harsh weather and with poor management. I was worried this would be my life. I decided to take night classes at Metro and graduated with my Associate’s Degree. Metro changed my life. Today, I have 20 years experience as manager of a credit union serving Creighton University. I have a Master's and a Bachelor’s Degree in business and decades of experience with college students, professors, and staff. My son takes Gen Ed classes at Metro, and my nephews graduated from the Electrician and IT programs. I want to use my education, experience, and leadership skills to improve lives and to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely.
Erin Feichtinger: Education: B.S. in Special Education from Loyola University Chicago; Ph.D in Early Modern History from Loyola University Chicago; Current Office held: Metropolitan Community College, District 2 (2018-2022); Volunteer Experience: A Just Harvest Community Kitchen (Chicago, IL); ENOA Foster Grandparents Advisory Group; Benson Neighborhood Association Website: erinformetro.com
Facebook: facebook.com/erinformetro
Phillip Klein: By providing our students with great educational or training programs for their path forward regardless of what it might be at a reasonable cost.
Mark Stoj: Metro best serves the community by improving our culture and the local economy. By providing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, students can compete for careers with higher pay and outstanding benefits. While men outnumber women in STEM fields and in trades, Metro offers a great opportunity to increase equity and ready workers for these fields.
Twitter: @erinformetro
Tammy L. Wright: No response received
influence should the State School Board have on academic freedom in public schools?
your opinion, what is the purpose of mandated academic standards in Nebraska public schools?
can a comprehensive
and academic transfer) community college best serve our community?
How do you define and measure student success?
How can a comprehensive (career and academic transfer) community college best serve our community?
Erin Feichtinger: MCC’s mission is to deliver relevant, studentcentered education to a diverse community of learners. That means recognizing that our community needs affordable, accessible education for any of our neighbors. Higher education has become increasingly unattainable for students who need a credential to achieve a good job that allows them to live the life they want. MCC has dual enrollment, trades education, and continuing education which are going to be more important than ever in the coming years. We provide the type of flexible and adaptive education to all of our neighbors that’s incredibly important work for the stability and empowerment of a community. Education is the bedrock of democracy and society - MCC builds that foundation.
How do you define and measure student success?
Erin Feichtinger: In the classroom, success means knowing their classes are relevant to helping them achieve their goals and that they aren’t wasting their time or money. We’ve overseen the development and implementation of an advising program that helps make MCC more relevant, more affordable, and quicker to adapt when a student needs help or changes course. Outside the classroom, students need to know where their next meal is coming from, that they’ll be able to continue learning despite what the world throws at them, and that they’re valued as learners and achievers at MCC and in their community. A food pantry, more financial assistance, and clear paths to problem-solving when an issue arises are all critical in this regard.
What particular experiences or issues compelled you to run for the Board?
Erin Feichtinger: My background as a Special Education teacher showed me how important community colleges are to the continued growth of a diverse group of students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. Community college meant these students could reach their goals affordably and on their schedule. As a former professor, I saw students for whom a 4-year education wasn’t the right fit - and that’s okay! More students should feel like community college is a viable option and the right choice for them and their future. My work in the community shows me every day how important and lifechanging an MCC education can be for a person working toward success, and how critical it is that MCC continues listening to the community it serves.
Tyler Fausset: No response received
Maureen K. Monahan: Education: St. Robert Bellarmine Grade School, Marian High School, Boston College B.A., Loyola Chicago School of Law, J.D.; Current Office held: METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, District 3
TERM 2019-2023; Volunteer Experience: Leadership Omaha, Nebraska Bar Association, Juvenile Section, past chair, Parishioner, St. Robert Bellarmine.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonahanforMetro
How can a comprehensive (career and academic transfer) community college best serve our community?
Maureen K. Monahan: A Community College best serves our community by providing quality affordable education that prepares our students for the opportunities right here. Academic transfer makes a 4 year degree affordable. Career training makes the difference between minimum wage and the living wage. A trained and educated workforce attracts more and higher paying opportunities. Having the skills and education to take advantage of local opportunities means a child remains to care for an aging parent and grandchildren know their grandparents. At heart, our community is about our families. A community college best serves its community by providing the education that makes it possible for families to remain together and gives them the skills to prosper.
Maureen K. Monahan: Student Success is about a student or potential student taking a step. Every path at MCC starts with a step. In exploring the catalog, starting a degree or certificate, or finishing a class - each is a success. MCC is uniquely set up for anyone to walk through the doors and take a step toward a goal. Many students have other demands on their time. MCC works to assist students to figure out each step and how and when they are going to take it. Every step is a success on the way to the goal - a bigger success.
What particular experiences or issues compelled you to run for the Board?
Maureen K. Monahan: My brother was severely disabled. Even though a federal law was passed guaranteeing an appropriate education regardless of disabilities, local officials refused to implement it. I watched as my brother was denied an education over and over while elected officials were indifferent. I went door to door with my Father when he ran for and won a seat on the State Board of Education since no one else was going to help. He worked hard to ensure that every student received the benefit of education. I grew up meeting his constituents who thrived from putting his values to work for public education. As a Board Member, I will have the opportunity to set the policy that allows thousands in our community the education they need to thrive.
District 4
Ron Hug: Education: Bachelors From Bellevue University; Current Office held: metropolitan community college board of governors, at Large, two terms beginning in 2014; Past Office held: metropolitan community college board of governors, district 1, 1998 to 2014; Volunteer Experience: board member, Carlson Federal employees credit Unionpresident-Roxbury homeowners association, presidentCinnamon Creek homeowners association, president-village Green townhouse association
Kimara Snipes: No response received
How can a comprehensive (career and academic transfer) community college best serve our community?
Ron Hug: the first and probably the most important way a community college can best serve our community when it comes to transfers, is a low tuition rate. metropolitan community college has the lowest credit hour rate in the state. cost coupled with accessibility and a broad course offering helps those individuals seeking to pursue a four-year degree a viable affordable option. currently metropolitan community college offers dual credit classes in high schools across our four county service
area. this year high school students can take these classes and no cost to them. we have had students graduating high school with a full associates degree they earned simultaneously while pursuing their high school diploma utilizing these dual enrollment class.
How do you define and measure student success?
Ron Hug: the standard for measuring student success rate has been measuring the amount of students that enter metropolitan community college and of those students how many ultimately leave with a degree. this can be deceiving due to the fact that success is measured individually by each student. many students come to Metro to increase their current job skills which may require only taking a class or two, such as individuals that need to enhance their computer skills, individuals that may need to pick up added skills in auto mechanics or auto body has industry changes. if these individuals attain their educational goals in one two or three classes and they deem themselves successful, then that is a success. this is difficult to measure
What particular experiences or issues compelled you to run for the Board?
Ron Hug: I was the first student to acquire a GED through metropolitan community college in 1974. I ultimately obtained a bachelor's degree from Bellevue University. I did this working full-time and raising a family every one of my credit hours was part-time. the largest percentage of students at metropolitan community college are just like I was they're working they're raising family they're going to school part-time trying to achieve a goal. I was first elected to the board in 1998 and I have advocated very strongly for the non-traditional students such as I was. I will continue to do so. we need to make sure that the classes we offer are conducive to individuals that are working and raising a family. that is how we ensure student success.
Kristen DuPree: Education: B.S. Business Administration, Actuarial Science - University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Volunteer Experience: Partnership for Our Kids - Group Mentor (2012-13); Food Bank for the Heartland - Backpack Program (2012-14); Society of ActuariesCurriculum Committee Member (2014-16) Website: www.KristenforMetro.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenforMetro
John M. McCarthy: Education: universal trades school -- 52 years in the school of hard knocks --McCARTHY ONE HOUR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING; Volunteer Experience: AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA, PAST PRESIDENT OF HACCA Website: https://mccarthyformetro.com/
How can a comprehensive (career and academic transfer) community college best serve our community?
Kristen DuPree: A community college best serves its community when (1) the programs offered are affordable and accessible, (2) the diverse needs of the student population are identified and supported, and (3) collaborative opportunities for hands on training that address needs in the community are sought out and prioritized.
John M. McCarthy: I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS DIRECTLY IN FINDING ALL TYPES OF EMPLOYEE'S IN THE HVAC, PLUMBING, AND ELECTRICAL TRADES AND ALL SUPPORT STAFF THAT ARE AS IMPORTANT AS THE FIELD STAFF. MCC
HAS DONE A GREAT JOB BUT DOES NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY OF STUDENTS TO SERVE THE STUDENTS TO EMPTY THE WAITING LIST.
How do you define and measure student success?
Kristen DuPree: Gaining knowledge and skills that help students accomplish their academic, professional, or personal goals while inspiring a sense of purpose that connects their talents to the needs of the community.
Traditional measures like completion and retention rates are useful; however, they don’t capture meaningful progress made by the nontraditional students that community colleges serve. Additional metrics such as academic improvement, re-enrollment of students who have stepped away from their studies, and usage rates of student support services help provide a comprehensive view for measuring student success.
John M. McCarthy: THE TRUE LEVEL IS GRADUATION, BUT THE SHORTAGE IN OUR FIELDS, IS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE STUDENTS THAT GO THRU GRADUATION, BECAUSE THEY GET A JOB IN THE FIELD.
What particular experiences or issues compelled you to run for the Board?
Kristen DuPree: I believe education is an investment we make in the community, and Metro provides an excellent return on investment. Every $1 invested in Metro generates almost $12 in economic benefits for our community. Benefits from an education at Metro are familysupporting financial stability, a diverse talent pool for local businesses to hire from, and an educated and skilled workforce to meet the demands of our evolving economy.
As a board member, I will work to increase student enrollment, expand partnerships for dual credits with area school districts, and collaborate with non-profits and businesses to maximize Metro’s reach as well as taxpayer value.
