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OFFICE IN THE HEART OF

CEUs & More at Health Expo

Will you know what to do when the radia-tion from the melted nuclear reactor at Fukushima arrives in the United States

later this month? If you attend the 2014 Omaha Health Expo, you will.

Plus, Continuing Education Units are a require-ment of every licensed healthcare profession. This year the Omaha Health Expo, April 12 and 13 at the CenturyLink Center, offers a program hosted by the Universal College of Healing Arts providing practi-tioners with CEUs just for attending the conference. Along with an extensive program of specialized classes (see HeartlandHealing.com/CEU for details), one part of the track will award practitioners with CEU credit for visiting a select number of exhibitor booths, an in-novative way to advance education. The CEU opportu-nity is just one of a number of new developments for the Omaha Health Expo in 2014.History. The idea of acupunc-turists, crystal healers, massage therapists, reiki practitioners, psychics, chiropractors, hypno-therapists — indeed, any num-ber holistic healing arts practi-tioners — gathering under the roof of such a mainstream venue as the CenturyLink Center would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. Omaha was too straight-laced, too conventional, too backwards to support such an idea, critics said.

But now, by 2014, yoga studios are commonplace, the Paleo Diet is the latest trend, grass fed beef and organic juicing and tai chi and rolfing, “green” clean-ing supplies, hybrid cars and herbal tinctures are no longer fringe but everyday.

Established in 2006, it’s not a stretch to believe the Omaha Health Expo furthered the cause of holistic health in our fair city. Sponsoring such an event cast a sheen of legitimacy on some modalities that many Omahans were already using but more who wanted to learn about them.

The credit for coalescing the diverse group of ex-hibitors available to the public the weekend of April 12 goes to Bob Mancuso and Mid-America Exposi-tions. When Mancuso advanced the notion of an expo focused on holistic, natural healing arts and ways to stay healthy outside the conventional medical model back in 2006, it wasn’t a new idea. But it was new to Omaha. In fact, expos featuring traditional heal-ing arts, esoteric and metaphysical relationships to health, self-actualization and self-improvement have long been a part of the American experience. Mancuso saw the need to have such an opportunity in Omaha and set into action. Now the Omaha Health Expo is in its seventh season, bigger than ever.

The Expo has always been open to presenting ideas that challenge the established paradigm as well as those modalities that have only recently become part of the mainstream. Some of the highlighted presenters and more intriguing exhibitors include the following.CEUs at the Link. As already noted, this is a major innovation and takes the Expo to a new level.Yoga Rocks the Link. Scheduled outdoors on Satur-day (in the atrium if weather dictates) this event or-ganized by Mary Clare Sweet and Chaeli Buda from Lotus House of Yoga (see OmahaYoga.com for more information) promises to be one of the largest open, free yoga classes ever. Bring your yoga mat and get the vibe from the tribe.UFOs are real. This Keynote talk by Dr. Jack Kash-er, kicks off the Expo at 10 a.m. Saturday. Kasher is Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Regional Director for the Mutual UFO Network, and Past President of

Paranormal Claims Research. His presentation on the Main Stage launches the Expo further into the realm of esoteric investi-gation. Many schools of thought postulate that medical advances seen in ancient civilizations may have been initiated by extrater-restrial visitors. Were ETs the first acupuncturists?

A number of local farmers and ranchers will be on hand at the Expo to

help educate and inform about the value of sourcing real food from real farmers. And samples are one of the ways they do that.

The Expo will again feature the Health & Beauty Stage with a number of presentations and events reminding us that feeling good on the in-side is linked to looking good on the outside.Main Stage Presentations. There will be a steady pro-cession of presentations on the Expo’s Main Stage on both days. The energetic and highly respected Dr. Shawn Schmidt will tell us about “Energy Medicine: Past, Pres-ent and Future.” The always humorous and entertaining radio personality Psychic Andy will include an audience Q & A. All-Pro running back from the Minnesota Vikings, Chuck Foreman will be on hand with an inspirational insight on self-empowerment. Foreman and ex-Huskers Ron Kellogg III, Jay Foreman, Tony Veland, Tony Ortiz, and Willie Miller will also be available at an autograph-signing event. For a complete listing of featured speakers, visit HeartlandHealing.com/MAIN for schedule.

As in the past, both mornings will feature events for group participation, including a Biathlon on Saturday.

The 2014 Omaha Health Expo has something for everyone on the path to greater health.

Be well. ,

heartland healing

| THE READER | APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 3

HEARTLAND HEALING is a New Age polemic describing alternatives to conventional methods of healing the body, mind and planet. It is provided as information and entertainment, certainly not medical advice. It is not an endorsement of any particular therapy, either by the writer or TheReader. Visit HeartlandHealing.com for more information.

heartlandhealing

N E W A G E H E A L T H A N D W E L L N E S S B Y M I C H A E L B R A U N S T E I N

VISIONS FROM FIVE MINUTES

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4 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | dish

Some people are embarrassed by using coupons and discounts at restaurants. Not me. I’ll walk into these places waving

my coupon over my head, humming a happy song about how I’m not paying full price.

My experiment for the week: all my eating ad-ventures included discounted vouchers from vari-ous sources. It wasn’t without its hiccups, but all in all I’m declaring my experiment a success.

GrouponI’ve used Groupon success-fully before for discounted race tickets, mainly be-cause I figure if I’m going to pay someone to let me run anywhere it might as well be at a discounted rate. So I went into this knowing that Groupon has proven to work for me in the past and that most merchants seem to be pretty nice about ac-cepting these vouchers.

I bought a $40 voucher to Gusto Cuban Café in Ralston for $20. Apparently I’d just missed a promo-tion that would have given me an additional 20% off

for purchasing a local Groupon voucher, so if I had been a little quicker I would have saved even more.

There were a bunch of restrictions for this one; it had to be used for dinner, had to be dine-in, couldn’t be for certain menu items and only one person per ta-ble could use any type of discount. Other than the list of restrictions, everything went off without a hitch. When I presented the Groupon on my phone, the waitress redeemed it politely – looking at the Grou-pon website, it looks like more than 1,000 people have purchased the voucher, so she must be pretty accustomed to them by now.

As far as Gusto Cuban Café goes, it was a little pricier than I expected (even with the discount), but the food was quite good.

Living SocialI heard rumors that Living Social is on its way out, but it looks like this company is just reconfigur-ing how it does business. I found a deal for Dante Ristorante Pizzeria, which made me ecstatic since I’ve not yet tried that place but heard great things about it. I bought a $20 voucher for $10.

The restriction that the voucher could only be redeemed for lunch caused a dilemma, though. The only day I had free to go to that side of town during a lunch hour was the same day I teach a strength training class at the gym, so I had to drive straight to Dante after the class. I didn’t know how they would react to me walking into their es-

tablishment, smelling like sweat and free weights, waving a discount voucher around.

Actually, they were quite nice about accepting the voucher. The server helped me navigate the menu since I’d never eaten there before, and even gave me a free soda on my way out. It may be that he really just wanted me out of the restaurant since I smelled like a gym, but either way, the voucher redemption process was really simple and easy.

By the way, the food was amazing. I will definite-ly go back, and I really don’t care if I have a dis-

count or not next time. I just want more pizza.

Amazon LocalI haven’t even redeemed this one yet, so

at this point this is more bragging than anything else, but I found

a $20 voucher for The Do-nut Professor for $10. I

had a coupon code Amazon emailed me for $10 off any

deal. Are you think-ing what I’m thinking?

That’s right, baby. Free donuts.

Restaurant.comI get emails from this company all the time, trying to tempt me to buy $100 gift certificates for $5, or something equally ridiculous, so I figured now was the time to give them a try. Their offerings are a little slim, but I found a deal for $20 in gift cer-tificates to Karrays Café in Bellevue for $8. I pur-chased the gift certificate on my phone and headed out to Bellevue for lunch.

I can’t really tell you about the redemption pro-cess or how the staff reacted to the gift certificate because the voucher wouldn’t come up on my phone when I got to Karrays Café. The app just didn’t work. You may not be surprised to find out that when your Restaurant.com gift certificate won’t show up on your phone on a Sunday after-noon there really isn’t anywhere to turn for help, so I wound up just paying for the meal out of pocket. I’ll go back another time, but I’ll print up the stu-pid certificate on paper beforehand.

If you’re wondering how the food there is, it’s good. I particularly like the breakfast menu, but I really would have liked it a lot more had I received it at the discounted price.

Go ahead. Be cheap. As long as you realize that there are usually some restrictions that come with these discounted vouchers, and you’re willing to wait around for a voucher you actually want to use, these discounts can work really well. Just don’t be a jerk by tipping on the discounted total. ,

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| THE READER | APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 5

6 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | cover story

continued on page 8y

“IIt’s worth it to have a hobby I enjoy. I’m a Republican but I still believe in the en-vironment,” said homeowner Ken En-gle from his home in Midtown Omaha.

Everything runs off solar in Engle’s house. He said he pumps power out but also gets it back. For Engle, having solar has already paid dividends. He has been selling power back to OPPD and rarely gets a bill.

As solar and wind are increasingly affordable, the Omaha Public Power District has been making a major shift away from the dirty energy sources in-creasing the cost of electrical bills and threatening Nebraska and the world’s climate. Environmental groups have played an important role and are turn-ing up their urgency. Individual homeowners are making some big differences.

The Sierra Club is running a Beyond Coal Cam-paign with a goal of shutting down a certain number of coal plants by 2020 and 2030. Associate Organiz-ing Representative Graham Jordison, on sabbatical with the Dave Domina campaign, said Beyond Coal started because the Sierra Club realized that if they really wanted to address climate change on a serious level they would have to go after the largest and big-gest polluters in the country. Most of those polluters were coal fired power plants.

“That’s where we realized 40 percent of the carbon dioxide in our air was coming from. To do our part in the country, we realized we were going to have to shut down a certain number of coal plants and replace that with clean energy like wind and solar,” Jordison explained.

He said many of the pollutants created by coal generation contribute to global climate change, including sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and par-ticulate matter. And Jordison said there is scientific evidence that individuals living near these types of plants are more likely to develop conditions like asthma because of the particulate matter that is dis-persed into the air through coal generation.

“We can move in a fast direction toward coming up with a retirement date for the North Omaha coal plant. We don’t expect to shut the plant down over-night but we do think OPPD could commit now to projecting a shutdown in 2015/2016,” Jordison said.

He cites Fort Calhoun as evidence this is possible. When that station was offline, OPPD didn’t need to supplement the power lost. Jordison said the power was fine for 2 1/2 years, with no blackouts.

There are four options being considered by OPPD regarding North Omaha Station. “Converting the plant to natural gas, installing technology so the plant can continue to burn coal, replacing the coal production with energy efficiency options or shut-ting it down,” said Jordison.

“It’s not worth discussing installing control tech-nology to retrofit the plant. There is a billion dollar technology that would keep some of the pollutants, like mercury and sulfur dioxide, out of the environ-ment. But that doesn’t do anything about carbon di-oxide and it doesn’t address the issue of mining coal or disposing of coal. The people of Nebraska don’t want to have that discussion,” asserted Jordison.

He said Nebraskans are intelligent and there have been lots of studies done across the state that show Nebraskans understand climate change. More than

50 percent get climate change. They understand that humans are causing it and that we should do some-thing about it. Jordison said a lot of Nebraskans re-ally like the idea of using wind energy.

As President of the Nebraska Farmers Union John Hansen would say, “There are no documented wind spill damages.”

Nebraska is finally starting to catch up with its neighbor. Anyone who has driven east on I-80 to-ward Des Moines has likely noticed the large, white wind turbines peppering fields to the left and right of the interstate near cities like Adair and Walnut.

Based on the National Renewable Energy Labora-tory’s (NREL) ranking of wind capacity, Nebraska is actually third in the nation in wind resources. Hansen said the NREL’s rankings are based on their modeling which is shaped by actual data from wind projects and their actual generation.

So the wind is blowing steadily in Nebraska and wind farmers are ready to increase their production.

“At the start of last year, we had 459 megawatts of wind and by the end of next year, we will have 1207 megawatts,” said Hansen.

But what exactly is a megawatt?To better understand just how much energy we

are talking about, it takes 746 watts of electricity to equal one horsepower. 1 kilowatt is a thousand

watts. And a megawatt is 1000 kilowatts or a million watts. A megawatt is a lot of electricity.

Iowa currently has 5133 megawatts of wind, Wyo-ming has 1410, Colorado has 2301 and South Dakota has 783. Nebraska is still a bit behind in terms of wind production but Hansen said we are starting to catch up.

Choosing a site for a wind farm isn’t as easy as plopping a turbine in the ground and watching the blades spin. Hansen said because Nebraska is home to the North American migratory flyway, we have to be mindful of those portions of the Platte River where there are huge concentrations of migratory birds.

The Nebraska Farmers Union works with the Ne-braska Game and Parks Commission and other fed-eral wildlife agencies to be mindful of wind project sitings where there are obvious migratory bird con-flicts.

The good news is there is a substantial portion of our state that has good wind resources. Hansen said a lot depends on prevailing wind patterns and flows as well as elevations.

“As you go up in the air, wind speeds increase in more of the wind streams. That’s why towers these days are on average 80 meters in the air. More and more towers are being built up to 100 meters in the air,” Hansen explained.

And he said once you get the up-front capital costs paid for, there’s no fuel cost associated with wind energy production. There are other benefits as well.

“Wind doesn’t consume any water and it doesn’t emit any carbon. It also helps provide domestic eco-nomic development in our state and benefits to rural communities. There are lease payments to landown-ers and increases to the local property tax base. There are a whole host of industries and sectors that benefit from wind generation and activity,” said Hansen.

There are small wind and solar projects in the state, but they are for commercial wind develop-ment. Hansen said we don’t export any wind out of the state at this point. All wind generated in the state goes to Nebraska utilities.

“We have built our utility on a diversity of fuels and now that wind is a viable fuel for us to use, it will create benefits and value for our customer owners in that diversity and in those longer-term low cost con-tracts that we have in place,” said Tim Burke, Vice President of Customer Service and Public Affairs for Omaha Public Power District (OPPD).

OPPD has been holding a series of open meetings where they provide stakeholders the opportunity to not only listen to the information shared at the meet-ings but also to offer their thoughts or ask questions of OPPD. Burke said the objective of the open meet-ings is to make sure that all decisions they make are equitable for all customers.

He said by the end of 2018, around 33 percent of OPPD’s portfolio will be made up of renewable sources, with most of that coming from wind. Burke explained most states, even on the west coast, may have a 30 percent renewable energy standard but aren’t expected to reach that goal until 2020-2025.

And more wind equals less coal generation. As recently as last month, Burke said OPPD has been getting some pretty good performance out of the wind farms they have today. That has meant some significant reductions in OPPD’s North Omaha facil-ity production.

Burke said because the wind doesn’t blow every day, it’s considered an intermittent source of energy. That means wind energy will never be able to fully replace all current power sources.

“You can’t make the wind blow but you can help schedule the power from it and use it efficiently be-cause we are increasingly able to predict when the wind is going to blow,” explained Hansen. “It’s ac-tually easier to predict wind blowing than when it’s going to rain.”

Broken down, Burke said wind is an important component in energy generation, “A base load unit is traditionally a nuclear or coal unit or even natural gas in some parts of the U.S. If you picture a chart, nuclear is on the bottom. It’s a must-run (meant to start, operate and run). Intermittent resources like wind are above that. Natural gas is on top and is used in the event OPPD needs additional generation to support an increased peak load.”

One of the common questions that has come up during the stakeholder process has to do with peo-ple asking why we can’t just put up a bunch of solar panels and wind farms and shut down other power plants, such as the North Omaha coal plant.

| THE READER | APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 7

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8 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | cover story

According to Burke, it isn’t that simple. When the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine, you still have to have the capacity to be able to support the power load needed and you do that by maintaining that coal facility, even if it may mean on most days you operate at a lower capacity or end up replacing it with something that can ramp up fast like a natural gas facility.

It’s tough for most people to fit a wind turbine in their yard, especially if they don’t live in a rural area. So what can you do if you want to create your own energy from your very own home? Solar energy may be a viable option. It was for homeowner Ken Engle. Engle has Solar World Panels at his house that he ordered through United Electric Supply and he couldn’t be happier.

“I love my system. It’s a wonderful way to live and cut down on your electric bills,” he said.

Engle has 16 panels at his home and each inverter puts out a maximum of 225 watts, so he ultimately has 3600 watts capability. He said the inverter is what converts the electricity from DC current to AC.

The panels are daisy chained together in his system. The power they harness from the sun runs through a central inverter and subsequently moves through a charge controller, which charges batteries so Engle can use his battery system at night when there is no sun.

Though it didn’t take him long to have the system installed, Engle said it’s important to educate your-self and get the appropriate help to avoid costly and potentially injurious mistakes.

“There are a lot of electrical things you can hook up and they will work. But it’s not safe and you shouldn’t have it working,” Engle said.

Robert Webber, Master Electrician and Inspector General of the IAEI (International Association of Electrical Inspectors), was recommended to Engle by an electrical inspector. Webber went to Engle’s house, helped him make some corrections and got his system up and running, code compliant and working properly.

“Ken is a mechanical person and he is still adamant about saying you have to get someone to help you de-sign and install your solar panels. When I went over there, I found he had some pretty dangerous situations that he hooked up and didn’t realize it,” said Webber.

He said a big part of the problem with people try-ing to do-it-themselves is when they do grab solar panels, put them in and don’t do it right, they just as-sume solar is not good because it doesn’t work. Web-ber said solar works when you pay attention to every detail and install it correctly.

Not limited to rooftops, there are a variety of ways to take advantage of solar panels. You can do them over a carport or cover your back patio. Engle has one in the backyard on an actuator so he can adjust the

panels by moving them up or down to get full maxi-mum usage of the sun.

And Nebraska is a great place to try solar with an average of 4 1/2 to 5 hours of peak sun per day.

Webber said it’s important to remember that in-vesting in a solar power production system is like investing in a house. He said payback, if the system is installed and designed correctly, would take about 7-10 years, depending on what you’re putting in.

Admittedly, there is a lot less power generation on cloudy days, especially in winter when it’s colder.

“In winter, the panels produce more voltage so Ken actually has a three pronged approach to his power: battery backup, solar panels and a generator,” Web-ber said.

The key to selling power back to the utility compa-ny is a piece of equipment known as a net meter. The net meter keeps track of the energy that’s produced and also tracks how much is used. If Engle produces more than he uses, the power company (through a purchase power agreement) credits him back.

Hansen said the state net metering law could definite-ly be improved, “We are not near as robust as we should be in Nebraska with smaller wind and solar producers. The Nebraska Farmers Union fought to help get net metering in the state for 15 years before we finally got it done. It’s not what we would like but it’s a start.”

For Webber, he said the only way to overcome the myths and misconceptions associated with solar en-ergy are with installations that are correct, safe and maximize power production. He said there haven’t been any wars over sunshine yet.

“Given the challenges we are facing, from human impact that releases large amounts of additional car-bon into the atmosphere, if we can generate a fourth or a third of our nation’s electrical generation by not emitting any carbon, then that’s a huge win for the en-vironment and for society as a whole. It improves air quality. Renewable energy has no harmful emissions,” Hansen said.

He said it’s important that all people become re-sponsible stewards of our earth.

For their part, Burke said OPPD is purchasing wind to help hedge against rising prices of other generating fuels, such as natural gas and coal.

OPPD will continue to offer open meetings for stakeholders to allow people to engage with the utility on a number of different items, including renewable energy in the state and the future of the North Omaha coal plant.

“You will continue to see us out in the public gath-ering that information and feedback from our cus-tomer owners. We are really trying to put the ‘public’ back into public power,” said Burke. ,

For more information: Nebraskansforsolar.org, Nebraskawin-dandsolarconference.com, SierraClub.org, oppdlistens.com

THURSDAY10

Thursday, April 10 CRUSHED OUT W/ HUGE FUCKING WAVES @ BROTHER’S LOUNGEBrothers lounge3812 Farnam St., $5 cover

The electrified honky-tonk surf and garage rock duo Crushed Out from Brooklyn, NY, brings their unique sound to Omaha’s best punk bar for a Thursday night show featuring opener Huge Fucking Waves. Never heard of HFV? Let the band’s frontman Allan Schleich of Snake Island! fill you in: “Huge Fucking Waves is instrumental surf,” Schleich says, admitting: “Its also fake. Its not a real band. There isn’t a consistent lineup and we don’t practice. Its just the band that I assemble when I feel like playing a show and Snake Island! can’t do it. Its my chance to crank my amps as loud as possible, turn the reverb all the way up and punish people for paying $5 to see me play guitar at them.” For more more musings from Schleich and why he loves the venue, go to thereader.com.

—Eric Stoakes

SATURDAY12

Saturday, April 12 GRIOS, GIRLFRIENDS AND SISTAHSUnion for Contemporary Art, 2417 Burdette St.7 p.m.; Freewww.u-ca.org.

A three-week exploration of what it means to be a woman

of color in the Midwest concludes with an evening of readings,

poems and performances. Some of Oma-ha’s leading creatives use the expressive forms of their choice to examine the joys

and challenges that come with being a woman of color in this community. An

installation by Union Fellow Angela Drakeford entitled Don’t Tell Me,

I Tell You provides a thought-pro-voking and inspiring backdrop for the program. Curated by Denise Chapman.

—Leo Adam Biga

TUESDAY15

Tuesday, April 15 AFRICAN CULTURE CONNECTIONMCC South Omaha CampusConnector Bldg/Commons 27th and Q Sts.12:30 p.m.; Free 402-457-2253 or 402-238-8259

West African music and dance take the forefront when the African Culture Connection (ACC) troupe led by Charles Ahovissi performs at Metro’s Inter-national Fairl. Ahovissi traveled the world with the Ballet National of Benin (his native country) be-

fore winding up in Omaha, where he heads his touring performing-teaching group. ACC presents celebratory rituals of African culture in performances and educational programs for schools and community organizations throughout the region. The award-winning troupe is renowned for the high energy of its performances, all wrapped up in color-ful costumes. The festival features more

entertainment as well as food and displays.—Leo Adam Biga

THURSDAY17

Thursday, April 17 LOUDER THAN A BOMB TEAM FINALSHolland Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St.7 p.m.; Free (free will donations accepted)ltabomaha.org

Teen angst has never been so cool. Slam poets from schools around the metro and the state throw down verses in an event that’s as much about forg-ing a community of young wordsmiths as it is a competition. The finals in Omaha feature the top teams to have advanced through a series of prelimi-nary and semifinal bouts. Though technically there are winners and losers, it’s really a celebration of expression. Many of the poems put up deal with in-timate aspects of these young people’s lives and ar-ticulate strongly-held views about such touchstone subjects as loss, love, gender, sexual identity, race, bullying, violence, war and peace. This festival of dreams and desires concludes with the individual finals April 26 in Lincoln.

—Leo Adam Biga

DAYS

T H E R E A D E R ’ S E N T E R T A I N M E N T P I C K S A P R I L 1 0 - 1 6 , 2 0 1 4

TOPTV

8BERMUDA TENTACLESSaturdays, 8 p.m. (Syfy)

When Air Force One blows up over the Bermuda Triangle, the president drops to the bottom of the ocean in a sealed pod. No problem, you say: Just send a Navy ship to rescue him, led by a steely-eyed admiral (Linda Hamilton). Ah, but what about the giant worms that begin surrounding the vessel? “Do they seem hostile?” the admiral asks, as if tentacles stretching hundreds of feet out of the water could be anything but hostile. While not in the league of the greatest giant-worm movie of all time, Tremors, Bermuda Tentacles of-fers plenty of attractions for creature-feature fans. A wild-eyed worm specialist who happens to be on board (always good to have one of those in the middle of the ocean) chalks up their extraordinary size to “bioelec-trogenesis.” And dozens of extras give up their lives, impaled by the pointy tentacles. But they do not die in vain. If you see one bioelectro-genesis movie all year, make it Bermuda Tentacles.

— Dean Robbins

picks | THE READER | APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 9

ALLAN SCHLEICH

She studied ballet in Toronto and Quebec, then spent three years in London, England, preparing in dance and other performing arts. Back at an

academy of performing arts in Toronto, she won its “triple threat award” for song, dance and acting.

That led Dayna Tietzen to such roles as Anita in West Side Story.

And now she’s the hind end of a horse. More formally, the Hind Puppeteer for Joey, the heroic title War Horse in the Tony award play at the Orpheum, April 8-13. It’s part of Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Series.

The triple in her stage career these days connects her with two other puppeteers. They combine as Head, Heart and Hind to bring to life Joey on some nights and the black stallion, Topthorn, on others.

If you’ve seen the movie that was inspired by this stage epic, you know the horse named Joey leaves Albert, the English farm boy who loves him, and goes off to fight World War I in France.

When the lad is old enough to enlist, he hopes to find his horse.

The star of this show, in other words, is Joey, so Dayna and teammates, Danny and Patrick, are jointly this equine lead, making him not only move, but breathe, twitch his ears and swish his tail. The magic that made this National Theatre of

Great Britain creation a huge hit in England and then winner of five Tony awards on Broadway works its spell because the audience “really comes to believe it’s just a horse.

“It’s really cool,” Dayna adds, “incredibly rewarding.”Sure, you can see that there are three humans inside

that 120-pound framework of bent cane, but guess what happens when that great head turns your way with its am-ber eyes and twitching ears? You can’t resist reaching out and petting that noble nose.

That happened when a group of us touring from the Omaha Community Playhouse stood near one of the “puppets” in London. I put puppets in quotation marks. That may be the proper term, but as one who wept at the end of the novel and shed tears at the end of the movie, I can’t really think of that heroic horse as a puppet.

Dayna and her team simply think of themselves as Joey, emotionally open, becoming “incredibly good listeners to whatever the human characters give you.” And dealing at the same time with the physical demands of their role.

They were in Memphis, then heading to Kansas City, when we talked. They’ll finish with a month in Japan.

Those demands come from not just the weight of the horse but an occasional 170-pound rider. The show’s ther-apist helps tend to sore muscles, and the repetitive use of wrists, arms and knees. “Maybe the most demanding is

when Joey is running through No-Man’s Land, between British and German trenches, trying to find an opening in the barbed wire. “When we stop,” she explains, “sweat just starts dripping.”

They rotate, two performances as Joey, two as Topthorn, etc. She’s also been a goose, the foal Baby Joey, and Coco, a two-person horse. Baby Joey “is one of my favorites, he’s so touching.” It’s harder, of course, for the puppeteers to “dis-appear” when outside the smaller creatures.

For Dayna, the magical moment that takes her breath away, night after night, is the scene where Joey makes the transition from foal to grown horse.

She enjoys the silent communication between the three team members. “Some parts have to be choreographed, but we have a lot of freedom getting from point A to point B.”

They breathe, stomp a hoof, or she uses a rod to swish Joey’s tail. “But we don’t have to be moving all the time. We’ve learned that stillness can be effective, too.” ,

War Horse continues at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. in Omaha, through April 13, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tues-day-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets starting at $35 are avail-able online at TicketOmaha.com; by phone at 402.345.0606 or at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

10 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | theater

coldcreamn This week is the only opportunity Omaha residents have to see the 5-time Tony Award winning play War Horse, playing through April 13 at the Or-pheum Theater. War Horse is the story of a young man named Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been en-listed to fight for the English in World War I. In the tale, Joey is caught in en-emy crossfire and ends up serving both sides of the war before landing in no man’s land. Albert, not old enough to en-list, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

What makes the show so unique (and quite different from the Steven Spielberg film adaptation) is the life-size horse puppets designed by the Handspring Puppet Company in South Africa. Each horse used in all War Horse productions has been handmade in South Africa from cane and then shipped out with to their respective companies. It takes three performers to work each horse (one controlling the hind, one controlling the heart, and one controlling the head). Each technician is microphoned and together the three of them create the horse’s sounds.

Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones, the founders of the Handspring Puppet Company, pointed out the dichotomy between an actor and a puppet on stage saying, “On stage, an actor is strug-gling to die while a puppet is struggling to live.”

War Horse has been seen by more than 4 million people worldwide and is currently playing in London and Austra-lia on top of the North American Tour currently in Omaha. A German version of the play opened in Berlin recently and another major tour of the UK, Ire-land and China is underway.n The upcoming weeks will see numer-ous new productions from area the-atres starting with Omaha Community Playhouse’s comedy Boeing, Boeing opening April 18th and starring An-thony Clark-Kaczmarek, Terri Fender, Jennifer Gilg and Courtney Stein.

Also opening that weekend will be Shelterbelt Theatre’s production of Battle of Battles by local playwright Joe Basque. The show is about an ar-tistic competition between Da Vinci and Michelangelo during a war in Florence.

Finishing out the openings that weekend will be UNO Theatre’s pro-duction of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee running through April 26.

— William Grennan

Cold Cream looks at theater in the metro area. Email information to coldcream@thereader.com

FROM BALLET TO TAIL -SWISHING , ALL WAR HORSEB Y W A R R E N F R A N C K E

| THE READER | APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 11

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Five Days of Compassion Planting the seeds for a better Omaha

April 15-19, 2014

• Day 1 • Omaha VisiOn: Available all five days! What’s your vision of a perfect Omaha? How can Omaha be a more compassionate city? What can we actively do to be more understand-ing of others? Add your note to the wall at one of the locations listed. Artists will turn notes into art for a future art show!

Five days of simple actions anyone can do. We’re all in this together.

• Day 2 • Pay it FOrward day: Be randomly kind, thank your teachers, give a compliment, donate to a favorite charity, smile, say hello to someone you don’t know... How many kind acts can Omahans do in a single day?

• Day 3 • VOlunteer day:Organize a canned food drive at your office, sponsor a family in need, donate coats to a shelter or pet food for an animal rescue/shelter... See our website for more ideas!

• Day 4 • KeeP it GOinG:Go to: CharterForCompassion.org and sign The Charter to promise to treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

• Day 5 • COmPassiOnate Planet: Join us at Elmwood Park on Earth Day. Learn something new to make the planet better for all of us!

