VOTE411 Voter Guide

My experience spans city government, federal services, and nonprofit leadership, giving me strong skills in fiscal oversight, policy implementation, and community engagement. As Assistant Director of Human Rights and Relations for the City of Omaha, I manage complex programs and ensure accountability and compliance. With a B.S. in Economics and an M.A. in Sociology, I bring both financial analysis and systems level thinking. I developed ONEBiz, the City’s small business initiative, expanding access to capital, contracts, and technical assistance for local entrepreneurs.

I would communicate changes clearly, consistently, and proactively, using plain language to explain what is changing, why it matters, and how it affects taxpayers. I would use town halls, social media, mailers, and partnerships with community organizations to reach diverse audiences. I would publish easy to read breakdowns of how property taxes are calculated and where dollars go. As a native Spanish speaker, I would ensure full communication in Spanish to expand access, build trust, and strengthen transparency for all taxpayers.

I would safeguard large revenue flows through strict internal controls, regular audits, and real‑time monitoring of collections and expenditures. Transparency would be central: I would provide clear, accessible reports showing how funds are collected, allocated, and spent, and make this information available to the public online. I would use plain language summaries, visual dashboards, and multilingual communication, including Spanish, to ensure all taxpayers understand the process. Open communication, consistent reporting, and accountability measures build trust and strengthen confidence in financial management.

I’ve spent over a decade serving our community—first on the Omaha Public Schools Board and then in the Nebraska Legislature, where I served eight years on the Appropriations Committee. I helped deliver balanced state budgets, managing more than $8 billion annually, and led Nebraska’s first long-term fiscal planning law. Professionally, I’ve worked with large school districts and state education agencies to improve financial systems and drive efficiency.

I’m proud to have the support of former Douglas County Treasurer and now Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., reflecting our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility and service. As a dad and homeowner, I’ll bring transparency and accountability for taxpayers.

Property taxes shouldn’t feel confusing or disconnected from daily life. The Treasurer’s office should be a bridge—not a barrier. I would prioritize clear, proactive communication through user-friendly tools, plain-language explanations, and real-time updates so taxpayers understand what they owe, why, and where their dollars go.

Transparency also means accessible reporting—turning complex financial data into clear, digestible information that builds trust. I would expand outreach on deadlines and foreclosure prevention, working with community partners to help residents before they’re in crisis.

Finally, we must meet people where they are—using digital tools and social media to keep taxpayers informed, engaged, and empowered.

Safeguarding public dollars requires strong systems, accountability, and collaboration. I will ensure rigorous internal controls, regular audits, and clear, accessible reporting so every dollar is tracked and transparent.

Coordination across local and state government is key to preventing errors and improving efficiency. That’s why I’ve built strong partnerships—I’m proud to have the support of more than 65 plus local and state elected leaders, including many elected leader across Douglas County. We’ll also invest in staff training, modernize systems, and explore pilot programs like elevating the college savings NEST initiative to help families plan ahead and save—while strengthening oversight and improving the taxpayer experience.