John McCarthy: WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY THAT HAS THE SHORTAGES OF MANPOWER AND WORKING WITH MY GOOD FRIEND MIKE ROWE OVER THE YEARS HAS TAUGHT ME THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT I'M TRYING TO SOLVE. MANPOWER THAT STAYS'S IN OMAHA, EARN'S A GREAT LIVING, AND COLLECT THE STRONG BENEFITS FROM OUR COMPANIES.
Vote for ONE District 1
Gerald Mike Kuhn II: No response received Brian Thommes: No response received
Mark Hoeger: Education: BA University of Nebraska at Lincoln 1975, Graduate Studies in Film and Television University of Maryland at College Park 1976-78; Current Office held: Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counites Coordinating Council, Sub district #3 and Treasurer 2018 to present; Volunteer Experience: Leadership Omaha, Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Omaha Together One Community, Kiwanis Club or Omaha, Nebraska Film Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoegerLCC3/
Sally Otis: Education: Masters in Art of Teaching (George Washington University), Bachelors of Art (Drake University); Volunteer Experience: Western Hills Parent-Teacher Organization, Social Justice Sewing Academy, Common Senses Festival (April 2022), Riding for the Disabled Association Website: www.SallyForLCCC.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SallyForLCCC
Chris Tooker: Education: Creighton University Heider College of Business - Summa Cum Laude; Volunteer Experience: Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Omaha; Downtown Rotary Club of Omaha Foundation Board Member; Board Member Catholic Business Group; Past board member of Arthritis Foundation, Serra Club of West Omaha, and CHAD
How can the Learning Community help partners overcome student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Mark Hoeger: Improving student learning deficits has been the core mission of the Learning Community since the Legislature created it in 2007. The pandemic is THE greatest natural disaster to disrupt our community's educational progress. The Learning Community staff, with Council oversite and approval, has worked closely with all our member school districts to facilitate creative flexibility in the use of existing grants and programs to directly tackle the monumental task of student learning recovery. A surprisingly effective adaptation has been in the use of LC funded teacher coaches that help teachers develop more effective remote learning. Technology has also allowed our early childhood and family support programs to continue.
Sally Otis: Throughout Nebraska, early childcare has been undersupported and an ongoing problem for many families. The achievement gap and concern with student and teacher well-being didn’t originate with COVID-19, but these problems were exacerbated and became more visible to those less affected. There are no easy answers, however the Learning Community is well positioned to help communities move in a positive direction. Because partner organizations are already in place in vulnerable communities, they are able to identify, advocate for, and implement solutions. With an ongoing emphasis on social-emotional health, the Learning Community also needs to consider the strengths of current partners or what additional support might be needed.
Chris Tooker: Adapting to life with COVID was extremely challenging for all of us. However, the COVID pandemic impacted our most disadvantaged students the hardest. This unfortunately increased the learning gaps and well-being deficits experienced by the very children LCC serves. We will need to meet newcomers where they are in the educational journey while respecting their personal boundaries. Online/virtual sessions must remain an option for parents and families who prefer that service approach while maintaining a personal connection and understanding the needs of each child. Parental engagement will be even more critical than before so the LCC multigenerational approach will be essential to closing the gap.
What challenges do you foresee in expanding programming to school districts and community organizations?
Mark Hoeger: The good news is that we know what works, thanks to 15 years of R&D with our school districts and Buffet Early Childhood Institute partners. The program models we have developed, test implemented and rigorously evaluated are nationally recognized by the US Dept. of Education and The Aspen Institute as among the most innovative and effective in the nation in closing the educational opportunity gap between rich and poor. Our challenge is to bring this opportunity to all children and families in need. State law limits the LC's direct program administration. The job of the LC is to build a consensus solution that will involve, school districts, colleges, local and state governments, businesses, and private philanthropy.
Sally Otis: Future success can only be achieved by recognizing that while there are some universal truths in supporting positive early childhood development, not all communities have the same needs or challenges. Any efforts made to expand must be responsive to the communities they wish to serve and include community members as equitable stakeholders.
Additionally expansion should not be at the expense of current programs. Capacity must be built in step with expansion to ensure sustainability. The current programs are evaluated with results shared publicly and this thoughtful reporting can provide insight into what works and what might need to be reconsidered before expanding.
Chris Tooker: Funding is always a major hurdle to expansion of any program or services. Property taxes are already a hot topic in Nebraska because we have some of the highest rates in the country. However, we are also blessed with some of the most generous private citizens in the nation. The council must seek partnerships with those individuals as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations in our community that may be able to assist with funding and/or in-kind services. Property valuations have skyrocketed over the last several years so the LCC budget will naturally increase even though the levy remains constant. I do not support raising the levy to expand services.
List one of your goals for this four-year term and how you plan to achieve it.
Mark Hoeger: Our immediate next step is to build a new early childhood and elementary learning center. Our current centers in North and South Omaha are popular and effective. The new South Central center will serve the nexus of the Westside, Ralston, Papillion-La Vista, Millard and West OPS; districts that in the last decade saw low-income enrolment increases of 94% to 266%. My goal is to build philanthropic support for its programing. Our success will create billions in new wealth to be shared by the entire community. Over 50K students in the Learning Community struggle with the challenges of low-income . Raising their career average annual income by just $5K, will directly infuse $2.5 billion into our economy and greatly reduce our work force shortage
Sally Otis: During my four-year term, I will approach my responsibilities to the Learning Community with a community-first mindset. I want to ensure that the Learning Community partner organizations are responsive to the families, professionals, and districts they engage with. Partner organizations need to demonstrate active engagement with families and education professionals in the creation of programs. I’m committed to being available and listening to community input about Council decisions and I will actively examine what perspectives may not be represented so that any barriers might be addressed.
by the League of Women Voters Education
Chris Tooker: My main goal is to increase the number of lives impacted by LCC programs without increasing taxes. The mission & services provided by LCC are essential to our city’s future & it is the council’s responsibility to maximize the return on tax-payers’ investment.
Several contractors & partners perform duplicative services. Some contractors report to multiple entities without being fully accountable to anyone. Additionally, some programs do not have measurable goals and results reported back to the LCC. As a council member, I will hold all organizations accountable for the tax-payer funds they have received & insist we keep better records of reportable outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens.
Andy Allen: Military Experience: 9 yrs Nebraska Army National Guard Website: VoteAndyAllen.com
Douglas Brady: Education: Millard Graduate 1979 , Metropolitan Community College, Southwest Community College; Military Experience: US Army Truck Driver; Volunteer Experience: Girl Scouts, multiple venues for DJ Music, Sarpy County Republicans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Douglas-Brady-Candidate-forDistrict-5-Learning-Community-108656365102821/
Erik Servellon: Education: Bachelor of Art, Political Science and International Studies, UNO; Master of Public Administration, UNO; Current Office held: Learning Community Coordinating Council, 2021Present; Military Experience: Medic, Nebraska Army National Guard, 2018-Present Website: www.erikserves.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikServesNebraska/
Andy Allen: The last two years have had multiple departmental effects on children and families and they are going to require multiple efforts to provide relief. Some of the things that can be provided is first tutoring to assist children who have been negatively effected in reaching educational goals, another issue that has effected not only the children but their families as well has been emotional and social which by providing the ability for families to come together through educational as well as social settings can help rebuild these bonds and strengthen our communities.
Douglas Brady: Unfortunately, it has been a rough 2 years. The full scope of most of the deficits will not be fully understood at first. We may need to eliminate or temporarily postpone some programs or areas so we can focus on the most important areas. The Learning Community board needs to research partnerships that have been used in the past and assess their effectiveness. We need to implement programs that are in the best interest of the children. It may be difficult to postpone some programs temporarily, but it may be necessary in order to focus on the needs of the children. I believe we will continue to find more needs in the future.
Eric Servellon: The Learning Community's mission is to work with school districts and community partners to improve educational
outcomes for children in poverty. Simply put, the LC is already in the position to understand and help respond to the disparities that were amplified by the pandemic. Through LC-led programs like the Superintendents' Plan and District Initiatives, we provide training and resources that are district-specific, to help teachers and administrators during these trying times. Programs like Parent University and Educational Navigators help parents and students build strong emotional and social foundations while providing the resources needed to overcome deficits.
Andy Allen: Active participation of the schools and districts, the learning community already has multiple programs that have shown to help children and families that schools are not referring families too as well as programs where they are not providing information or not in a timely manner so that these children and families receive the assistance they need. We need to improve community outreach to work around some of these issues and work with school boards so they can create expectations for their superintendents, principals and teachers to not only participate but do so in a timely manner. To accomplish this, we need to develop buy-in from all the stake holders to make certain these programs can be effective.
Douglas Brady: Expanding programming will need to be prioritized based our current funds. Children returning to the public schools within the Learning Community may have significant needs and this will require more funding or a change to the current programs. Expanding programming may require more quality teachers, aides, and staff. We must carefully look at all aspects prior to acting. We have a responsibility to taxpayers and to partners.
Eric Servellon: The Learning Community is one of the lowest tax levies and I honestly believe its one of the best investments taxpayers are making. Additionally, I will continue to support the Council's position to not collect on the full authorized levy. We continue to be very conscientious on spending taxpayer money responsibly.
Expanding programs across Learning Community districts will require stronger public-private partnerships including a stronger collaboration with the Learning Community Foundation. We have strong, proven programs and positive impact on our kids - now is the time to ask our philanthropic community to support this effort!
Andy Allen: The Learning Community is facing a need to expand its footprint and services to families and children, partially caused by the pandemic and also caused by economic and social issues beyond that. To accomplish that we need to more build new partnerships and find some new ways to reach those who need us in an efficient manner. So, I plan to make use of my broad contacts list to develop many new avenues where we can bring our programs to those who need them in an efficient and broad reaching manner.