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12 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | over the edge

overtheedgeL I F E S T Y L E C O L U M N B Y T I M M C M A H A N

OVER THE EDGE is a weekly column by Reader senior contributing writer Tim McMahan focused on culture, society, music, the media and the arts. Email Tim at tim.mcmahan@gmail.com. And be sure to check out his blog at Lazy-i.com

What I Learned at The Gateway

I was thinking of skipping The Gateway reunion.The Gateway is the student newspaper at the

University of Nebraska at Omaha, where I re-ceived my degree in Journalism (with a minor in Eng-lish) waaay back in 1988. I was once-upon-a-time the editor of The Gateway for a summer and fall semester, which, I suppose, makes me part of its history.

This Friday, The Gateway is celebrating its 100-year anniversary at a party at the UNO Alumni Center, and considering my past role not only as an editor but as a staff member for two or three years, I’ve been invited.

Here’s the thing: I never go to reunions. I’ve never been to a high school reunion; I don’t even know if UNO has college class reunions (considering the transitory nature of its student body, I somehow doubt it).

Who keeps track of the shadows from their past? Who stays in touch with people they knew more than two decades ago?

I certainly don’t keep in touch with anyone from The Gateway. Except, of course, for the woman I see every day who hired me at Union Pacific 26 years ago. A prior Gateway editor, it was she, along with The Gateway’s advisor (who also worked at UP), who gave me a chance at an internship that grew into a job that has lasted to this day.

But that’s it. Other than my news editor who’s a friend of mine who, years after we both graduated, in-troduced me to the woman who would become my wife.

And then there’s my features editor, who I had over for drinks at my house a couple months ago, He’s the person responsible for any sort of personal style I may have. And also the fellow Gateway reporter who painted the odd, amazing, clever painting that hangs in Teresa’s bathroom.

Come to think of it, I guess I do have The Gateway to thank, at least tangentially, for my wife, my job (which paid for my house) and my career as a writer. In fact, all the writing I’ve done at The Reader over the past 20 years — including this column you’re now reading — never would have happened without my time at The Gateway.

Okay, okay… I also have to credit UNO -- The Gate-way wouldn’t have existed without it. But despite the endless classes with their mundane assignments and the hours and hours of lectures and the pointless tests (which I still have nightmares about to this day), it was The Gateway where I learned to write.

The only reason I ended up there was Tammy Coleman, a person I barely knew from one of my classes who talked me into making the walk across campus to the shitty old house that acted as the newspaper’s offices. The idea of writing for the paper

never crossed my mind. The only writing I’d done to that point was poorly written assignments for News Writing class, written so badly that the professor sug-gested I consider a different career choice.

In my mind, The Gateway was a private club made up of seasoned pros I’d raised to the level of celebrity. My god, columnist Dan Prescher was my personal Mike Royko. Lisa Stankus was some sort of genius. There was no way they were going to let me into their club.

God, how stupid I was.Of course they gave me an assignment. I can’t

remember what it was, probably covering student government — the worst job you could get since the meetings were boring and pointless and the stu-dent politicians were mostly Republican jerks who thought they ran the campus when in fact they were powerless other than having the authority to choose which band would play in the Pep Bowl during the spring break party that no one went to.

My first submitted story was so bad, they didn’t print it. The news editor, however, painstakingly went through every red mark on the page and ex-plained how and where I blew it, then gave me an-other assignment, which I also blew.

I still remember the first time my byline appeared in print in the paper. I cut out the story and taped it to the wall in the tiny bedroom of the apartment I shared with three other guys. Every story that made it in print got cut out and taped to that wall. By the end of the semester I had quite a collection. By the end of that first year of The Gateway, I had new wall paper.

I was a junior during my second year at the paper. By then, I’d risen to news editor and the professors had begun to know who I was. They let me slide on class assignments, knowing (as one professor told me) I was never going to learn anything in the class-room that I wasn’t already learning at the paper.

Eventually I became the editor as well as a columnist (because doesn’t everyone want to be a columnist?). By then I’d learned not only how easy it was to get on The Gateway staff, but how desperate editors were for any living, breathing piece of flesh who could string a few words together in something that resembled Eng-lish to come write for the paper. Most journalism stu-dents didn’t write for The Gateway -- not because they couldn’t, but because they didn’t want to.

Some things never change, at least based on the number of intern candidates that show up at our of-fices without student newspaper experience. Little do they know there are two piles of intern applica-tions — the ones that include clips and ones that don’t. For those without, I tell them to go back and write for their paper, that it’s the only way to learn how to write. That it’s how I learned to write.

Maybe I’ll go to that reunion after all.,

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or disabilityin the educational programs and activities it operates. Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. 3883-0214M

13VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

About THE VOTERS’ GUIDEThe League of Women Voters contacts candidates during each election cycle and invites them to participate in the print and online editions of the Voters’ Guide. Candidates provide their biographical information and their positions on selected issues. Candidates are aware in advance that the biographies and answers are limited to 500 characters each and will be printed exactly as submitted without edits for content, spelling, punctuation or grammar.

The Voters’ Guide is provided as a free public service, made possible through funding by the League of Women Voters’ Education Fund of Greater Omaha. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates or political parties.

Douglas County Voters’ GuideLEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF GREATER OMAHA

Free PUBLICATIONThis publication is funded by the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Contributions are gladly accepted at:LWVGO Ed Fund1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 501Omaha, NE 68105(402) 344-3701

We greatly appreciate support, whether through monetary contributions or membership. All citizens over the age of 18 are invited to membership in the League of Women Voters. Dues for first-time members are $40. Please check our web site for more information.

Non-Partisan

Find the Voters Guide information online too!

www.omahalwv.orgYou may also find us on Facebook at “Omaha League of Women Voters” and “League-of-Women-Voters-of-Greater-Omahas-Douglas-County-Voters-Guide”

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse or oppose any candidates.

Primary Election - May 13, 2014

United States SENATORSID DINSDALE (R)Address: 20330 Veterans Dr Ste 6 Elkhorn, NE 68022Web Site: http://www.sidforsenate.com. Age: 7/26/1952. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: Graduated with a degree in Finance from University of Nebraska, Graduate School of Banking in Colorado, Presidents Program at Harvard Business School. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Board member of Methodist Health System, Board member Ameritas Life, Board member Children’s Hospital, Trustee University of Nebraska Foundation, Boy Scouts, Board member Emeritus Bellevue University, Habitat for Humanity, Knights of Ak-sar-ben.

DAVE DOMINA (D)Address: Indian Hills Dr Omaha NE 68114. Web Site: www.davedomina.com. Age: 11/27/1950. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: Trial Counsel, Neb Unicameral, impeachment case 2006 State School Lands Trustee 1985-91 Special Acting Atty Gen Commonwealth Svngs Co Collapse 1983-4 Special Acting Atty Gen, Impeachment Case 1984. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: JD University of Nebraska College of Law Undergraduate work, University of Nebraska Lincoln. Military experience: JAG Officer, US Army. Volunteer experience: Hundreds of volunteer services to indigents, organizations and families in court proceedings and legal matters.

CLIFTON JOHNSON (R)

Address: Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Web Site: www.CliftonJohnsonforSenate.com. Age: 6/22/1962. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Married 26 years. Together 33 years with high school sweetheart. Number of Children: 2. Education: Dale Carnegie college. PEI. Trump University. Military experience: N/A. Volunteer experience: N/A

LARRY MARVIN (D)No response

BART MCLEAY (R)No response.

SHANE OSBORNE (R)Address: 2819 South 125 Avenue, Suite 365 Omaha, NE 68114. Web Site: www.shaneosborn.com. Age: 6/21/1974. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Treasurer 2007-2011. Marital Status: Married to Stacie Osborn. Number of Children: 4. Education: BA from the University of Nebraska in Statistics and Actuarial Science in 1996. Military experience: Lieutenant Commander in the United State Navy United States Navy 1996-2005 Navy ROTC at the University Of Nebraska. Volunteer experience: Nebraska Soldiers Foundation Navy Seal Foundation.

BEN SASSE (R)No response.

WHAT SPECIFIC IMMIGRATION REFORM EF-FORTS DO YOU SUPPORT?

SID DINSDALE: I strongly believe that we must, and can, secure our borders to halt the flow of illegal immigrants into our country before taking any other steps regarding immigration reform. I was recently at the border and saw how miserably our government has failed in protecting its citizens. I do not believe in amnesty or providing benefits for the 11-12 million people who have entered our country illegally. Legal immigration is a source of strength for our country as is respect for the rule of law. We should make E-Verify mandatory of employers to reduce the hiring of illegal immigrants. We should also fix the overall immigration policy to keep those highly skilled people that attend our universities in our country through legal immigration policies.

DAVE DOMINA: Persons now in the US who a) committed no crime upon entering the U S except to do so without a Visa b) came for a better life out of love for America and not criminal or political flight, and c) who live law abiding lives here should be given a pathway to prompt citizenship. Standards like the naturalization testing done for naturalization currently should be required. Renunciation of other national citizenship should also generally be required except with countries with dual citizenship relations with the United Staes. New immigrants must enter lawfully. The Government must know who new immigrants are. We should welcome aspiring new Americans who come to this nation for better lives and who fervently strive to achieve the honorable goal of contributing citizen in American life.

CLIFTON JOHNSON: We first need to know who is here and close

14 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

the border. This can be accomplished by; Give 180 days (or 6 months) for all illegals to come in and get a picture ID with name (doesn’t matter if they make up a name, at least we’ll have an Identification document), state who they are, where they live, and why there here. They will be given a conditional, temporary visa with the requirement that they have one year to learn the English language and prove they are a productive citizen with good intentions to stay. Illegals with good intentions will jump at this offer. Logistics can be handled through the DMV with a few temporary extra hires. All who do not sign up are deported with any law enforcement contact. Close the most dangerous 1000 miles of the southern border with logistics through state and national guard. A soldier every 1/8th mile, is 8,000, x 2 twelve hour shifts = 16,000 with night vision and no one is crossing. Use technology to replace their presence as soon as possible.

SHANE OSBORNE: I believe first step to solving our immigration problem is fully securing our southern border. We cannot grant citizenship by way of amnesty to those who have illegally entered the United States. After we have secured the border, we need to ensure our immigration and visa systems are functioning properly. Our first priority needs to be seeking out highly-educated foreigners who studied in the U.S. on J-9 Visas and already have a job. We also need a guest worker program that is streamlined and simplified. Nebraska’s agriculture industry needs an H2-A program that works. As senator, I will push for these policies, while also seeking new ways to address the growing illegal immigrant population in the United States. WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS?

SID DINSDALE: The United States remains one of, if not the only, super power in the world. With that status comes great responsibility. I believe the most important factor guiding U.S. foreign policy should be protecting our national security. Sometimes we may be better off protecting our national security on foreign soil rather than at home. In those instances, I believe that we need a clear and limited mission, a strategy for success, and an exit plan. I also believe that our economic interests are a significant factor in foreign policy. I am for free and fair trade to give our farmers, ranchers and businesses access to foreign markets. I believe we must retain positive relationships with those friendly countries that are entering trade agreements in a spirit of cooperation and free market principles.

DAVE DOMINA: American foreign policy should balance these factors to determine when, and what, US involvement is required: 1 What are the US public interests at issue and how important is each to US national security? 2 What are the US private interests at issue and how important is each to US national security? 3 What are the probabilities of escalating harm to US interests if involvement does not occur? 4. What are the risks of harm to US interests from intervention? ... to non-US interests from intervention? 5 What are risks of harm to non-US interests if intervention does not occur? 6 Is the US obligated by the UN Charter or a treaty to intervene? 7 What is the precise objective to be achieved by intervention if it occurs? 8 If steps 1-6 indicate a need to intervene, what is the least intrusive level and type to achieve the objective? 9 What domestic support is necessary & available from the American people? 10 What foreign support is necessary & available?

CLIFTON JOHNSON: The world is not all the same, nor equal, nor is it fair. There are different cultures, different intelligence, different abilities, different interests, wants and needs. My allegiance lies with the United states of America. It is time to put our nations people at the forefront of our concerns. Also we shall deal with all nations, as

needed, friend or foe, as deserved. Our military personnel shall not be put in harms way without absolute cause. Currently, our military and veterans are neglected while the government wastes money on our enemies. Considering factors; Common sense judgement, with realistic consideration of any and all possible threats to the United States, its citizens or the nations vital interests.

SHANE OSBORNE: As the only candidate in this race who served in the military, I view this question more personally than others may. I spent nine years as a pilot in the U.S. Navy, flying reconnaissance missions in the countries that present problems for America and freedom-loving people throughout the world. After 9/11, I extended my military commitment and served in Operation Enduring Freedom in order to help dismantle the terrorist networks that attacked us. I know and have seen the price of freedom, and I understand that sacrifices are necessary to remain a free nation. As senator, I will address every threat to our nation with the upmost seriousness. Whether it is Afghanistan, Iran, or any other nation or terror network that poses a threat to freedom, I will stop at no end to support policies that keep our country safe, and preserve our interests and values we hold dear. Iran must not and cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

HOW SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT BALANCE THE NEEDS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE PRIVACY OF THEIR CITIZENS?

SID DINSDALE: Our country was founded on several fundamental principles among them the right to be free from government intrusion. No freedom has suffered greater erosion these past 6 years. I acknowledge that there is a delicate balance to be struck between protecting our citizenry and respecting our rights. However, I believe that the government should not be permitted to listen in to our phone conversations, view our email, or engage in general surveillance of its citizenry without court approval and without probable cause to believe that a crime might be committed. I also believe there should be an expeditious appeal process and oversight so that our courts do not become a rubber stamp for overzealous government intruders.

DAVE DOMINA: How should the government balance the needs for national security and the privacy of their citizens? Steps 1-6 above should be used. The balancing must be objective and based, as much as possible, on verifiable facts. The Constitution of the United States must be the foundation for the balancing process; it cannot be compromised. Fourth Amendment prohibitions against unreasonable searches & seizures cannot be compromised in the name of national security. Compromising the Constitution makes the nation insecure. The probability and probable gravity of harm to the nation must be weighed against the probability and gravity of a compromise of privacy. Objective data must drive this analysis.

CLIFTON JOHNSON: The government can not continue to assume everyone guilty, until proven innocent, which is what is implied through their spying on all the citizens communications, financial dealings and internet use. The current un-american policy of collection of all data must be immediately scrapped, with new ideas and technologies that do not compromise any of our privacy or liberty. We cannot allow fear to take away our nations founding values of privacy and freedom. As Benjamin Franklin famously stated, “Mind your business”.

SHANE OSBORNE: Like many Americans, I was troubled to hear that the federal government may be spying on its own citizens. We should not become a Big Brother society. Our intelligence community should be focused on breaking terrorist cells, and not mining the conversations of private citizens. I am a firm believer in Ronald Reagan’s “trust, but verify” doctrine. As senator, I will

continue to push our intelligence community to find new ways to dismantle terror networks worldwide, while at the same time seek to protect our citizens from unnecessary government surveillance.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

SID DINSDALE: As Chairman of Pinnacle Bancorp and as an owner of several agri-business entities, I have dealt with regulators and bureaucrats on a daily basis and seen first-hand the consequences of their overreach through my business and those of my customers across the state. I have made a payroll and balanced a budget. I understand what it takes to create jobs as well as the negative impact of government regulations enacted by those in Washington. Approximately 86% of my support comes from Nebraskans and not Washington special interests. I will not be beholden to those special interests but rather to those who have elected me – the people of Nebraska. We need more Nebraska values in Washington, more Nebraska independence, more of the Nebraska work ethic in Washington and less Washington in Nebraska.

DAVE DOMINA: The U S Senate’s role under Art I Sec 3 of the Constitution is to make laws with the House of Representatives, ratify treaties, pass on presidential appointments, investigate national interests matters, pass on impeachments, and act as the more deliberative legislative body. I have studied treaties and worked with them, written many laws, testified before the Legislature and appeared before Congressional groups, served as a selected panelist for USDOJ / USDA national hearings on law changes, handled constitutional law challenges, & impeachments, and served in the US Army. Over 250 appellate court appearances and 350 jury trials are also parts of my history. I am a student of the Senate and the law making process, and keenly aware of how important an open mind, and thoughtful ability to negotiate are. My work has taken me to every part of Nebraska and nearly every state of the nation. I know of no one better prepared to serve than I am now prepared.

CLIFTON JOHNSON: The qualification of communication. To finally communicate the great conservative message of pride and self responsibility. Common sense, confident leadership. Steady, calm intelligence. 51 years a patriot. Extensive small business experience, starting 10 successful business’. I Have studied and followed state, national and world affairs closely for over 20 years. We need a statesman and fearless communicator for the conservative people, a delegate and guardian of our sovereign state of Nebraska. Patriots from all political parties must join forces now, and renew the American families pride to save our nation. I can promote respectful, responsible, productive citizenship. With a message for all citizens to aspire and work hard to better their position in life. I will bring back common sense into our daily lives. Thank you for your voting consideration.

SHANE OSBORNE: I believe leadership matters. With my record of results and accountability in state office, in military and combat service, and private sector experience, I will serve Nebraskans well in the U.S. Senate. I am committed to ensuring America remains strong and a beacon for opportunity and am a leader willing to face challenges head on. As Senator, I want to work to make the federal government transparent and more accountable to the people it serves, just as I did in office. I cut my budget 11% percent, reduced staff by over 20%, and launched NebraskaSpending.gov to increase transparency, all while making the office more efficient. As a small business owner, I have experienced firsthand burdensome federal regulations, a tax code that must be reformed, and a federal government standing in the way of economic growth. I have been an outspoken opponent of ObamaCare from the beginning, and in the

U.S. Senate I will work to repeal the law, as well as Dodd-Frank.

United States HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DISTRICT 2

BRAD ASHFORD (D)Address: 926 Shirley Circle Omaha, NE 68124. Web Site: www.BradAshfordforCongress.com. Age: 11/10/1949. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator, Legislative District 20, 2006-present. Past Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator 1987-1995. Marital Status: Married to Ann Ferlic Ashford. Number of Children: 3. Education: I graduated from Westside High class of 1967. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Colgate University in 1971, Phi Beta Kappa. I earned my Juris Doctorate from Creighton School of Law in 1974. Volunteer experience: MECA Board; Douglas County Historical Society; Omaha Housing Authority Board and Past Chair; RACECO Board; Downtown Omaha, Inc. Board; Salvation Army Advisory Board; Westside High Open Enrollment Committee; Old Market Association Past Vice President.

MARK AUPPERLE (D)Address: P.O. Box 247, Waterloo,NE 68069. Email: maupforcongress@yahoo.com. Age: 7/25/1957. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Single. Number of Children: 0. Education: Anita High School, Anita, Iowa Morningside College, Sioux City, Washington University, St. Louis, Law school and Graduate Business School, Metro Community College for Horticulture. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: I help everyone I can.

DAN FREI (R)Address: 15335 Shirley St, Omaha, NE 68144. Web Site: www.votefrei.com. Age: 4/26/1963. Marital Status: Married to Sallie Frei. Number of Children: 5. Volunteer experience: I have lent my time and resources to serving at Heartland Hope Mission, coaching various youth sports, and volunteering with other United States Marine Corps families at USMC events to name a few.

STEVEN LAIRD (L)No response.

ANDY SHAMBAUGH (L)No response.

LEE TERRY (R)Address: 238 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154. Web Site: http://www.leeterry.com. Age: 1/29/1962. Current Public Office, dates held: U.S. House of Representatives, 1999-Present. Past Public Office, dates held: Omaha City Council, 1991-1998. Marital Status: Married (Robyn). Number of Children: 3. Education: University Nebraska, Lincoln, B.A. Political Science; Creighton University, J.D.

WHAT SPECIFIC IMMIGRATION REFORM EFFORTS DO YOU SUPPORT?

BRAD ASHFORD: I believe that our immigration system is broken. It requires a comprehensive fix that emphasizes border security first. I support the bill passed by the United States Senate and up for consideration in the House. This bill begins with border security but also includes a tough but fair pathway to citizenship for immigrants currently living in the United States. This pathway includes a criminal background check, payment of all delinquent taxes, and payment of a fine.

MARK AUPPERLE: I think we should enforce the current law. We landed people on the moon over 4 decades ago and yet we cannot verify employment. We need to hold employers accountable for hiring undocumented workers. My most important goal is to raise the wage levels for workers. I think there is room in the current law to allow enough immigration already. I would not be in favor of breaking up familys by deportation. Building walls is a waste of money. Penalties should be enforced on employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and government should take strong action to make sure employers have the tools to identify undocumented workers. The allowance of the hiring of undocumented workers is hurting the newly documented workers the most as it is keeping wages low. As an owner of a landscape company for 27 years I am aware of what kind of wages attract and retain. I currently can find better help for the same wage as i paid over 15 years ago and I attribute much as this to immigrant labor.

DAN FREI: I believe what is described as an immigration issue has immediate and serious national security implications. If we cannot close our borders to illegal immigration we run the risk of allowing terrorists into our country with no means to track their movement and prevent them from harming our citizens. Unless and until our borders are effectively closed off to the mass illegal immigration that continues to take place, no further legislation should be considered. In addition, the federal government must fully and faithfully enforce all immigration laws that are currently in effect. Anything less than these steps will send the message that additional illegal immigrants can enter the U.S. and willfully flout our laws and then be rewarded for it.

LEE TERRY: I have consistently said that I will not agree to a plan that grants a pathway to citizenship to those who broke the law to be here. Any immigration reform proposal must start with a border security policy that’s measurable, a mandatory e-verify requirement with stiff penalties for those found in violation, and improved visa tracking. If we can agree to these principles, then I would be willing to have a conversation about what to do with those people who have come here illegally. These people should want to work, they must have strict background checks to ensure they have no criminal history and not be dependent on government for social benefits. I also support the SKILLS Act that would allow more foreign graduates of American universities the flexibility to stay in the United States by increasing the number of H-1B visas and repealing the employment based per-country cap.

WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS?

BRAD ASHFORD: The most important factor in determining United States’ involvement in foreign affairs is whether an action is in our own public interest. We should not sacrifice any more lives or valuable tax dollars attempting to influence the domestic affairs of foreign nations. It’s time for some nation building right here at home.

MARK AUPPERLE: 1. Cost in terms of life. 2. cost in dollars. 3. What kind of long term effect will the involvement have on the image of the united states. 4. How important will the involvement be in determining the safety and defense of the United States Citizenry. 5. How will the involvement impact and further promote Human Rights. 6. How will the involvement impact, promote, and enhance the democratic process and allow for the basic fundamental rights of free speech, free press, and a fair election process.

DAN FREI: The key factors that must drive U.S. foreign policy are that our interests must always be considered first and our national security and that of our close allies are of paramount importance. Foreign aid should never be provided to regimes hostile or uncooperative with U.S. policy and should be cut off from those nations who work against the best interests of the U.S.

LEE TERRY: Each situation needs to be evaluated differently, but our foreign policy should be based on whether any action is in our national security interests including our allies whom we have signed international treaties to protect. Any American response to an incident must be measured and begin by exhausting all diplomatic measures. International sanctions should be implemented as a result of a diplomatic impasse and that includes using free trade. For example, using our abundant supply of natural gas to export so that European countries rely on the U.S. for their energy security as opposed to Russia. The last and final resort should be military action. Our diplomatic relationships with our friends and allies around the world must be rooted in trust and our enemies must fear that we will do what we say.

HOW SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT BALANCE THE NEEDS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE PRIVACY OF THEIR CITIZENS?

BRAD ASHFORD: Our nation is governed by the Constitution, protecting the rights of its citizens. These protections include a prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizure. We must work to scale back surveillance programs that have no discernible benefit to public safety and fight for transparency from those programs that remain. National security cannot come at the expense of longstanding personal liberty.

MARK AUPPERLE: The rights of the citizens to privacy is very important. The intrusion of government into the business and personal affairs of its citizens should only be allowed as narrowly as possible to maintain the safety of its citizens against potentially violent and dangerous acts.

DAN FREI: National security is a pressing issue today, and programs to enhance our safety are needed. However, these programs must never intrude on an individual citizen’s right to privacy. All decisions regarding the national security should look first to the Constitution, and if a proposed activity violates any provision of our founding document, it must be rejected. We should never be in a position where our government is spying on its own people.

LEE TERRY: The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. But we must do what is necessary to protect our country and the safety of our fellow countrymen. The NSA’s bulk data collection on U.S. citizens not only fails to strike the right balance, but also makes a mockery of the statutory limits set forth by Congress and violates the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Legislation I’ve helped write would make it illegal to reverse-target U.S. citizens through the NSA’s e-mail collection program and appoint a special advocate to argue in front of the foreign intelligence court on behalf of American citizens’ privacy interests. Few people disagree with the proposition that national security is absolutely essential. But government policies that trample on privacy rights without making us safer cannot continue to be justified under the guise of national security.

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSI-TION?

BRAD ASHFORD: My experience as an attorney and small business owner in Omaha as well as my involvement in public life connects me to the issues we face here in Nebraska. Sixteen years in the non-partisan, unicameral Legislature have taught me how to build consensus and work across party lines. I have always fought for investment in infrastructure, public safety and education while balancing the budget every year. Our state government works best without the interference of party leadership and caucuses. MARK AUPPERLE: I have a stong understanding of economics and business both from a macro and micro viewpoint. I have a major in economics, and one in History-political science and a minor in philosophy. I then have almost 3 years of law shcool and 2 years of graduate business. I have read and studied political and economic issues since I was a a pre-teen. I have 27 years as a small business owner with all its responsibilities and risks. I am passionate about my country and know we need a change of course. I have strong leadership attributes and consider myself a natural born leader. I have strong communication skills the most important of which is the ability to listen and understand.

DAN FREI: I am not today nor will I ever be a career politician. Our Founding Fathers intended for those that represent us to be Citizen Legislators. I will not serve more than 4 terms in the House. Any decisions or votes I make will always be based on what’s right for America and future generations. I will always be more concerned for the next generation than I am for my next election. Working in the business technology industry for more than 30 years has allowed me to experience working professionally with others. My diverse experience includes Regional Sales Manager, National Account Manager, General Manager, and Vice President. I have used my highly developed skills as a communicator, manager, and leader to build consensus and bring parties together. I am an excellent planner and coordinator of projects and people for optimum performance and desired outcomes. Many who worked under my leadership support my run for Congressional office. I will be a stronger voice for Nebraskans in Washington.

LEE TERRY: My most recent accomplishment is when President Obama signed my legislation to reauthorize funding for our nation’s poison control centers earlier this year. I also worked with our local VFW Post 2503 to include an amendment into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will allow veterans and military personnel not in uniform to salute the flag during the pledge of allegiance. To date, however, my proudest accomplishment was seeing the Local Community Radio Act signed into law in 2010. The bill would allow additional low-power radio stations in urban areas, where congestion on the airwaves previously made them infeasible. These free licenses expand valuable opportunities for minority groups, non-profits and religious organizations to make their voices heard and our communities stronger. I am also proud of my efforts to authorize research and development of hydrogen fuel cells and to streamline the permitting process for natural gas imports and exports.

GovenorJON BRUNING (R)No response.

TOM CARLSON (R)Address: 1112 Brown Street, Holdrege, Nebraska, 68949. Web Site: http://tomcarlsonforgovernor.com. Age: 12/9/1941. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator 2007-2014, District 38. Past Public Office, dates held: Holdrege School Board 1986-1994. Marital Status: Married to Margo. Number of Children: 3. Education: B.S, M.S University of Northern Colorado PhD University of Iowa. Volunteer experience: School board, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Optimists, Christian Homes Board, YMCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, NAIFA, Church Boar

MARK ELWORTH JR.(L)Address: Omaha, NE. Web Site: http://markjr4gov.com. Age: 8/6/1976

MIKE FOLEY(R)Address: 6410 S. 41st Street Court Lincoln, NE 68516. Web Site: http://www.mikefoleyforgovernor.com. Age: 4/5/1954. Current Pub-lic Office, dates held: State Auditor 2007 - 2014. Past Public Office, dates held: State Senator 2001 - 2007. Marital Status: Married. Num-ber of Children: 6. Education: BS - State University of New York MBA - Michigan State University. Military experience: None.

CHUCK HASSEBROOK (D)No response.

BEAU MCCOY (R)Address: 13306 A Street, Suite B Omaha, NE 68144. Web Site: http://www.beauforgovernor.com. Current Public Office, dates held: Ne-braska State Senator - District 39. Chair of the Committee on Com-mittees; member of the Revenue Committee, and the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. January 2009-Current. Marital Status: My wife Shauna and I will have been married 12 years this April. Number of Children: 4. Education: Bellevue University Bach-elor of Arts - Leadership. Toll Fellow, The Council of State Govern-ments, Henry Toll Fellowship Program, 2011. BILLD Fellow, Mid-west Council of State Governments Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership, 2009. Volunteer experience: My family and I are active volunteers at our church, Westside church in Omaha. I am also a member of the Southern Baptist Church National Disaster Relief Team. Our family business also participates actively in Habitat for Humanity.

PETE RICKETTS (R)No response.

BRYAN SLONE (R)No response.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS IN NEBRASKA, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

TOM CARLSON: 1. Fair and competitive tax policy, which provides lower property, income, and county inheritance taxes. 2. Implemen-tation of a sustainable water policy for the entire state, which would benefit rural and urban needs. This is crucial for present and future generations. Water sustainability is critical for agriculture, livestock production, municipalities, domestic wells, manufacturing, environ-mental concerns, wildlife preservation, flood control and outdoor recreation. 3. A healthy, growing economy with significant increases in private sector jobs. We also need to reign in government growth, because it takes ten private sector jobs to fund one government job. This is a serious ratio, especially with a downturn in the economy.

MARK ELWORTH JR.: What are the three most important issues

that you want to address in Nebraska, should you be elected? 1. Legal-ization of Cannabis in Nebraska. 2. Protection of Natural Resources. 3. Health and Welfare of all Nebraskans. 4. Shrinking Government and Government Spending.

MIKE FOLEY: 1) Reform of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 2) Economic development and workforce develop-ment 3) Prison reform Describe how you would balance the needs of urban and rural Nebraskans. Nebraska is an agricultural state and will continue to be for decades to come. Our future rests on our abil-ity to defend and promote our agricultural interests. All of Nebraska wins when our agricultural sector wins. Therefore our rural areas must be kept foremost in mind as we develop policy.

