Education
Masters in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Current Public Office, dates
County Commissioner 2022-2026
Past Public Office, dates held
Lincoln Public Board of Education 2015-2019
Volunteer experience
Volunteer in Lancaster County Juvenile Jail, church,
Lancaster County is in a strong position—but with growth comes real challenges that we must address head-on.
Infrastructure and long-term planning are essential as we grow. Roads, public services, and utilities must keep pace with development. That means being proactive—not reactive—so we don’t fall behind.
Public safety and a smarter justice system remain critical. Our jail is nearing capacity, driven in part by longer pretrial stays and system inefficiencies . This tells us we need to focus not just on enforcement, but on solutions—like faster case processing, mental health support, and addiction treatment—that reduce repeat offenses and keep our community safe. We also need to have serious conversations about expanding our Jail.
I do not believe that the county's levy authority is being eliminated. We have advocated at the state level to prevent that. What is more likely is that the level authority growth will be limited.
First, we prioritize core services—public safety, roads and infrastructure, and the justice system. Those are non-negotiables. Our job is to make sure those services remain strong and reliable, regardless of what happens at the state level.
Second, we take a hard look at spending. That means zero-based budgeting where appropriate, evaluating programs for effectiveness, and being willing to say no to things that don’t deliver real value. Taxpayers expect us to treat their money with the same care they do at home.
Reducing the jail population is about being smart on crime while keeping our community safe.
First, we need to speed up the court process. Too many people are sitting in jail pretrial, not because they’re dangerous, but because of delays in the system.
Second, expand diversion programs for non-violent offenders—especially those dealing with mental health or addiction. Jail alone doesn’t fix those issues.
Third, invest in treatment and reentry. If people leave jail without support, they’re likely to come back. Helping them get stable reduces repeat offenses.
Finally, use data to drive decisions so we focus on what actually works.
The goal is simple: fewer repeat offenders, lower costs, and safer neighborhoods.
Over my term of service these issues have come before us a couple of times. I have found myself standing with local land owners. They are often surprised by the fact that a big development is showing up in their back yard.
I have proposed that the county redo its zoning laws so that we can create industrial zoning in the county which is a good fit for renewable energy that way neighboring landowners and farmers are not caught off guard but instead understand that their land is adjacent to industrial zoning.
Education
Norris High School; University of Nebraska - Agricultural Education; Doane University - MAM/MBA; Northwestern University - Negotiations Certificate
Past Public Office, dates held
Appointed Johnson County Sheriff, Cortland Village Board
Military experience
27+ year members of the Nebraska Air National Guard
Volunteer experience
Community volunteer active in church, South, youth sports, VFW, American Legion and local community outreach
Lancaster County’s most pressing needs center on infrastructure, public safety, and access to care. Completing and maintaining safe roads and bridges is essential to support growth and daily travel. Strengthening communication and coordination between law enforcement and EMS will improve emergency response times and outcomes. The need for jail expansion reflects current capacity challenges and the importance of maintaining a secure, well-managed system. Equally critical is improving access to mental health services, ensuring residents can receive timely support, reduce strain on first responders, and strengthen overall community well-being.
To address reduced property tax revenue and potential levy limits, I would begin by asking each department to prioritize expenses and identify opportunities for savings. This exercise would create a clearer picture of where efficiencies can be achieved without compromising essential services. Those savings would then be applied to help balance the budget. From there, we would realign county priorities to focus on critical services and long-term sustainability, continually assessing and adjusting as needed. The goal is a balanced approach that protects taxpayers while maintaining county operations and overall quality of life.
Reducing the county jail population requires both system improvements and practical capacity planning. I would request a reevaluation of the probation system to ensure it is effectively supporting rehabilitation and reducing repeat offenses. At the same time, we should pursue options to increase jail capacity while working within the law to encourage appropriate, shorter sentences where possible. Exploring federal funding opportunities and partnerships can help offset costs, and reviewing prisoner contracts to move toward a net-zero cost model will improve financial sustainability.
Renewable energy has a place in the county’s future, but it must be pursued responsibly. Projects should not lead to the displacement of county residents or negatively impact existing communities. Thoughtful land use planning, community input, and strategic placement are essential to balance sustainability goals while protecting residents’ quality of life and property rights.