Douglas Brady: One of my goals is to make sure that we are using proven ideology. In today's climate, we must be very diligent in researching curriculum, programs, and practices. We should only use proven practices or programs with our children. I will speak to people within the LC to get feedback from parents and taxpayers. I will ask a lot of hard questions. I will be honest with what I learn and find. We must be 100% transparent to the public as well as our partners. One area of concern is the methods and curriculum used for training our
How can the Learning Community help partners overcome student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
What challenges do you foresee in expanding programming to school districts and community organizations?
List one of your goals for this four-year term and how you plan to achieve it.
teachers. Anyone working with the children, should have the best education and use proven practices to help the children. I will work with the board and staff to make necessary changes.
Eric Servellon: My primary goal is for the Learning Community to have a long-term fundraising plan in place. I work in the non-profit world and will lend my experience to make this happen.
Fred Conley:
McCormick:
Barbara Nichols: Education: Tekamah HS; University of NebraskaOmaha; BS Environmental Science-Planning; BS Political Science; MS Public Administration; Past Office held: Papio Missouri River NRD 2000-2004; Volunteer Experience: Lifelong history of volunteer service in Education, Religion, Youth, Community. BSA Scoutmaster, Merit badge, Cub-Webelos; Brownell-Talbot Friends; Food Bank-Pantry; 7CanHelp; Family Service projects; Political campaigns-local; Fundraiser events.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?
Climate change presents unique challenges for resource management. What do you consider the greatest challenge and how will you meet it?
Barbara Nichols: Water is a basic need in everyday life and its cycle is inextricably linked with climate change, from turbulent flooding to devastating drought in this country. Water resources, both in quantity and quality, is our greatest challenge in this region. Preparation and planning is key. Partnerships. Cooperative agreements. Natural resources management is an interrelated whole and flood control projects should continue to be a priority in our increasingly urban setting. While we cannot change the climate, I will persist in study and monitor current research in the scientific community to be the most credible asset I can in contributing to the best informed decisions that will protect and grow our community at a prudent and responsible cost.
What specific solutions will help improve water quality, water quantity, and reduce soil erosion in your NRD?
Barbara Nichols: For 50 years NRDs have been working to improve water quality, water quantity, and reduce soil erosion. Each river basin has its own integrated water management plan that is implemented by its locally elected board. In our NRD the need for flood control is extreme and becomes greater as more and more farmland is converted to development. I support working cooperatively with area developers to provide much needed flood control in the District. I will help to bring flood control policies to approval so that plans for flood control structures can be developed. I support NRD’s Storm Water Management Policies to protect water quality and reduce soil erosion, along with cost-share programs available for seeding and building terraces.
Soil is the literal foundation of agriculture. How should the NRD manage for healthy soils?
Barbara Nichols: In addition to urban area flood control and water quality, our NRD manages for healthy soils in agricultural areas as outlined in its Erosion and Sediment Control Program. Localized flood management is especially important in rural agricultural areas for both flooding and to protect water quality due to ag chemical and livestock waste carried by soil erosion and sediment, but also to enhance and maintain soil hydration and gain greater effectiveness from necessary ag chemicals at the source. I support the numerous cost-share programs available to landowners for erosion and sediment control practices such as terraces and grade stabilization structures, ground cover seeding on highly erodible land, and field windbreaks to reduce wind erosion.
Jim Thompson: Education: BSB, University of Minnesota; Current Office held: Director, Papio-MO River NRD, 2002 – Present; Past Office held: Director, Papio-MO River NRD, 1987- 1998; Volunteer Experience: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Leavenworth N.A., Keep Omaha Beautiful, Nebraska State Recycling Assn., Grover Little League, Midtown Development Steering Committee, First Lutheran Church.
Climate change presents unique challenges for resource management. What do you consider the greatest challenge and how will you meet it?
Jim Thompson: Due diligence in keeping control over those factors contributing such as pollution and the burning of fossil fuels.
What specific solutions will help improve water quality, water quantity, and reduce soil erosion in your NRD?
Jim Thompson: More dams to control the increasing volume of runoff from urban sprawl, more water quality control structures, wetlands conservation and education within the ag community to install soil erosion methods.
Soil is the literal foundation of agriculture. How should the NRD manage for healthy soils?
Jim Thompson: Continue in cost sharing opportunities with the producers.
Tim N. Fowler: No response received
Craig Moody: Education: Masters in Business Administration, University of South Dakota; Current Office held: Omaha Public Power District: Subdistrict 5, Jan 2017 – present; Volunteer Experience:
LEADERSHIP Lauritzen Gardens Board of Directors (2019 – current)
Inclusive Communities LeadDIVERSITY Cohort 2 (current) Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) Stakeholder Committee, Chair (2016 –current) Omaha Business Ethics Alliance, Board of Trustees (2 Website:craigmoody.org
Facebook: facebook.com/MoodyOmaha
Twitter: @craigmoody
Kevin Ryan: Education: St. Pius X Grade School, Creighton Prep High School, University of Nebraska College of Law
What do you expect/hope to accomplish in 6 years while on the board?
Craig Moody: The board has accomplished a great deal in my first 5 years, but much work remains. Priorities include:
*Executing on Power with Purpose (adds 400-600 MW of solar and 2 natural gas facilities)
*Continued reliability upgrades to grid distribution and management system
*Migrating to a digitally-driven organization; includes technologies to seamlessly interact with customer-owners on their terms in the ways they prefer
*Catalyzing the adoption of customer-owned solar and and electric vehicles
*Adding even more programs to help customer-owners achieve greater energy efficiency
*More utility-scale clean energy with an eye toward accelerating the district’s reduction of greenhouse gasses, all while maintaining affordability and reliability.
Kevin Ryan: We know the future capacity to serve OPPD customers relies on the expansion of renewable energy sources. I would like to achieve a new sense of transparency and fairness on the Board and assure everyone in the district that their voices will be heard throughout this transition. Quality service, affordable rates, jobs, all need to be given priority, along with the goals of a clean energy transition. I would like to achieve that balance as a member of the OPPD Board.
To what degree do you agree with the following statement (ranked 1 to 5, lowest to highest)? Increasing power supplies from renewable sources is a priority.
Craig Moody: 5, Very Important
Kevin Ryan: 5, Very Important
What are the challenges in providing public power at a reasonable cost, while maintaining reliability and protecting the environment?
Craig Moody: OPPD’s mission is to provide affordable, reliable, environmentally-sensitive energy services to our customers. All 3 facets are important, but they are not always easy to balance. The board was able to keep rates flat the first 5 years of my term (2017-2021), which was a big accomplishment.
Going forward, I aim to keep an eye on affordability by ensuring the district:
*Completes and potentially expands its pilot program to assist those customers experiencing an energy burden
*Invests in grid reliability upgrades & expansion
*Invests in technologies to better & more efficiently serve customers
*Invests in clean energy, which is less expensive than older, dirty technologies (coal)
*Assists customers with onsite solar and energy efficiency
Kevin Ryan: Protecting our environment, maintaining reliable service, and keeping rates reasonable, are not mutually exclusive goals. We need to approach the transition to clean energy intelligently, fairly, and in a way that puts people first. I have been an environmentalist my whole life. There is no reason that we cannot move toward a future of clean energy and keep in mind the working families that need their service to be reliable, and their electricity bills to be reasonable. I'm running in this race as a candidate that will listen to the people of the 5th District, and always keep in mind their best interests as customers, as we move into the future of renewable energy sources.
Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha
Subdivision 6
John S. McCollister: Education: Univ of Nebraska BS Business Adm; Current Office held: NE State Senator - District 20 (2015 - 2022); Past Office held: Metropolitan Utilities District (1979-2008); Volunteer Experience: One World Community Health Center Board, Boy Scouts of America and UNL Business Advisory Committee Website: johnmccollister.com Facebook: facebook.com/senatormccollister Twitter: @senmccollister
Mike McGowan: Education: BS. Mathematics, Masters in Business (MBA) - both from Creighton Univ.; Current and Past Offices held: Director. MUD Board of Directors; Military Experience: Army Veteran; Volunteer Experience: Red Cross, College World Series Board Of Directors
What do you expect/hope to accomplish in 6 years while on the board?
John S. McCollister: MUD must continue to provide safe and affordable natural gas and water to Omaha. The lead pipe situation in east Omaha and the sewer relocation projects will require continued diligence and creative solutions by the MUD Board of Directors. And the utility will need to participate in efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by expanded home weatherization programs for customers.
Mike McGowan: Safe and reliables water and natural gas service at reasonable and the lowest cost possible!
To what degree do you agree with the following statement (ranked 1 to 5, lowest to highest)? Increasing power supplies from renewable sources is a priority.
Mike McGowan: 4, Important
What are the challenges in providing public power at a reasonable cost, while maintaining reliability and protecting the environment?
John S. McCollister: Climate change is an existential threat to the world. CO2 traps heat which results in more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves, floods, droughts, and storms. Those living in poverty are the hardest hit by climate change despite being the least responsible for its cause. Renewable energy, wind and solar generated electricity, are the lowest cost zero carbon producing sources of energy available.
Passage of my priority bill in the Unicameral, LB824 in 2016, allowed wind and solar companies in Nebraska to thrive by removing 1930’s regulatory barriers. Since passage, these companies have invested over $3 billion dollars to build wind and solar electricity generating facilities in NE.
Mike McGowan: Safety to the employees and the general public. Fair and reasonable pricing. Strong communications and leadership!