BEAU MCCOY: Taxes - The fact is, Nebraska remains a high-tax state. High taxes kill job growth, make Nebraska less competitive and place a heavy burden on families struggling to make ends meet. As Governor I’ll continue working to lower income taxes, provide prop-erty tax relief, and eliminate the inheritance tax and income taxes on military retiree pay and Social Security income. Controlling State Spending - We must ensure every dollar paid by Nebraska taxpayers is spent wisely and efficiently. As Governor I’ll work to control state spending and protect Nebraska taxpayers from ObamaCare’s costly Medicaid expansion. Jobs - Nebraska is fortunate to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, which is why as Gover-nor I’ll work to continue providing an environment which fosters business growth and encourages companies to expand or locate in Nebraska. Additionally, we need to continue working with Nebraska companies to develop the work forces they need to grow their busi-nesses.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU WOULD BALANCE THE NEEDS OF URBAN AND RURAL NEBRASKANS.

TOM CARLSON: Approximately 50% of our citizens live in rural ar-eas, and 50% live in urban areas. Therefore, economic development efforts in the state should be divided equally. When rural Nebraska prospers, everyone enjoys prosperity. Urban areas will prosper re-gardless, as well they should, however, their prosperity does not nec-essarily translate into prosperity for rural Nebraska. Rural Nebraska must have access to reliable and fast internet service, good cell phone coverage, and access to Lincoln and Omaha news through newspa-per and television.

MIKE FOLEY: Nebraska is an agricultural state and will continue to be for decades to come. Our future rests on our ability to defend and promote our agricultural interests. All of Nebraska wins when our agricultural sector wins. Therefore our rural areas must be kept fore-most in mind as we develop policy

MARK ELWORTH: Nor response

BEAU MCCOY: Growing up a fourth generation rancher, and now owning and operating a small business in Omaha I understand the unique challenges both urban and rural Nebraskans face. As Gov-ernor, I want to continue the good work Governor Heineman has done of finding consensus between urban and rural communities on the issues which affect us all. I believe my background in agriculture, small business, and as State Senator provides me the know-how and experience to build consensus on the tough issues as your next Gov-ernor.

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WHAT ARE THE MOST CRITICAL COMPONENTS THAT MUST BE IN PLACE AT THE STATE LEVEL FOR A STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM?

TOM CARLSON: We need to reduce the percentage paid by prop-erty tax for K-12 education, without sacrificing quality. Lowering property tax would put more pressure on sales and income taxes. This will work as long as we have a healthy, growing economy with significant increases in private sector jobs. I also believe every high school student should graduate with a marketable skill in technol-ogy or in a trade. School districts should have more freedom in the curriculum offered to their students and not be bound by mandates such as Common Core.

MARK ELWORTH JR.: Homeschooling Programs need to be available. I also support private schooling. I think the public school system is a failure. We need a system in place that gets our children through college and life. I feel the public school system lets to many kids slip through the cracks. I don’t really trust the government with the education of our children.

MIKE FOLEY: Fair, balanced, and adequate funding.

BEAU MCCOY: Our children and grandchildren deserve the same or better educational opportunities we’ve been granted. As governor, I’ll ensure we continue providing quality education and prepare the young people of Nebraska for their futures. Our high school graduation rate continues to improve with nearly 89% of high school students graduating statewide last year. In order to continue encouraging positive outcomes for our young people we need to keep parents and students engaged. What our schools don’t need is a one-size-fits-all set of mandates from the Federal government. As Governor, I’ll continue to oppose the adoption of Common Core standards in Nebraska. As we Nebraskans know, the heavy hand of government rarely provides solutions which fit the diverse needs of our communities across the state.

Secretary of StateBEN BACKUS (L)Address: 440 O St. Gering Ne. 69341. Web Site: http://www.ben4sos.com. Age: 5/25/1978. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: A.A.S. Electrical Engineering. Military ex-perience: 10 Years Army National Guard, Combat Medic. Volunteer experience: St Johns Lutheran Church, Trustee and Vice-President.

JOHN GALE (R)Address: 925 South 51st Street Lincoln, NE 68510. Web Site: http://gale2014.com. Age: 10/23/1940. Current Public Office, dates held: Secretary of State 12/2000 to present date. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Educa-tion: Omaha North High School diploma Carleton College B.A. Uni-versity of Chicago J.D. Military experience: None. Volunteer experi-ence: Lincoln: NebraskaLAND Foundation Board (past); American Legion Boy’s State Board. North Platte: Boy Scouts of America;Sunrise Rotary Club; Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln County GOP; Lincoln County Bar Association; GPRMC hospital board (all past).

WHAT CHANGES, IF ANY, SHOULD BE MADE TO EN-SURE THAT ALL ELIGIBLE NEBRASKANS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE ACCESS TO VOTE?

BEN BACKUS: 1. Allow voter registration online, We can download all the forms online ,why does the next step require me to print out

the form and mail it in? Lets just cut out the last step and have online voter registration. 2. Ensure we have plenty of poll workers who are properly trained. Nothing is more frustrating to a voter than standing in line to vote when you have just left work and want to eat supper. 3. Use of electronic poll books. There is no reason someone should need to thumb through a giant book to find voter names. 4. Make sure there is accessibility for those who can vote but are still learning English. This would be easy to predict through regional demograph-ics or a simple audit of polling locations.

JOHN GALE: While registering to vote and voting are critically im-portant to the strength of representative democracy, both acts are voluntary on the part of our citizens. So, our challenge is to edu-cate them on the importance of their duties as citizens; to provide them with accessible means of registering to vote; encouraging them to keep their voter registrations current; cooperating with media through press releases to make deadlines known for voter registra-tion and voting; using an informative, current, user-friendly state website to provide details about registration, voting, and locations available for such acts whether DMV offices, public assistance offices, or county election offices. The database on registered voters is avail-able for sale by the Secretary of State to political parties, candidate committees, and other groups for strictly political, non-commercial uses at a minimum cost; this data is very useful allowing others to reach out to citizens to encourage registration and voting.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP 3 PRIORITIES AS SEC-RETARY OF STATE?

BEN BACKUS: 1. Start laying the groundwork to transition to an electronic voting system. Currently electronic voting system is a mess due to the Election Assistance Commissions inability to put forward new standards. We should either work on our own standards here in Nebraska or stay with a paper based system, but we need to stay clear of the current electronic system. 2.Help voters before they vote. Have staff available to walk the line and ensure voters have proper identi-fication, and they are in the proper voting districts before they get to the front of the line. 3.Share voter lists with other states to ensure voters are not voting in more than one state at a time.

JOHN GALE: 1. Online registration has now been adopted by 13 states and has proven to be popular and reliable; because signatures are essential for voter registration, we have partnered with DMV to develop a feasible system for Nebraska whereby those with drivers licenses can register online and their signatures captured from their drivers license signatures; since some 97% of our adult citizens have drivers licenses, it will be largely available to all. A pending bill should be passed this session, making it available by 2016. 2. Enhance our youth citizenship programs such as Student Vote, Honor a Veteran, and Capitol Forum, as well as our high school voter registration out-reach through our county election officials. 3. Information technol-ogy and online services will continue to be improved for business services, occupational licensing, access to public records, and elec-tion night reporting; the Secretary of State is one of the top agencies in the state for statewide online services.

HOW WOULD YOU FURTHER ENGAGE YOUNG NE-BRASKANS IN GOVERNMENT?

BEN BACKUS: Being a “younger” Nebraska myself , I would have no problem speaking to the youthful voters. Several of my priorities and changes above would work towards engaging younger voters and mi-norities. Also as a Libertarian it would be easy for me to put forth an impartial voice during elections. I have no reason to favor one party over the other. The recent controversies from Florida and Minnesota would be a non issue with a Libertarian Secretary of State.

JOHN GALE: Our current youth programs are heavily promoted and yearly enhanced; they have proven to be very successful in promoting good citizenship, the essential value that leads to voting and public service. In every statewide election cycle, schools are solicited to par-ticipate and give their students an opportunity to study real elections and to cast ballots; LPS has its own program; between the two pro-grams up to 80,000 students have participated. Our Honor a Veteran program started in 2008, and now reaches over 200 schools and up to 50,000 students; it is a patriotic assembly of students and veter-ans for students to meet real veterans, to learn about veteran service, and to personally thank the veterans. Capitol Forum is a high school program partnered between Nebraska Humanities and the Secretary of State, and reaches 1500 high school students annually who study American foreign policy. I would continue to promote these excellent programs, and continue to search for other good programs.

State TreasurerCHRISTOPHER COSTELLO (R)No response.

MICHAEL KNEBEL (L)Address: 1334 Hancock Street Bellevue, NE 68005. Web Site: http://www.facebook.com/electmichaelknebel. Age: 10/23/1980. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Happily Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: Graduated Pius X High School in Lincoln in 1998, Political Science major at UNL. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Open Door Mission, Special Olympics, Joplin tornado relief, youth hockey coach, outreach programs through The Market Church, sandbagging during the floods in 2011.

MICHAEL O’HARA (D)Address: 2212 South 64 Plaza #216 Omaha NE 68106. Web Site: http://ohara2014treasurer.com. Age: 2/4/1953. Current Public Of-fice, dates held: Neb. Board of Optometry, 2009 - present. Past Public Office, dates held: OPPD Board of Directors, 1989-1994. Neb. Power Review Board, 1985-1988. Marital Status: Widower. Number of Chil-dren: 0. Education: UNL JD (law); UNL PhD (Economics). Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Pres., Neb. Econ, & Bus. As-soc.; Assoc. of Regulatory Boards of Optometry, Board of Directors, 2012-present; founder, Pro K9 (a 501c3 to get Omaha a dog park); Concord Center, Brd. of Dir. (mediation services) 1999-2003.

DON STENBERG (R)Address: 17617 S. 259th St., Gretna, NE. Age: 9/30/1948. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Treasurer, 2011 to present. Past Public Office, dates held: Attorney General of Nebraska 1991-2003, Legal Counsel to Nebraska’s Governor 1979-1983, Director of the Governor’s Policy Research Office 1979-1980, and Director of Dept. of Admin. Services 1982. Marital Status: Married. Num-ber of Children: 4. Education: Tekamah High School, B.A. Univer-sity of Nebraska – Lincoln, Juris Doctorate Harvard Law School (cum laude), Masters Degree in Business Administration Harvard Business School. Volunteer experience: First Evangelical Covenant Church, State Financial Officers Foundation Executive Committee, Washington Legal Foundation Policy Advisory Board Member, Se-nior Vice President of the National Association of Unclaimed Prop-erty Administrators.

HOW CAN THE TREASURER’S OFFICE BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND TRANSPARENT TO THE CITI-ZENS OF NEBRASKA?

MICHAEL KNEBEL: Information is cumbersome to find on the website at times, and it is not easily readable on certain devices. I do

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applaud the Treasurer’s office for improving transparency over the last few years, but the process to obtain information can still be up-dated. Ways to improve transparency would include doing monthly or quarterly video updates on the website, YouTube, and other plat-forms. My main goal will be to be responsible to you, the residents of Nebraska in providing all the financial information that the Trea-surer’s office deals with and making it easy to read and understand. Many of us now have access to some sort of smartphone, tablet, or computer and we should be updating our site to make the most of the form of communication. I will keep all options open in looking for ways to save the tax payer money, and to make sure all information is available. Libertarians are big on making government more efficient and less intrusive.

MICHAEL O’HARA: First, the current web site has multiple, sim-ple to fix, flaws that prevent easy use by the citizens. Second, the annual newspaper insert for unclaimed property clearly shows the incumbent Treasurer is not proactive in returning money to the citi-zens. For example, easy to find persons (e.g., First National Bank of Omaha) often are listed. Third, the claim forms ask for information that the claimant is unlikely to know: driving away citizens who may rightfully claim. Fourth, improve the asset management by capturing more value streams than the incumbent Treasurer.

DON STENBERG: How can the treasurer’s office become more ef-ficient and transparent to the citizens of Nebraska? Efficiency and transparency are two of my top priorities as StateTreasurer. Over the past three years I reduced the Treasurer’s operating budget more than 14%. Even with that reduced budget, we ended the last fiscal year with unspent cash of $818,372. When I became Treasurer, our trans-parency website, NebraskaSpending.gov, had a D rating from US Public Interest Research Group. In less than three years we raised that rating to a B+ (10th highest in the nation) by making more financial information available online and by making that information more easily accessible. I will continue to utilize improvements in technol-ogy and good management practices to further increase economy, efficiency and transparency in the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

MICHAEL KNEBEL: I’ve worked in the insurance and investment sector since 2007, and for the past two years have worked with TD Ameritrade. I have been on efficiency teams which have located and saved time, money, and hours of productivity. This exposure to the private sector has put me in touch with the economic struggles that face Nebraskans, and has helped me to understand their needs. The past year I have been fortunate enough to be promoted to a team that focuses on educating traders in the market, and helping them un-derstand and meet their financial goals. On a daily basis, I work with top of the line computer technology and software. Two of the main focuses of the office of Treasurer are making sure we have an efficient and multi-faceted state website, as well as providing enough resourc-es and educating for Nebraskans to take advantage of 529 college plans and retirement benefits. I am a highly analytical individual that is extremely motivated to work for all Nebraskans as their Treasurer.

MICHAEL O’HARA: What qualifications and accomplishments make you the best candidate for this position? Both my education and my experience prepare me for the tasks of the office of Nebraska State Treasurer. The Treasurer is custodian of Nebraska’s assets and is the cash manager for the State. Other constitutional offices set the tax rates and other constitutional offices collect the taxes, also other con-stitutional offices make the spending choices. The Treasurer manages the collected cash and the payment of the bills. When I served on the OPPD Board, my colleagues repeated elected me to the office of

Board Treasurer, with oversight responsibilities for all financial ser-vices of that large corporation. Obviously, the State of Nebraska is an entity much larger than OPPD, but the good business practices re-quired of the Treasurer are the same. Efficiency ought to be the prime output of the Treasurer’s office. Economic analysis has efficiency as its prime metric of success. By training and by experience I will be able to provide the citizens with superior service and efficiency.

DON STENBERG: I have reduced the Treasurer’s operating budget by more than 14%, improved the rating of our transparency website from a D to a B+, returned over $25 million in unclaimed property to over 42,000 Nebraskans and former Nebraskans, and increased the assets in Nebraska’s college savings plan by over $1 billion. I have 19 years of state government management experience, including serv-ing as State Treasurer, Attorney General and Director of the Gover-nor’s Policy Research Office. I also have a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

MICHAEL KNEBEL: My first issue is to address our website and mobile site. While I’m happy to see our website has been ranked in the top ten for Treasurer’s offices, there is plenty of work left to do. We need a more intuitive site that gives a cleaner breakdown of the financial numbers. We also need to develop a mobile site, as more Nebraskans are utilizing smart phones and tablets to do business. The second issue is we need to increase the efficiency of returning un-claimed property by looking into some form of enhanced verification that can be done online or over the phone. If we can take a picture of a check and deposit it over the phone, we can verify identity and return property from the Treasurer’s office. The third issue is to focus on expanding options to educate the public on college funding, and retirement, while encouraging private funding solutions. There are more ways to reach your financial goals, and the state should not be viewed as the main source of financial assistance.

MICHAEL O’HARA: Transparency, proactive service, and the triple bottom line are the top three benefits I will deliver to Nebraska’s citi-zens if elected to be their State Treasurer. First, I will make sure Ne-braska’s transparency score increases. Nebraska proudly has some of the very best, in the world, open and transparent government. We ought not settle for a key office to merely be scored as above average. Second, I promise to make the Treasurer’s office more proactive in its outreach. As your Treasurer I will improve the rate of return of unclaimed property. Third, as custodian of Nebraska’s assets I will use and encourage others in State government to use triple bottom line analysis. Doing so will empower Nebraska to capture the maximum value from its many and diverse assets. The triple bottom line use the standard accounting bottom line; and then also tallies the benefits and costs associated with social and environmental transactions em-bedded in those accounting transactions. DON STENBERG: Because the State Treasurer is an administrator, not a policymaker, the most important issue in the race is who has the experience, integrity and leadership to manage the State Trea-surer’s office: (l) in the most cost effective manner; (2) that will be responsive and transparent to the citizens of Nebraska; and (3) that will safeguard public funds. I will continue to work to cut spending, improve our transparency website, return unclaimed property, pro-mote Nebraska’s college savings plan and work to improve the finan-cial literacy of Nebraska high school students.

Attorney GeneralBRIAN BUESCHER (R)Address: 1322 S. 35th Ave., Omaha, NE 68105. Web Site: http://www.brianbuescher.com. Age: 1/16/1975. Current Public Office, dates held: Appointed Member, Nebraska State Records Board (2012-pres-ent). Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 4. Education: Sandy Creek High School, Fairfield, Nebraska; Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science with honors and high distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Juris Doctor from George-town University Law Center, Washington, DC. Volunteer experi-ence: Past Chair, Agricultural Law and Environmental Law Sections, Nebraska Bar Association; Past President, Our Lady of Lourdes Par-ish Council; Past Chairman, Douglas County Republican Party; Ad-visory Board, The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics.

ALLAN EUREK (D)Address: 8931 Whispering Wind Road Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. Web Site: http://www.eurekforattorneygeneral.com. Age: 2/18/1951. Current Public Office, dates held: Not currently holding public of-fice. Past Public Office, dates held: Member, Vice Chairman, State Personnel Board, 1992-1994 Member, Vice Chairman, State Racing Commission 1994-1998. Marital Status: Married to Paula Eurek for over 40 years. She is - an Administrator with the Neb. Dept. of HHS. Number of Children: 1. Education: B.S. U.S. Naval Academy, 1973; J.D. University of Nebraska, College of Law, 1982;Substantial course work completed toward Masters of Public Administration at the Uni-versity of Nebraska at Omaha, 1979. Military experience: U.S. Navy, active duty 1973-1978. Assigned to USS FURER, and later to USS CROCKETT as or second in command. U.S. Naval Reserve 1979-1994. CO of two Reserve units. Retired with rank of Commander, (0-5). Volunteer experience: Fourth Degree Member and past Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus; Board Member and President of Re-tired and Disabled Citizens, Inc; Chairman, Lincoln Housing Advi-sory and Appeals Board; Chairman, Lincoln Property Maintenance Code Task Force.

MIKE HILGERS (R)Address: 508 W. Keating Circle Lincoln, NE 68521. Web Site: http://www.mikehilgers.com. Age: 10/25/1978. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Mar-ried. Number of Children: 1. Education: University of Chicago Law School, J.D. Baylor University, B.S. - Economics. Military experience: N/A. Volunteer experience: I have volunteered for many political causes and for various activities at my church.

DOUG PETERSON (R)Address: Keating, O’Gara 530 So.13 st Lincoln. NE. 68508. Web Site: http://Dougpetersonforag.com. Age: 4/4/1959. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Married 30 years. Number of Children: 3. Education: UNL business Pepperdine University School of Law. Volunteer experience: Past Volunteer and Bd member Big Brother Big Sister of the Heart-land; Chair Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Board; Fellowship of Christian Atheletes State Bd. Member and legal counsel; City Impact Board Member.

PETE PIRSCH (R)Address: 2315 Nelson’s Creek Drive, Omaha, NE 68116. Web Site: http://petepirsch.com. Age: 10/28/1969. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator, 01/2007 to present. Past Public Office, dates held: Trustee, SID #337, 08/2005 to 12/2006. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 4. Education: Bachelors Degree, Uni-versity of Virginia, 1992. Law Degree (JD), University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1997. Master of Business Administration (MBA), University

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of Nebraska - Omaha, 2005.. Volunteer experience: Gov. Dave Heine-man appointed me to Early Childhood Task Force, 2011-2013. Mike Johanns appointed me to Crime Commission with Attorney General, 2003-2007. Boy Scouts Volunteer, 2003-2006. Big Brothers Mentor, 1998-2005. Lifelong Church Volunteer.

JANET STEWART (D)No response.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PRIORITIES AS ATTORNEY GENERAL?

BRIAN BUESCHER: As Attorney General, it will be my first priority to uphold the laws of Nebraska and defend Nebraskans from violent criminals. I will also make it a priority to provide expert assistance to county attorneys across Nebraska charged with prosecuting viola-tions of the law. I will make it a priority to fight Obamacare and over-reaching federal regulations that infringe on the rights and liberties of Nebraskans. The federal government more than ever is overreaching its authority by issuing regulations and taking enforcement positions which are beyond statutory and constitutional limits. I will also make it a priority to reform the so-called “good time” law so that repeat, vi-olent offenders are not be eligible for “good time” reductions on their sentences. At the same time, I will take the lead on addressing prison overcrowding. We must consider alternative means of punishment for certain nonviolent offenders rather than lengthy incarceration.

ALLEN EUREK: 1. Continue my efforts to make the office more non- partisan and professional. I supported legislation to do this in the past but it was vetoed by Governor Johannes. The first step is to keep my promise not to seek other public office while I am Attorney General. The past two incumbents have run four campaigns for the U.S. Senate, and one for Governor. Such attempts create pressure to provide opinions that are skewed to be more politically popular than legally sound, and have led to unnecessary participation by Nebraska in expensive headline grabbing litigation on federal laws. Filling cam-paign coffers at taxpayer expense just has to stop.2. Protect the natu-ral resources of this State by advocating a careful balance between current uses for economic growth and good stewardship for future generations.3.Protect the rights of the unborn from further infringe-ment. 4. Review regulations to insure compliance with legislative in-tent. Over regulation is a form of tax.

MIKE HILGERS: 1. Fight back against the Obama Administration’s power grab. Whether it is the unlawful implementation of the em-ployer mandate in Nebraska, the EPA’s actions targeting our agricul-ture industries, or the IRS’s unlawful actions, the Obama Administra-tion has threatened our freedoms. I will strongly fight back on behalf of Nebraskans against the federal government. 2. Help keep our com-munities safe. I will work to ensure that our county attorneys, troop-ers, and sheriffs have the resources they need to do their jobs well. 3. Lower the cost of the agency and work to provide that money -- your money -- back to you, the taxpayer. Attacking inefficiencies in a large, bureaucratic industry (the legal industry) is what I do in my day job running my law firm. I will bring that same energy and commitment to cut cost of the Attorney General’s office. There are other important priorities -- protecting our water rights, hunting internet predators, and others -- that I will focus on also.

DOUG PETERSON: The Nebraska Attorney General is the lead law enforcement officer for the State. I would use to use my 28 years expe-rience as a trial lawyer, including two years as a Deputy County Attor-ney in North Platte, and three years as an Assistant Attorney General under Bob Spire, to strengthen the law-enforcement efforts across Nebraska. My first priority is to protect the “Good Life” of Nebraska by keeping all of our community streets safe. I would also prioritize

protecting Nebraska from Federal overreach. The recent administra-tion has been very aggressive in how they use Federal Regulations to impose restrictions on small businesses and agriculture operations. When Federal authorities think they care more about protecting our land or water then those who have stewarded their land for several decades, the Attorney General has the ability to challenge that over reach. Finally, I would strengthen laws on Human/Sex trafficking. Young children in Nebraska must be protected.

PETE PIRSCH: I will fight Obamacare and other federal efforts that illegally harm Nebraskans. In the legislature, I joined Governor Dave Heineman, in leading the the fight against Obamacare’s expansion in Nebraska.I will fight illegal attempts by extremist groups outside Nebraska to harass Nebraska Agriculture. I fought such groups two years ago with my Constitutional Amendment preserving Nebraskans’ right to hunt and fish. I am proud to have been recognized as a “Friend of Agricul-ture” by the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

I have dedicated much of my career to protecting our children as a long-time Criminal Prosecutor, as a member of the Nebraska Crime Commission, and as a State Senator. As a State Senator, I worked with Attorney General Bruning to pass key legislation that protects children from internet sex predators. As Attorney General, I will use my unique experience to continue to protect children and the vulner-able in our society.

WHAT, IF ANY, CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE TO NEBRASKA’S GOOD TIME LAW?

BRIAN BUESCHER: As Attorney General, I will take immediate ac-tion to work with our state legislators to introduce legislation which eliminates “good time” sentence reductions for repeat, violent offend-ers. As a former domestic violence prosecutor, I prosecuted several defendants with pages of convictions and arrests for violent offenses. Many of these violent offenders were entitled to receive “good time” reductions on their sentences. This must stop. I believe the “good time” law should be changed so that criminals who repeatedly com-mit violent offenses are not eligible for “good time” at all, and instead are required to serve their full sentences. Although “good time” should not be available for repeat violent offenders, we must consider alternative punishments for nonviolent offenders to ease prison over-crowding. We should expand use of monitoring devices and proba-tion programs to hold the convicted accountable if released before their sentence is completed.

ALENN EUREK: Judges imposing sentences have always been cogni-zant of good time. They are aware of the amount of time to be served, regardless of the good time formula, and are best qualified to balance all the factors necessary to meet the State’s interests, which are pub-lic safety, deterrence, just punishment, and rehabilitation. They will consider good time in sentencing, despite any changes. I am not a proponent of legislatively imposed mandatory sentences, which lead to harsh and unjust results. I believe the proposed change to good time is the wrong remedy for the real problem, which is the release of mentally ill and dangerous criminals who have completed their sen-tence. We need to recognize that a rejection of an insanity defense, is not always accurate, and that mental illness can occur or become exaggerated during incarceration. I prefer mandated evaluation of mental illness before release and during parole and mental commit-ment rather than release of the dangerous.

MIKE HILGERS: The good time law does not ensure that violent criminals remain in prison for the length of time sentenced. Unjus-tified early release can pose a danger to our communities and our families. I believe that the Governor and Attorney General Bruning

are on the right track in proposing a change to make “good time” be “earned time.” We ought to ensure that our prison officials have the tools to provide incentives for good behavior, but reduction to sentences ought to be “earned,” not handed out. I would support that change to the current good time law.

DOUG PETERSON: For criminals sentenced for violent acts, any good time reduction must only be based on only actual earned merit. One day reduction for good time based on simply being in the jail does not make sense. It must be based on actual behavior and at-tempts at rehabilitation that warrant a reduction on time served.

PETE PIRSCH: As a Criminal Prosecutor for nearly a decade, my job was to get violent criminals off the street and behind bars. Protecting the public will be my top priority as Attorney General. To do this, changes must be made to Nebraska’s current Good Time law. Violent offenders should not receive “good time” sentence reductions auto-matically. These violent criminals in our prisons should have to earn any sentence reductions. As a State Senator, I have co-sponsored a bill this session (LB 832) that is supported by Governor Dave Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning to remedy this. The bill would eliminate automatic reductions in the lengths of prison sentences of violent offenders who continue to demonstrate violent behavior. Vio-lent offenders would have to earn sentence reductions, if any, with good behavior.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

BRIAN BUESCHER: Besides those listed above, the three most im-portant issues I want to address are: Government Waste The vast majority of state employees are honorable public servants. However, some government employees have stolen thousands from state re-sources. I will prosecute state employees who knowingly misuse pub-lic funds for their own benefit. Defend Water Rights I will make it a priority to aggressively defend Nebraska’s water rights. Both rural and urban areas in Nebraska need adequate supplies of clean water. As an attorney, I have personally been involved in representing clients and the State of Nebraska in major water disputes. As Attorney General, I will aggressively defend Nebraska’s water rights. Consumer Protec-tion and Identity Theft Consumer scams and identity theft are ma-jor problems facing Nebraskans. I will focus considerable attention to finding and prosecuting those who scam or steal the identities of vulnerable Nebraskans, particularly the elderly.

ALEN EUREK: 1.There is a growing aggressiveness and general dis-respect of others in our society resulting in more criminal prosecu-tions for murder, rape,domestic violence, assault, road rage, etc. We will not solve this problem by building more prisons, but by taking greater preventative action. My office will participate in and encour-age community outreach and mentoring programs to provide lec-tures and instruction about the tragic impacts of criminal acts on both the perpetrator and the victim 2. This age of ever increasing technological advances has caused a quantum increase in schemes to defraud. Prosecution of consumer protection actions will be a high priority of my office. 3.There continues to be fraud waste and abuse in State government entitlement programs, such as Medicaid fraud, fraudulently obtaining state benefits, tax evasion and others. The laws already in place must be enforced to prevent this waste and dissipa-tion of tax payer money.

MIKE HILGERS: 1. Fight back against the federal government. 2. Work with our county attorneys, troopers, and sheriffs to give them the resources they need to do their jobs well. 3. Work to reduce the cost of the state agency and work with the legislature to return that

19VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

money back to taxpayers.

DOUG PETERSON: 1) Strengthen support for the enforcement of our criminal laws across all Nebraska Counties. 2) Strengthen our protections from Federal regulation overreach, both on business and individuals. 3) Develop stronger human/sex trafficking laws and the enforcement of those laws to protect children.

PETE PIRSCH: I would fight against federal attempts to encroach upon Nebraskans’ rights. This would include fighting Obamacare mandates, efforts to encroach upon religious liberties, efforts to en-croach upon Second Amendment rights, and unwarranted regula-tion of Nebraska agriculture and industry. I would work to ensure that the current “good time” law is changed so that violent offenders who continue to engage in violent behavior are not given sentence reductions and released onto our streets. I would use my unique ex-perience as a Criminal Prosecutor, member of the Crime Commis-sion, and State Senator, to manage prison overcrowding issues in a way that does not jeopardize public safety.

Auditor of Public AccountsLARRY ANDERSON (R) Address: 4415 N 1st Street Apt 45 Lincoln, NE 68521. Web Site: http://www.AndersonAuditor.com. Age: 12/30/1987. Current Pub-lic Office, dates held: n/a. Past Public Office, dates held: n/a. Marital Status: Engaged. Number of Children: 0. Education: Bachelor’s De-gree in Accounting - University of Nebraska Lincoln. some Graduate hours in Accounting - Chadron State College. Military experience: 1st Lieutenant Nebraska Army National Guard 1195th Transporta-tion Company Kearney, NE. 2007 to current.. Volunteer experience: 5K run fundraisers, Keep Nebraska Beautiful activities, tutoring in accounting.

CHARLIE JANSSEN (R)No response.

