Education
University Of Nebraska-Lincoln BS Agriculture; Webster University MA Management
Current Public Office, dates
Jefferson County Commissioner 2015-present; Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Chairman 2015-present; Public Health Solutions Chairman 2015-present; Blue Valley Community Action Exec Board 2015-present
Past Public Office, dates held
Nebraska Association of County Officials Southeast Nebraska Director 2021-2025; Nebraska County Official of the Year 2023
Military experience
Retired United States Army Officer 1974-2015
Volunteer experience
Fairbury TeamMate 10 years; Church Council President; VFW and American Legion Life Member; Fairbury 1923 Foundation Board, Fairbury Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
One of my main goals as a state senator is to ensure a great education for all of our rising generation of Nebraskans and to keep them in Nebraska. I have had in depth discussions with all 14 superintendents, many school board members and educators across district 32 and although there are different concerns, the top concern is recruiting and retaining top quality educators and administration and ensuring we provide the infrastructure, resources and technological advancements in the most cost efficient manner necessary to achieve that great education.
I am proud of the work I have done as a member of the Six Regions One Nebraska Southeast Region Economic Development Task Force. The foundation of sound economic development policy begins with effective communication and coordination with all concerned private and public stake holders and being transparent in the development of that policy. As a county commissioner, I have led numerous large economic development projects in Jefferson County that will benefit thousands of our fellow citizens for years to come. This involves hard work at the local level and coordination and integration with state and federal entities to maximize the results to our fellow citizens.
I have worked hard with numerous rural and urban members of the Nebraska legislature, Governor Ricketts and Governor Pillen and their cabinets, and our Nebraska federal congressional delegation. It all begins with developing good relationships with all concerned, understanding the particular needs and challenges of all concerned, effective communication and coordination, and working together to address the challenges.
Having the privilege of serving in pubic office begins with two words: public servant. In my years as an elected county commissioner, I have worked hard to maintain an open, transparent relationship with those I am privileged to represent and work hard to understand their needs and challenges. That gives me the knowledge, experience and vision that is necessary to best represent my fellow citizens at the various levels of government.
Education
Bachelor's in Political Science, Doane University | Juris Doctor, University of Nebraska College of Law
Volunteer experience
President, Crete Rotary | Founding President, Former Executive Director, Blue River Arts Council | Member, Neb. State Bar Foundation Board of Trustees | Mentor, Teammates of Crete | Past Moderator, First Congregational UCC Church
My top concern with K-12 education is ensuring our public schools in rural Nebraska have the same resources as other districts so that our students are receiving the highest quality education. We also need to recruit and retain great teachers in our communities. Our public schools are what make small communities strong, and efforts to reduce state funding only place the burden on local entities. Our public schools are not being supported as they should be, and as a result, we are having to pay more and more in local property taxes. I have the tax and financial experience to address this issue. We can look at creative ways to soften the tax cost for families and landowners across the state and still deliver quality public education.
As a small business owner, first-generation college student, tax attorney, and mom of three, I know we must do more to strengthen our economy and support hard-working families. One of the most recent policies used to strengthen our Nebraska economy is the Shovel-Ready program which provides direct capital investments across the state. I worked to pass this legislation and helped many communities qualify for grants. I also worked to create Crete’s first economic development plan, which revitalized public spaces and created new jobs. When we directly support and incentivize construction and workforce development, we grow our economy. I’m ready to be a champion for rural Nebraska and bring my experience on Day 1.
I’m originally from Paxton, a small town in western Nebraska, and have lived in Crete for more than 30 years. Lincoln has not been doing enough to keep our heartland at the heart of policy discussions. Rural Nebraska has been continually ignored and forced to fight for budget scraps. As a nonpartisan with farm ties and urban experiences, I will forge coalitions with senators from Lincoln and Omaha to make sure that they understand rural issues. Balance is essential. I am against blanket mandates from the State that don’t consider the varying needs of different areas. I support local control that allows District 32 to decide what works best for us. If elected, I will be a champion for rural Nebraska, so our voice is always heard.
My lived experience and background have been shaped by the community and neighbors around me. As a state senator, I will carry those life lessons of hard work and rural values with me wherever I go. It is the role of a state senator to be accessible, transparent, and a representative voice of their constituents. I will rely on my constituents for feedback, insight, and information on issues pending before the Legislature. I want to listen and ensure that Nebraskans’ stories are incorporated into all of my decisions. As an attorney, I argue for my clients daily in court hearings and trials. As a legislator, I’ll stand up for my constituents and restore hope for a better tomorrow, a high quality of life, and freedom in Nebraska.