Stan Turner: No response received
Sean M. Fennessey: No response received Marla Fries: No response received Tyler Gloe: No response received
District Five
Brett Kuhn: No response received
District Seven
Brenda Sherman: No response received
Shane Pekny: Education: Bachelor of Journalism, UNL; Master's in English, UNO; Current Office held: Bennington City Council, Ward 1B, December 2018 to present; Volunteer Experience: AmeriCorps member, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Nebraska State Fair, Lutheran Family Services, Bennington Soccer Club Website: www.shanepekny.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/shane.pekny/
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Shane Pekny: Since joining the City Council in 2018, I have helped secure new sources of revenue in order to decrease our small town's reliance on personal property taxes. I have approached challenging issues, including the rebuilding of our police department, with an open mind and a reasonable approach. I always put safety first, especially when it comes to streets and managing pedestrian traffic around our schools. Most of all, I've strived to keep my constituents informed and engaged on the issues they care about. I serve them.
If elected, what would be your first year priorities?
Shane Pekny: I will continue supporting the city and its nonprofit partners in advancing the plan for Neumeyer Farm Park. This new park will provide much-needed space for our community's youth sports clubs and new amenities for residents of all ages. I will also continue to look for ways the city can welcome new businesses, further reducing our over-reliance on personal property taxes.
What is an important issue your city is facing and how would you address it?
Shane Pekny: Bennington is a small town of about 2,000 people that serves a larger and rapidly growing community of 15,000 or more. Growth is good, but it brings challenges. We are transitioning from a bedroom community to a commercial hub, albeit slowly. Our streets have gotten much better, our parks are second-to-none, our library is a treasure, and our police department has modernized and grown to serve our residents well. To preserve these assets, our challenge is to keep more commercial activity within our city and to bring in outside resources as well.
Ward 2
Kay Bridgeford: No response received
Ralston City Council Ward 3
Brian Kavanaugh: No response received Ward 4
Jerry Krause: No response received
Ward 5
Michael Sanchez: No response received
Valley City Council
John Batcher: Education: Nebraska Wesleyan University; Postgraduate: University of Nebraska - Lincoln and Vanderbilt University; Volunteer Experience: Valley Fire and Rescue Department, FBI Citizens' Academy, Department of Defense JCOC - 73rd Class, Trinity Classical Academy Board of Directors, Nebraska Wesleyan University President's Advisory Council, Ginger Woods HOA Treasurer Website: www.johnbatcher.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/VoteJohnBatcher
Haley Cortez: No response received
the League of Women Voters Education
Linda Lewis: No response received
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
John Batcher: Having lived in Valley for a majority of my adult life I am excited to have the opportunity to serve my neighbors, friends, and the citizens of Valley as a member of the City Council. Valley is home. I live here, I am raising my family here, I am building my business here. I bring a farm-raised work ethic and successful business background to the office of City Council. I believe that together we can build a proactive vision for Valley while honoring the legacy of those who have served before us.
If elected, what would be your first year priorities?
John Batcher: I have been attending City Council meetings, Valley/ Waterloo Business Association gatherings, Western Douglas County Chamber meetings, community events, and city office briefings in preparation for serving the city well. In this time I've learned of efforts currently underway and those being contemplated alike. I would hope to continue many of those efforts during my first year in office in addition to proactively addressing the important issues and opportunities we have ahead of us as a growing city.
What is an important issue your city is facing and how would you address it?
John Batcher: Balancing growth with services is perhaps the most important issue facing Valley. While the city and its citizens need to embrace growth we have to pair that growth with the availability of services. A successful balance will address aspects of infrastructure, residential and commercial development, revitalization, education, and corporate and philanthropic partnerships.
Boys Town Village Board of Trustees
Unable to obtain contact information. Vote for up to THREE
James E. Gilg Joseph West Kyle SkartvedtVote for up to TWO
Travis Harlow: No response received
Ashley Livengood: Volunteer Experience: Previously was a member of the Waterloo Park & Tree Board. Current Lead for the Waterloo Bluebird Trail. 2020 President of the Women's Council of REALTORSOmaha
David E. Rochford: Education: University of Nebraska at Omaha;
Current Office held: Waterloo Village Board of Trustees (since 2018); Volunteer Experience: Lifegate Church - Local/Global Outreach, Kids Ministry
Facebook: http://facebook.com/RochfordforWaterloo
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
David E. Rochford: During my first term on the Village Board our village faced multiple challenges. Even so, myself and the board was able to add new amenities, update our roads, and expand our police and library hours. And we were able to do this without raising taxes. I have the experience to continue to serve my community to the fullest while being fiscally responsible with our taxpayers’ money.
If elected, what would be your first year priorities?
David E. Rochford: While we have been able to accomplish a lot the past four years, my work is not finished! We’ve been focusing on our streets, and have struck a partnership with MAPA to widen River Road Dr. I am very excited to continue working on this project for our community!
What is an important issue your city is facing and how would you address it?
David E. Rochford: Our city isn’t currently facing any “major” issues, but I want to continue to grow our community and make it the best place to live in Douglas County.
Unable to obtain contact information. Vote for up to THREE
Jason R Arp
Erich Meyer Brian Laaker Carrie Voss Flesner Steve SlykhuisVote for up to THREE
Mark A. Byars: Education: BS Business Administration (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) ; MBA (Northwestern University); Current Office held: Bennington Board of Education, 2015 to present; Volunteer Experience: Director, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce; church; school; Boy Scouts; coach, youth soccer Website: markbyars.com
Brittany Cameron: Education: University of Central Arkansas, Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Indian Hills Community College, Associates Degree in Nursing; Volunteer Experience: I enjoy being a regular volunteer at my childrens' school. I am a room parent for both classrooms' which involves organizing class activities, collecting donations from parents and helping out in the classroom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brittany-Cameron-forBennington-School-Board-109149601720280/
Jeremy Dick: Education: B.S. Business Administration-Banking and Financial Markets Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdick2022
Sandra Hulm: Education: MBA - Illinois State University, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - University of Saskatchewan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sandra-Hulm-for-BenningtonBoard-of-Education-110749198218707
Kristi Ryan: Education: BS in Secondary English Education, Masters and Specialist in Education Degrees in School Counseling
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kristi-Ryan-for-BenningtonBoard-of-Education-109907944979999/
Mark Byars: Bennington’s student achievement gaps have generally been smaller than those of neighboring districts because of our community’s partnership to deliver quality remote learning in early 2020 and to keep kids in school in 2020-21. However, some students do need help catching up. Providing good interventionist resources is an effective way of identifying specific gaps for students and developing targeted improvement plans. Having sufficient counseling resources helps kids who need emotional support. Full staffing of paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and food service staff relieves the pressure on stretched and stressed classroom teachers, so that everyone can do their best work to help our children learn and grow.
Brittany Cameron: The changes adopted by our education system during 2020/2021 were necessary but did produce some negative effects for our children. I have spoken with parents who report seeing regression in their children, and some feel they have missed out on a year or more of their education. I feel the most appropriate course of action is to address any issues head on. This will take collaboration from the education team including teachers, support staff, therapy and so on. Our parents must work alongside teachers to recognize and identify our childrens' specific needs related to the changes our county has faced since 2020. We must meet our children where they are and provide any additional support to address all their needs.
Jeremy Dick: These issues are best address by ideal classroom size. Elementary classrooms of 18, middle school of 20-22 and high school of 22-24. However, knowing resources are limited, the greatest benefit appears to be keeping classrooms grades K-3 at 18 students. At these ages, children are learning the fundamentals of math and literacy. Growth and development in these key areas benefit from small group instruction and one on one time with teachers and paras. Furthermore, smaller class sizes and greater one on one time provide teachers greater opportunity to identify learning deficits and address them at an earlier age.
Sandra Hulm: Prioritizing social-emotional learning will be essential to bridge some of the unfinished learning as well as health and wellness gaps that occurred during the pandemic. It will important students and educators have flexibility to work in the environment and at the pace that is required to maximize success.
Kristi Ryan: This is a very complex issue. Please see my facebook page for my full response. Here is a sampling of my ideas: Change the purpose and use of high stakes testing; Simplify expectations and get back to basics; Employ targeted skills tutoring for students, particularly in the areas of math and reading; Build space within the school schedule to have time dedicated to unfinished learning; Implement a K-12 well-being curriculum; Provide parent education opportunities for families who would like to be better equipped to support overcoming unfinished learning and/or well-being at home; Collaborate with local universities and college students to provide services to our students; Secure additional partnerships with outside mental health providers.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Mark Byars: The job of a school board member is to set policy and
promote processes designed to balance and align three things: the curriculum recommendations of our expert educators, the financial resources of the district, and the interests of our community. My priority has always been to invest our tax dollars most effectively by putting them to work in the classroom. Quality staff with the right resources in good facilities is what delivers results for students. The board’s actions should promote long-term, sustainable strategies that align with the district’s mission and community expectations.
Brittany Cameron: We know that adjustments must be made, and additional resources need to be utilized to help bridge the gap for our children. These are needs that must be addressed and call for an adjustment in budgetary priority. The new needs of our children should be on the forefront and appropriate action plans should be developed to address them. The school board must keep the end goal in mind as well as the fiscal aspect of rolling out new additional resources for areas such as education, tutoring, mental health and any other needs that should be addressed by the educational system.
Jeremy Dick: Teachers are the bedrock of the Bennington School District and should be the last to feel a budgetary crunch. In Bennington, we have one of the highest tax levies in the state. Recently the district has spent money on expensive Administration Building remodels, surveys and other seemingly unnecessary expenses. As a board member, I will strive to be a good steward of citizens’ tax dollars and ensure that resources are funneled to areas that will benefit our children the most.
Sandra Hulm: Addressing difficult decisions with transparency, candid and clear communication, listening with the intent to understand, while taking a pragmatic, fact based approach, with the ultimate focus on the students best interest will guide the best course of action.