AMANDA MCGILL (D) Address: 930 Mahoney Dr. Lincoln, NE 68504. Web Site: http://amandaforauditor.com. Age: 3/21/1980. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator 2007-2015<. Marital Status: Single. Edu-cation: Bachelors Degrees in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Volunteer experience: None.

WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS THAT EXIST WHEN COMPLETING AUDITS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND HOW WOULD YOU

ADDRESS THEM?

LARRY ANDERSON: The most important issue my office is cur-rently facing is the wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars. Our job as auditors is to keep legislature and the public informed on how their money is being spent through the audits we conduct. When we find mistakes, we want everyone to know, because it’s their right to know. Keeping the pressure on State Agencies will result in better account-ing practices to be established at the lower levels, saving money and preventing waste.

AMANDA MCGILL: The biggest barriers are the size of govern-ment and a lack of cooperation from those being audited. Govern-ment dollars are spent in so many ways, especially in large depart-ments like Health and Human Services (DHHS), that it is difficult to prioritize which programs to investigate for the biggest misuse of money. Through my eight years as a state senator, I have built trusting relationships throughout state government and will use those rela-tionships to identify problems and target those areas. I also feel the

auditor’s office could work in a more collaborative manner with the agencies being audited. No one looks forward to an audit, however, it is important that there is a trust relationship between the office and the agencies being audited. There should be trust that the goal is not to make headlines or advance a political agenda rather to make sure money is not being misused and embezzled.

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO FIND AND ELIMINATE WASTE IN NEBRASKA’S GOVERNMENT?

LARRY ANDERSON: One of the greatest challenges will be to get the Department of Health & Human Services back up to par where they need to be. The misspending of tax dollars at DHHS is costing Nebraska taxpayers millions. The wasteful spending needs to stop and we need better safeguards in place to prevent future problems. Constant oversight of this large agency is a definite must when plan-ning for the future.

AMANDA MCGILL: I will follow the lead of Auditor Mike Foley to continue inspecting DHHS piece by piece, using the relationships I have built in state government to identify budget holes and target those areas. I will also put new emphasis on waste within the depart-ment of corrections. I will work collaboratively to help agencies better understand and implement best practices to ensure money isn’t being misused. As a non-profit Executive Director, I worked with auditors to improve best practices and make our financial books more trans-parent. Agencies and political subdivisions should see their Auditor as someone who can help them do their jobs better and not as some-one who is out to get them. I will also work in cooperation with the Legislature to conduct performance audits and make sure the ben-efits of state programs are worth the cost. And finally, I will take a closer look at government contracts.

WHAT IN YOUR BACKGROUND SHOWS THAT YOU ARE QUALI-FIED TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THIS OFFICE?

LARRY ANDERSON: Having prior experience in the State Auditor’s office is just one quality that makes me a qualified candidate. I audit the State’s financial information on a daily basis which makes me very familiar with how the process works, and how it could be improved on. Some might be surprised to learn that while working for the State Auditor’s office requires an accounting background, being the State Auditor does not have any accounting requirements. Furthermore, being trained as an Officer in the Army, leadership is the backbone of what we do. We are trained to handle high demand and high pressure situations and to stand up for what’s right.

AMANDA MCGILL: During my eight years as a state senator, I have seen firsthand the waste and mismanagement in our government. When problems arise, like the failed privatization of foster care, I have been a leader in developing and passing reforms. I have worked across party lines to pass a broad range of reforms impacting the DHHS. My bills have improved best practices, provided better sup-ports to vulnerable children aging out of foster care, and improved access to mental health services in rural areas. I’ve passed laws crack-ing down on human trafficking, incentivizing citizens to open savings accounts and guided many meaningful pieces of legislation through the Urban Affairs Committee. I know what it’s like to be the victim of embezzlement. My former boss at a non-profit misused thousands of agency dollars. As State Auditor, I will use what I’ve learned from this experience to protect our state every day from criminal activity.

LegislatureDISTRICT 4

MATT BUTLERNo response.

BOB HILKEMANN Address: 17515 Douglas Street Omaha, Nebraska 68118. Web Site: http://votehilkemann.com. Age: 11/23/1947. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: Chairman, Nebraska Board of Health 1986-8. Marital Status: Married. Number of Chil-dren: 3. Education: High School - Randolph Public High Randolph, Ne. College - Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Ne Professional School - Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine Chicago, Illinois Resi-dency - New Berlin Memorial Hospital - New Berlin, Ws. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience:None. Served on numerous non-profit boards and church. Provided numerous free foot screen-ings for multiple groups and organization. Spoke to various groups on foot health Volunteer clinician for UNMC Family Practice Resi-dency.

STEVE HOWARD Address: 16617 Harney St. Omaha NE 68118. Web Site: http://ste-vehowardforlegislature.com. Age: 9/30/1962. Marital Status: Married for 25 years. Number of Children: 3. Education: Creighton University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1985 Juris Doctor, 1987. Volunteer experience: Nebraska State Bar, High School Debate, Youth Sports Coaching, Moot Court, Parks Cleanup, Neighborhood and Non-Profit Volunteer Experience.

NICHOLAS PESTELLONo response.

STACY RYANAddress: 640 North 159th street Omaha NE 68118. Web Site: http://www.stacyryanforlegislature.com. Age: 4/24/1957. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 4. Education: Bachelor of Fine arts, University of NE Lincoln Juris Doctor Creighton University School of Law. Volunteer experience: I volunteered at Phoenix Academy, a non-profit private school. I helped start and organize the Tinsel Trot, a 5K run and fundraiser for the Diabetes Education Center. Fund-raising for Skutt Highschool.

DISTRICT 6

PAUL ANDERSONAddress: 6626 Cuming Street Omaha, NE 68132. Web Site: http://Anderson4Legislature.com. Age: 7/3/1953. Current Public Office, dates held: none. Past Public Office, dates held: none. Marital Sta-tus: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: Trade-Diploma WCC 1977 Metro Community College-current. Military experience: Ret. Navy Reserve Veteran, Logistical Supply Petty Officer Second Class Mobilized for Iraq 2004, Hurricane Katrina 05 Honorably Dis-charged Various decorations and awards. Volunteer experience: VA Hospital, American Red Cross, Salvation Army.

JONI CRAIGHEADNo response.

PATRICIA HANNANAddress: 8141 Farnam Dr. #428 Omaha, NE 68114. Marital Status: Single. Number of Children: NA. Education: Duchesne Academy, Creighton University Bachelors Degree, University of Nebraska Mas-ters Degree. Military experience: N/A. Volunteer experience: Active volunteer with youth and the elderly, former member of the Board of

20 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

Medicine and Surgery (State of Nebraska).

JUSTIN SPOONER(D) Address: 816 S 129 AVE, Omaha, NE 68154. Web Site: http://www.justinspooner2014.com. Age: 7/9/1990. Marital Status: Single. Num-ber of Children: 0. Education: Bachelors of Arts in History and Politi-cal Science; UNL Non-Degree seeking student; The George Wash-ington University Non-Degree seeking student; Boston University. Volunteer experience: High School Youth Group Adviser; B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Youth Basketball Coach; Jewish Community Center.

JOHN STALNAKERNo response.

GEORGE WESTPHALNo response.

DISTRICT 8

GWENN ASPEN Address: 445 N. 61st St. Omaha, NE 68132. Web Site: http://www.voteaspen.com. Age: 8/13/1981. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Married to Jeremy Aspen. Number of Children: 2. Education: BS, University of Michigan. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA volunteers represent abused and neglected children in the court system. I have represent-ed children through CASA for the past 3 years.

BURKE HARRAddress: 1307 North 54 Street. Web Site: http://burkeharr.com. Age: 10/13/1971. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Sena-tor. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: Creighton Prep 1990. St. Thomas 1994, University of Notre Dame School of Law 1998. Military expe-rience: None. Volunteer experience: Jesuit Volunteer Corp, Project Harmony, Creighton Hilltoppers.

DISTRICT 10

BOB KRISTNo response.

DISTRICT 12

JOSEPH HERING Address: PO Box 27979 Ralston NE 68127. Web Site: http://vote-4hering.squarespace.com/. Age: 7/28/1967. Marital Status: Divorced. Number of Children: 0. Education: Associates of Arts Legal Studies, Bachelors of Science Business Administration, Master of Arts Man-agement.

GREG HOSCH Address: 6406 S. 150th Street Omaha, NE 68137. Web Site: http://www.greghosch.com. Age: 8/30/1951. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: AAS Degree - Computer Science 4.0, Nationally Accredited Racing Steward. Military experience: U. S. Army - 1969-1971 Honorable Discharge. Volunteer experience: National Board of Directors - (TRA)Thoroughbred Racing Asso-ciations, KWAA Redskins Organization, Quakes, Sizzle & Nebraska Slugger Girls Softball Associations.

MERV RIEPE Address: 6232 South 79th Circle Ralston, Nebraska 68127-4270. Web Site: http://www.VoteRiepe.com. Age: 7/16/1942. Current Public Of-fice, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital

Status: Married. Number of Children: 1. Education: Bachelor’s de-gree, business finance, University of Nebraska at Omaha. Master’s degree, health policy & management, University of Iowa. Military experience: US Navy, Hospital Corpsman. Volunteer experience: Boards: Outlook Nebraska, Inc., Omaha Symphony, Nebr. Wesleyan Univ., Children’s Square USA, Chamber of Commerce (CB) & Boy Scouts (Golden Eagle Dist., Mid-America Council). Other: United Way, Rotary, church finance & capital campaign committee.

DISTRICT 18

CHAD ADAMSNo response.

BRETT LINDSTROM Address: 15075 Fowler Ave. Web Site: http://www.votelindstrom.com. Age: 3/23/1981. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: History Degree from the University of Nebraska. Vol-unteer experience: youth coaching/mentoring.

J. MICHAEL TESARAddress: 11109 Laurel Circle Omaha, NE 68164. Age: 7/30/1946. Past Public Office, dates held: Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Omaha 1973 to 2008. Marital Status: Married to Sharon VonTersch Tesar for 40 years. . Number of Children: 5. Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration University of Nebraska Lincoln 1968 Juris Doctor Creighton University 1972. Military experience: United States Army 1968 to 1970 First Infantry Division Vietnam 1969 to 1970. Volunteer experience: Knights of Columbus.

JOE VAUGHNAddress: 15015 Sprague Street Omaha, NE 68116. Web Site: http://votevaughn.org. Age: 8/31/1977. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Single. Number of Children: 1. Education: Graduate of the Connecticut Culinary Institute. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Open Door Mission, Share Our Strength.

DISTRICT 20

LAURA BAUMGARTNER Address: 12515 Bartels Dr Omaha, NE 68137. Web Site: http://vote-laura2014.com. Age: 6/18/1988. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Single. Number of Children: 0. Education: Bachelors Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha. Military experience: N/A. Volunteer experi-ence: Vice-President, Old Millard Neighborhood Association. Oma-ha Women’s Fund Committee Member.

JOHN MCCOLLISTER Address: 8010 Hickory Street Omaha, NE 68124. Web Site: http://www.votemccollister.com. Age: 4/29/1947. Current Public Office, dates held: Not currently serving in public office. Past Public Office, dates held: Metropolitan Utilities District (1979 -2008 -five terms) Board Chair in 1983, 1988, 1993.. Marital Status: Married 43 years. Number of Children: 3. Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / University of Nebraska - 1971. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Exec Board and former Council Com-missioner, Mid America Council BSA, Countryside Church Food Pantry, Countryside Church Foundation Board Chair, Former Board Chair, Amer. Diabetes Assn. – NE / Iowa, Former Board Member, Community Health Charities.

MATT LATHROPAddress: 2320 S. 116th Street Omaha, NE 68144 Website: lathropfor-legislature.com Age: 3/12/1966 Current public office held: None Past public office held: None Marital Status: Married Number of Children:

4 Education: B.A., Creighton University 1988; J.D., Creighton School of Law 1991 Military experience: none Volunteer experience: I have volunteered as a soccer coach; service committees for my church; underwriter for my neighborhood 4th of July party; board member and past president of my state professional organization for 22 years.

WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE TO THE PRES-ENT TAX SYSTEM, IF ANY, AND WHY?

DISTRICT 4BOB HILKEMANN: My first real memory of taxes was when as a young boy the angst my father felt when, even with a Republican gov-ernor in office, the state sales tax began in Nebraska. No one wants to, but we all know we need to pay taxes. We also think the “other person” is in a better position to pay those taxes. I would like to be a part of a legislative body that is able to create an equitable and fair tax system across this state. We need to look at the exemptions (are they still necessary), we need to reform the income and property taxes so all Nebraskans can enjoy tax relief and have a tax structure that encourages a pro growth environment for our state.

STEVE HOWARD: Property taxes are outpacing inflation. They ought not be the sole source of revenue. We must reform our prop-erty tax system in a way that does not result in short term cuts to education and includes sustainable long term stability. A simpler and more efficient tax system will serve all Nebraskans. For most Nebras-kans, filing their returns should not be a chore and taxpayers should be assured that they pay their fair share and only their fair share. I further support phasing out the state tax on Social Security benefits.

STACY RYAN: I would lower both corporate and individual income taxes as well as eliminate the inheritance tax. Nebraska needs to be competitive to attract businesses, expand the tax base and keep un-employment low. I would also consider lowering and capping prop-erty taxes. These taxes are the 6th highest in the country and prevent people from coming to Nebraska and staying.

DISTRICT 6PAUL ANDERSON: Reduce the Property, income, and sales taxes, of the citizens of Nebraska and increase the taxes of tobacco and liquors and such luxury taxes. This is not a penalty but it does reflect your ability to stiffen off the necessary tax expenditures of the Nebraska citizen.

PATRICIA HANNAN: The State of Nebraska should not tax Social Security and retirement pension income. The State also, needs to retain senior citizens with their fixed incomes and younger skilled workers by reducing or eliminating personal property taxes and fees in the State of Nebraska. Educated employees and low taxes are necessary for a thriving economy. Other tax issues that need to be investigated are the issuance of excise and occupation taxes as well as governmental fees. Both need to be examined for their usefulness and need.

JUSTIN SPOONER: Nebraskan’s property taxes are rising at a faster rate than inflation. We must take action to stem the effects of this devastating fact to our local economies. Uncontrollable local tax rates slow our economy and take money from the pockets of hard-working homeowners. As a State Senator, finding a solution to this growing concern will be of high priority to me.

DISTRICT 8

GWENN ASPEN: I think our tax system should be lower, fairer and flatter. Nebraska is a high tax state, which limits growth, and makes Nebraska less competitive as a destination for businesses, young fam-ilies and retirees. Specifically, the legislature needs to work diligently

21VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

with local governments and school districts to lower property taxes while delivering good services. Nebraska property taxes are some of the highest in the region. At the state level, the legislature must work with the new governor to control state spending and lower income taxes.

BURKE HARR: I was privileged to sit on the Legislature’s Tax Mod-ernization Committee last year, which was tasked under Legislative Resolution 155 with reviewing and evaluating the state’s tax laws and making any recommendations to update or “modernize” the revenue system. Whether it was from listening to testimony during my trip around the state or meeting with constituents and business leaders, it was clear Nebraskans need tax relief. Nebraska needs to lower taxes for hard-working taxpayers, but it should be a responsible plan with a focus on long-term goals and something we can afford to maintain. I will introduce a study this session which will examine ideas on how to provide property tax relief to all Nebraskans.

DISTRICT 12JOSEPH HERIG: I would work with other Senators to reduce taxes where we could and spend more responsibly to reduce taxes needed to be levied.

GREG HOSCH: The Legislature studied the tax system extensively over the past year and will not likely implement many of the pro-posed reforms during the short session this year, so I anticipate we’ll face those options in the first session after the fall election. First, I will support those changes to the Homestead Exemption that expand eli-gibility so we reduce the property tax burden on retired Nebraskans. I will also support reform efforts to address the income tax burden we place on retirees in Nebraska. A generation that helped build our community and state should be able to retire in dignity. Our over-all tax efforts should be influenced by a desire to reduce the reliance on property taxes by the agencies of local government, particularly schools. A robust and fair system of increased state aid to schools will deliver direct property tax relief to homeowners and businesses.

MERV RIEPE: Taxes are high in relation to border states. The level of taxes are driven by demand for new or expanded services and the cost to deliver those services. Explore how tax revenue is being spent and look for needless duplication in expenses. Establish needed cash reserves (“rainy-day funds”) based on standards of financial rating agencies. Review all taxes concurrently as a decrease in one may mean an increase in another tax and one should not be unilaterally adjusted at the expense of another. My prefered taxes to reduce are on Social Security and military retirement to keep seniors in Nebraska.

DISTRICT 18

BRETT LINDSTROM: We have been fortunate to have a Governor who is committed to lowering taxes and I am humbled to receive Governor Heineman’s endorsement. I look forward to continuing that fight for the taxpayers of Nebraska. We need to focus on lower-ing the state income tax and keeping Nebraska affordable for retirees so they will stay here as opposed to moving to tax-friendly Arizona, South Dakota, Texas, or Florida. This starts with getting rid of the social security tax as Nebraska is one of only a few states that taxes seniors. We need to get rid of the Veteran pension tax which is unfair to our brave men and women.

J. MICHAEL TESAR: Adjustment of rates for inflation is a sound policy.

JOE VAUGHN: I believe there are numerous opportunities to im-prove our present tax system. To begin with, I would like to see So-cial Security and Military Retirement exempt from Income taxes. We should increase state aid to education in order to lower property

taxes. In regards to current proposals on lowering income taxes, if approved the top 20% of wage earners throughout Nebraska would benefit more than the bottom 40%. I would work to create proposals to improve the tax system so it would instead benefit the bottom 40% of wage earners.

DISTRICT 20

LAURA BAUMGARTNER: Overall, revenue from taxes should be diversified, and predictable because of the important community structures that they support in Nebraska. Nebraska’s income brackets should be adjusted to keep pace with the rate of inflation. Property taxes must be part of any tax reform solution, and any changes to the property tax law must be transparent. I am a proponent of tax-payers in the 20th. The state has to act in concert with local govern-ments. I want to see our state implement an actual property tax cut, not a tax shift. I also agree with refraining from taxing individuals and married couples who live on a fixed income (i.e. Social Security) under 30k and 37k/year. Preserving the grocery sales tax exemption is important to the quality of life for our lowest income families. One change I would consider advocating for is the film credit. It shouldn’t be exorbitantly generous, but I support having some sort of incentive to promote Nebraska’s landscapes.

JOHN MCCOLLISTER: Nebraska implemented a statewide sales tax in 1967 and an income tax in 1968. Since that time, Nebraska has be-come a high tax state. 1. According to the Tax Foundation, Nebraska has the 15th highest income tax rate in the country with a rate of 6.84 percent. Secondly, Nebraska’s state and local governments collected approximately $1,566 per person in property taxes, which ranks 14th highest nationally. 2. The Kiplinger Report says Nebraska is among the Ten Worst Retirement States. The Cornhusker state is only one of 5 states that fully tax social security benefits. 3. Nebraska has the 7th Highest Automobile Licensing tax. Slowly but surely, lawmakers need to reduce the tax burden on Nebraskans by careful spending prioritization and hold-the-line budgets. As revenues increase, sub-stantial tax relief will be possible.

MATT LATHROP: The Nebraska tax system needs to prioritize community safety and education of all Nebraskans. These priorities include law enforcement and first-responders; we need to support and strengthen our educational programs from pre-K to the com-munity college and university systems.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ALLEVIATE PRISON OVER-CROWDING IN NEBRASKA?

DISTRICT 4

BOB HILKEMANN: By all means we have to keep bad persons in prison and protect society from them. That said, we need to look at ways that we can effectively rehabilitate and control non-violent criminals without incarceration. Also, we need to look at programs, such as the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, a non-profit organi-zation that has been effective in lowering the rates of recidivism in Texas.

STEVE HOWARD: With prisons filled beyond capacity, the time has come for construction of a new facility, built by Nebraska labor, using as much Nebraska materials as reasonably possible, and de-signed to facilitate necessary and adequate rehabilitation, pre-release screening and careful consideration of those inmates being released versus those who are not ready to return to society. We need to bet-ter evaluate which individuals would live productive and law-abiding lives versus those that are likely to re-offend and constitute a threat to Nebraskans. There is no one size fits all on these critical issues and no system will be absolutely perfect. However, that does not mean we should not strive for perfection.

STACY RYAN: I would support a comprehensive plan that involves mental health facilities and releasing some non violent offenders. Repeat offenders would be one exception to release. I would also support prevention by reviewing juvenile detention for non status offenses. Children who are treated like criminals for non criminal offenses are more likely to become criminals as adults.

DISTRICT 6

PAUL ANDERSON: I would develop a legal task force to review the violators in the prison system, review those with non- violent sen-tences that are not three time offenders, develop a transitional reha-bilitation program that allows them to reenter the civilian sector and retrain for their productive success in the working class community. Set up a required short term probationary period to insure the effec-tiveness of their transition.

PATRICIA HANNAN: This issue of prison overcrowding needs to be addressed with the evaluation of prisoners and the reason they are in prison. Many of the prisoners have mental health issues and they are in prison to receive health treatment and lodging. Also, renovation and utilization of other no prison facilities could remedy overcrowd-ing by providing needed social services and training for a cost of liv-ing job to support the prisoner. There is also a need for evaluating the type of laws which are increasing inmate populations; and determine if hard time laws are helping or hindering society in solving prison overcrowding.

JUSTIN SPOONER: Right now our state is sitting at nearly 158% percent prison overcrowding. According to the Omaha World Her-ald, we risk federal intervention. This is a problem for which our state desperately needs a solution. I believe that we must find a way to re-invest in our state’s prison program and find lower cost alternatives to simply building more prisons. We must accept that trite approaches to rehabilitation of prisoners fail to prepare inmates for life after pris-on. A focus on improving prison conditions will have the effect of reducing crime. If inmates are prepared for life after prison, they are less likely to become repeat offenders. We also need to educate our youth in ways that will prevent them from committing crimes in the first place. If we are to find a solution to this problem we need to be preventative not reactionary.

DISTRICT 8

GWENN ASPEN: First, we need to be sure that violent offenders are not allowed to automatically receive good time, and are not allowed out of prison early, where they can serve a threat to the public. Nikko Jenkins was clearly a menacing and violent person, and should never have been released. Our good time law should thus be reformed or repealed to protect the safety of the public. We should investigate better, less expensive ways to rehabilitate non-violent, non-repeat of-fenders. We should closely at the results of the pending study of the issue, as well as successful programs from other states. Public safety is an issue that we all care about, regardless of party. I look forward to working with all senators in the legislature to find solutions to this problem, always putting public safety first.

BURKE HARR: Building more prisons is not the answer. We need to get to the root of the problem and that is prison should be for our members of society. We need to look no further than Nikko Jenkins to see how our criminal justice system needs an overhaul. We must make sure that our society is protected, but we must also make sure that this population is being rehabilitated. Mental health and sub-stance abuse treatment need to be included in every treatment plan. We also need to exhaust all options before we send non-violent of-fenders to prison. It will provide community-based alternatives to

22 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

incarceration to non-violent, first time offenders, and provide educa-tion-based, family-centered rehabilitative services.

DISTRICT 12

JOSEPH HERIG: Work to establish alternative sentencing guidelines for lesser sentences.

GREG HOSCH: We need prison reform that ensures our most vio-lent offenders are not released prematurely and based only on an arti-ficial clock designed in part to relieve overcrowding. The relief should come at the other end of the spectrum, using Drug Court, work re-lease and supervised probation for lesser offenders. Right now, I don’t believe we can give good grades to a system that has put violent, re-peat offenders back on the streets of our communities after they have served half their sentences. The cost of these policies is measured in human tragedy, and the lives of innocent victims. By the same mea-sure, politicians have not served the best interests of taxpayers by cre-ating mandatory minimum sentences for lesser, non-violent crimes that are not committed against victims. Taxpayers simply cannot af-ford to continue building new prisons and paying the costs of hous-ing an ever-growing population of non-violent inmates.

MERV RIEPE: The state has consultants (Justice Center of the Coun-cil of State Governments) studing the problems and will recommend best-practice options. The cost to construct new facilities is multi-plied over many years in operating costs to warehouse prisioners. Now is the time to explore community-safe alternatives to incarcera-tion and promote rehabilitation. Violent offenders should not be eli-gible for parole.

DISTRICT 18

BRETT LINDSTROM: We need to do a better job of rehabilitating criminals that are incarcerated for lesser, non-violent crimes and in-tegrate them back into the community. The prison reform conversa-tion has to start with reforming the good time laws so that violent criminals do not get released early, but serve their full sentence. Our brave members of the law enforcement community should not have to use their limited resources to arrest the same people over and over due to early release.

J. MICHAEL TESAR: It is important to provide adequate counseling for mental health problems and drug abuse to inmates so as to reduce recidivism; job training and a program to ensure meaningful em-ployment to those released on parole is a productive form of rehabili-tation. Most people sentenced to prison for nonviolent crimes have prior convictions that resulted in probation so increasing the above services at the condition of probation is an obvious strategy. Finally, we must realistically acknowledge and anticipate that construction of more cells may be necessary

JOE VAUGHN: The short term, quick solution to alleviate prison overcrowding would be to reduce mandatory sentences for non-violent crimes. I believe the long term solution would be to invest more in education in poverty stricken areas where crime is prevalent as opposed to building more prisons. I see this is as major issue and our government is investing in prisons instead of the prevention of potential criminals. We need to start conversations in government on new ways of crime prevention and rehabilitation.

DISTRICT 20

LAURA BAUMGARTNER: I am proud of the work that the Judi-ciary Committee has done this session. I agree with the measures that have been put forth, including easing the vastly overcrowded prison population by working to reduce recidivism, heavier focus

on increasing access to mental health programs, and diverting non-violent offenders to community based programs. Also increased pro-bation and supervision coupled with support via vocational training will help offenders re-enter society. I believe these programs can be started while the offender is incarcerated. I would rather spend tax-payers’ hard earned dollars on these initiatives than building a new prison, or spending money putting repeat offenders back through the penal system.

JOHN MCCOLLISTER: The overcrowding situation in Nebraska’s state prisons is intolerable. While Nebraska state prisons bulge at the seams, counties have space available to relieve the overcrowding at very modest cost. The situation can be easily rectified, but the state must assure counties that reimbursement will be forthcoming. The state’s record in the past has not been good. Secondly, the State needs to better prepare inmates for re-entry into society. It isn’t enough to give a former inmate $100 and best wishes; these men and women need education and training to enable them to make a living and sur-vive outside the correctional system. The re-entry should be phased in with close monitoring, support and counseling over a period of time.

MATT LATHROP: Many of the inmates in our prisons are non-vio-lent offenders. While these individuals certainly require punishment for their crimes and services for correction or rehabilitation, locking them up when they do not pose a threat to the community is not sen-sible. A more robust program of probation, work release, and house arrest reduce costs as well as free up or prisons for violent criminals and those who most threaten our communities.

WHAT EXPERIENCE AND PAST SUCCESS QUALIFIES YOU TO SERVE AS A NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR?

DISTRICT 4

BOB HILKEMANN: I was raised on a farm in Northeast Nebraska (Randolph) and continue to be a part of that interest. I began my ca-reer as a high school teacher and coach in a small town in Nebraska (Table Rock). As a small business man I grew my professional prac-tice from a small neighborhood office to a citywide practice. I have had to meet the needs of patients and employees, so I understand the challenges and rewards of being a small business man. As a health care professional, I will bring 37 years of experience of delivering health care and working with people from all walks of life. There are presently no licensed health care professionals serving in the legisla-ture, I will bring real time experience when it comes to discussion of health and medical related issues, in addition to all the other issues facing the legislature.

STEVE HOWARD: I am a husband and father of three wonderful children. As a small business owner whose father was himself a small business owner and owner operator of a family trucking ran out of the family home, I know the value of a dollar and the meaning of hard work and dedication. I am so fortunate to have received a great public through high school followed by successful completion of Creighton University’s 3-3 business-law program. I have extensive experience in the Nebraska Legislature through testimony in committee and work-ing with senators on legislation important to Nebraskans. I have rep-resented working families and know first hand the impact legislation has on the quality of their lives. My career and life experiences have prepared me to hold office and I am honored with the broad based support of individuals in the public and private sectors.

STACY RYAN: I have a varied background. I worked in my father’s business helping grow it from the ground up. I understand the sac-rifices and hard work required to succeed in small business. With a background in sales and certification in mediation I believe I can

work with people who have different points of view. I have advocated for the education of my children especially my son who had some medical and educational challenges. I attended law school later in life and have been involved in a wide range of legal research provided to area professionals. I founded an educational website about the Ne-braska judiciary helping voters to be better informed. I continue to stay involved by volunteering my time as an advocate for those in the court system. This work provides me with what I call “down in the weeds” insight. Small business experience, pursuing the best educa-tion for my children, a law degree and advocating for transparency in government, qualifies me to serve as a Nebraska state Senator.

DISTRICT 6

PAUL ANDERSON: As a retired military veteran that has resided in the state of Nebraska for the past 40+ years, I have involved myself in the works of the growth and upward success of Nebraska. I am con-nected to the people of Nebraska, their concerns and needs. I have been and currently vote on the issues that address these concerns for the preservation of the culture that we have come to love as a Nebras-kan. I have run for offices that would reflect the image of the people and when elected will duly support who the people of Nebraska are. My qualifications are reflected in my consistent and constant efforts to insure that “we the people” of Nebraska are not lost in the democ-racies and haggles that cause our concerns and issues to fall through the cracks.

PATRICIA HANNAN: I believe I am the most qualified person for this position with a strong educational and professional work back-ground. My professional experience includes an extensive career in education, judicial, and legislative administrative support. My work experience involves strong management and organizational skills, legal knowledge, and computer skills to support a variety of individu-als including legislative committees, constituents, school/university administrators, state agencies’ personnel, judges, and government officials.I currently have a Nebraska K-9 Teaching certificate and a Nebraska Media Specialist certificate with actual teaching experienc-es ranging from kindergarten learning disabilities to college. My pro-fessional experience also includes work for the legislative committees of: Business and Labor, Urban Affairs, and Intergovernmental Coop-eration Committees as well as handling legislative constituent work. I would use my experience to work for the citizens of Nebraska.

