4-year term, limited to two consecutive terms, $12,000Members of the country’s only unicameral legislative body create laws and make the rules for Nebraskans under certain constitutional limitations. This body also oversees many health care services and decides how much money public schools (from kindergartens to colleges) receive each year. If you are concerned about who pays how much in taxes and how those funds get spent, this is a very important election.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
B.S. Secondary Education University of Nebraska-Omaha, M.S. Secondary Education University of Nebraska-Omaha,
Current Public Office, dates held
NA
Past Public Office, dates held
NA
Military experience
NA
Volunteer experience
NA
The overall direction of the laws and regulations that have been proposed and passed in the last couple of years is concerning. Electing people who have worked in a school and who have expertise in education can help decision-makers have a different perspective when making decisions that impact our schools. If elected I will be a fierce advocate for our schools and students. Another area of concern is the shortage of teachers and support staff. Higher pay, and lower cost to enter the profession without lowering the bar to join.
Clean water should be viewed as a right. The issue of high nitrate levels in Nebraska is concerning. More testing and better oversight are needed to correct this issue and guarantee safe water for all.
Perhaps the biggest issue our state is facing is the fact that young adults are choosing to leave the state. Steps that can be taken to help this are 1) safe, high-quality schools 2) communities that are secure and welcoming 3) allowing individuals to live their lives how they want, and 4) an economic environment that allows people to provide for themselves and loved ones.
Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha MBA
Current Public Office, dates held
Omaha Public Schools, board member, subdistrict 8, November 2022 - present
Past Public Office, dates held
Omaha Public schools, board member, subdistrict 8, appointed December 13, 2021 - October 2022
Volunteer experience
Currently: South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance (SONA), Assistance League Omaha, church groups
I am concerned about funding K-12 education in the future. Lowering property taxes and school choice will impact funding. I am not against school choice, but we need to keep public schools strong. Special education needs are also a concern. I suggest offering tax credits for donations to public schools. If we want to keep property taxes lower, then lets review the funding formula. I firmly believe there will always be students who do not have any option except to attend their neighborhood school. In addition, special ed students must continue to be served. What about a comprehensive review of school expenses? I want to review the future use of casino revenue for school funding. Equity is important to me. Public schools must remain viable.
Is there adequate oversight to monitor contamination sources? Are there sufficient reporting mechanisms in place to assist with quality control? What is the process to access private property when needed, such as farming operations? Do we need to review operations on a more frequent basis? When was the last time a comprehensive review took place to ensure clean water is maintained by a variety of industries? Are there sufficient penalties at both the federal and state level for violation? Are the needs of Indian reservations being met? Is climate change being considered for it's impact on our water needs? On a much smaller scale, how could we educate families to consider using rain barrels? Continued education for everyone on their role.
We need other revenue sources. Is the Chamber reviewing product needs of our bordering neighbor countries? We need more transportation options such as the light rail. Automobiles and insurance costs are only getting higher. Let's have the Omaha to Lincoln commute happen by light-rail train. Let's get the train to our future enhanced Omaha airport. Are there access to federal funds to get these projects done? If not, let's start the discussion. I do support the governor in reducing property taxes but public education needs to remain strong. Sporting events can have great economic impact. Let's continue to support them. Can we make the internet available to everyone in the state? Better communication within our neighborhoods is needed.