Kristi Ryan: When faced with difficult decisions, I believe focusing on the best interest of students helps determine the best course of action. The stated mission, vision and strategic goals of Bennington Public Schools are also valuable filters in making tough but necessary decisions. If you establish a set of foundational questions based on these criteria (best interest of students, achieve mission, realize vision and meet strategic goals) and filter each decision through those predetermined questions, you will remain consistent, reach conclusions based on desired impact and established district objectives and have sound rationale for each determination made.
How will you engage educators and integrate their feedback in the board's work?
Mark Byars: Bennington’s educators are instructional experts, relationship builders, and forward thinkers who are motivated by their students’ success. Their constructive feedback, innovative ideas, and practical solutions are vital to the pursuit of excellence and Bennington’s drive for continuous improvement. Educators should engage in and contribute to the district’s processes for curriculum development, building administrator hiring, new facility design, professional development programs, and planning teams for school improvement and district strategy. The board should evaluate the feedback of our educators – and all district stakeholders – to make factbased decisions that benefit all of our kids.
Brittany Cameron: In the same ways that I am currently an involved parent, I hope to continue that approach and maintain an open line of communication with our educators. It is important to be a resource for our educators. One way to start is by asking what changes they could see that could make a difference in their classrooms. I would also visit our schools and see in person what needs are not being met and take
those findings back to board meetings. Spending time in the classrooms is an important step to better understanding what our teachers face on a daily basis.
J
eremy Dick: Through surveys and face to face interaction it is important to determine what our teachers need. After needs are determined to prioritize with input from teachers to determine how to effectively utilize resources to assist them. Students receive the highest quality education when teachers have smaller class sizes, paras, adequate materials, time to plan/refresh and competitive/commiserate wages & benefits.
Furthermore, our teachers are individuals who have an expertise in education and childhood development. As a board member, it is important to recognize our teachers’ as subject matter experts in determining what is best for our students in terms of curriculum, text books and activities.
Sandra Hulm: A board is a governing body tasked with setting the vision, goals, and policy for the district with the guidance and support of the administration and community. Our educators are essential in identifying and executing the educational goals for the school district. In turn, there must be consistent, organized and direct engagement and feedback loops from the educators to the board. To effectively implement policies and directives all entities must work together in a collaborative, transparent and respectful manner.
Kristi Ryan: The voice of educators in any work impacting schools and students is essential. My experience over the past 20 years in the field has been that educators are smart, resourceful, solution-focused, caring, compassionate and desire best outcomes for our kids. This is particularly true and prevalent when they feel valued, heard and involved in making decisions that impact our students. As a member of the board, I will continue to build relationships with Bennington educators by being visible and present at school and community activities and by maintaining open lines of communication. I will also seek to gather input more formally through forms and surveys as the situation calls for and allows.
Board of Education
Douglas County West Community Schools #15
Vote for up to THREE
Kelly Hinrichs: No response received Jamie Jorgensen: No response received JJ Swierczek: No response received James Tomanek Jr.: No response received
Board of Education Elkhorn Public Schools #10
Vote for up to THREE
Brett Elliott: Education: Bachelor's Degree; Volunteer Experience: Love Church, NFC Soccer Website: www.elliott4elkhorn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElliottForElkhorn
Amy Parks: Education: Bachelor of Science in Family Science; Current Office held: School Board Member (2014-present), School Board Secretary (2019-2020) School Board President (2021-present); Volunteer Experience: Lifelong community volunteer in both the Omaha and Elkhorn communities. My positions can be found on my Facebook page. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parksforelkhornschoolboard
Nancy Rogic-Greufe: Education: Bachelor of Science(BS); Medical Degree(MD); Residency in Anesthesia/Pediatrics; Current Office held: Elkhorn School Board , American Civics and Curriculum Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, Common Ground Advisory Board, Finance and Insurance Committee Chair; Past Office held: Elkhorn School Board 2018-2022, Policy and Procedures Committee; Volunteer Experience: Elkhorn Volunteer of the year(2011),Skyline PTO President,ERMS Booster Club President,Prom Chairman(2X),Baccalaureate Chair(X5),Homecoming(X6), Band/ Chorus/Football-Boosters,Wellness Council, First Covenant Lead/ Music,Salvation Army Night Watch,
Website: https://nancy-rogic-greufe.webnode.page/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? id=100057963044115
Luther Starks: Education: Bachelor of Business Administration from Wayne State College; Volunteer Experience: Finance Board for Urban League and former Hope Center Board Member Website: SET4Elkhorn.com
Jerid Tingelhoff: No response received
Mark Wortman: Education: BA from University of Northern Colorado 1975, MA from University of Nebraska at Omaha 1980 Website: http://markwortmanforeps.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/markwortmanforelkhorn
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Brett Elliott: The lack of transparency and accountability, and for parents and teacher's voices to be heard is front and center. The arrogance displayed by school boards and the administration impacted negatively all the parties they were elected and hired to represent and protect. Parents, teachers and students all deserve better.
Amy Parks: One of the best ways to address this issue is retaining current staff and continuing to seek the most qualified candidates when hiring. Elkhorn test scores show our students weathered the pandemic well, which leaves our teachers in a better position to move forward. Supporting those teachers through time, money and professional development, while validating their value is key.
Nancy Rogic-Greufe: The education and well-being of our students is of primary concern. All children shall be treated with the utmost respect, care and kindness. Elkhorn is privileged to have teachers, staff and administrators that care and use measurable standards to address problem areas. Concerning well-being needs are addressed individually. As an example, if any student types any concerning words on any school-provided communication tool, principals and personnel are alerted and the situation is hopefully helped. As before, at the beginning of the school year all children are assessed for their academic status and encouraged to be the best they can be. If needed, additional assistance is provided. We will continue to support and communicate positively.
Luther Starks: Ensure that schools remain open and make sure mask mandates never come back into play.
Mark Wortman: We are still trying to understand the impact the Covid pandemic had on our children and their education. Data and test scores can be used to see if there are deficiencies in any subject matter. Teachers' input will be critical to determine if there are dips in scores or skills or if a knowledge base is missing in our children. Teachers should be provided special training to implement strategies to help students recoup any deficiencies they may have. Teachers and parents, working
can guide students in adjusting to a “new normal” educational environment.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Brett Elliott: I have been a business owner for many years. Managing budgets and asking the right questions is a requirement. The current process between the school board and the administration has lost all of its checks and balances as the school board has become a rubber stamp. I would get much more involved in all the aspects listed as a requirement of the job.
Amy Parks: Having a solid relationship with the district administration is crucial to processing the information provided by the admin in making these decisions. My years of Board service have educated me in the areas of the district budgeting, staffing and curriculum processes, and allowed me to build a trust relationship with the administration which is essential to the efficiency and to the success of a school district. Additionally, my years of living and serving the community give me direction as to what is best for Elkhorn students and families.
Nancy Rogic-Greufe: Communication with all stakeholders is key. Decisions are made for the majority of the district and made by the specific personnel or standing committees that are responsible for the decision. Data and analysis are used in the decision-making process. Constant communication and advice are sought, if necessary. Many times legal counsel is involved in decision-making. No decision is made lightly and all those affected are taken into account and communicated with, if possible. Most importantly, it is imperative to listen, be empathetic, supportive and respectful. Students, teachers, parents, and the community which we represent are all taken into consideration when decisions are made to protect children and provide the best education for all.
Luther Starks: By being honest...if I don't know something admit it do my research and get back with them.
Mark Wortman: Our mission should always revolve around one premise - “What is best for the children of EPS?” Any decisions made regarding these subject matters should incorporate opinions from various groups within the Elkhorn community. The knowledge and experience of teachers and staff members should be heard whenever possible. Their daily work with our children and their expertise make them indispensable cogs in any decision. No one is more invested in the children of our community than the parents. Parents need to have a voice, and they must be heard. Communication lines need to be open and discussion forums need to take place. While making these tough decisions, we must make the best use of our resources and money so as not to over burden taxpayers.
How will you engage educators and integrate their feedback in the board's work?
Brett Elliott: Along with parents we have to provide an ear and a voice for teachers. The majority are as frustrated with the current process as the parents. If we don't solve this issue many good teachers will leave. It would be a priority to hold quarterly open townhall forums for all voices to be heard.
Amy Parks: We are very fortunate to have a mutually respectful and solid working relationship with the EEA teachers' union, additionally educators are currently part of the process of presenting information to the Board when decisions are to be made.
Nancy Rogic-Greufe: Fortunately, we have positive relationships with our educators. These wonderful people are the most important part of our educational system. They will mold our children and impact our future. We will continue to communicate in larger groups and as needed on an individual basis. We support, engage and negotiate with the Elkhorn Teachers Association. I have had the privilege of meeting with both groups and individual teachers with concerns and I do everything in my power to ensure their voices are heard. Communication, respect and support are key. Teachers are also part of the decision-making process for curriculum development. We will continue to provide support for our most valuable resource.
Luther Starks: I will listen to their concerns and make sure their needs are being met as well.
Mark Wortman: For forty-one years I taught in the Elkhorn Public Schools until my retirement in May of 2021. Teachers are the backbone of our educational success, and I will advocate for them every chance I get. I will be a visible and accessible board member, attending activities and as many school functions as possible. I have many close relationships with educators, and I will continue to be an active listener to their needs and concerns, and I will gladly share my knowledge and expertise with the board.
Fort Calhoun Community Schools #3
Vote for up to THREE
Jon Genoways: No response received
Cassie Kelly: No response received
John Pane: No response received
Amanda Schrum: Current Office held: Fort Calhoun School Board January 2018 to Present; Volunteer Experience: St. Johns Catholic Church, Youth Sports, ALS in the Heartland
Ryan J. Sevcik: No response received
Ted Welchert: No response received
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Amanda Schrum: As a school board member, I will continue to work with our administration and staff to help all of our students address any learning deficits that may have occurred over the past two year. I, along with the other school board members have continued to make technology and curriculum a priority at Fort Calhoun Community Schools. We also have used federal funds to offer summer school programs for students in our district.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Amanda Schrum: I believe that our students and staff are the most important piece to our district. As all school districts face difficult decisions about budgeting, staffing, ect, I believe that we have to take care of our staff and students first. We need to be aware of where we are spending our tax dollars and being fiscally responsible throughout the year.