JUSTIN SPOONER: I served Nebraska by working for United States Senators Ben Nelson and MIke Johanns. I have the unique experi-ence of working in the Nebraska Unicameral as a Legislative Page. I am active in philanthropy, the community, and public service. I have served as a Lancaster County Deputy Registrar and spent time as the Government Liaison Chairman for the University of Nebraska Lin-coln students.

DISTRICT 8

GWENN ASPEN: I began my career in the healthcare industry, and supported my family while my husband Jeremy and I launched CPM Realty, a successful property management company. As an entrepre-neur and small businesswoman, I believe that the best course to job creation is ensuring that vibrant, dynamic small businesses have the freedom to innovate, grow, and hire. I have also served as an active community volunteer and advocate for abused and neglected chil-dren. I have spent the last three years as a court appointed child ad-vocate with Omaha CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). In 2013, I was awarded the Healthy Homes Star Award by the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, a local non-profit organization. My experi-ence in the private sector, in our philanthropic community, and as the mother of two, has helped me understand the day to day challenges facing our families, communities, and business owners.

23VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

BURKE HARR: I currently have the honor and privilege of serving as a Nebraska State Senator.

DISTRICT 12JOSEPH HERIG: I have worked in and studied Public Administra-tion. I have done well in being a part of and leading teams in resolv-ing issues of complex natures. My experience, education, and desire fill me with confidence that I will serve Nebraska well if elected.

GREG HOSCH: A state senator’s primary challenge is to prioritize the use of limited resources. We should not continue to raise taxes unless we first have done all we can to wisely manage our existing revenues. In some industries, costs are out of control and increased overhead is routinely passed on to the consumer. That model doesn’t work in my profession, and I have a record of meeting challenges with great success. At Horsemen’s Park, I led our business through the impacts of a national recession, the implementation of an enter-tainment tax and the implementation of a smoking ban. In all cases, we worked to retain our fair share of the market, keep our finances strong and deliver a quality entertainment value for our customers. I’m proud to say we did that without ever laying off employees. There is value to being a job provider and a good corporate citizen in the community and I have a strong faith I’ll bring those qualities to my service as a Nebraska state senator.

MERV RIEPE: Life as a farm boy, Navy veteran, undertraduate and graduate student, husband, parent, grandparent and worker. Work included 30-plus years at Bergan Mercy Hospital and Children’s Hospital. Leadership roles (coo, interim ceo & medical group presi-dent) included accountability for policies, planning, million-dollar budgets, contracts and relationship management. The keys to good outcomes in complex hospitals and the Unicameral are trust, knowl-edge, experience, mutual respect and courage.

DISTRICT 18

BRETT LINDSTROM: As a former Husker, I understand the impor-tance of teamwork in achieving a common goal and will work with my fellow Senators to find the best solutions for issues facing Nebras-ka. My career is in finance and I know how to work a budget. I am uniquely qualified to find ways to continue to ensure that Nebraska is on stable financial ground for our generation and our kids. I will find ways to pay for things that are vital for our communities to prosper as well as cut the fat where it is needed. One of my commitments is to make sure that Nebraska is a destination state for America’s best and brightest as well as making it an attractive place for seniors to retire.

J. MICHAEL TESAR: Thirty-five years as a prosecutor enforcing the statues of Nebraska concerning criminal law and procedure and arguing to the courts of Nebraska about the interpretation of cases written by the Supreme Courts of the United States and the State of Nebraska qualifies me as a person who will provide a critical analysis of proposed legislation. My four years teaching Criminal Justice in colleges in Omaha gives me familiarity with practical problems en-countered by police and other public safety employees. Furthermore, the need to compromise in resolving cases has important applica-tions to negotiations about bills pending in the legislature. My service in Vietnam and the fact that I have lived in the district I seek to repre-sent, my three grandchildren currently also live in the district, for 40 years provide me with the vision for examining any introduced laws for the long range welfare of the my home neighborhood.

JOE VAUGHN: What experience and past success qualifies you to serve as a Nebraska state senator? I am a working class individual, not a lawyer, wealthy politician or other high income earning individual removed from every day struggles that the majority of Nebraska fac-

es. I understand the burdens our citizens carry each and every day because I as well must deal with these realities. I do not trust our cur-rent politicians to vote with the best interest of those they represent but instead with the best interest of the size of their campaign fund and subsequently their reelection. My experience, concern, and how I will vote for those I represent qualifies me to be a Nebraska state senator.

DISTRICT 20

LAURA BAUMGARTNER: I’m a proud life-long Nebraskan, and a product of Nebraska’s educational system, from George Norris Ele-mentary to the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Like Senator George Norris, I too believe in an independent style of governing. That’s what I’ll bring to the Legislature. I’ve been a volunteer with numerous area non-profits, from Lutheran Family Services, Omaha Women’s Fund, ModeShift Omaha, and I’m also the Vice-President of my neighbor-hood association. I am working on re-purposing a blighted part of my neighborhood. I am committed to lifting the quality of life, ex-panding our tax base, and attracting new businesses to our neighbor-hoods in the 20th District and across the state. I’m running to serve taxpayers, by making state government work better for all Nebras-kans. I pledge to look for ways make projects more efficient, reduce-

waste, and foster an innovative culture, right here in Nebraska.

JOHN MCCOLLISTER: My education, three decades on the MUD Board and 40 years as a small business owner give me a leg up on the other candidates. In addition, my experience as the Executive Director of the Platte Institute has been very instructive on the need to keep government at all levels accountable, effective and mission driven. My wife and I have lived in the district for over three decades and raised a family here. We are active in our church and were ac-tive participants in Boy Scouts and the schools our children attended. My wife owned and operated two retail toy stores in the area and we understand the value of community involvement. I love Omaha and want to make our community and state a better place to live and work.

MATT LATHROP: I have been an attorney for 23 years. This experi-ence has given me exposure to the process of making laws and the constitutional framework for the legislative process. I have watched and followed the legislature closely for the past 20 years. I have served as a legislative committee member for my professional organization for the past 20 years. This activity allowed me to gain experience in drafting legislation, following specific legislation, testifying on behalf of or in opposition to legislative proposals, and finally meeting with Senators and/or their staff in order to explore, negotiate and draft leg-islation and amendments and work out compromises between and among various interests and constituencies. I am currently a small business owner. I have all of the responsi-bilities of payroll, personnel, billing, paying bills making contracts, hiring contractors, paying insurance and managing office equipment and supplies.

Natural Resource District BoardSUBDISTRICT 2

NO RESPONSE.

SUBDISTRICT 4

JOHN CONLEY (R) Address: 1011 S 91 Cir; Omaha, NE 68114. Web Site: http://None. Age: 3/27/1935. Current Public Office, dates held: Director, Subdis-

trict 4, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources (NRD) 1999 to pres-ent. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married to Peg (Hellner) Conley. Number of Children: 3. Education: B.S. Iowa State, Industrial Engineering. Additional courses at U. of Wisconsin in ground water hydrology and water well design and construction. Military experience: U. S. Army, Lt. Signal Corps 1960-1962; Four years Active Army Reserve 1962-1966. Attained the rank of Captain. Volunteer experience: Loveland Golden K Kiwanis Past Secretary and Past Treasurer; Omaha Concord Club Past President; Omaha Airport Ambassador-retired; Past President of the Westgate, Sunset Hills and Westside Middle School Booster Clubs; Boy Scout Troop 407.

BARBARA NICHOLSNo response.

SUBDISTRICT 6

JIM THOMPSON (D) Address: 1001 S. 35th Ave. Omaha, NE 68105. Age: 1/1/1951. Cur-rent Public Office, dates held: Director, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, 2002 - Present. Past Public Office, dates held: Di-rector, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, 1997-1998. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: Bach-elor of Science - Business Administration, Univ. of Minnesota. Vol-unteer experience: Leavenworth Neighborhood Assn., Destination Midtown, Nebraska State Recycling Assn., Keep Omaha Beautiful, Paralyzed Veterans of America, First Lutheran Church, Grover Little League.

SUBDISTRICT 8

TIM FOWLER (R)No response.

JIM KUSEK (R)Address: 6406 South 102 Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127-5410. Age: 11/2/1947. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Of-fice, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married (forty years) Wife-Linda. Number of Children: 3. Education: BSBA - University of Nebraska at Omaha Masters Degree in Public Administration - Uni-versity of Nebraska (Lincoln). Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: United Way, YMCA, Creighton Prep.

STEVE ROBERTSON (R)No response.

OUTSIDE MEMBERNo Response

WHAT SHOULD BE THE RELATIONSHIP OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS WITH THE NRD BOARD?

SUBDISTRICT 4

JOHN CONLEY: This is a non-issue created by a small group which opposes flood control reservoirs. The Board has had no developer relationships in at least the past 15 years, nor should it. Staff is re-sponsible for identifying sites needed for land acquisition. The NRD holds public hearings on projects were land is to be acquired. The Board appoves land acquisitions. Most of the land in Douglas and Sarpy Counties which has development potential is under the con-trol or ownership of developers. Once a reservoir is constructed, the nearby area becomes attractive for developers to build homes. The NRD’s long range plans are public information. The NRD needs to acquire flood control and water quality sites prior to the area being

24 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

developed and/or the NRD staff needs to work with developers in the planning process so that the needed sites are taken into consideration before homes and streets are built in the areas where a flood control reservoir is needed.

SUBDISTRICT 6

JIM THOMPSON: The developers should realize that it is important to control water quality and quantity for their projects. Since the NRD has no zoning authority, we can only review and offer recommenda-tions to those entities that allow the development, i.e., the cities and counties where the projects are located.

SUBDISTRICT 8

JIM KUSEK: Developers should be treated no different than anyone else!

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR LOW IMPACT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN THE MET-RO AREA?

SUBDISTRICT 4

JOHN CONLEY: Low impact practices are an integral part of the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership Plan, which I support as the most viable vehicle for getting flood control and water quality im-provements built in the metro area. The Partnership, consisting of communities, counties and the NRD, also plan to develop regional water quality and flood control measures partly financed through new development fees. Much more is needed to meet the growing needs of the area. Low impact storm water management is an impor-tant component because it helps capture the first runoff which carries the most potential contaminents. I have voted in favor of the NRD providing grants for demonstration projects of rain gardens and per-vious pavement. Low Impact stormwater management is most feasi-ble when done along with development of an area. Future long-range maintenance committments are essential for low impact methods to remain viable in capturing runoff.

SUBDISTRICT 6

JIM THOMPSON: It is a small Band-Aid to the bigger problems we face. There are no amount of rain barrels nor rain gardens to hold back the water during an unusual event.. Green roofs is another ex-ample of low impact development. Although they look nice, the mini-mal collection of water during a major event does not justify the cost and maintenance. With all the existing concrete and asphalt we must plan on water detention structures to hold back the deluge.

SUBDISTRICT 8

JIM KUSEK: My vision is that low impact storm water management is a very important part of overall flood control.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISH-MENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

SUBDISTRICT 4

JOHN CONLEY: My honesty, integrity, and related experience along with no criminal history make me the best candidate for NRD Direc-tor. I support goals and objectives of the NRD while maintaining fis-cal responsibility to the taxpayers. My experience as MUD’s manager

of engineering plus 15 years on the NRD Board as both Treasurer and Chair of the Programs, Projects & Operations Subcommittee give me knowledge to make sound decisions. I understand the NRD’s finan-cial needs and voted to keep the tax levy essentially flat for 8 con-secutive years. I challenge NRD management and staff to justify their recommendations. I was licensed as a grade 1 Nebraska Water Plant Operator for over 30 years which gives me an understanding of the issues challenging the NRD’s several rural water systems. I believe I have served the taxpayers well over the past fifteen years, and I would like to continue to do so. I realize that as a NRD Director, I work for you, and I have no obligations to any other organization.

SUBDISTRICT 6

JIM THOMPSON: Having a business background allows me to ana-lyze the budget, contracts, and personnel issues effectively. My natural concern for the environment further helps to guide and direct the NRD on the proper path. Serving on the Board for 14 years has given me the experience to make the right decisions on behalf of the citi-zens in the District.

SUBDISTRICT 8

JIM KUSEK: See Below. Education Master of Public Administration (MPA), University of Nebraska 1983* Bachelor of Science (BSBA), University of Nebraska at Omaha Adjunct Business Professor, Creigh-ton University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Metropolitan Com-munity College and North Harris (Texas) College 1984-2005 Indus-try and State Awards/Citations Executive Summary Thirty-five years of municipal marketing, planning analysis, and project development experience in the electric and natural gas industries at MidAmerican Energy, NMPP Energy and the Omaha Public Power District. Held numerous technical and managerial positions in the areas of market-ing, rates, cost of service, regulatory affairs, competitive analysis, gas supply, finance and municipal marketing with Northern Natural Gas Company.

Metropolitan Utilities District BoardCHRIS ANSELL (R) Address: 8623 North 28th Ave Omaha, NE 68112. Web Site: http://www.reasonablelawncare.com. Age: 11/4/1984. Marital Status: en-gaged. Education: Metropolitan Community College Accounting & Horticulture. Volunteer experience: Member of Kiwanis & Board Member at North Omaha Commercial Club.

TIM CAVANAUGH (R) Address: 2677 S. 191st Circle. Age: 1/17/1956. Current Public Office, dates held: M.U.D. Director 15 years. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Divorced. Number of Children: 1. Education: Master of Science, Crim. Just/Pub. Admin./ UNO B.S. Crim. Justice/ UNO Attended Law School at Creighton Graduate FBI National Academy. Military experience: Unfortunately, none. Volunteer expe-rience: President-elect Downtown Rotary. Member 11 years Durham Museum Society Board Member-Omaha Sports Hall of Fame.

GWEN HOWARD (D) Address: 5512 Howard Street. Age: 6/26/1945. Past Public Office, dates held: Elected State Senator 2004, re-elected 2008. Marital Status: Widowed. Number of Children: 2. Education: Benson High School Hall of Fame, Midland College bachelor’s degree, University of Ne-braska Master of Social Work. Volunteer experience: Friends of the Library, active with various neighborhood associations.

KELLY KOEPSELL (R) Marital Status: Married. Education: I hold a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. I am presently enrolled in UNO’s Master of Pub-

lic Administration degree program. Military experience: Disabled veteran. Volunteer experience: School lunch volunteer, SID trustee, church elder.

DON KROUPA (R) Address: 12241 Nicholas Street Omaha, NE. 68154. Web Site: http://Kroupains.com. Age: 7/11/1940. Past Public Office, dates held: Elect-ed to 3 - 6 year terms on the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) Board.1976 - 1994. Elected Chairman of the Board for three years. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: South High School, University of Nebraska Omaha. Military experience: 6 months active duty, 8 years Army Reserves, 403rd Military Police.

MIKE MCGOWANNo response.

WHAT STEPS CAN MUD TAKE TO ENSURE THAT NATURAL GAS AND WATER RATES CONTINUE TO BE AMONG THE LOWEST IN THE MIDWEST?

CHRIS ANSELL: I would start and already have been reviewing the budget. Looking at where money is being spent from wages, union benefits, private contracts, debt servicing and infrastructure replaced projects. There are many areas that need review and changes need to be made. I will do my research and bring new ideas to the board for votes ensuring that MUD can stay in a positive position by 2015 without raising rates. I think we can save money on contracts with private contractors. Keeping a close eye on how the CHG stations due and make adjusts as need based on profits.

TIM CAVANAUGH: Continue to encourage purchasing gas when the price on the market is low and then storing it for use in peak months. Involvement in natural gas consortiums like CPEP, offers op-portunities for savings not available to privately held gas companies. Besides offering some of the lowest gas and water rates in the U.S., we strive to make M.U.D. a model for customer service, as well. Intro-duction of a new information system allows the District to operate more efficiently, so that service is enhanced, but resources are better directed and used to offer operational savings. Prudent investment in infrastructure replacement allows consumer costs to be spread over a 30-year term so that the impact is lessened on the household budget. Expanding our compressed natural gas market for vehicles will help to increase load which keeps overall gas costs low to consumers.

GWEN HOWARD: We need first to ensure MUD remains a public utility, run by an elected board that is responsible to ratepayers. More on that in the third question. I believe ratepayers should find it easier to know what decisions are being made by the board, and will sup-port measures to bring greater transparency to MUD, such as posting video recordings of board meetings online. As a board member, I will work to ensure we meet our obligations annually, so the district does not again suffer a reduced credit rating, which adds costs to financ-ing projects. Three of my opponents were part of the old practice of pushing rate increases to non-election years. In addition to impacting finance costs, this results in spikes that pose a difficult budget chal-lenge both for small businesses and homeowners. Finally, I will ask more pointed questions to ensure private contracts are delivering ser-vices at a competitive price, and listen to innovative proposals from ratepayers for improved delivery of services.

KELLY KOEPSELL: MUD must continue its efforts to modernize, and thus increase its sustainability efforts. For the safety and pocket-books of customers, it is imperative that MUD proceed with efforts to increase its capability to provide customer’s needs with an eye to-ward increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of physical and administrative waste.

25VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

DON KROUPA: Look at each department budget and keep a close look at all spending.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR MUD IN THE NEXT DECADE?

CHRIS ANSELL: Infrastructure replace projects on both the water and gas lines. Under funded Pension & health care costs along with large employee raises which are way higher then industry standard. Debt servicing is high due to bonds issue to help with infrastructure replace costs. Although the interest is low on these the cost this year alone is 16.9 Million.

TIM CAVANAUGH: Continuing to meet and exceed ever changing clean water drinking standards of the Federal Government, while re-placing aging infrastructure.

GWEN HOWARD: There are two primary challenges to the district. The largest is really not controlled by MUD, but the utility must bill for the costs of the unfunded Federal mandate forcing the City of Omaha to undertake an expensive and extensive update of the city combined sewer and water treatment system. This is beyond the di-rect control of the MUD board, but I will work with City officials to encourage green solutions and other potential cost-saving measures are considered, and with our state and Federal officials to pursue any relief to the costs and timeline of this massive project. At the district level, we also have to replace aging water and gas infrastructure, and I’ll work to ensure these projects are managed by MUD in the most cost-efficient manner. Competitive rates for gas and water service are a benefit to ratepayers and also a key factor in economic development that attracts new and better jobs to Omaha.

KELLY KOEPSELL: The most important issue for MUD at this time is its viability as a public entity. Placing control of MUD into the hands of a corporation’s board is not the correct future for this great public service.

DON KROUPA: Keeping gas and water supplies available and con-tinue to strive to keep the lowest gas and water rates in the Midwest. We need to continue to work with the City and Federal governments on the Sewer Separation Project for gas and water.

SHOULD MUD BE PRIVATIZED? WHY OR WHY NOT?

CHRIS ANSELL: Privatizing MUD would take control out of the hands of the rate payers. I believe in the long run raising rates for everyone in the district. MUD is a non profit organization private corporation have share holder’s they need to pay and show large prof-its to. Also Senator Lautenbaugh’s bill would give the money to fund the city’s pension problems instead of staying within the company. For all those reasons I oppose privatizing MUD.

TIM CAVANAUGH: Absolutely not. We enjoy a huge advantage over our privately-owned counterparts because we do not have to factor in a profit component. Take a look at the areas around Omaha that have privately owned gas suppliers and examine what the con-sumers are paying for their service. It is MUCH higher. Plus, as noted above, because we are publicly-owned, we are eligible to enter into consortiums of outside public gas companies to take advantage of quantities of scale gas purchases and storage. Water is the most basic need for human survival. Do we want to trust it to a private firm that may go bankrupt? How about if the Chinese purchased our water de-livery system? What if Enron had owned our gas distribution system? Ownership should not be relinquished by the rate-payer owners.

GWEN HOWARD: MUD should not be privatized. As a former State Senator, I offered testimony this year in the Legislature against a proposal to sell our public gas and water services to private inter-ests. That legislation was rightly defeated in committee. I am the only candidate in this race with legislative experience, and that could be critical to fend off future special interest legislation. Just as my earlier warnings that privatization of child welfare would not deliver cost savings proved true, I believe taxpayers would not be winners in any effort to privatize our utilities. I believe elected officials are better motivated to put the public first. At MUD, our only driving interest should remain providing natural gas and safe drinking water to cus-tomers at the best possible rates.

KELLY KOEPSELL: No. MUD is precious entity to its customers, stakeholders and especially the citizens. Allowing the control of the functions aptly carried out by MUD at present to be put into the hands of a corporate board is not the correct answer for MUD’s fu-ture.

DON KROUPA: No. As a public utility we can focus on keeping the lowest rates for our customers. We do not have to be concerned about making a profit for the stockholders.

Omaha Public Power Distict BoardSUBDIVISION 1

NO RESPONSE.

SUBDIVISION 2

MATTHEW CRONINNo response.

JEFF LUX (D) Address: 2135 South 38th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105. Web Site: http://www.jefflux.org. Age: 4/14/1971. Current Public Office, dates held: Appointed Deputy Douglas County Attorney, 2001 to 2003 and then 2007 to Present. Past Public Office, dates held: Appointed Assistant Nebraska Attorney General, 2003 to 2006. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: Creighton University, JD Degree with Honors, 2000. Creighton University, BA Degree in Political Science, 1994. Creighton Prep, Graduated with Honors, 1989. Graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes School, 1985. Military experience: Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, Judge Advocate Gen-eral Corps, 2003 to 2012. Earned 2 Meritorious Service Medals and 2 Army Commendation Medals among others. Graduate of Judge Ad-vocate General Officer Basic Course. Volunteer experience: Volun-teer at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and School since 1997. Member of the Metro Area Graffiti Abatement Group since 2012.

ANN MCGUIRE(D) Address: 200 South 31st Avenue #4600 Omaha, NE 68131. Web Site: http://annemcguireforoppd.com. Age: 9/7/1951. Current Public Of-fice, dates held: Director Omaha Public Power District Board Elected 1996. Re-elected in 2002 and 2008. Past Public Office, dates held: see above. Marital Status: Married 41 years. Number of Children: 4. Edu-cation: B.S.N. Creighton University, MSN Nursing St. Louis Univer-sity, Certificate in Business Creighton University, Spirit of Creighton Award. Military experience: None, Husband active and reserve duty in Army, Daughter Megan served in Navy for 4 years.. Volunteer ex-perience: CURRENT: GESU Housing Board, Children’s Physicians Board, Creighton Jaybackers Board & Past President. PAST: Creigh-ton Univ. Alpha Sigma Nu Alumni Jesuit Honor Society President, Cathedral Comedy and Cuisine Chair, Jesuit Partnership Board Member.

BILL SOLENo response.

LAVERNE THRAENAddress: 4728 cass st Omaha Ne. Age: 11/27/1961.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR FUTURE ENERGY SOURCES FOR OPPD?

JEFF LUX: Safety. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) closed Fort Calhoun Nuclear Plant because of numerous safety vio-lations brought to light by the 2011 flood. I will fight to ensure that management’s failures which allowed these safety violations to pile up will not be repeated. Safety has to be priority #1 when dealing with nuclear power. Natural Gas. We need to convert some of the coal fired units at OPPD’s North Omaha plant to cheaper and cleaner burning natural gas. We keep the option to burn coal when necessary but use cleaner sources of energy like natural gas which means less legal li-ability on OPPD and us in the future. Renewable Energy, Wind. Har-ness wind energy by public/private partnerships where landowners get rent and we get a clean and renewable form of energy. Nebraska is the Saudi Arabia of wind energy. OPPD’s jurisdiction spans from Washington County just north of Omaha all the way south to Rich-ardson County at the Nebraska Kansas border. Let’s use the wind!

ANN MCGUIRE: A diverse generation mix of environmentally sen-sitive energy resources: natural gas, wind, solar, clean coal plants. By 2018 OPPD will have 33.4% renewables, 30.5% coal & 34.9% nuclear. With the nuclear power factored in, 64% of OPPD’s annual net sys-tem requirements will be supplied from carbon-free sources, which makes OPPD a leader in the region. A North Omaha plant decision must be made on whether to close down, refuel to natural gas or ret-rofit with emission controls. Public is asked to participate in decision via OPPDlistens.com. I will listen to their responses. Presently I pre-fer to refuel North Omaha with natural gas and retrofit Nebraska City 1 coal plant with state of the art emission controls in a manner that will not effect rates or jobs. Solar power is also a priority as costs are declining and interest is increasing.

LAVERNE THRAEN: 1.Radical building efficiency 2.Renewable en-ergy distributed.Radical building efficiency results in lower energy bills, lower pollution and the reduction of poverty. New windows, doors, and insulation improves the longevity of the city’s building stock and is the least cost option for OPPD. For every kilowatt of coal you save at the end-user you save 10 kilowatts of coal at the power plant. After you have reduced energy consumption by 60 to 80 per-cent, distributed renewables is the least cost option. Distributed re-newables, are passive solar heating, active solar energy, small scale wind, full cells. Having renewables on the buildings eliminates the waste in distribution by 90 percent.

WHAT CAN OPPD DO TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES TO BECOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT?

JEFF LUX: First of all, OPPD needs to be properly managed so we are not paying for management’s failures. A properly managed OPPD means lower rates and money back in the ratepayer’s hand where you can decide to personally invest in energy efficiencies for your home or business. Next, we need to implement an energy savings package similar to our neighbors in Lincoln, already in use by their public power district. This package would allow you to upgrade your home or business with approved energy saving equipment and products. These could be insulation and weather stripping to solar powered at-tic fans and high efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners. Then you choose from an approved listed of trusted contractors and you

26 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

pick the bid that works best for you. The contractor sends all the pa-perwork to OPPD. You don’t have to charge it on your high interest credit card. You pay for these upgrades monthly, at low or no interest on your OPPD bill. This is Public Power working for you!

ANN MCQUIRE: OPPD has made great strides but more can be done. Low income households need more assistance insulating their homes to decrease energy bills. A new community wide cooperative reenergize program needs to be developed with OPPD leading the ef-fort. Past efforts have not been effective. www.OPPD.com. has a new Road to Energy Savings area with an energy savings guide, electric use calculator, light bulb guide. In addition, OPPD has Energy Advisors who can personally assist customers with their questions by phone or email. Also new is energy management and budgeting workshops for seniors, disabled and low income. The OPPD Speakers bureau had 200 presentations this year & partnered with area libraries on 5 public presentations. OPPD has tripled it’s demand side reduction goal of 50MW with a 158MW reduction due to programs such as the residential AC management, refrigerator recycling, commercial lighting, energy star & Home Energy Rating System Programs. My New Goal:100MW reduction by 2002.

LAVERNE THRAEN: OPPD needs to invest in Nega-watts. New window doors and insulation reduces building consumption by 60 to 80 percent. A direct investment in the improvement of building efficiency would reduce OPPD’s costs and risks. It’s just less expensive to not use energy then it is to use energy. Micro-Grids will allow busi-ness to lease their roofs for selling a clean solar energy resource, along with creating a new cash flow for homes and business’s.

WHAT INNOVATIONS DO YOU FAVOR FOR OPPD’S FUTURE?

JEFF LUX: As a felony prosecutor, I hold people accountable every day. I have the skills necessary to stop the excessive corporate mindset entrenched at OPPD and make management accountable to us, the ratepayers. This is what the OPPD Board of Directors is supposed to do in the first place. We need to roll back executive pensions, bo-nuses, and perks and make OPPD more transparent and account-able. Nebraska is ranked 4th in wind energy generating potential. We need to harness our wind energy to create local jobs and add a safe renewable energy source to our portfolio. As a former Army Officer, we were trained to plan for the worst, but work for the best outcome. The same is true with our energy infrastructure. We need to invest in smart energy grid technology which allows each energy grid to be controlled separately or run together. This makes sense when dealing with natural disasters (tornadoes, floods) or national security issues.

ANN MCQUIRE: Because of my leadership, OPPD’s renewable goal of 10% by 2020 has been far surpassed. OPPD will have 33% of the electricity it sells to retail customers coming from renewable energy by 2018. Now is the time to increase sustainability programs. As not-ed above more needs to be done especially in middle and low-income neighborhoods. To achieve this, more money needs to be shifted into sustainability efforts. Presently green energy donations and 1% of our rates go toward renewable and sustainable efforts. OPPD sells green tags in the market to other utilities who need to reach their renew-able portfolio goal. This green tag income will increase as more wind power goes online. The income from the green tag presently goes into the general fund. IDEA 1. The green tag income should be directed to sustainable innovations i.e. solar, energy efficiency, i.e, insulation. IDEA 2. The new OPPDListens stakeholder effort should be used to prioritize sustainable projects the customer-owners value.

LAVERNE THRAEN: Changing OPPD’s business culture from sell-ing electricity to selling electrical service. IE warm showers and cold beer. If OPPD provided lighting, heating/cooling services, efficiency

would be the only way to reduce 75 percent of the cost of those ser-vices. OPPD needs to invest in the distribution network creating an energy net allowing individuals to upload clean energy to the electri-cal grid as easily as uploading videos to internet today.OPPD could create a new energy market. Allowing energy generators to sell energy to the grid for a fee, allowing consumers to buy clean energy. OPPD should close the Fort Calhoun Nuclear power plant, the coal plants and any dirty fuel system they currently own. Allow-ing private business’s to generate energy while OPPD is the market place where we buy and sell energy. This would eliminate risks for OPPD’s public owners.

Metropolitan Community College BoardDISTRICT 1

JUDY DOMINA No response.

MIKE JACKSON (D) Address: 700 Skyline Drive Elkhorn, Ne 68022. Age: 10/15/1944. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: Creigh-ton Prep - University of Nebraska B.S Education. Volunteer experi-ence: Nebraska Crime Commission- Children’s Home Society Board- Goodwill Board- Meyer Rehabilitation Institute- Red Cross Disaster Relief Officer- Nebraska Dept. of Health Standards- Commission on Aging Omaha- Omaha Air Pollution Control Board.

PHILLIP KLEIN (R)No response.

KELLY KOESPEL No response.

NEAL NORNEY (R) Address: 5682 south 122nd Street Omaha, NE 68137. Age: 6/6/1973. Marital Status: Unmarried. Number of Children: 0. Education: Creighton Prep Graduate. University of Nebraska at Omaha - Bach-elor of Science degree. Bellevue University - pursuing a Master’s De-gree in Management Science.. Volunteer experience: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Holy Name Men’s Club.

