Biographical Information
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, UNL; Certified Public Accountant
Current Public Office, dates held
none
Past Public Office, dates held
none
Military experience
n/a
Volunteer experience
4-H Youth Volunteer; Chair of Nebraska Society of CPAs Legislative Committee; Member of Nebraska Society of CPAs Political Action Committee; President of the Papio Valley Preservation Association
What specific solutions will help improve water quality and quantity, and reduce soil erosion in the NRD?
I believe a comprehensive plan to improve water quality and quantity should be embraced by NRDs. This plan would include a wide range of stormwater Best Management Practices that begin at the lot level with Low Impact Development, Conservation Design, and other techniques that mimic and/or utilize natural hydrology. I was appointed to a Committee that, over an eighteen month period, developed the existing Douglas County-Washington County Stormwater Management Plan. This Plan opposes dams with permanent pools, supports full implementation of proven Low Impact Development and Conservation Design, advocates floodplain management practices that prohibit building in the floodplain, and opposes the use of eminent domain.
What measures can the NRD take to manage watersheds for both drought and excess rainfall events?
I believe in a Comprehensive Development Plan that embraces a land development approach whereby stormwater runoff is managed primarily by using predevelopment natural features. These natural features promote infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation, and temporary detention close to its source. This approach can be viewed as fitting the development to the land rather than shaping the land to fit the development. Low Impact Development should be used to supplement Conservation Designs.
How can the NRD assure public access to recreation where flood control projects have attracted developers?
I am a strong supporter of requiring public access to recreation areas surrounding Papio NRD dams. Over the years as a member of the Papio Valley Preservation, we have been very adamant in protecting the public’s rights/access to projects that involve public funding. In fact, when I was the President of the Papio Valley Preservation Association, we lobbied to require language in Legislative Bills to require public access on Papio NRD water retention projects. As a Papio NRD Board Member, I will continue to fight for public rights.