How will you engage
board's work?
Amanda Schrum: As a school board member, I have continually made myself available to all members of our community to discuss school related issues. I also have reached out to staff and the public when big items are taking place and asked their opinions and thoughts. I feel that as a public official, we are there to represent the people who elected us, and the best way to do that is to ask them their thoughts on different items that may be before the board. We also have to have a good working relationship with our administration and staff to keep those lines of communication open so that we are all working together for the greater good of the community.
Board of Education Fremont Public Schools
Vote for up to THREE
Mike Petersen: No response received Sandi Proskovec: No response received Terry Sorensen: No response received
#1
there are gaps in student learning, think in terms of no easy/fast fixes, but communication between stakeholders is important to create strategies and then give them the resources to implement those strategies.
Jenna L. Garcia: The last two years have been difficult for students, families, and staff. To address any learning and well-being deficits, there needs to be open and continued communication happening between the parents/guardians, staff, and students, as well as the administration and school board. If there is any concern about a student, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later and all parties need to come to the table ready to engage. As a board member, I will actively listen to staff and parents to find solutions to address loss from the past two years.
Lori Lowry: I firmly believe in getting parents back into the classroom. Parents not only serve as a great help to teachers, but to students as well. It’s so important to get our students the one -on-one help they need. This can be done again through parents helping individually in the classrooms, after school study clubs as well as online learning communities for our older students. It is so important to help our kids regain what they lost during the last few years. They say it takes a village, and this task is no exception.
Board of Education Gretna Public Schools #37
Vote for up to THREE
Greg Beach: Education: Bachelor of Science Degree-Finance University of Nebraska Lincoln; Volunteer Experience: Teammates Mentor -Gretna Public School (2012-present) Teammates Mentoring Program Gretna Chapter (2016-present) Website: http://www.gregbeach4gps.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregbeach4gps
Jenna L Garcia: Education: Associates in Applied Science-Business (General); Bachelor of Science-Political Science; Master of Public Administration Website: https://www.jenna4gretna.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenna4gretna/
Lori Lowry: Volunteer Experience: Numerous hours volunteered through my local church as well as independently. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lori-Lowry-for-Gretna-SchoolBoard-102235942409344/
Mark Hauptman: No response received
Blake Turpen: Education: Bachelor of Science - University of Nebraska, Lincoln Facebook: BlakeTurpenforGretnaSchoolBoard
Ann Sackett Wright: No response received
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Greg Beach: Expect the district leadership to have a plan to address the identified deficits – with an emphasis not only on the book-learning issues but also the student social-emotional challenges. Listen to what building principals are saying as they gather information from teachers, para-educators, parents, and students. Focus on what the local data says – hard to compare testing results to those reported prior to Covid but recognize challenges teachers face each day. If the info suggests
Blake Turpen: While the 2019-2020 school year concluded with remote learning, we have been fortunate that Gretna Schools have maintained a near normal school day for most students since that time. As such, the ongoing support of academic and emotional needs of the students has been widely maintained. For those students needing additional resources, it is important that them and their parents to know those resources exist and where to find them. I believe that we cannot over communicate the importance each student brings. Each one of them is cared for and valued.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Greg Beach: On a daily basis, you will need to have opem conversations with school stakeholders. At the end of those conversations, was what you discussed, and the courses of actions developed good for kids? How will you determine the best course of action?
Have we followed our Board of Education policies? Do we have all the facts? Have we considered alternatives? Have we engaged those individuals closest to the situation? Is what we consider the “best course of action” good for kids? Does our best course of action include an evaluation component to determine if our course of action was successful? If all of these questions can be answered with "we did this with the kids in mind" then you have done what you were elected to do. Jenna L. Garcia: When faced with difficult decisions in general, I believe it is best to first step back and gather all information/data available. Since I am not a subject matter expert in any of these issues as it relates to public education, I would refer to the experts at hand (after I informed myself of all I could) and ask for their opinion. Then we could have an informed discussion about said topic and go from there. Our school district has some of the brightest and most talented staff who truly want the best for all students (and the rest of the staff and community). When the community elects informed, inquisitive school board members who want to collaborate with parents and the community as a whole, we can make educated decisions for all.
Lori Lowry: It is important to look at the whole picture or issue. Determine who will be most impacted by budget cuts or staffing issues and choose a solution that causes the least amount of upset or damage to the whole. Gretna is growing, so we must be well researched on the
long term affects of new growth. Curriculum has been a hot button issue. It is important to remember that parental rights and input must be taken with the upmost of consideration. Certain curriculum may work for other districts, but not for Gretna. We need to be bold enough to say we are not adopted certain standards or curriculum because it is not best for our students at this time. Parents and students must come first and it most come from a local level.. not the top down.
Blake Turpen: The filter that has been in place for some time within Gretna Schools is "doing what's best for kids." When any issue is looked at first through this lens, landing on the appropriate decision becomes fairly straightforward.
Doing what's right for kids means students are provided:
* A safe environment to learn and grow
* Educators who are committed to their profession and will not bring politics into the classroom
* Challenging coursework and are held accountable to the districts' high standards
* Opportunities to excel outside of the classroom to help develop a sense of teamwork and community;
* Recognition for their accomplishments - both academically and in service to others and their community.
Vote for up to THREE
Terry Dale: No response received
Stacy Jolley: Education: University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Marketing major; Communications and Psychology minors Study abroad at Oxford University –Economics; Current Office held: Millard Public Schools Board of Education, 2018-present, current President; Volunteer Experience: Weekly volunteer for MPS for 19 years. MPS Foundation Pres., classroom volunteer, PTO Pres., District Cmtes, etc., Girl Scout Leader, Asst Cubmaster, YMCA bball coach, Harvey Oaks HOA membership chair, FRIENDS/Stuttering conference organizer, etc. Website: https://www.stacyjolley.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ StacyJolleyforMillardSchoolBoard Twitter: @SingerStacy
How will you engage educators and integrate
feedback
the board's work?
Greg Beach: You need to be accessible, however the Board of Education needs to work through the superintendent to address questions – following communication protocols. Board of education members can be open to conversation with the caveat of directing questions through the protocol of communications. As a board member you will need to engage with the administrative teams and reinforce open and honest communication with their staff for the betterment of the district. We as board members must then work with the administrators to involve the feedback into action plans that the educators can support and execute.
Jenna L. Garcia: Educators and school staff are greatly underappreciated. They are the experts in what they do, so their feedback has to be treated as such. I am always open to feedback in all work that I do, and that will not change as a board member. I plan to be even more engaged in the school district as a board member. If the board does not engage with and seek feedback from staff, it quickly becomes apparent to staff that their ideas and opinions do not matter. Board members should regularly visit the different district facilities to establish relationships with staff because if there is no relationship to begin with, how will they ever engage with said board member and get honest feedback? Feedback takes two people to be successful.
Lori Lowry: I absolutely love our educators! They are at ground zero with our children and know what works and what doesn’t. I will make myself always available for discussions and feedback and will take it open minded back to the board. I promise to be an advocate for our teachers and their needs in the classroom. I always have been, and promise to always be very involved with our schools. I have worked as a substitute teacher in the past, and understand how vital an open line or communication is to create a positive work environment for our educators.
Blake Turpen: Having an open access policy is the best way to gain helpful feedback in realtime. While school board meetings are open to the community, and public comment on agenda items is encouraged, insightful commentary can also be had on the sideline at a school sporting event, in the parking lot at the end of a school day, or by reaching out to talk live.
Mike Kennedy: Education: BS Political Science UNO, Juris Doctorate Creighton University School of Law; Current Office held: Millard Public Schools Board Member 2003 to Present, Omaha Public Library Board 2015 to Present, President of the Omaha Public Library Board 2020 to Presentt; Past Office held: Metro Community College Board 1999 to 2002, Omaha Charter Convention Committee 2013 and 2022, Omaha Naming Committee 2017 to 2022; Volunteer Experience: I have volunteered in our schools, homeless shelters and with the Boy Scouts Website: https://parentsformikekennedy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentsForMikeKennedy/ Twitter: @ MikeKennedyNE
Mark Krueger: No response received
Lisa Schoenberger: Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Bachelor of Journalism - Advertising and Bachelor of Arts – Spanish; Current Office held: Learning Community Coordinating Council, elected 2020; Volunteer Experience: Millard Public Schools Strategic Planning Action Team Website: https://lisaformillard.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaformillard Twitter: @Lisa4MPS
Sean Swanson: Education: Bachelors in Music, University of Miami (FL), CLU, RICP, LUTCF; Volunteer Experience: Church Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Open Door Mission, Millard Baccalaureate Website: https://swansonformillard.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/SwansonforMillard
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Stacy Jolley: Fortunately in MPS, other than a few weeks of closed classrooms/school, we were able to remain open all of the 20-21 and 21-22 school years. This provided our students access to the best version of education, face-to-face with an outstanding teacher. Despite that, some learning was delayed and must be addressed in order to bring struggling students back to grade level and beyond. Step one is thorough assessment. In MPS we use MAP growth testing three times/ year. It tells us where a student is, and also highlights the specific skills that a student is missing or needs retaught. Step two is that this powerful tool helps our teachers tailor instruction to students' needs. We also are helping seniors gain missing credits to graduate on time.
Mike Kennedy: I have worked hard as a member of the Millard Board of Education through the pandemic to minimize learning loss over the past 2 years. We made the right decision in reopening our schools fulltime in August of 2020. Those students that came to school every day did dramatically better than those that did not. We as a Board worked closely with the administration to gauge our students progress and deficiencies and quickly allocated resources to address learning loss. We also gave a herculean effort to help those students nearing graduation that were behind in credits to catch back up and graduate with their class. We as a Board are continuing to address those students that have not caught fully backup until the issue is resolved.