DISTRICT 2

BRAD ASHBY (R)Address: 9836 Seward St. Omaha, NE 68114. Age: 2/15/1963. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Married, 23 years. Number of Children: 2. Education: University of Nebraska at Omaha, Computer Science. Military expe-rience: 4.5 Years USAF Retired Nebraska Air National Guard.

LARRY BRADLEY (D)Address: 6068 Country Club Oaks Place Omaha, NE 68152. Web Site: http://www.bradleymcc2014.com. Age: 3/24/1964. Past Public Office, dates held: Papio-Missouri NRD 2008-2012. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: B.S. Biology, B.S. Ge-ology, UNO. M.A. Biology, UNO. Ph.D. Geography, UNL. Minor Native American Studies.. Military experience: Veteran. U.S. Army. 1982-1986. Honorable Discharge. Cold War Veteran. Volunteer ex-perience: Commander of local veteran’s post. American G I Forum-Omaha Chapter. Marshall, Ancient Order of Hibernians-Father Fla-nagan Division. National Board Member of SER-Jobs For Progress National Inc.

DAVID NEWELL (D) Address: 7165 Mormon Bridge RD Omaha, NE 68152. Web Site: http://davenewell.org. Age: 10/14/1946. Current Public Office, dates

held: Board of Governors Metropolitan Community College, Dis-trict 2 2002 to Present. Past Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator 1977 to 1985 District 13 Omaha/Douglas Co. Marital Status: Married Arlene Paider Newell 1974-. Number of Children: 2. Educa-tion: Associate of Arts - Norfolk Junior College 65-67 Bachelor of Sci-ence in Education - UNO 1969-71 Graduate Work in History - UNO. Military experience: Drafted U.S. Army 1967 Service in Viet Nam Honorably discharged 1969. Volunteer experience: Board Member League of Conservation Voters. Sierra Club Mo Valley Group Omaha Clean Energy Coalition Habitat for Humanity.

CORNELIUS WILLIAMS (D)Education: Omaha Central High School Stanford University, BS in Physics Texas A&M University, MS in Physics Michigan State Uni-versity, PhD in Physics. Military experience: None.

DISTRICT 3

JIM MONAHANNo response.

JIM TREBBIEN (R)Address: 15906 Military Rd Bennington NE. Marital Status: Married to Patty for 28 years. Number of Children: 3. Education: Mankato State College, Mathematics and Sociology. Metro Community Col-lege, AAS Culinary Arts. Military experience: US Army. Volunteer experience: Mentor at Metro Community College Have personally assisted many people with financial needs, or repair jobs.

DISTRICT 4

TERRI ALBERHASKY (D) Address: 8031 State St, Ralston, NE 68127. Age: 10/30/1962. Mari-tal Status: married. Number of Children: 1. Education: Metropolitan Community College, AAS - Business Management with Honors; Bellevue University, BS with Professional Distinction; Creighton University School of Law - Juris Doctor. Volunteer experience: Boys Town, St Gerald Catholic Church, Bergan Mercy, Douglas County Democrats.

KARA EASTMAN (D) Address: 4808 Davenport St. Omaha. NE 68132. Web Site: http://karaeastman.com. Age: 11/6/1971. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 1. Education: BA in Sociology from Pitzer College MSW from Loyola University of Chicago. Volunteer experience: Appointed member to Mayor’s Fair Housing Advisory Board Board member of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Volunteer consultant for Aqua-Africa.

AT LARGE

ALEC GORYNSKI (D)Address: 3516 Poppleton Ave, Omaha, NE 68105. Age: 10/24/1984. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 1. Education: Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha; Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Peru State College. Volunteer experience: Family Housing Advisory Ser-vices Board of Directors; Omaha 100 Board of Directors/board chair; Bank on the Heartland steering committee; past co-chair Juvenile Justice and Provider Forum; past Advisory Committee Activate Omaha; past mentor Goodwill.

ROB HUGNo response.

27VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

JON TUCKER (R) Address: 2422 N 100TH ST Omaha, NE 68134. Web Site: http://jon-tucker.com. Age: 9/6/1966. Marital Status: Married. Number of Chil-dren: 4. Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Volunteer experience: Vice President of Brookhill Country Club, Webmaster for Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop, 2nd District Chairman Nebraska Republican Party.

WHAT ROLE DO EDUCATIONAL INSTITU-TIONS PLAY IN STRENGTHENING LOCAL AND STATE ECONOMIES?

DISTRICT 1

MIKE JACKSON: An educated and skilled work force in the Met-ropolitan area is the key to its continuing economic growth. A com-munity with educational programs that continue to teach the basics and continue to provide programs to keep up with changing techno-logical advances will position itself to continue its quality of life and economic growth.

NEAL NORNEY: Educational institutions play an instrumental role in producing workers with the knowledge and skills needed by lo-cal and state employers. Doing so helps ensure that our friends and family members are able to stay local, and also ensures that they can continue to contribute to their communities in the forms of income and property taxes which might otherwise have gone out of state.

DISTRICT 2

BRAD ASHBY: Overwhelmingly, high-wage states are states with a well-educated workforce. There is a clear and strong correlation be-tween the educational attainment of a state’s workforce and median wages in the state. Providing expanded access to high quality educa-tion will not only expand economic opportunity for residents, but also likely do more to strengthen the overall state economy than any-thing else a state government can do. States can increase the strength of their economies and their ability to grow and attract high-wage employers by increasing the number of well-educated workers.

LARRY BRADLEY: By having a solid, strong partnership and being able to share vision for the future. I certainly want to share one of my ideas with you with the time and space allotted here. I was raised by Oglala Lakota and have been in the Pow Wow arena as a traditional dancer and as a spectator. I would like to expand the Pow Wow at the Fort Omaha campus to a multi-day event. Imagine if you will a Pow Wow in Omaha that is as large as the All Nations Pow Wow in Albu-querque, N.M., or Cheyenne Frontier Days in WY. Bismarck, N.D., Oklahoma City, O.K., or Rapid City, S.D. Those events listed bring in up to 25,000 people to their respective cities. Visitors fill up the hotels and restaurants. We can bridge the Fort Omaha Pow Wow with either River City Round Up or Septemberfest. The State and City Chamber of Commerce can come aboard. We can have a salute to Labor while showcasing the Native American community in our city, state, and region. I have other visionary ideas.

DAVID NEWELL: Nebraska’s Community Colleges where created in the early 70’s as an economic development tool for creating job ready Nebraskans in the trades. Secondarily, academic transfer classes have allowed thousands of students to take the first two years of college closer to home and at lower cost. Our Community Colleges work directly with employers to create programs for the preparation & training of our young people for jobs in an ever-changing economy. Community Colleges are on front line of economic development.

CORNELIUS WILLIAMS: No response

DISTRICT 3

JIM TREBBIAN: An educated workforce adds to strengthen exist-ing businesses, and also encourages other industries to locate in the area. Studies show that educated individuals make many thousands of dollars more than people with less education, for every year they work. We need to maintain and grow strong Community Colleges, if we wish to grow the area economy and keep are best young people in the state.

DISTRICT 4

TERRI ALBERHASKY: Part of Metropolitan Community College’s mission statement is to offer “programs and services which stimu-late economic and workforce development.” By preparing students with both hard and soft skills, educational institutions provide a more engaged, educated workforce for employers. MCC programs such as Gateway to College and Read Right provide additional opportuni-ties to those who may be limited in their employment prospects; in-creasing skills and competencies so that better-paying jobs are within reach. Continuing education courses enhance communication and technological skills and allow students to develop their creative and critical thinking skills. MCC offers career and vocational education in partnership with area businesses, thus further strengthening state and local economies. Plus, a successful MCC makes the Omaha area more attractive to businesses and provides jobs at MCC itself

KARA EASTMAN: Part of Metropolitan Community College’s mis-sion statement is to offer “programs and services which stimulate economic and workforce development.” By preparing students with both hard and soft skills, educational institutions provide a more en-gaged, educated workforce for employers. MCC programs such as Gateway to College and Read Right provide additional opportuni-ties to those who may be limited in their employment prospects; in-creasing skills and competencies so that better-paying jobs are within reach. Continuing education courses enhance communication and technological skills and allow students to develop their creative and critical thinking skills. MCC offers career and vocational education in partnership with area businesses, thus further strengthening state and local economies. Plus, a successful MCC makes the Omaha area more attractive to businesses and provides jobs at MCC itself.

AT LARGE

ALEC GORYNSKI: Higher education is the tide that raises all ships. These institutions are the primary source for our citizens to build marketable assets, attain core competencies, and develop critical workforce skills. We know that with every hour of credit earned, stu-dents increase their earning potential. With education and training we become more competitive job candidates, improving the employ-ment pool. We become stronger employees, ultimately helping to im-pact the bottom line. We become entrepreneurs, inspiring innovation and creativity. And we become more engaged citizens, contributing to the social fabric of our communities. We also know that those with more education are less likely to live in poverty, commit crimes, and rely on government assistance. So, not only does education help in-dividuals earn more money over their lifetime, thus strengthening our local and state economies, but a more educated populous saves taxpayers countless of dollars on needless public spending.

JON TUCKER: For most people a college degree is a signal to em-ployers that one has the knowledge necessary for a job. What must not happen is a market saturated by people with signals that don’t match the employers’ need. When that happens we get many people with student loan debt and no jobs, which further becomes a drag on the economy. But, when the local market works with educators

to identify needs in the economy, the economy can then expand by honing the signal of college students to the market. When that hap-pens the economy is strengthened with a solid base of people who are on their way to income growth, which further grows the economy.

HOW SHOULD THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIFFER FROM THAT OF A FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY?

DISTRICT 1

MIKE JACKSON: The lifelong learning program needs to access the continuing and changing needs of the population the College serves by working with education, business and community organizations to determine these needs.

NEAL NORNEY: The lifelong learning program is intended to be a fun, ongoing educational process, particularly for those in retire-ment. I would like to see it expanded in a way that would afford young people an opportunity to interact with, and learn from the senior members of their community within the context of this pro-gram. Lifelong learning need not begin at retirement age!

DISTRICT 2

BRAD ASHBY: Lifelong learners are participants who desire to study with bright and enthusiastic undergraduate students from around the world include retirees, professionals on leave, or simply adventurous travelers. Lifelong learners participate in undergraduate courses, at-tend field excursions, serve as mentors to undergraduates, conduct seminars in their respective areas of expertise, and add a valuable generational element to class discussions. I will work to make sure that Metro Community College is a welcoming environment for life-long learners so that they may not only continue to learn but give them a chance to depart their vast knowledge to the younger stu-dents.

LARRY BRADLEY: Perhaps I would like to utilize my strong back-ground in environmental science for this area. I have taught envi-ronmental geology at the collegiate level for a decade now; been elected in the past as a Director for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (NRD); and been the past appointee to the Envi-ronmental Quality Council for the State of Nebraska as the Minor-ity Population Representative. I have a wealth of knowledge in the environmental realm that I am sure over time will benefit the lifelong learning program.

DAVID NEWELL: Lifelong learning programs are none credit and none subsidized programs aimed at life enrichment. MCC responds to needs and/or community interests. After discussing this issue with Metro’s administration one of the best ways to enhance lifelong learn-ing is to develop a centralized coordinator who can evaluate interests and develop resources to meet those needs within thoughtful guide-lines.

CORNELIUS WILLIAMS: MCC has a long standing of providing great and quality education to the Omaha metropolitan community, I would like be apart of this continuous experience and helping it to grow. I believe I can help the MCC to keep moving forward with advancing technology and seeing how it can be better used in the community. I would also like to make sure that MCC stays focused on bring many cultured events to the community and student body.

DISTRICT 3

JIM TREBBIAN: Life long learning needs to grow to satisfy individu-als that need course work to grow as individuals or to update their job

28 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

skills. We need to be sure we are hearing what employers are asking of their employees and their potential employees. We need to see what trends are emerging locally, regionally, nationally , and even interna-tionally that will affect what educational opportunities our students will need.

DISTRICT 4

TERRI ALBERHASKY: As the metro area’s population aged 55+ continues to grow, it is more important than ever to ensure access to quality lifelong learning opportunities. If elected, I will take a com-prehensive look at the enrollment data from current lifelong learning classes, workshops and tours, survey responses from MCC’s senior students plus solicit input from faculty and organizations like AARP to see if there are areas of improvement and potential cost-savings. I will advocate for cost-effective promotion of the lifelong learning program, including an increased electronic presence to inform this important group of potential students about MCC’s professional growth, personal development and recreational offerings.

KARA EASTMAN: I have a great deal of experience in growing and building nonprofit organizations that serve diverse populations in the community through innovation, problem-solving and partnerships. My leadership in the Omaha community has been recognized na-tionally. As a board member of MCC, I will work hard to ensure that MCC is the number one resource for EVERYONE in Omaha. I will work hard to ensure that MCC continues to offer new experiences from degree programs to community education courses for students of all ages in Omaha.

AT LARGE

ALEC GORYNSKI: Lifelong learning opportunities put the ‘commu-nity’ in community college. By discovering and obtaining new skills in subjects that peak our interest—like gardening, computers, or home repair—we become better versions of ourselves, better teachers for others, and better contributors to the greater good of our com-munities. I plan to enhance the lifelong learning program at MCC by keeping it affordable for all to access, no matter what age or learning level.

JON TUCKER: Lifelong learning evolves and changes with our life experiences. Continual interaction with the general public on what courses of interest is always necessary. Listening to students needs on the effectiveness of current offerings may help to point out shortfalls. Actively recruiting instructors to share their knowledge is a priority.

Douglas County CommissionerDISTRICT 2

JAMES CAVANAUGH (D) Address: 5608 Jackson Street Omaha, NE 68106. Web Site: http://vo-tecavanaugh.com. Age: 3/7/1950. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 4. Education: St. Mary’s Grade School; Creigh-ton Preparatory School; Creighton University, B.A., J.D. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Board member of the fol-lowing organizations: Justice for Our Neighbors; Center for Missouri River Studies; Irish American Cultural Institute; Omaha Irish Cul-tural Center; Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Outstanding Montessori Parent of the Year 2009-2010.

SAM CLARK (R) Address: 10717 Cedar Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124. Web Site:

http://www.votesamclark.com. Age: 6/6/1953. Current Public Of-fice, dates held: none. Past Public Office, dates held: none. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: Westside High School 1971 Drake University 1975 Drake Law School 1978 George-town University Law School 1983. Military experience: none. Volun-teer experience: Current President Forest Lawn Cemetery Board of Trustees. Past member Board of Directors of Omaha Hearing School, Past Trustee of Omaha Symphony and Clarkson Hospital and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

PAM TUSA (D) Address: 9042 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68114. Web Site: http://pamtusa.com. Age: 7/2/1955. Current Public Office, dates held: Douglas County Commissioner District #2 January 2007 to Current<. Marital Status: Married to Gary E. Tusa. Number of Chil-dren: 2. Education: Daniel J. Gross High School. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Member of: American Legion Auxiliary League of Women Voters, Douglas County Historical Society.

DISTRICT 4PJ MORGAN(R) Address: 11124 Pierce Plaza. Web Site: http://pjmorgan.com. Age: 4/9/1940. Current Public Office, dates held: Douglas County Com-missioner Dist 4 - January 2011 to January 2015. Past Public Office, dates held: State Senator 1971-1973, County Commissioner 1973-1977, Mayor, 1989-to January 1995,. Marital Status: Married. Num-ber of Children: 4. Education: West Side High School,Phoenix Junior College.. Volunteer experience: Outstanding TOYO Omahan, Out-standing Young Man-State of NE in the 70s, Cerebral Palsy Board, Cancer Society Board Member, United Way Board Member, Cancer Society, Education Chairman, State of Nebraska, Salvation Army Board member, Omaha Airport Auth.

DISTRICT 6

MARY ANN BORGESON (R) Age: 6/29/1962. Current Public Office, dates held: Douglas County Commissioner District #6 1995 to Present<. Marital Status: Mar-ried. Number of Children: 4. Education: Daniel J. Gross High School, Immanuel School of Radiologic Technology, UNO. Volunteer ex-perience: Board of Directors: College World Series, I-80 Corridor Commission, R.E.S.P.E.C.T., Millard Business Community Founda-tion, Partnerships In Aging (PIA), Omaha Community Partnership, Heartland 2050, Nebraska Safety Center Task Force.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP ALLEVIATE PROPERTY TAXES IN DOUGLAS COUNTY?

DISTRICT 2

JAMES CAVANAUGH: Reducing the cost of government by consoli-dating administrative positions and halting the duplication of func-tions. Leading by example by reducing the size and cost of the County Board’s own office. Diversifying the tax base by seeking income from sources other than property taxes to provide property tax relief for homeowners.

SAM CLARK: There are a number of county departments that could be merged with their city counterparts resulting in real savings and improved services. Lancaster county recently looked at this issue and its study revealed even more areas of possible savings than initially thought. The objection to these economies has been at the county level bureaucracy. Overall valuations of property in Douglas county are not increasing fast enough -- if at all -- to meet rising costs of providing services. In addition to consolidation with city counter-parts the count needs to look at its health center activities to make

certain that patients are the focus of what is spent. Other counties have out-sourced certain of these activities and we need to examine the alternatives with the taxpayer and the aid-recipient as the focus. Finally, Douglas county needs to examine the tax-exempt status of non-religious entities that have significant profits to make certain they direct that money back into the county.

PAM TUSA: I voted against the latest increase in the county bud-get because I felt we could make further efforts to hold the line on increasing the property tax burden for homeowners. I know this causes frustration for some politicians who resent aggressive budget oversight by the county board, but this system of checks and balances gives the taxpayers a voice and seeks to ensure more uniformity as departments are encouraged to follow the lead of those county-wide officials who are good stewards of their budgets. I support functional mergers that will reduce spending without harming the quality of the services we deliver. For example, the City and County have merged purchasing, computer services and jail intake over recent years. We are now considering a merger of 911 services between Douglas and Sarpy counties. The goal of functional mergers should always be an improved government that is both more efficient and effective.

DISTRICT 4

PJ MORGAN: Hold the line on fiscal spending, adopt realistic and conservative budgets and look for efficiencies in government that will lower budgetary costs, investigate ways to combine work to cre-ate a more efficient government. Work to have more partnerships w/Omaha.

DISTRICT 6

MARY ANN BORGESON: We need to continue to look for innova-tive ways to provide our services that cost less and still provide high quality service. We can continue to find areas of cooperation with our own operations, cities and other counties. Our relationship with the state needs to be repaired. There needs to be a more cooperative partnership with the state. Over the past few years the state has not only passed unfunded mandates, but have shifted cost to the coun-ties/local taxpayers.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSI-TION?

DISTRICT 2

JAMES CAVANAUGH: I am a taxpayer, homeowner, and small busi-ness owner with a clear understanding of how to improve our county by making it more modern and efficient. I am a proven hard-working professional and positive leader with the ability to strategically plan and cooperate to achieve better government for a new era. I have act-ed to improve, strengthen and streamline our government. We can reduce spending by modernizing both the services and the outdated structure of county government.

SAM CLARK: Two years ago I was asked to serve on the Blue Ribbon Commission assessing the Douglas County Health Center. As were other private sector participants I realized how inefficient that entity had become. Too many candidates are dependent on public sector unions for support and are thus unwilling to put the taxpayer first. In addition, I am willing to highlight areas of future concern that are avoided today. In 1996 the County Retirement Plan was over 100% funded. In 2012 at best 60%. The recent bond rating from S&P spoke highly of the county’s status but added the caveat that it was affirm-ing its guidance “despite a pension system that is only 59% funded.” Omaha World Herald November 16, 2013.

29VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

PAM TUSA: I am not an overly partisan politician and I think that’s what separates me as the best candidate in this race. We remember the bitter partisan battles that used to occur on the Douglas County Board, the incivility I sought to relieve when I first ran for this office eight years ago. I believe we’ve accomplished that objective. I’m not perfect, and neither is the board, but I don’t think taxpayers would gain by returning to the partisan bickering that was so common a decade ago. I am also a strong proponent of transparency in local government and that means an open budget process. It’s also reflect-ed in my own record of raising the profile of my office by attending public meetings in all parts of the county and taking advantage of so-cial media to further publicize county government matters. An open government that puts taxpayers first is my continued objective, and the people I represent remain my only special interest.

DISTRICT 4

PJ MORGAN: My business background and experience and my re-cord in other public service offices. My willingness to work with my constituents to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, as Finance Co/Chairman, I was able to persuade 3 other Commissioners to hold the line on the mill levy for 2 out of the last 3 years. I have provided a conservative vote on County Board for efficiencies.

DISTRICT 6

MARY ANN BORGESON: I bring knowledge and experience in knowing how to handle constituent concerns that cover a broad spectrum of issues. My background in healthcare issues is an asset when dealing with the county’s responsibilities of health and human services. I am a proven leader and good steward of taxpayer dollars. I am a team builder and have the ability to bring people to the table to discuss issues and come up with solutions.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

DISTRICT 2

JAMES CAVANAUGH: Increasing efficiency by halting the duplica-tion of functions through cooperation with local governments and resolving overlap between departments. Promoting transparency so the board is more accountable to our citizens. Diversifying our tax base to provide property tax relief for homeowners.

SAM CLARK: 1. Pension Funding Obligations 2. Areas of consolida-tion with the City. 3. Potential out-sourcing to not-for profit health care entities.

PAM TUSA: It was my leadership that allowed voters to decide on the issue of merging the Assessor and Register of Deeds offices, to im-prove on function and efficiency. That measure passed overwhelm-ingly in my district and across the county. I do not support merger for the sake of merger, but I will continue to look at functional mergers that can save tax dollars without having a negative impact on services to the public. A two-county 911 system and a City/County crime lab are two possibilities now under consideration. Second, I want to con-tinue working with my colleagues to improve strategic planning for county government. Third, we must continue to build the working relationship with our delegation in the Legislature on priorities that are having the greatest impact on the county budget, including crimi-nal justice and social services.

DISTRICT 4

PJ MORGAN: 1) Always answer every call + listen to the taxpayers, 2) Hold the line on spending, 3) Bring greater efficiencies to county government/ open to look at all options + transparency.

DISTRICT 6

MARY ANN BORGESON: The three most important issues I will address will be holding the line on property taxes while maintain-ing a high level of quality services. Continue to explore ways to gain efficiencies and produce cost savings through collaborations and co-operation’s. These can be within our own departments and offices, as well as, with other governmental entities. I have worked very hard to be accessible and will continue to provide leadership and be respon-sive to all citizens of Douglas County.

State Board of EducationDISTRICT 8

CLARICE JACKSONAddress: 8110 Girard Plaza Omaha, NE 68122. Age: 11/27/1974. Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: Bellevue University-Communications Major. Military experience: N/A. Volunteer experience: NE Dyslexia Association, OPS African American Achievement Council Special Ed and Reading Chair, Rotary Club of Omaha-People with Disabilities Chair, NE Dev Dis-abilities Awareness Council Region VI-Vice Chair, Omaha NAACP- Education Committee Chair.

PATRICK MCPHERSONAddress: 4720 South 102 Circle, P. Age: 2/8/1946. Current Pub-lic Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: Papio Natural Resources District (1978-1982)</past-public-office-dates-held><education label=”Education: Field Club Grade School (Oma-ha, Ne), Central High School (Omaha, Ne), Creighton University (Omaha, NE). Military experience: U.S. Army Reserves. Volunteer experience: Nebraska Community Health Charities Board, Commu-nity Health Charities Board of America, Nebraska Comprehensive Health Insurance Program Board, American Red Cross, numerous other community boards and activities.

BOB MEYERSAddress: 6417 South 92nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127. Web Site: http://www.facebook.com/MeyersforStateBoardofEducation. Age: 1/11/1945. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Of-fice, dates held: City Council, Grand Island, NE, 1977-1978. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 1. Education: Bachelor of Sci-ence, Master of Education, Doctor of Education, all at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, Church committees, Siena Francis House, Clean Community of Grand Island, Keep Nebraska Beautiful.

HOW MUCH AUTHORITY SHOULD THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAVE OVER CURRICULUM IN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS?

CLARICE JACKSON: The state board should support local control for curriculum. Local school districts and schools are capable of overseeing curriculum matters, with minimum oversight by the state board. The state board should, however, set minimum standards. These standards should be, at a minimum, sufficient to ensure stu-dents graduating from high school are college and career ready.

PATRICK MCPHERSON: The Board’s purpose is to ensure that the State Department of Education functions within the guidelines de-veloped by the state legislature in accordance with the its legally as-signed leadership and regulatory functions. The board should assure that local school districts follow the curriculum established by state law but should not interfere with local district control or education choices.

BOB MEYERS: he state board of education is not responsible, nor should it be responsible for curriculum in local schools. That is a function of the local school boards, school administrators and teach-ers with input from parents and patrons within the individual dis-tricts. The state board of education’s function is to assist local school districts as they provide educational experiences for their students. The Department of Education, headed by the Commissioner serves as liaison to the schools to provide assistance as needed in developing effective curricula that meets the approved state standards.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON BASELINE TESTING FOR KINDERGARTNERS?

CLARICE JACKSON: I support assessing kindergartners to deter-mine their basic understanding of core concepts, such as letter and number recognition. Kindergartners enter school at vastly different competency levels. By understanding where each child starts, we can better determine how to best approach teaching each child. Individ-ualized learning can be used to get struggling students where they need to be in order to, for instance, ensure every child is reading by third grade. Students who are excelling should also be challenged so they do not lose interest in learning during this crucial time.

PATRICK MCPHERSON: To best help a child entering kindergar-ten it is important to assess in an observational method what a child knows and is capable of doing. Depending on many factors including socio-economic background children come to the classroom the first time with different learning backgrounds. In order to assure a posi-tive first formal learning experience for the child the teacher must be able to work with him/her based on the background he/she brings.

BOB MEYERS: The word “testing” is one that suggests some stan-dardized form of determining what skills and knowledge young chil-dren bring with them as they start their formal education in school. While I believe in constant assessment of each child’s development and growth, I do not support a “test” that may influence the way teachers and parents may think about their child’s learning. The dif-ficulty with the standardized approach is that not all children come to school with the same degree of readiness to learn or the same ex-perience bases that influence each child’s starting point, or “base.” The opportunity to participate in pre-school or not, parental educa-tional levels and financial means all impact the kinds of experiences children have prior to kindergarten and throughout a child’s school years. What is most important is the growth of the child.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRACK A STU-DENT’S ACADEMIC PROGRESS FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION?

CLARICE JACKSON: Multiple assessments, as well as teacher and principal input, should be used to track academic progress for stu-dents. I do not think a single test is sufficient, but do support a multi-faceted approach. Assessing progress can not get in the way of mak-ing progress (learning). However, if we do not measure progress, too many students are at risk of falling behind and may never catch up. Historically, this is particularly true of students from under-served backgrounds.

30 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

PATRICK MCPHERSON: Testing and teacher assessment in major areas of English, math, science, reading, social studies, etc. I believe we have sufficient testing methods available to do this. Teachers and parents must use theses assessments and be actively involved with one another in reviewing a student’s progress on a frequent basis to meet deficiencies as well as to stimulate opportunities for those who have higher levels of proficiency.

BOB MEYERS: The most effective way to track a student’s academic progress throughout school is to determine what the student knows and is able to do. Traditionally, we have depended upon grades to make judgments about students’ progress, but grades are only one way of making those determinations. At Ralston High School, teach-ers developed a series of performance activities that gave students a way to demonstrate not only what they knew, but that they were able to use that knowledge. Demonstrations in all academic areas were developed and students had a number of options to choose from that included using their learning both in class and in real-life situations. That is the ideal way to track progress. It is not easy, but can be done. One cannot totally dismiss the use of testing either. Some standard-ized testing is useful, but greater use of criterion testing, either class-room or district originated can show how well students have mas-tered what is being taught in their classes.

HOW CAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF BOTH COLLEGE-BOUND AND NON-COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS?

CLARICE JACKSON: Every school should work to make every stu-dent college ready. A child’s decision not to attend college should nev-er be based on lack of academic preparation. This starts with ensuring every child is proficient in every subject every year. Still, college is not for every person. We must ensure every school is preparing students to be both college and career ready. High, rigorous standards, effec-tive teaching practices, and high expectations for every student are imperative. Students should also be exposed to high quality career and technical learning opportunities to determine what path they wish to pursue after graduating from high school.

PATRICK MCPHERSON: For those who are college-bound, districts have different levels of curriculum. Smaller ones may need to work with area districts to provide classes and opportunities otherwise unavailable and distance learning provides other opportunities and should be utilized. Many schools have abandoned the shop/trade classes that were once part of high school offerings. There are great job and career opportunities across the state for tradesmen, i.e., weld-ers, carpenters, etc. Many of these trades provide great income and life opportunities for those not motivated for college-trained careers and students who would benefit from such training should not be overlooked.

BOB MEYERS: First, it is necessary to understand that while all students need to explore ways to further their education after high school, it is not necessary for all students to go to four-year college. One way schools can better meet the needs of all students is to find out what the students interests and talents are and to help them plan for those interests and talents. Schools can develop career path out-lines that help students and parents choose the courses students take in school that will help lead to their career choices. While the options are not static, and changes should be readily accepted, students can pursue their interests and fulfil graduation requirements. The use of career path information can begin as early as elementary school and continue throughout high school. Students’ goals and choices may change as they traverse the academic choices that assist in the given career choice, but that is the goal of education, to learn about oneself as well as the academic “stuff.”

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE QUALITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION MORE WIDELY ACCESSIBLE TO YOUNG PEO-PLE AS WELL AS ADULTS, BOTH IN AND OUT-SIDE OF OUR SCHOOLS?

CLARICE JACKSON: Quality English language education is im-portant, as is quality education in every subject. I support expanded educational opportunities for adults and children, including outside of the classroom. I support current and ongoing efforts to provide expanded learning opportunities. Parents who are not comfortable speaking English are less likely to engage with their child’s teacher and school. Schools must work to break such barriers and treat par-ents as partners in the educational progress of their children. I also believe we must improve upon what is happening in the classroom, during the school day. High quality education, in every subject, must be supported and constantly improved upon in every school.

