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Education
Macalester College - BA; Northwestern University - MM; University of South Florida - PhD studies (ABD); Graduate studies Bethel Seminary; Numerous certifications
Current Public Office, dates held
Commissioner - Nebraska Commission on Housing & Homelessness (Policy & Issues committee, Chair)
Past Public Office, dates held
Hastings City Council, President; Hastings Planning Commission
Military experience
None
Volunteer experience
Steering Comm. - Community Impact Network; Member, '11/'12 Board Chair - Rotary; Member, Past Board, '15 Board Chair - Chamber of Commerce; Past Board Member - Hastings Community Theater; Choir Master – St Marks Pro Cathedral
Quality education has never been more important. Kids deserve the opportunity to learn in a safe, comfortable environment free from political, too often radical, agendas. Nebraska has one of the best education systems in the country, and parents are an integral part of that success. Misguided, liberal policies have no place in our state. We must empower parents and protect our kids. I support school choice.
Address the state aid formula to lower the property tax burden, while keep our public schools strong.
There is a shortage of educators. Increasing teacher salaries will enable NE to keep and attract teachers. I support paying student teachers and offering incentives to those who pursue a career in education.
I support local control.
I would encourage stewardship by assisting landowners manage irrigation water and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect water. The state needs to continue to fund efforts directed at protecting ground water. I support state efforts such as the Perkins Co. Canal Project to ensure an adequate supply, especially for ag. Elevated nitrate levels currently are found in 350+ NE cities. I would work, as we did in Hastings, to find creative solutions to the nitrate problem and to prevent further issues. I will use my experience with the Hastings EPA problems to protect our water supply from chemical pollution by cleaning up existing waste sites, assist cities/counties in proper disposal of wastes, and by encouraging conservation efforts.
Growing NE will reduce taxes, keep us competitive and benefit all citizens. I’ll use my experience to: Stop government over-reach; Facilitate affordable housing efforts; Fight for affordable access to childcare; Work to retain and attract workers.
I’ve built a successful small business, I’ve served as an elected official. I have the experience to lead change. We need property tax relief. I advocate for a balanced tax policy that creates opportunities for businesses instead of punishing them for success. We'll expand our tax base through economic development and push for initiatives that encourage our young people to stay, protects our seniors, recruit quality employers and attract those who want to work to experience the Good Life.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in English and Journalism, Minor in Spanish and Sociology. Masters in Education Administration
Past Public Office, dates held
School Board member, Blue Hill Schools (2000-2004)
Military experience
I served 36 years in the Army National Guard. I retired as a colonel. I have deployed various places: to the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, to Afghanistan, and to various areas of the nation to assist with different disasters and humanitarian efforts.
Volunteer experience
I have volunteered to coach or assist with various youth sports, soccer, wrestling, football, baseball, softball. I have also volunteered with Right to Life for various activities. I organized groups to assist with "Hearts and Hands against Hunger.
As a retired teacher passionate about education and the foundational skills of students, it's understandable to prioritize the core subjects of math, English, history, and science. These subjects form the backbone of a well-rounded education and are essential for student success.
Concerns about concepts like wokeness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Critical Race Theory (CRT) should be scrutinized by Nebraska educators. These principles have caused divisiveness and do not necessarily foster a learning environment. There are debates about how these concepts are implemented in educational settings and whether they overshadow the focus on academic excellence and basic education.
We need to continue to stress the basics.
LB925, the Resilient Soils and Water Quality Act is a good start to negating nitrates in our water. It must be implemented. To ensure access to clean water for all Nebraskans, I would support:
Investing in water infrastructure.
Strengthening monitoring and regulation of water quality.
Conducting public education on water conservation and pollution prevention.
Engaging communities in decision-making.
Addressing contamination sources like agricultural runoff.
Promote assistance plans through accessibility.
We are faced with challenges such as water management for agriculture and communities, sustaining rural healthcare access (to include mental health), improving education success, improving infrastructure, promoting growth for families to relocate to Nebraska and developing a skilled workforce. Addressing these issues requires the collaborative efforts of government, businesses and communities to ensure the state's continued growth and prosperity.
Education
I have two Masters Degrees- one in Counseling and one in Clinical Psychology
Volunteer experience
Chicken Noodle Dinner & Bazaar- Chaired the book sale; campaign experience; High risk team at Encourage; chaperoned a high school band trip; worked concessions and gate during school sporting events
Ensuring our schools are adequately funded to provide quality education for students and address the workforce shortage in schools. I support updating the Teeosa formula to ensure every school district has equal opportunities. Also, I support enhancing teacher education programs, including providing scholarships and grants to future educators, housing assistance, and ensuring teacher protections. I will work to ensure children have access to behavioral interventions, mental health services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and any other service they need.
I support grants and rebate programs for individuals to install reverse osmosis systems. Also, I will advocate for additional local programs that promote clean water, such as the Aquifer Storage and Restoration Project in Hastings. Education is an important part of ensuring access to clean water, such as educating communities about simple strategies to implement (e.g., accounting for nitrate levels when watering lawns to reduce the amount of fertilizer used). Finally, collaborating with other entities, such as our local NRD's is crucial to solving complex problems.
My priorities in the Legislature include access to healthcare, economic development, housing, and agriculture. I will work to increase access to affordable healthcare that covers all areas of health (e.g., mental health, physical health, dental, vision, etc.). We need to rehabilitate our existing housing structures, attract investors to build more housing units, and lower the burden of property taxes on homeowners. Education is a key to economic development and addressing the workforce shortage, so I will support our local schools, colleges, and universities to ensure we have a trained workforce. I support apprenticeship programs to train workers. I will work with local farmers to support and enhance agricultural methods.