Lisa Schoenberger: I believe the team at MPS has done a fantastic job of providing additional academic support, such as credit recovery programs and adding additional interventionists to help students close any achievement gaps resulting from the pandemic. I hear from parents and district staff that well-being deficits remain, both among our student population and with faculty and staff. As a Board, I believe we will continue to listen and adjust as we return to steady state. This may mean additional support for mental wellness through community partnerships or additional resources for staff members who are struggling. The pandemic has bolstered our ability to adapt and we will continue to leverage that strength to support our entire school community.
Sean Swanson: COVID hit our schools hard. Educators felt like they had 3 jobs during COVID, not 1. Millard Educators said in their most recent survey that they would like Para pay to be increased to be in line with other area districts and they would like more Counselors in the Elementary schools. I support both of these initiatives and will work to pass the mill levy again next year that voters approved 4 years ago in order to fund these initiatives. Know that Millard is only using 3 cents out of the allowed 9 cents in the mill levy.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Stacy Jolley: There are two questions I always ask myself: how will this impact student achievement and how will this impact our teachers' workload. Thanks to our community members loving their schools and funding them with the levy override and bonds, we have had stable budgets and have been able to keep our aging buildings in good repair. However, if cuts become necessary, my first priority is to keep them as far away from the classroom as possible. Our high curricular standards and student achievement always come first. Beyond that I will always work to preserve the activities, arts, and athletics that engage our kids and make school fun. Those programs are force multipliers; data shows our busiest, most engaged kids are our most successful students.
Mike Kennedy: I have served on the Millard Board of Education since 2003 and when times are tough I have always focused on keeping cuts as far away from the classroom as I can. Our budget process is fully transparent and we as a School District just received an "A" from the Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom for our 2022-23 budget. We put teaching our challenging curriculum first in our priorities. We also need to continue to address the staffing shortages that many districts are facing and retaining high quality educators by securing more resources for competitive pay and benefits. I have always worked as a board member to secure adequate funding from the State and the Millard Community. Our Board needs experienced leaders to meet our funding needs.
Lisa Schoenberger: In my current elected office, I use our strategic plan to provide a framework for decision making. Strategic planning in
Millard involves a variety of key stakeholders: parents, teachers, administrators, staff members and community members. I believe this process ensures that decisions reflect our values as a community as well as educational best practices. I am committed to evaluating each decision by determining whether it contributes to the long and short term goals of the district, always keeping student academic achievement, safety and well-being as the most important factors in evaluation. Any budget cuts should be kept as far away from the classroom as possible.
Sean Swanson: As a Financial Advisor by trade, I am used to reviewing numbers and budgets. When faced with difficult decisions I will address where money can be saved first that does not impact student education and work to save money via process improvements and technology.
Stacy Jolley: In our strategic plan, one of our beliefs is that "People are our greatest resource." Without a doubt, Millard is a world-class district because of our teachers and staff. I am so grateful for the smart, kind, dedicated professionals who teach our kids every day. The best way that I engage with them is by visiting classrooms. Each year that I've been on the board, I have visited all 35 of our schools. I tour each building, stopping in multiple classrooms, to see the inspiring work being done. I talk with teachers, students, paras, custodians, kitchen staff, & admins. I see, in action, the programs and curriculum I vote on at meetings. That's the best way to understand their needs. And having a strong relationship with the MEA is also vital.
Mike Kennedy: We as a Board have always engaged our educators for feedback. We work well with the Millard Education Association and our other bargaining groups to gauge the pulse of our educators and staff. I also personally take the time to talk to our staff and invite them to ask questions and give their feedback. My wife is an educator in Millard and that allows me to attend events and gain feedback as well. Finally, as a school board member for the past 19 years, I have always asked the administration what theirs efforts have been in obtaining employee input and I have been very pleased with their efforts
Lisa Schoenberger: As a current Millard parent and the wife of a teacher in a neighboring district, I have a deep appreciation for our educators. One of the best parts about campaigning has been meeting so many of our world-class teachers and earning their trust in my ability to champion people, our district’s greatest resource. I know that being present in the buildings is fundamental, as is a willingness to engage and ask questions about what is working, what isn’t, and what we can do better for our team. I also believe there is an excellent structure in place to allow teachers to advocate collectively through the Millard Education Association and I look forward to maintaining a positive and productive relationship with them as well.
Sean Swanson: I have already been engaging teachers as I meet people going door to door. As a board member I plan to engage educators by visiting schools, inviting teacher feedback and attending district events.
Brianna Full: Education: Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) from the University of Nebraska – Omaha; Volunteer Experience: Completely Kids, Tri-Faith, Parrish Alternative School,
Heartland Family Services, Planned Parenthood, City Sprouts, The Big Garden, Spark CDI Website: www.Full4OPS.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Full4OPS Twitter: @AdvocacyBri
Marque Snow: No response received
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Brianna Full: I will ensure that OPS spends their funds and adjusts their short-term and long-term strategies in a way that will improve school conditions and prioritize the children they serve. For example, I would approve the use of funds to pay teachers an additional stipend to teach summer school and make summer programming more robust. We're coming up on three years of interrupted learning because of the pandemic which has made our socioeconomic disparities even larger. This means we need to make sure that the children's basic needs are taken care of by expanding school breakfast and lunch options during breaks and the summer time. We also need to expand comprehensive mental health support systems not only for the students, but teachers too.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Brianna Full: First and foremost, I will look to the community and what they want to determine how I will move forward with important decisions relating to spending and policy. The community's agenda is my agenda. I will consult teachers, parents, students, admin, and support staff before voting on measures passed in the school board. I will especially listen to the stakeholders with their boots on the ground in the system, the ones who are most affected by these changes.
How will you engage educators and integrate their feedback in the board's work?
Brianna Full: I have already been working to build a strong relationship with the Omaha Education Association (OEA) and the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) who are the teachers unions representing their respective areas. I would take a proactive approach by reaching out to them, along with making myself available and accessible to teachers, when an important decision pertaining to them comes up. I will closely listen to them especially about their issues regarding their contracts, pensions, and curriculum requirements.
Shavona Holman: No response received.
Hina D. Agarwal: Education: Master’s of Science in Education; Master’s of Science in Chemistry Education; Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry; Bachelor’s of Science in Bioengineering; Volunteer Experience: MCC Foundation Board; Completely Kids Guild; Bemis Art Auction Committee; Intercultural Senior Center Website: www.agarwalforeducation.com
Nancy Kratky: Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education from UNO; Current Office held: Current board member OPS District 6; Past Office held: OPS Board Member proudly representing
District 6 for 22 years, 1994 - 2014, 2018-2022; Volunteer Experience: Salvation Army Auxiliary; Lifetime Member OEA, NEA, NSEA OPS
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Hina Agarwal: We must acknowledge each school in OPS has different needs. Most of the schools will need to add reading and math specialists to help those students who are not meeting the grade level standards or simply need some extra one-on-one time to get proficient. To address any mental well-being deficits, we will ensure the right support staff are available. We will also have to enlist the help of parents/guardians and perhaps host some sessions on how they can help their student at home. Getting the community educated and involved will help alleviate stress on the staff and improve outcomes.
Nancy Kratky: By engaging community leaders, families and the superintendent we are working diligently to address this issue. We continue to expand summer school hours at each level. There will also be an opportunity for each elementary student to select up to ten books for their home library.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Hina Agarwal: As a board member, one of the most important skills I offer is my ability to actively listen to education professionals and engaged members of the public. Because each school in the district has a unique set of students, staff and administrators, it is imperative that we acknowledge and respect these differences. We cannot always rely on a one size fits all approach. I will ensure we spend tax dollars wisely to ensure we continue to produce active learners and graduates ready for the future.
Nancy Kratky: I will continue to work with educators, families, community leaders and fellow board members along with the superintendent to prioritize the best course of action.
How will you engage educators and integrate their feedback in the board's work?
Hina Agarwal: In order to fulfill our dream of excellence in education, we need qualified and dedicated teachers. These individuals have spent years learning and embedding best practices for classroom brilliance. Our educators need to be respected, appreciated and compensated for all the work they do in and out of the classroom. The teachers are the eyes and ears in the classroom and their perspective on what is happening in the school is an integral part of how to meet the needs of our students. There has to be a solid foundation of trust and transparent communication between the teachers, staff and administration. It is the Board’s role to make sure that these relationships are established and cultivated.
Nancy Kratky: As a former teacher and board member I do this every day and everywhere I go. I completely enjoy visiting and listening to the concerns of all teachers. I fully support the board's and district's efforts to retain and seek effective, high-quality teachers in every classroom. My support for the Teacher Academy Project and student teacher stipends will enhance teaching throught the district.
the League of Women Voters Education
Margo Juarez: Education: BSBA, MBA from University of Nebraska at Omaha; Current Office held; Omaha School Board December 2021 to present, appointed; Volunteer Experience: South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance
Carl G. Satterfield Jr: No response received
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Margo Juarez: We have provided summer school options for our students this past summer. Summer school will also be in the proposed budget for June 2023. The teacher observation will be important to assess any well-being deficits. Resources in the school district are available.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Margo Juarez: I will evaluate my choices based on the most critical and immediate needs of our school district. Staffing is a top priority for me. The challenges are many including our bus transportation.
How will you engage educators and integrate their feedback in the board's work?
Margo Juarez: I plan on continuing to make visits to all the schools in my district. As time permits, I will try to visit other schools outside my district. I would also like to encourage the teachers to work with their union representation. In addition, I hope teachers are communicating with their principals about any issues. It is important that the Superintedent shares any concerns with the Board as she deems necessary.