PATRICK MCPHERSON: To be successful in our country students must master the English language. The Omaha Public School system is an example, probably an extreme one, of a district that must deal with approximately 100 different language-speaking students. It has made strong efforts in teaching using the English as a second lan-guage method and has explored a number of additional innovative ways to deal with non-English speaking students. Programs such as these are needed and important to make sure every student develops mastery of the language of the nation.

BOB MEYERS: I’m not sure “more widely accessible” is the critical need. English language classes are offered at cultural centers, com-munity centers, churches, schools and other venues, but there is often difficulty in attracting people to those locations. The need is to make the opportunity to learn English non-threatening and less intimidat-ing. Instructors in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes do a great job with the folks who attend, but if people are afraid their status may be challenged, or afraid they will be embar-rassed, it is difficult to get them to attend.

School BoardsBENNINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION MARK BYARS (R) Address: 5519 N. 165th Omaha, NE 68116. Web Site: http://mark-byars.com. Age: 4/2/1974. Marital Status: Married. Number of Chil-dren: 2. Education: BS Business Administration (University of Ne-braska-Lincoln); MBA (Northwestern University).

VALERIE CALDERONNo response.

CHARLIE CHUCK OBORNY No response.

MATTHEW WICKHAM No response.

ELKHORN BOARD OF EDUCATION CHUCK BURNEY No response.

STEVE GATES No response.

JOE GRIFFITH No response

AMY PARKS (D)Address: 2313 S 184 Circle, Omaha NE 68130. Age: 11/14/1972. Cur-rent Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 3. Education: BS in Family Science, UNL/UNO. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Womenade of Elkhorn, EPS Foundation, Spring Ridge PTO, Junior League of Omaha, Completely KIDS, Fontenelle Forest.

DOUG PETERCHUCK No response.

SUSAN ZINGLER No response.

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 8

LACEY MERICA (D)Address: 5603 S 50th Ave; Omaha, NE 68117. Web Site: http://www.facebook.com/Merica4OPS. Age: 7/6/1983. Current Public Office, dates held: Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, Subdistrict 8: June 2013-present<. Marital Status: Single. Number of Children: 0. Education: University of Nebraska-Omaha, Master of Business Administration (2011); University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelor of Sciences in Biological Sciences (2006); Bryan Senior High, High School Diploma (2001). Volunteer experience: Holy Ghost Catholic Church: 7/1996-present(Parish Council 10/2010-present, Secretary 11/10-present), South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance (SONA): 8/2008-present (Secretary 1/2010-12/2013), South YMCA of Greater Omaha Board: 12/2013-present.

MARILYN RICKLEY (R) Address: 4515 Aspen Cir. Omaha,NE 68157. Age: 1/6/1951. Current Public Office, dates held: none. Past Public Office, dates held: none. Marital Status: married. Number of Children: 3. Education: Regis-tered Nurse - Immanuel School of Nursing BA - Business Admin-istration.- Bellevue University. Military experience: none. Volunteer experience: Covenant Cedars Bible Camp board; Camp Nurse; Medi-cal Mission Trips to Jamaica; Community Covenant Church: praise band, Sunday School teacher; Stephen Center; S.A.V.E: non-profit fundraising; Neighborhood Youth Group leader; South High CRU sponsor.

MILLARD BOARD OF EDUCATION DAVE ANDERSON (R) Address: 6223 S. 118th Plaza Omaha, NE 68137. Age: 3/4/1962. Cur-rent Public Office, dates held: Millard Public Schools Board of Edu-cation January 2007 to present<. Marital Status: Married 27 years to Melissa Anderson. Number of Children: 1. Education: MBA - Uni-versity of Arizona BSBA - University of Nebraska at Omaha. Mili-tary experience: N/A. Volunteer experience: Past President Millard Public Schools Foundation, Past President of Nebraska Association of School Boards (current board member), Past Chairman of Board of Trustees Goodwill Industries (current board member), Past Presi-dent Omaha Children’s’ Museum.

BILL CHIZEK No response.

MIKE KENNEDY No response.

31VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

MATT REINSCH No response.

PAT RICKETTS No response.

JOHN VYHILDALAddress: 17529 Y St Omaha, NE 68135. Web Site: http://johnvyhlidal.com. Age: 9/30/1977. Current Public Office, dates held: None. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE, BA Communication / Wilmington University, New Castle, DE, MS Management / Creighton University, Omaha, NE, currently enrolled for MBA. Military experience: Air Force Officer 2001 - 2006 / Air Force ROTC - University of Nebraska Lincoln. Volunteer experience: Project Interfaith Board of Directors Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue Board of Directors United Way 2013 Campaign Leadership Team Greater Omaha Young Professionals Board of Directors.

RALSTON BOARD OF EDUCATION DEB GERCH (R) Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Volunteer experi-ence: Ralston School Board,Ralston Booster Club, Ralston Chamber, Ralston Legion Baseball Board. What can the school board do to sup-port teachers as professionals? As a member of the school board, sup-porting our teachers will help ensure that we keep our focus on the learning experience we are creating for our youth. By having regular meetings, in which we are able to converse, with our teachers, we are able to stay in tune with teachers needs and classroom opportuni-ties, thus ensuring we are supporting them as they need. What is the school board’s role in ensuring safety in our schools? The safety of our children is key. The safer our children feel at school, the better they will perform at school. The school board must be very involved in ensuring safety in our school and be a leader in ensuring school safety. What experience and past successes qualifies you to serve on the school board? Cause I am a ROCK STAR! Not only am I a mother, I am also an employer in the community. This makes me a well-rounded school board member, as I am able to understand the parents perspective and a business perspective. I am responsible for hiring, training and inspiring 300 employees in my business. I am able to maintain my composure during tough conversations and able to prioritize in order to ensure effective and desired results.

DEE HUFF No response.

WHAT CAN THE SCHOOL BOARD DO TO SUP-PORT TEACHERS AS PROFESSIONALS?

BENNINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION MARK BYARS: Great teaching is much more than knowledge trans-fer. Engaging students on a topic in a way they can best master it takes special skill. The school board can support professional devel-opment of that skill with policies that give teachers the opportunity and time for educational advancement and a compensation structure that rewards it. Teachers must receive constructive feedback on their teaching performance and continuous “on-the-job” training to ap-ply improved methodologies, new tools, and evolving technology in the classroom. Most importantly, teachers are called upon to address many social issues that stand in the way of a child’s opportunity to learn. The board must actively work to build partnerships with par-ents and the community to identify helpful resources that effectively address these issues. In so doing, the board promotes an educational environment in which students are ready to learn and great teachers are prepared to teach.

ELKHORN BOARD OF EDUCATION AMY PARKS: Meeting the needs of teachers is essential to school/classroom success. The school board should form policies to ensure administrators develop successful professional teachers by: oversee-ing reasonable classroom sizes and paraprofessional ratios to student needs, providing current curricula and teaching materials and mak-ing available best-use technology. It is also essential for the school board to hold the district accountable for teacher professional growth by offering continued education through effective in-service and staff training/development. Beyond teacher training and classroom func-tionality, it is equally important that teachers be provided a safe work environment, both physically and emotionally.

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS LACEY MERICA: There are multiple ways the OPS school board can support teachers as professionals. First, we must ensure every school is a safe and secure environment, for both teachers and students. The school board must also ensure that teachers have adequate and equi-table access to the technology, supplies and materials needed to fully engage and immerse students in the learning process. Access to and support for high-quality professional development is also key to sup-porting our teachers and helping them grow in their abilities. Ad-ditionally, as a school district we should follow the recommendations in our strategic plan, currently in the draft stage, and develop teacher career ladders to both increase the amount of teacher leadership in our schools and district, and to help develop teachers who desire to advance into other leadership positions within OPS.

MARILYN RICKLEY: Encourage furthering professional education through financial assistance would be welcomed by teachers. It would be helpful to provide opportunity for training through conferences. I would like to have additional communication and visibility at schools in represented districts. Set standards and have policies in place that aid teachers to be successful.

MILLARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS DAVE ANDERSON: It is imperative that school boards support teachers as professionals. First off, it is important for school boards to help their communities recognize the value and professionalism of teachers in our society - just as important as doctors, lawyers, en-gineers and all other professions. It is critical to provide support and resources for teacher professional development and to allow for ad-equate time for development and professional learning communities. It is critical to interact and treat teachers with the utmost respect and to gather their input, suggestions, guidance and opinions in formu-lating district policy and strategic direction. Curriculum, technology, school day, assessment and so many other issues should be reviewed and determined with the input and guidance of teachers. School dis-tricts succeed from what happens in the classroom. Teachers and Ad-ministrators are what allow our children to exceed their potential. We must recognize and respect them as professionals.

JOHN VYHILDAL: As the governance function for the school dis-trict, the school board has the responsibility to ensure that we have the best possible teachers in place with the tools and training to sup-port the comprehensive curriculum that the 21st century demands. As a representative of all people in the district, the school board needs to ensure these resources are available for teachers and hold the ad-ministration accountable for using those resources in the most effi-cient and effective manner possible.

RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEB GERCH: As a member of the school board, supporting our teachers will help ensure that we keep our focus on the learning expe-rience we are creating for our youth. By having regular meetings, in which we are able to converse, with our teachers, we are able to stay in tune with teachers needs and classroom opportunities, thus ensuring we are supporting them as they need.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL BOARD’S ROLE IN EN-SURING SAFETY IN OUR SCHOOLS?

BENNINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION MARK BYARS: Everyone in the school community – students, par-ents, staff and the board – is responsible for the physical and emo-tional safety of our kids. The board has an important leadership and coordination role ensuring that we each do our part. The district’s safety policies must be practical and understandable if they are go-ing to be followed and enforced. Because many safety threats are preventable, it is wise to invest in an open, collaborative culture to de-tect emerging threats before they become serious incidents. Students should be taught – at school and at home – to treat others with dignity and respect. The district can educate parents about community sup-port programs that address their family’s needs. Beyond investing in prevention, the board should emphasize preparedness planning and ensure staff is expertly trained to address threats in progress. Facility enhancements that improve physical security and fit an educational environment should also be implemented.

ELKHORN BOARD OF EDUCATION AMY PARKS: School safety manifests in several ways. It is the re-sponsibility of the school board to maintain policies that ensure safety and assess Elkhorn Public Schools response to policies including: PHYSICAL SAFETY--ensuring modern safety features are added to existing older buildings and planned for future facilities. PROCE-DURAL SAFETY--maximizing an efficient faculty/staff response to emergencies, lockdown situations and natural disasters. EMOTION-AL SAFETY--educating students/staff on factors often detrimental to the learning environment--including drug/alcohol abuse, internet safety, bullying and appropriate school behavior.

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS LACEY MERICA: The OPS school board has a large role in ensuring safety within our schools. We must work to continue the community engagement that was vital to our strategic planning process. In order to ensure safe and secure schools, we must engage and communicate with families, businesses, community partners, and other education stakeholders. It is only by working together that we can build and sus-tain safe and strong schools, neighborhoods, and communities. The board should conduct recurring reviews of the district’s safety and security policies and practices, as well as the training provided to all OPS teachers and staff members. We must also ensure that adequate funding for safety and security is a priority in our district’s annual budgeting process.

MARILYN RICKLEY: It is the school board’s role to be aware of each school’s unique safety concerns and needs. It is important that the school board stay current by considering and evaluating new secu-rity measures. Ensuring increased security personnel for schools with increased student enrollment as well as setting standards to ensure qualified personnel is a vital role for the school board.

MILLARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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DAVE ANDERSON: The school board’s role is to provide for a safe and secure learning environment for all children in the district. Learning can only take place when children feel safe and secure with-in school grounds and buildings. While it is recognized that schools are public facilities and absolute safety can not be guaranteed, appro-priate measures must be taken to allow for a safe and secure learning environment. School board members must review and ensure poli-cies are in place that provide for a “safe” environment without turning our schools into a locked-down prison environment.

JOHN VYHILDAL: It is of utmost importance to ensure a safe en-vironment for our teachers to teach and our children to learn. The board must be certain that the administration and staff have all avail-able resources to maintain a safe environment. While unfortunate, it is a reality that we have to consider safety as one of the top priorities in the conversation when thinking about a school board’s priorities.

RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEB GERCH: The safety of our children is key. The safer our children feel at school, the better they will perform at school. The school board must be very involved in ensuring safety in our school and be a leader in ensuring school safety.

WHAT EXPERIENCE AND PAST SUCCESSES QUALIFIES YOU TO SERVE ON THE SCHOOL BOARD?

BENNINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION MARK BYARS: Bennington is a growing, successful school district in a thriving community. I offer experience in the roles the board must play to build on this success and meet our future challenges. The board provides leadership by executing a strategic vision of quality education for our youth. As a financial executive, I have led strategic plans to grow businesses in the financial services, technology, and agricultural industries. The board serves as steward of taxpayer dol-lars, balancing needs and resources for optimal value. I have managed multi-million dollar budgets to deliver quality results with efficiency. The board promotes community by fostering a collaborative culture that drives economic growth. I have developed high-performance cultures that provided new opportunities for employees, businesses, and the community. Thank you for the chance to commit my ex-perience, my passion and my time to the continued success of our schools. I appreciate your support and your vote.

ELKHORN BOARD OF EDUCATION AMY PARKS: I have been an Elkhorn Public Schools resident for 12 years. I am at a pinnacle in my children’s EPS learning experience--I will soon have a child at the high school, middle school and elementa-ry levels. I am an experienced leader in both the Omaha and Elkhorn communities. I am past Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Spring Ridge Parent Teacher Organization, I am a current board member (Treasurer) of Womenade of Elkhorn, and I have participat-ed in fundraising activities for the EPS Foundation. I was a member of the EPS strategic planning committee in 2011. I have volunteered in the Omaha community for many years--I am a sustaining member of the Junior League of Omaha and past member of their Executive Board. I am a current board member of the Completely KIDS Guild and Fontenelle Forest Guild. Most importantly, as a mother I connect daily with teachers, parents and students--I have a unique and invalu-able connection that I would bring to the school board.

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LACEY MERICA: I was elected to represent Subdistrict 8 on the OPS Board of Education in May 2013. I have worked tirelessly to be an active, informed board member. I have invested immeasurable time studying OPS, including our past and present policies and practices, our data and trends, our curriculum and instructional practices, and the academic programs that make our schools unique. I have met with community members to discuss their concerns and ideas for OPS. Representing OPS on the Board of the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), I have discussed and learned best prac-tices from schools across Nebraska and the United States. Because of my experience working in the Legislature, I serve on both the OPS Legislative Team and the NASB Legislation Committee, working to ensure our state has sound educational policies. I am working with my fellow board members and our community to create a strategic plan for OPS, providing vision and direction to make OPS the best school district in our nation.

MARILYN RICKLEY: My three children completed K-12 in Omaha Public Schools and earned college degrees. I worked at Omaha South High for 12 years as a School Nurse where I engaged with many di-verse cultures within the student body and as I worked with their families. Working with youth throughout the last two decades (cheer-leading sponsor, CRU sponsor, pre-game sport meals, Neighborhood Youth group), has given me a more rounded perspective of a student’s outlook and need both inside and outside of school. In addition to these services in the community, my experiences as a Registered Nurse has allowed me to view students academically, socially, physi-cally, and emotionally. This perspective will be valuable when serving my district when considering it’s needs. When considering upcoming district financial and business oriented decisions, my business degree will aid in my ability to make sound decisions and judgments in rela-tion to the school district as a whole.

MILLARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS DAVE ANDERSON: I have served on the Millard School Board since 2007. Before that I served on the Millard schools foundation board. I am a graduate of Millard Public Schools and have been involved in a volunteer capacity for many years, at the building site level and district planning levels. I chaired the Citizens for MPS successful bond issue campaign in 2004/2005. I also chaired a citizens group comprised of business/community leaders from Millard, Ralston, Westside and Elkhorn during Omaha’s “One City One School” battle, which ended up culminating into the Learning Community legisla-tion thru the Nebraska Unicameral. I am a ardent supporter of public PreK-12 education and I can’t think of a better way to volunteer and make a difference, in my community, in helping kids reach their full potential. I am extremely proud of the Millard Public Schools and happy to be a small part of its continued success.

JOHN VYHILDAL: What experience and past successes qualifies you to serve on the school board? As a parent of two amazing children currently attending Wheeler Elementary, I am an active member of the School Improvement Team (SIT). I am also part of the Wheeler site planning team and the parent representative of the SIT for the state accreditation process. I am passionate about making things bet-ter through hard work, great ideas, and meaningful connections and have been fortunate to also have a professional career that has allowed me to live that passion. Currently, I am responsible for planning, con-sulting, and the execution of key organizational effectiveness initia-tives to ensure ConAgra Foods is well prepared to accomplish current and future business objectives. I began my career as an officer in the US Air Force where I led teams who managed Air Force-wide studies. Following the Air Force, I worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where I led project teams conducting risk-based finance and IT as-sessments.

RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEB GERCH: Cause I am a ROCK STAR! Not only am I a mother, I am also an employer in the community. This makes me a well-round-ed school board member, as I am able to understand the parents perspective and a business perspective. I am responsible for hiring, training and inspiring 300 employees in my business. I am able to maintain my composure during tough conversations and able to pri-oritize in order to ensure effective and desired results.

Learning Community Coordinating Council

DISTRICT 03

LORRAINE CHANG (D) Address: 650 North 56th Street, Omaha, NE 68132. Web Site: http://changforlearningcommunity.com. Age: 2/23/1951. Current Public Office, dates held: Learning Community Coordinating Council, Dis-trict 3, 2009-Present; Council Chair, 2012-Present. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: J.D. from George Washington University, BA in Political Science from University of Rochester. Military experience: N/A. Vol-unteer experience: Women’s Fund Board, Children’s Hospital Board, College of St. Mary Board.

JACK HEIDELAddress: 5010 Nicholas St Omaha NE 68132. Age: 2/23/1939. Cur-rent Public Office, dates held: Learning Community Coordinating Council 2011 - 2014. Marital Status: married. Number of Children: 3. Education: University of Iowa BA 1963, MS 1965, PhD 1967. Military experience: US Navy 1959-1961. Volunteer experience: First Unitar-ian Church of Omaha, Omaha Together One Community, Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, Tutoring at King Elementary School.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD THE LEARNING COM-MUNITY TAKE TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS?

LORRAINE CHANG: The Learning Community should continue to work closely with its 11 school districts and community partners to demonstrate, share and implement more effective practices to mea-surably improve educational outcomes for children and families in poverty. More specifically, it should invest in early childhood pro-grams that lay a strong foundation for learning for children from birth to 8 years of age and it should invest in programs that enhance the capacity of the consistent, caring adults in a child’s life - his/her parents, teachers, child care providers - to support their child’s suc-cess.

JACK HEIDEL: The biggest achievement gap in the Learning Com-munity is for low income students in North Omaha. In order to address the perverse effects of multigenerational poverty in North Omaha, the LC should focus on early childhood education. In fact, Educare of Omaha is already doing this at a facility adjoining Kellom Elementary School. The LC should therefore work with Educare, and other community providers, and attempt to expand the successful Educare model more widely in North Omaha.

DESCRIBE HOW THE LEARNING COMMUNITY IS BEING EFFECTIVE IN MEET-ING ITS MISSION?LORRAINE CHANG: Independent evaluation of the programs funded by the Learning Community is demonstrating that the Learn-ing Community is measurably improving educational outcomes for

33VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

children and families in poverty. Jump Start Kindergarten summer programs are improving children’s readiness for school. Literacy coaching is improving teachers’ literacy instruction and students’ love of reading. Parents from almost 200 South Omaha families are learning English, increasing their use of positive parenting strate-gies, and more effectively engaging in their children’s school lives through the Learning Community Center of South Omaha’s family literacy program. Problem solving assistance from Family Liaisons in the schools is decreasing parental stress levels and improving stu-dent achievement. With support from the Learning Community, the Wilson Focus School is demonstrating how a unique curriculum, ex-tended calendar, expanded staff development and parent engagement can improve student.

JACK HEIDEL: First of all, it is aggressively expanding the Educare model in North Omaha. It is developing new partnerships with Met-ropolitan Community College and Creighton University to get this done. It has also opened an outreach center in South Omaha to work with ESL students and their family members who also need English instruction. Programs such as Instructional Coaching, Extended Learning and Jump-Start Kindergarten are also being provided throughout the LC, by working through the subcouncil structure of the LC. Finally, a large scale open enrollment program is allowing low income students to enroll at schools outside their own neighborhood, and across district lines, with free transportation provided.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE SHARED PROPERTY TAX LEVY AMONG LEARNING COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICTS?

LORRAINE CHANG: I believe in the shared tax base that is created by the common levy. Instead of each district’s property taxes only go-ing to fund its own school district’s operations, the Learning Com-munity is authorized to set aside part of those tax proceeds to go into a common pool of funds. This was designed to even out the playing field so that areas with lower property tax values are not disadvan-taged in meeting the needs of their high poverty students. It does not require any taxpayer to pay more taxes. It recognizes our collective interest as a single economic region and the importance of enabling all children in our metro area to succeed regardless of where they live. On the other hand, I believe the formula by which the shared tax base is distributed is flawed. The Legislature should change the formula to better enable the districts to have the resources they need to help all children succeed.

JACK HEIDEL: I support the common tax levy across all 11 school districts of the LC, even though, because of the national recession, it is not yet working as envisioned to provide extra funding to school districts with the greatest number of low income students.

Douglas County Assessor/Register of DeedsDIANE BATTIATO (D) Address: 15727 Polk Circle, Omaha, NE 68135. Web Site: http://www.dianebattiato.com. Age: 10/2/1949. Current Public Office, dates held: Douglas County Register of Deeds, January 2005 - current. Past Public Office, dates held: Papillion, NE City Council, 1997 - 2002. Marital Status: Widow. Number of Children: 3. Education: Randall and Londay Schools of Real Estate-Nebraska Real Estate Broker’s li-cense, Nebraska Assessor’s certificate, IAAO (International Associa-tion of Assessing Officers) course 101 certificate. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Women’s Fund of Omaha, NACo, NA-CRC, Nebraska Association of County Officials, Women’s Council of Realtors, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, League of Women Voters, Nebraska Realtors Association, NAACP, Nebraska Land Title Asso-

ciation, SOMA, PRIA.

ROGER MORRISSEY (D)Address: 9810 Harney Parkway North Omaha, NE. Web Site: http://www.RogerMorrissey.com. Age: 7/22/1944. Current Public Office, dates held: Douglas County Assessor, elected 1998, re-elected 2002, 2006 and 2010. Past Public Office, dates held: Nebraska Real Prop-erty Appraiser Board, 1991-1995, Omaha/Douglas County Criminal Justice Commission, 1975-1976.. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 4. Education: BA Creighton University (1967), Completed post baccalaureate studies in Real Estate and Land Use Economics at University of Nebraska at Omaha (1981). Completed coursework for the professional SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute (1986). Military experience: US Army 1967-73. First Lieutenant. Platoon commander, Vietnam 1968-69. Awarded Bronze Star and Air Medal. Volunteer experience: Youth mentor, Sacred Heart School. YMCA youth basketball coach. Methodist Hospital EME. Suburban Rotary Board of Directors. Siena-Francis House Board of Directors. Trea-surer, Memorial Little League.

HOW WILL YOU EFFICIENTLY STRUCTURE THIS NEWLY COMBINED OFFICE?

DIANE BATTIATO: Initially, because the duties and responsibilities of the two offices are totally different, it will be necessary to conduct a comprehensive workflow analysis and job-responsibility study and evaluation of each office. This approach will help to determine the kind of restructuring that will be required to improve overall ef-ficiency. I will use my proven leadership and management skills in the Register of Deeds office, and apply those same skills to the com-bined office. I have reduced my budget 1.5% during my tenure, while absorbing thousands of dollars in labor contract increases. My fiscal accountability will enable me to bring the out-of-control Assessor’s budget under control.

ROGER MORRISSEY: I will draw on my experience when I mod-ernized the Assessor’s office after I was first elected in 1998. At that time, the appraisal staff did not use computers, still updated property records with a pencil and the office was not even mentioned on the county website. We installed computers, switched over to a comput-er-assisted mass appraisal system and put our property records and valuation information online. The Assessor website is now among the most popular local government websites in the state. The goal has been achieved at making our operations more efficient, accessible and transparent for the taxpayers. Over the years, we’ve added more features to our website to improve taxpayer access. I would bring this same accountability to the operations of the Register of Deeds func-tion. We shouldn’t miss a beat, much like the experience when the Lancaster County Register of Deeds was merged into the Lancaster County Assessor’s Office.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS DUAL POSITION?

DIANE BATTIATO: I have 17 years of Register of Deeds office expe-rience, with 10 of them as Register of Deeds. I have 28 years of real estate experience working with property values. I have my assessor’s certification, as well as my (IAAO) International Association of As-sessing Officers course 101 certificate. I also served on the Papillion City Council for five years, where we focused on our 10-year, compre-hensive development plan. In this plan we paid particular attention to community development and property annexation. Also, the Register of Deeds office was the first to e-record land documents in Nebraska. Since then, 62 Nebraska counties have begun to e-record. In terms of other accomplishments and recognition, I have received a certifi-

cate of achievement from the NACO Institute of Excellence, and been awarded the prestigious CPO (Certified Public Official) designation by NACRC(National Association of County Recorders, Election Of-ficials and Clerks). I am one of only 12 CPOs in the nation.

ROGER MORRISSEY: I am the only candidate in this race with a professional background in property appraisal. That is the best way to ensure the office is doing the best job possible in mass appraisal for setting assessments that reflect current market conditions for homes and commercial properties. The assessment operation remains the most complex and demanding of all tasks administered by these two offices, and I have the educational and professional experience that best serves this office. I believe we have done more than most elected officials when it comes to outreach in the community, opening the assessments to scrutiny in the media and withtransparency on our website; establishing help sites in the community for applicants seek-ing the Homestead Exemption; and personally attending countless community meetings to explain the assessment system and the op-portunity for appealing valuations. We have done these things with an office budget that is the same as Lancaster County’s and we are twice its size.

WHAT ISSUES WILL YOU FOCUS ON AS IT RE-LATES TO PROPERTY VALUE?

DIANE BATTIATO: I will focus on three issues: 1) The assessment process--I will work to re-establish fair and equitable property valu-ations. When property values are correct, you, as home and prop-erty owners, only pay the taxes you truly owe; 2) The efficient use of technology--I have invested more than $500,000 in state-of-the-art technology in order to make my office more effective for users and more efficient for employees. I will use technological resources in the same manner to improve operations in the new office; 3) Accessibil-ity--I will be Douglas County’s “accessible assessor/register of deeds”. My door will always be open to every property owner. I will listen to your concerns. Many problems can be solved through meaningful and open conversation, which can lead to savings to taxpayers, as a whole. I am the best candidate to lead this first-ever Assessor/Register of Deeds office. I already have the job more than half done - let me finish it.

ROGER MORRISSEY: As I entered office, valuations in Douglas County were under challenge by state authorities. Standards for as-sessments are even stronger today. We’ve modernized our operations and have consistently been in compliance with state standards. More important, by making our records more accessible to the public on-line, we’ve encouraged taxpayers to help us correct any errors in prop-erty records. Together, we’re working to ensure no property owner is paying more than his/her fair share in taxes. In mass appraisal, we must do more with less. For example, we value significantly more par-cels with an appraisal staff that is the same size as the appraisal staff in Lancaster County. We continue to improve technology used by our office for appraisal, GIS and other operations. We continue to push that out on the Internet. And, we continue to seek ways to streamline the sharing of property data between county offices. Merging with the Register of Deeds is one step in streamlining.

Douglas County Attorney CHARLES GARMAN No response.

DON KLEINE (D) Address: 100 Hall of Justice 1701 Farnam Omaha, NE 68183. Web Site: http://www.donkleine.com. Age: 10/20/1952. Current Public Office, dates held: Douglas County Attorney January 2007 to Pres-

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ent<. Marital Status: Married to wife Kim, Operation Director Home Health and Hospice for Alegent Creighton. Number of Children: 3. Education: B.A. from Kearney State in 1974 J.D. from Creighton School of Law in 1977. Volunteer experience: Coached youth ath-letics, boys & girls, for over 35 years; On the Board of Directors for Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center; Nebraska Organ Retriev-al; National District Attorneys Association, Board of Directors.

IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF VIOLENT CRIME?

DON KLEINE: If elected, I would continue the very good working relationships I have developed over the years with state, local and federal law enforcement agencies to continue in our partnership to maintain the safety of our county by aggressively holding those ac-countable for acts of violent crime. I would continue to meet with members of our community to encourage citizens who witness vio-lent crime to come forward to allow us to prosecute the perpetrator. I would also continue to put substantial resources in our juvenile sys-tem and our drug courts to allow us to help young people and those with addiction issues move in the right direction by providing them the help they need.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

DON KLEINE: I have significant experience as the former Chief Deputy Attorney for Douglas County for thirteen years. I also served as Chief of the Criminal Bureau for Nebraska Department of Jus-tice and have been the elected County Attorney for over seven years. I personally have successfully handled many of the highest profile criminal prosecutions in the state. Mentoring our staff of over fifty attorneys is an important factor. I have led by example in the court-room and the classroom to mentor these attorneys. I have operated this office in a fiscally responsible manner, never exceeding my bud-get, even with an increase in the volume of cases we handle. My ex-perience and knowledge along with my working relationships with all law enforcement as well as my reputation as a trial attorney make me the best candidate. Also, I would continue to make sure we allow for the best training possible for our attorneys to maintain the highest skill level in forensic science,child cases and domestic violence.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

DON KLEINE: Foremost, continuing to work with law enforcement to make our streets safer by effectively prosecuting those that are re-sponsible for the violent crime that occurs in our community. We do this by building trust in the system with teamwork between law enforcement, prosecutors and the community. Additionally, to con-tinue working with the legislature as I have done in the past, to make sure we have the most effective laws to use in the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators accountable, especially those that deal with protecting those that are most vulnerable, the elderly and chil-dren. Thirdly, continuing to address how we can be more effective in addressing youth issues, addiction issues, mental health issues and drunk driving issues. My experience has taught me the specialization in these areas can lead to better results with regard to the handling of these cases.

