Education
BS- Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska; MS-Computer Science, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey
Current Public Office, dates
State Senator, Nebraska Unicameral
Past Public Office, dates held
None
Military experience
US Naval Officer, 28 years, 1977 to 2005
Volunteer experience
President, Parish Council; President, School Board; President Rotary Club; Grand Knight, Council 11879; President, State Airforce Association; Vice President, State Navy League; President, University of Nebraska Military Affiliate of the Alumni Assoc
Students’ declining scores in core subjects like reading and math show we’ve strayed away from the fundamentals. We need to focus on foundational skills and ensure students are prepared for college or the workforce. In the Legislature, I’ve worked to address the impact of social media and reduce distractions to help students succeed.
Economic growth starts with keeping property and income taxes low, cutting unnecessary regulations, and encouraging entrepreneurship. High property and income taxes make it harder for families and small businesses to succeed. The state legislature must pursue a commonsense tax solution. We should also support Nebraska businesses by reducing regulatory burdens and creating an environment where they can grow, hire, and invest in our communities.
My district is urban, but Nebraska’s success depends on both our cities and our agricultural communities. Agriculture is a key driver of our economy, and our urban areas are the hub for the financial and technological sector. As a legislator, I focus on policies that strengthen both our urban and rural communities. Good policy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I will continue working to ensure every part of Nebraska is supported.
The role of a state senator is to serve the people of Nebraska and be a strong, accessible voice for their district. I value the feedback I receive from constituents through emails, phone calls, and personal conversations. While there is rarely 100% agreement on every issue, that input is essential in shaping legislation and guiding how I vote. My goal is to listen, lead with principle, and make decisions that best serve our communities and our state.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Biology and Microbiology
Current Public Office, dates
N/A
Past Public Office, dates held
N/A
Military experience
N/A
Volunteer experience
Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity
One of my top concerns is stopping our current legislators from subverting the will of the voters by attempting to implement school voucher schemes. Nebraskans have voted this measure down 4 different times in recent years. We have clearly demonstrated our opposition to these efforts. The downstream effects would mean communities would have to foot more of the property tax bill every year since the state would have less money to send to schools in the form of state aid. We should spend more time in the legislature focusing on how we can support our public schools' efforts to innovate, provide more STEM classes, and train students in apprenticeship programs to ensure all students can be successful.
Some of the key policy tools we have are our public education system, infrastructure development - such as broadband - and our low-cost public power. I know from my experience leading a manufacturing facility that businesses value a well-educated workforce that is what drives innovation. A strong community and an educated workforce are the factors that companies look for when they are deciding where to invest. Making Nebraska a place that students want to stay after they graduate from high school or college will go a long way towards promoting economic development. We must build more housing, keep Nebraska safe, preserve our communities, and continue to have a low cost of living so more families are attracted to Nebraska.
We desperately need targeted property tax relief that benefits both rural and urban areas. The agriculture industry in Nebraska is pivotal, and we cannot afford to overlook the economic impact farmers and ranchers have on our state. Small family farms are struggling because of their inability to compete with corporate farms that are buying up all the land. I grew up in a rural community, and I know what it is like to see your small town shrink from a lack of investment. We should be focusing more of our efforts at the state level on how to support small, local businesses, rather than large corporations that will take the tax breaks we gave them to another state. Nebraska will always be stronger when we work together.
The role of the state senator is to listen to their constituents. Taking into account the will of the voters, as well as actively listening to the issues and concerns that everyday citizens are facing, should be the primary concern of any elected official. Most importantly, a legislator has to be open and honest about the decisions they make with their constituents. I am putting my money where my mouth is. I have knocked on thousands of doors and have gone to every community event I can. I am ready to be a senator for my district that will advocate for the issues that they face daily, building a stronger economy to stop rising costs, increasing access to affordable healthcare, and providing targeted property tax relief for all Nebraskans.