Vote for up to THREE
Carrie Hough: No response received
Cynthia. R. Huebner (write-in): No response received
Elizabeth Kumru: Current Office held: Ralston Public Schools Board of Education - 2019-2022; Volunteer Experience: PTA, Nebraska StoryArts
Mary K. Roarty: No response received
How will you address student learning and well-being deficits encountered in the past two years?
Elizabeth Kumru: The curriculum and learning team at Ralston Public Schools has worked hard and continues to work hard, addressing student learning and well-being needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They regularly inform and update the Board on their plan, allowing us to ask questions and be up-to-speed on how things are going in our schools.
Specific actions taken include: analyzed student learning, adjusted schedules to provide regular supplemental support for students in grades 7-12, provided K-12 core social-emotional curriculum, hired additional reading specialists at the elementary level, offered additional summer courses for credit recovery, and refocused on strong teaching of procedures and routines to ensure students are ready to learn.
When faced with difficult decisions regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, etc. how will you determine the best course of action?
Elizabeth Kumru: As elected officials, we constantly face difficult decisions every year. The process I like to follow is to first gather all the information on any issue. I ask many questions on a particular decision to know the background, reasoning and impact it will have on our staff and students. It is also crucial to conduct additional research from credible sources so I can further my understanding of the subject matter. One of my last steps is to have conversations with other Board members, District administration, staff, students, and community members to garner their thoughts and opinions on the particular issue. Once I have all this information, try to reach the best decision that benefits the students and staff of Ralston Public Schools.
How will you engage educators and integrate their feedback in the board's work?
Elizabeth Kumru: The perspective of our District's educators is important to RPS, as they are the ones in our classrooms working with our students daily. I am actively engaged in the RPS school community and attend as many district events throughout the year as possible. I also visit schools to see firsthand what’s happening in our buildings. I interact with staff, students and the community. I listen to their feedback, discuss important issues, or get a feeling of how the school year is going from their point of view. Any ideas, comments, or concerns I share in my Board comments during our meetings, or I take them straight to District Administration. This process has and can lead to future goals or work to be accomplished by the Board.
Voters choose whether to RETAIN judges with a YES or NO vote. The State of Nebraska Judicial Branch offers a Voters’ Guide to Nebraska’s Judicial Retention Elections at https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/ public/vote
Michael G. Heavican – Chief Justice
William B. Cassel – District Three
Jonathan J. Papik – District Four
Court of Appeals – District Three
Francie C. Riedmann Weis – District Three
Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court (statewide)
James R. Coe
Daniel R. Fridrich
John R. Hoffert
Douglas County District Court - District Four
Peter C. Bataillon
W. Russell Bowie III
James M. Masteller
Final layouts and titles were not available by the deadline for print publication. Ballot language will remain the same. Please visit VOTE411.org for the latest available information.
A vote FOR this amendment will authorize any city, county, or other political subdivision that owns or operates an airport to use its revenue for the purpose of developing or encouraging the development of new or expanded regularly scheduled commercial passenger air service at such airport.
A vote AGAINST this amendment will not authorize a city, county, or other political subdivision that owns or operates an airport to use its revenue for such purpose.
A constitutional amendment to authorize any city, county, or other political subdivision owning or operating an airport to expend its revenues for the public purpose of developing or encouraging the development of new or expanded regularly scheduled commercial passenger air service at such airport.
State of Nebraska Initiative 432 (Voter ID Constitutional Amendment)
A vote "FOR" will amend the Nebraska Constitution to require that, before casting a ballot in any election, a qualified voter shall present valid photographic identification in a manner specified by the Legislature.
A vote ''AGAINST" means the Nebraska Constitution will not be amended in this manner.
Shall the Nebraska Constitution be amended to require that, before casting a ballot in any election, a qualified voter shall present valid photographic identification in a manner specified by the Legislature?
A vote "FOR" will amend the Nebraska statute establishing a minimum wage for employees to increase the state minimum wage from nine dollars ($9. 00) per hour to ten dollars and fifty cents ($10. 50) per hour on January 1, 2023, to twelve dollars ($12.00) per hour on January 1, 2024, to thirteen dollars and fifty cents ($13.50) per hour on January 1, 2025, and to fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour on January 1, 2026, to be adjusted annually thereafter to account for increases in the cost of living.
A vote "AGAINST" means the Nebraska statute establishing a minimum wage for employees will not be amended in such manner.
Shall the Nebraska statute establishing a minimum wage for employees be amended to increase the state minimum wage from nine dollars ($9.00) per hour to ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) per hour on January 1, 2023, to twelve dollars ($12.00) per hour on January 1, 2024, to thirteen dollars and fifty cents ($13.50) per hour on January 1, 2025, and to fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour on January 1, 2026, to be adjusted annually thereafter to account for increases in the cost of living?
Vote YES or NO to each of the following:
“SHALL SECTION 2.06 OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF OMAHA BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNCILMEMBER WHO IS VACATING A CITY COUNCIL POSITION CANNOT VOTE FOR THE COUNCILMEMBER'S REPLACEMENT ALL AS PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE OF ELECTION?”
“SHALL SECTION 2.07 OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF OMAHA BE AMENDED TO CHANGE THE PROCESS FOR DETERMINING IF A MAYOR IS DISABLED AND UNABLE TO PERFORM THE MAYOR'S DUTIES FROM ONE WHICH REQUIRES THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEDICAL COMMITTEE TO A PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE PROCESS OUTLINED IN THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION WHERE THE ULTIMATE DETERMINATION IS MADE BY A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY OF THE CITY COUNCIL ALL AS PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE OF ELECTION?”
“SHALL SECTIONS 2.08, 2.10, AND 2.18 OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF OMAHA BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR A LINE OF SUCCESSION IN THE EVENT THAT THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND THE COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT ARE UNABLE TO PERFORM AS ACTING MAYOR WHEN IT IS SO NECESSARY, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY COUNCIL MUST MEET AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE PUBLICATION RELATED TO ANY INITIATIVE PETITION BE MADE ONLY IN THE CITY'S DESIGNATED OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER ALL AS PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE OF ELECTION?”
“SHALL SECTIONS 5.03, 5.16, and 5.17 OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF OMAHA BE AMENDED TO AMEND ARTICE V. FINANCE OF THE CHARTER TO ALLOW FOR AN INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE CASH RESERVE FUND FROM 8% TO 12% AND TO INCREASE THE MONETARYAMOUNT WHICH REQUIRES PUBLIC BIDDING AND CITY COUNCIL ACTION FROM $20,000 TO $50,000, ALL AS PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE OF ELECTION?”
“SHALL SECTION 7.04 OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF OMAHA BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY OF OMAHA'S MASTER PLAN MUST ADDRESS AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ADDITION TO THE ELEMENTS THAT IT IS ALREADY REQUIRED TO ADDRESS AS PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE OF ELECTION?”
Douglas County School District 0059 (aka Bennington Public Schools) School Bond Election
"Shall Douglas County School District 0059 (Bennington Public Schools), in the State of Nebraska, issue the bonds of said District in the principal amount of not to exceed One Hundred Fifty-Three Million Dollars ($153,000,000) for the purpose of paying the costs of constructing a new high school building, which shall include a new stadium and track facility, a new softball and baseball complex, and new tennis courts, providing for necessary furniture and apparatus for such new high school building and additions, constructing improvements to the existing high school building and existing stadium, and providing for technology and security updates in the existing facilities of the District; said bonds to be issued from time to time as may be determined by the Board of Education, to bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined by the Board of Education and to become due at such time or times as may be fixed by the Board of Education; and
"Shall the District cause to be levied and collected annually a special levy of taxes against all the taxable property in said District sufficient in rate and amount to pay the interest and principal of said bonds as the same become due?"
FOR said bonds and tax AGAINST said bonds and tax
①
②
Follow the instructions enclosed with your ballot.
Use a blue or black ballpoint pen to mark your ballot.
③ Use the return envelope provided for your ballot only.
④ Sign the back of your ballot return envelope.
⑤ You cannot change your vote after you return your ballot.
⑥ Return your ballot via U.S. Postal Mail (voter must provide postage)
OR
at an Official Ballot Drop Box - 13 locations throughout the county. Secure drop boxes are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/weekno postage needed.
⑦ All ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, whether by mail or by drop box.
⑧ Do not return your early voting ballot at a polling place.
⑨ All accepted early voting ballots are counted and reported.
⑩
More information at www.votedouglascounty.com. Contact the Election Commission at earlyvoting@votedouglascounty.com or (402) 444-VOTE [8683] if you have questions.
* Tips courtesy of the Douglas County Election Commission.
Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LWVGO
Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LWVGO
Visit Vote411.org for additional candidate information specific to your voting district.
Visit Vote411.org for additional candidate information specific to your voting district.
Visit Vote411.org for additional candidate information specific to your voting district.
Visit lwvgo.org for printable PDF versions of the Voters’ Guide.
Visit lwvgo.org for printable PDF versions of the Voters’ Guide.
Visit https://www.lwvgo.org/ for printable PDF versions of the Voters’ Guide.
The League of Women Voters is a non partisan organization that never endorses or opposes any political parties or candidates.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that never endorses or opposes any political parties or candidates.
This issue of the Voters’ Guide is dedicated to the memory of Annette Conser, 1935 – 2022
We gratefully acknowledge Annette Conser and her many contributions to the League of Women of Voters Greater Omaha and the community. As an active member for 25 years, Annette was involved in many ways. As a Voter’s Guide Director, she tirelessly worked to inform voters each election season. Annette recognized that the League of Women Voters is a vital contributor to the health of our local community, our nation, and our democracy. Her legacy continues.
A Spanish-language edition of this Guide was made possible by the Heartland Workers Center