Douglas County Clerk of the District Court JOHN FRIEND (R) Address: 1730 N. 162 St. Omaha, NE 68118. Web Site: http://www.votefriend.com. Age: 7/13/1960. Current Public Office, dates held: Elected 2006, 2010. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: BS Criminal Justice. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Roncalli High School Development Board, Police Federal Credit Union, Board Chairman, Supreme Court Technology Committee Member, Supreme Court Automation Committee Member, Supreme Court E-Filing Sub Committee Member.

WHAT IMPROVEMENT CAN BE MADE TO THE DOUGLAS COUNTY COURT SYSTEM TO MAKE IT EASIER TO NAVIGATE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES?

JOHN FRIEND: I have worked hard with many court stakeholders to facilitate access to the court system. Namely the Douglas County Self Help Center located on the first floor of the court house. The Self Help Center is staffed by volunteer lawyers that will provide in-formation to litigants who choose to represent themselves. We need to continue to educate self-represented litigants on what resources are available to them. This is a long term effort that is being accom-plished by court staff every day.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

JOHN FRIEND: I am honored to have served as your clerk for the last 7 years. Before being first elected in 2006, I served as an Omaha Police Officer for 25 years, retiring at the rank of captain. In my 32 years of public service, I have developed a reputation of honesty and integrity. Always putting the tax payer’s interest above my own. I am worthy of the public’s trust! In the last 7 years I have reduced the number of employees in the Clerk of the District Courts office by almost 20%. We have improved our ability to serve the citizens of Douglas County while reducing our budget in the past several years. I am committed to using new technology to enhance the capabilities of the clerk’s office to enable customer’s easier access to the district court. Examples are E-Payment, E-Filing, putting court records on-line so that anyone can view them. We will continue to look for new opportunities to use technology to enhance our capabilities to serve our customers.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

JOHN FRIEND: The three most important issues that I will address should I be re-elected are: 1. Continue to look at new technology that enhances our ability to make the court easier to navigate for our cus-tomers and the citizens of Douglas County. 2. Continue to look at court processes to gain efficiency and save tax payer dollars. 3. Con-tinue to focus on and improve customer service in the court.

Douglas County EngineerTOM DOYLENo response.

Douglas County Treasurer JOHN EWING (D) Address: 13516 Burt St. Omaha, NE 68154. Web Site: http://dc-treasurer.org. Age: 4/18/1961. Current Public Office, dates held: 1/04/2007 - Current. Past Public Office, dates held: Omaha Police Department 3/1/1982 - 12/4/2006. Marital Status: Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: Bachelor of Science UNO Double Major Business and Criminal Justice Master’s of Science UNO Urban Stud-ies with a Specialization in Public Administration. Military experi-ence: None. Volunteer experience: Midlands Mentoring Partnership Vice President, Charles Drew President, Empowerment Network President, Hope Center for Kids Board, 100 Black Men President Elect,United Way Campaign Government Chair,Minister Salem Baptist, Nebraska Children and Families.

WAYNE HOHNDORF (R) Address: 6932 Pinkney St., Omaha, NE, 68104. Age: 2/21/1961. Mar-ital Status: Married. Number of Children: 4. Education: Faith Baptist Bible College, B.S. in Biblical Studies. Volunteer experience: Omaha Coin Club, Nebraska Right to Life, Open Door Mission, & Church.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

JOHN EWING: I am the incumbent Douglas County Treasurer dur-ing my tenure as Treasurer we have utilized technology to provide our customers with the opportunity to pay property taxes on-line, we have also made it possible to register motor vehicles on-line, renew your drivers license on-line, and pay with a debit or credit card in the Customer Services Center. We have also reduced our staff from an authorized strength of 115 to 100 through attrition and capitalizing on the reduced volume of walk-in traffic. We are the first county in Nebraska to utilize technology to conduct the annual tax lien sale on line saving a significant amount of overtime and staff time, for our office and Dot.Comm. I have saved the citizens of Douglas County hundreds of thousands of dollars in managing the Treasurer’s Office budget. I have also managed the police department’s budget during my public service career that extends over 32 years. I have improved customer service by focusing on you our customer.

WAYNE HOHNDORF: I have several years of management experi-ence and know how to run a business efficiently. I am a tax watchdog who believes the Treasurer should be a person of strong character who will guard the “people’s” money.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

JOHN EWING: The most important issue is always making sure we are providing the level of service that our customers expect. We are not government as usual and we are focused on being responsive to the needs of the citizens of this great community. The citizens wanted on-line services and we delivered the services.The citizens wanted a friendly staff so we trained our staff in customer service.The citizens wanted more efficient government and we have become more ef-ficient. We were recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of County Officials for our Treasurer’s Busi-ness Model. The second important issue is making sure we deliver our services in an efficient manner. We have combined our previ-ous phone department and our property tax department into our Customer Services Division to more effectively handle phone calls, on-line renewals, mail-in renewals, telephone renewals, property tax payments and the tax lien sale. The third issue is making sure we con-

35VOTING GUIDE | THE READER APRIL 10 - 16, 2014

tinue to listen.

WAYNE HOHNDORF: 1.I will not submit a budget that includes an increase for my own salary. 2.Cut operating expenses in order to save the taxpayers money. 3. Create more openness in the Treasurer’s of-fice in order to be more accountable to the taxpayer

Public Service Commission JIM ESCH (D) Address: 2125 South 118 Street. Web Site: http://www.JimEsch.com. Age: 12/6/1975. Marital Status: Single. Education: Creighton Prep High School; Creighton University, bachelor’s degree and law degree. Volunteer experience: Board member, Black Men United; active with Benson Theatre Project; former board member Siena Francis House and Heart Ministry Center.

JOHN GREEN (D) Address: 5720 Mason Street Omaha, NE 68106. Age: 7/17/1949. Current Public Office, dates held: Director, Omaha Public Power District first elected 1986 and served continuously since then. Past Public Office, dates held: None. Marital Status: Not Married. Number of Children: 2. Education: BA, Creighton University; JD (cum laude) Creighton University School of Law. Military experience: None. Vol-unteer experience: City of Omaha Architects and Engineers Selection Committee (8 years); Omaha Bar Association; Assistant Scoutmaster.

CRYSTAL RHOADES (D) Address: 4565 Shirley Street Omaha, Nebraska 68106. Web Site: http://www.crystalrhoades.com. Age: 3/17/1978. Current Public Of-fice, dates held: 2006 - Present Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors Served as Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Chair of Legislative Committee<. Marital Status: Mar-ried. Number of Children: 1. Education: Goodrich Scholar Univer-sity of Nebraska Omaha Bachelor’s- Political Science and Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, Master’s - Political Science, Univer-sity of Nebraska Omaha. Military experience: Not Applicable. Vol-unteer experience: South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, Midtown Neighborhood Alliance, Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, Metropolitan Community College Foundation, Douglas County Democrats, Ne-braska Democratic Party, and numerous political campaigns.

JOHN SIELER (R) No response.

HOW WILL YOU WORK TO ENSURE THAT ALL NEBRASKAN’S HAVE ACCESS TO RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE INTERNET SERVICES?

JIM ESCH: The Universal Service Fund provides some support to en-sure broader access to services. But there needs to be a more creative way to ensure that we are delivering affordable internet services to remote parts of the state and underserved populations in our urban communities

JOHN GREEN: I will use all authority granted to the Public Service Commission by the Legislature to ensure that all Nebraskan’s have ac-cess to reliable, affordable internet services. The Internet itself is regu-lated by the Federal Communications Commission. The PSC does al-locate funds from the Universal Access Fund (on your telephone bill) to assist areas which see high costs and are underserved. As this has been used primarily for local access and cell phone towers, there is no reason that it can’t be expanded for higher speed internet and wireless in areas that are high cost and underserved. I will also seek to expand that definition so that those funds are more available in Omaha.

CRYSTAL RHOADES: I will work with the industry providers to sup-

port the expansion and maintenance of the broadband infrastructure and bring reliable affordable service to all Nebraskans. Unfortunately, the United States has been falling behind other industrialized nations in providing reliable affordable internet service and we need to take immediate corrective action. Internet service is critical to remaining economically competitive in the global market. Under my leadership at MCC we approved the expansion of our internet infrastructure be-cause it is critical to preparing our students to be competitive in the job market and because the use of internet can drastically reduce op-erating costs and improve efficiency. I will continue to be an advocate for reliable affordable internet service.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

JIM ESCH: I have worked with business leaders and underserved communities to promote economic growth and opportunity. I have an established record of reaching out in the community. As an at-torney, I have the skill sets to advocate for consumers. I believe I’ve exhibited the ability to reach across partisan lines to find new and innovative solutions to the various issues and challenges in the indus-tries regulated by the Public Service Commission. We need to elect the candidate with the right combination of new energy and political maturity to work with all parties involved in delivering regulated ser-vices to Nebraska consumers. I believe I am that candidate.

JOHN GREEN: Experience does count! If OPPD were an investor owned utility, it would be regulated by the Public Service Commis-sion. As a Director of OPPD, I understand rates, tariffs, administra-tive procedures and the industries regulated by the Commission. My work as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Cavanaugh, and my legal representation of cities and school districts, gives me a perspective on how to make government work. I have also owned and run a small business. If elected, I will be ready to go on the first day and I know how to be a consumer advocate.

CRYSTAL RHOADES: I’ve dedicated my career to protecting others and improving conditions in Omaha. I have a track record of posi-tive results on multiple issues. Under my leadership at Metropolitan Community College we had record enrollment growth and brought our students high quality, low cost education while keeping taxes and tuition among the lowest in Nebraska. We upgraded technology, im-proved efficiency, and increased access to state and federal aid result-ing in an additional 20 million dollars annually for our students. I will use the same advocacy skills to protect consumers on the public service commission. The PSC implements and enforces consumer protection policy. I’ve worked at the city and state level to craft high quality public policy on a variety of issues including crime, housing, education, juvenile justice, and domestic violence and I am skilled at ensuring there weren’t unintended consequences that ended up hurt-ing the people they were trying to help. Please visit crystalrhoades.com.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT YOU WANT TO ADDRESS, SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?

JIM ESCH: 1. Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly delivery of electricity, natural gas and oil by encouraging alternative energy development and implementation of smart grid technolo-gies throughout the state. 2. Provide inexpensive and reliable private transportation options for everyone. Be it a young professional need-ing a safe ride home after a night out, a visitor needing a lift to the airport, or a person without access to a car needing a ride to work we should pursue new technologies like Uber and Lyft as well as ways in-crease taxi and bus services at peak hours. 3. Ensure accessible and af-

fordable telecommunications throughout the state. From ranchers in Western Nebraska to the under-served populations in urban Omaha, we should strive to provide universal wifi, gigabit internet service and next generation 911 technology to all citizens in Nebraska

JOHN GREEN: 1. It appears that some of the Keystone XL Pipeline issue may be heard by the PSC. In these areas, the PSC is a quasi judicial board. It would be inappropriate for me to give an opinion about a case which has not yet been presented. I can guarantee an open, honest and fair proceeding where all of the interested parties are allowed to participate. 2. I will work to improve cell phone, high speed internet and wireless internet in Nebraska through the PSC by increasing the amount of funds allocated from the Universal Access Fund to that program and seek to amend the statutes, rules and regu-lations which govern project funds availability. 3. I will serve as an ad-vocate for consumers in their dealings with the Industries regulated by the Commission, especially in all areas of communication as I have done for customer owners of OPPD. CRYSTAL RHOADES: 1. There have been major advances in tele-communications; broadband, Voice Over Internet Protocol, and oth-er technologies. Providers and consumers are trying to find balance in how we provide high quality service at affordable rates on a reliable network. I will use my previous IT experience to find solutions and create positive outcomes for consumers. 2.I will ensure infrastructure is handled in a way that it remains safe and products are affordable. Whether you are talking about grain elevators, utilities, or common carriers the effective regulation of infrastructure is critical to the health and welfare of Nebraskans. I will use my experience to ensure we have sensible oversight of infrastructure. 3.Consumer protection and advocacy are also critical to the office. We need to work to ensure that the safety, health, and economic interests of Nebraskans are pro-tected. I will listen to the consumers and work with them to ensure that they are treated fairly and that safety is protected.

Ralston City Council - Ward 3 CRAIG ALBERHASKY (D) Address: 8031 State St, Ralston, NE 68127. Age: 1/30/1956. Current Public Office, dates held: Ralston City Council, 2002 - present<. Mar-ital Status: married. Number of Children: 1. Education: University of Iowa: BS - Industrial Engineering; Purdue University: MS - Indus-trial Engineering. Military experience: U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteer experience: Ralston Community Foundation, St Gerald Catholic Church, Douglas County Democrats.

IF ELECTED, WHAT ISSUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SEE ADDRESSED?

CRAIG ALBERHASKY: The Ralston Arena is a fine venue with great catering and vendors. We must increase profitable bookings at the Arena.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISH-MENTS MAKE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

CRAIG ALBERHASKY: It has been an honor to serve Ward 3 since 2002 and I have learned so much. I have worked hard to address my constituents’ concerns and appreciate the faith Ralston voters have placed in me. My approach to city finances is to ask the tough questions and to treat every dollar as if it were coming out of my own pocket.

36 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | VOTING GUIDE

hoodooB Y B . J . H U C H T E M A N N

HOODOO is a weekly column focusing on blues, roots, Americana and occasional other music styles with an emphasis on live

music performances. Hoodoo columnist B.J. Huchtemann is a Reader senior contributing writer and veteran music journalist who

has covered the local music scene for nearly 20 years. Follow her blog at hoodoorootsblues.blogspot.com.

Gorillas, McPherson, Whitmore

The 21st Saloon celebrates the return of the Gas House Gorillas Thursday, April 10, 6-9 p.m. The Brooklyn-based band calls their

entertaining sound and style “punk Americana.” Rockabilly Magazine writes of the group, “This is what a popular culture roadmap might sound like. Find the jump-blues freeway, cut down the swing off-ramp, follow the rock ‘n’ roll backload and keep that radio at top volume, brother, every mile.” See gashousegorillas.org.

The 21st Saloon, 96th & L, hosts Texas guitarist Hamilton Loomis for a special show Saturday, April 12, at The 21st, 6-9 p.m. See hamiltonloomis.com.

Coming in the Thursday blues early shows is the always marvelous band The Bel Airs, who bring their Delta blues, vintage R&B, rock and New Orleans sounds to town April 17. Stellar Texas Jim Suhler is back Thursday, April 24, with his band Monkey Beat. He’s touring in support of his excellent new CD Panther Burn (Underworld Records). See jimsuhler.com. Suhler will also be at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, April 23, 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, May 15, The 21st hosts an indoor-outdoor show featuring the wonderful Sue Foley & Peter Karp and their band. Foley has been a force on the blues scene for a number of years and her collaboration with Peter Karp has resulted in two excellent CDs on the Blind Pig

label. See karpfoley.com.There will also be a cool rockabilly night at The 21st

May 29 with the amazing Nikki Hill, Scott Keeton Band and The Mezcal Brothers.J.D. MCPHERSON Old-school rockabilly and R&B artist J.D. McPherson is a must-see for roots fans. He gigs at Lincoln’s Bourbon Theatre Wednesday, April 16, with The Cactus Blossoms and Jack Hotel. McPherson’s band includes Jimmy Sutton, the award-winning bassist who has been known for his work with The Four Charms and as a co-founder of The Mighty Blue Kings. See jdmcpherson.com and bourbontheatre.com.HOT NOTES Joe Bonamassa plays the Music Hall Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. See ticketmaster.com. There’s a free pre-party at Venue 51 with Kansas City’s Brandon Miller Band beginning at 5 p.m.

BluesEd, the youth performance organization sponsored in part by the Blues Society of Omaha, has a showcase at McKenna’s Saturday, April 12, 1:30-7 p.m. featuring five youth bands. See bluesed.com.

Fine musicianship marks the genre-crossing music of Euforquestra, at Slowdown Thursday, April 10, 9 p.m. Americana songwriter William Elliott Whitmore plays the Waiting Room Saturday, April 12, 9 p.m. Honeyboy Turner Band hits Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, April 16, 6 p.m. ,

37APRIL 10 - 16, 2014| THE READER | hoodoo

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Sometimes I wonder,

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THURSDAY 10GAS HOUSE GORILLAS, (Punk) 6 pm, 21st Saloon, $10.DURTY THURSDAY W/E BROWN, (DJ/Electronic) 9 pm, Bar 415, FREE.BLACK-ATOM W/KWATTRO AND AJ THE DREAD, 9 pm, Bar-ley Street Tavern, $5.KING OF THE CITY FT. MAD MARLON W/FAM-MAM, YOUNG BULL AND MORE, 8 pm, Bourbon Theater, 21+ $10 | 18-20 $12.CRUSHED OUT, 9 pm, Brothers Lounge, $5.NEW MOON SONGWRITERS NIGHT, (Folk/Singer-Songwrit-er) 7 pm, Crescent Moon Coffee, FREE.SUN CLUB W/JEAZLEPEATS AND BETTER FRIEND, 4 pm, Duffy’s Tavern, 21+ $5 | 18-20 $7.SMOOTH JAZZ THURSDAYS AT THE OZONE LOUNGE W/GOOCH & THE GUYS, (Jazz) 6:30 pm, OzoNE Lounge at Antho-ny’s Steakhouse, FREE.THE SWAMP BLUES JAM NIGHT, (Blues) 7:30 pm, Rusty Nail Pub, Contact venue for charge.1% PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS EUFORQUESTRA, 8 pm, Slow-down, $10.REGGAE NIGHT, (Reggae/Island) 8 pm, The Hive Lounge, Contact venue for charge.ACOUSTIC NIGHT, 8 pm, The Tavern, FREE.ACOUSTIC MUSIC THURSDAYS!, 8 pm, Two Fine Irishmen, Contact venue for charge.THE PACK AD W/DOMESTICA, 9 pm, Vega, $10.CLEAR THE DAY W/VON STOMPER, (Indie) 8 pm, Venue 51, Contact venue for charge.TWO DRAG CLUB W/MATT BANTA BAND & VAGO, 9 pm, Waiting Room, $5.ACOUSTIC JAM, 1 pm, Western Historic Trails Center, FREE.BRANDON MILLER BAND KC BLUES, (Blues) 9 pm, Zoo Bar, $5.THE INBETWEENS AND THE ALLENDALES, (Country) 6 pm, Zoo Bar, Contact venue for charge.

FRIDAY 113D IN YOUR FACE, (Rock) 9 pm, 21st Saloon, $5.COME TOGETHER - BEATLES TRIBUTE, 7 pm, 402 Arts Col-lective/ Aromas Coffeehouse, $7.THE FOOLS, (Rock) 9 pm, Arena Bar & Grill, FREE.GSXR & WREKAFEKT, 9 pm, Bar 415, $5.ARIEL & THE ARGA KNOTS W/JEROMY DARLING AND JOHN LARSEN, (Rock) 9 pm, Barley Street Tavern, $5.LINEAR SYMMETRY W/JMNM AND REALEYEZ, 8 pm, Bour-bon Theater, 21+ $5 | 18-20 $7.SHERRY DRIVE, SHIVER AND JOHNNY LEGION, 9 pm, Chrome Lounge, Contact venue for charge.CHRIS SHELTON, (Rock) 9 pm, Firewater Grille, Contact venue for charge.KARAOKE THEATRE, 9 pm, House Of Loom, Free.CAS METAH & MOUF WARREN OF THE SCRIBBLING IDIOTS FEAT. DJ BOMBAY, (DJ/Electronic/Hip-Hop/Rap) 7 pm, House Of Loom, Contact venue for charge.SET TO REFLECT W/ANCHORS, 9 pm, Knickerbockers, Contact venue for charge.ENVY, (Cover Band) 8 pm, Loose Moose, FREE.DJ NOUVEAU RICHE, (DJ/Electronic) 9 pm, O’Leaver’s Pub, FREE.JOE BONAMASSA, (Rock/Blues) 8 pm, Omaha Civic Au-ditorium/Music Hall, Contact venue for charge.HI-FI HANGOVER, (Rock) 8 pm, OzoNE Lounge at An-thony’s Steakhouse, Contact venue for charge.KARAOKE, 9:30 pm, Rusty Nail Pub, Contact venue for charge.R-STYLE, 8 pm, Shamrock’s Pub & Grill, Contact venue for charge.

FOUR-TIME GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE KARRIN ALLYSON, 7 pm, Side Door Lounge, Contact venue for charge.TEN CLUB W/DAMON MARVIN, 8 pm, Slowdown, $7.SOARING WINGS FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC W/TRACY SKRETTA, 7 pm, Soaring Wings Vineyard, FREE.RAW: SPECTRUM, 7 pm, Sokol Hall & Auditorium, $15 ADV | $20 DOS.BLU SIMON, 8 pm, The Hive Lounge, Contact venue for charge.COVER ME BADD, (Cover Band) 9 pm, Two Fine Irish-men, Contact venue for charge.BRANDON MILLER BAND, (Blues) 4 pm, Venue 51, FREE.KISSOLOGY, (Rock) 9 pm, Waiting Room, $10 ADV | $12 DOS.KARAOKE, 9 pm, West Lanes Bowling Blue Magoo Lounge, Contact venue for charge.TIJUANA GIGOLOS, (Rock) 5 pm, Zoo Bar, $5.KILL COUNTY, 9 pm, Zoo Bar, Contact venue for charge.

SATURDAY 12TEXAS GUITARIST HAMILTON LOOMIS, 6 pm, 21st Saloon, Contact venue for charge.FIND YOUR VOICE -- INTRO INTO SONGWRITING, (Class) 3 pm, 402 Arts Collective/ Aromas Coffeehouse, FREE.ON THE FRITZ, (Rock) 7 pm, Ameristar Casino, Contact venue for charge.VELVET CRUSH, (Cover Band) 9 pm, Arena Bar & Grill, FREE.LJ & GLENN OKADA, 9 pm, Bar 415, $5.THE LUPINES W/SCRUFFY & THE JANITORS AND DANNY SA-BRA, 9 pm, Barley Street Tavern, $5.OPEN DECKS FT. LOVELAND, DJ BEREN, JMNM, DISTORTED DISCANTUS & FRESH PERSPECTIVE, (DJ/Electronic) 8 pm, Bourbon Theater, 21+ FREE | 18-20 $5.BLAZIN’ PIANOS W/KEITH ALLEN & MIKE CAPPO, (Cover Band) 9 pm, DJ’s Dugout West, Contact venue for charge.WILD COLONIAL BHOYS, (Rock) 9 pm, Dubliner Pub, $3.KARAOKE, 8 pm, Firewater Grille, Contact venue for cover charge.OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS TROMBONIST DELF-EAYO MARSALIS, (Jazz) 8 pm, Holland Performing Arts Center, Tickets start at $30.VIOLET AND THE UNDERCURRENTS W/SPOCK NIXON AND THE ROAMING PIGEONS, (Rock) 9 pm, Knickerbockers, Con-tact venue for charge.FISH HEADS, (Cover Band) 8 pm, Loose Moose, FREE.BLUESED SHOWCASE, (Blues) 1:30 pm, McKenna’s Booze, Blues & BBQ, Contact venue for charge.KARAOKE, 9 pm, O’Leaver’s Pub, FREE.ECKOPHONIC, (Cover Band) 8 pm, Parliament Pub Downtown, Contact venue for charge.CORDIAL SPEW, SUBJECT TO AUTHORITY AND ODINSON, 8 pm, Shamrock’s Pub & Grill, Contact venue for charge.A WASTED EFFORT W/STILL WE FALL, WAKING THE NEIGH-BORS, KING ME, ESCAPIST, LEIGHTON AND MORE, 6 pm, Sokol Hall & Auditorium, $10 ADV | $12 DOS.CITRUS CLUB, (Cover Band) 9 pm, Two Fine Irishmen, Contact venue for charge.BIG DREAMS WEEKEND POST-SPRING GAME BASH W/DJ HOTBOY, (DJ/Electronic) 8 pm, Vega, 8-10pm $5 | After 10pm $10.WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE W/AUSTIN LUCAS, 9 pm, Waiting Room, $12.MANDOLIN ORANGE - OUTSTANDING BLUEGRASS, 6 pm, Zoo Bar, $6.STONEBELLY CD RELEASE W/ROCK, PAPER, DYNAMITE!, (Rock) 9 pm, Zoo Bar, Contact venue for charge.

SUNDAY 13SALSA SUNDAY W/ LATIN MADNESS, 7 pm, House Of Loom, $5.O’LEAVER’S OPEN MIC NIGHT, 9 pm, O’Leaver’s Pub, FREE.SOARING WINGS VINEYARD SUNDAY MUSIC WITH APRIL AND FRIENDS, 2 pm, Soaring Wings Vineyard, FREE.1% PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS CHUCK RAGAN AND THE CA-MARADERIE W/JOHNNY TWO BAGS, (Folk/Singer-Song-writer) 8 pm, Vega, $15 ADV | $18 DOS.VIOLET AND THE UNDERCURRENTS W/VIOLET VONDER HAAR AND JON JERRY, (Indie) 6 pm, Venue 51, Contact venue for charge.

MONDAY 14OPEN MIC NIGHT, 6 pm, 402 Arts Collective/ Aromas Coffeehouse, FREE.OPEN MIC & SONGWRITER SHOWCASE, (Folk/Singer-Song-writer) 9 pm, Barley Street Tavern, FREE.FIRST CUT INDUSTRY NIGHT W/ DJ DRDRIGGS, (DJ/Elec-tronic) 9 pm, House Of Loom, FREE.MIKE GURCIULLO AND HIS LAS VEGAS BAND, (Cover Band) 7 pm, OzoNE Lounge at Anthony’s Steakhouse, Con-tact venue for charge.JAZZ TROMBONIST DELFEAYO MARSALIS PUBLIC LECTURE, (Lecture/Jazz) 5 pm, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, FREE.WAITING ROOM MUSIC QUIZ, 8 pm, Waiting Room, FREE.SLEEPER AGENT W/HOLY CHILD AND PAGIINS, 7:45 pm, Waiting Room, $12 ADV | $15 DOS.ZOO BAR HOUSE BAND, 7 pm, Zoo Bar, $3.PIANO HOUR W/ EMILY BASS, 5 pm, Zoo Bar, Contact venue for charge.

TUESDAY 15VIC NASTY, 8 pm, Bar 415, FREE.OPEN MIC, (Folk/Singer-Songwriter) 8 pm, Dubliner Pub, FREE.THE HOOT HOOTS W/FRIENDS & FAMILY, 8 pm, Duffy’s Tav-ern, FREE.PLAYGLOW, 9 pm, Knickerbockers, Contact venue for charge.METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S INTERNATIONAL FAIR, 10 am, Metro Community College South Omaha Campus, FREE.SCOTT EVANS, 8 pm, OzoNE Lounge at Anthony’s Steakhouse, Contact venue for charge.BLACK HEART BOOKING PRESENTS: CIRCLE TAKES THE SQUARE W/LIGHTNING BUG & RELENTLESS APPROACH, 8 pm, Slowdown, $8 ADV | $10 DOS.JOSHUA JAMES W/BUD LIGHT AND THE HEAVYS, 9 pm, Vega, $10 ADV | $12 DOS.OPEN MIC HOSTED BY DAVE YOBLE, 8 pm, Venue 51, FREE.NATHANIEL RATELIFF W/CAROLINE ROSE, 9 pm, Waiting Room, $10 ADV | $12 DOS.DJ RELIC SOUL PARTY, 8 pm, Zoo Bar, FREE.JAZZOCRACY, (Jazz) 6 pm, Zoo Bar, FREE.

WEDNESDAY 16BIG SEXY, 9 pm, Bar 415, FREE.JD MCPHERSON W/THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS AND JACK HO-TEL, 7 pm, Bourbon Theater, $10 ADV | $15 DOS.DICEY RILEYS, 7 pm, Brazen Head Irish Pub, FREE.LIFE IN PRISM, ANGEL SETTELL, CHANTY STOVALL AND SAS, 8 pm, Duffy’s Tavern, $5.SHAWN FREDIEU, (Rock) 8 pm, Firewater Grille, Contact venue for charge.THE NOBODYS, 9 pm, Knickerbockers, Contact venue for charge.THE RUMBLES, 8 pm, OzoNE Lounge at Anthony’s Steakhouse, Contact venue for charge.MATES OF STATE, 8 pm, Waiting Room, $16.HONEYBOY TURNER BAND, (Blues) 6 pm, Zoo Bar, $5.CHOCOLATE CAKE AND FRIENDS, 9 pm, Zoo Bar, $5.

38 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | music listings

SEND CALENDAR INFORMATION — including addresses, dates, times, costs and phone numbers — to The Reader’s calendar editor. Mail to or drop off information at P.O. Box 7360 Omaha, NE 68107; email to listings@thereader.com; fax to (402) 341.6967. Deadline is 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to issue date.

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Cave-Bound Paper-Shuffling

“TThe trucks full of paperwork come every day,” wrote The Washington Post in March, down a country road

in Boyers, Pa., north of Pittsburgh, and de-scend “into the earth” to deliver federal retiree applications to the eight “supermarket”-sized caverns 230 feet below ground where Office of Personnel Management bureaucrats process them -- manually -- and store them in 28,000 metal filing cabinets. Applications thus take 61 days on aver-age to process (compared to Texas’ au-tomated system, which takes two). One step requires a record’s index to be digitized -- but a later step requires that the digital portion be print-ed out for further manila-foldered file work. OPM blames contractors’ technology failures and bizarrely complicated retirement laws, but no relief is in sight except the hiring of more workers (and fortunately, cave-bound paper-shuffling is a well-regarded job around Boyers).

The Continuing CrisisIn February, officials in Sudan seized at least 70 female sheep that had male sexual organs sewn on -- the result of live-stock smugglers trying to circum-vent export restrictions. (Ewes are valued more highly, and their sale is limited.) Authorities had been treating the inspections as routine until they spotted one “ram” urinat-ing from the female posture.

-- Karma: Michael Schell, 24, and Jessica Briggs, 31, were arrested on several charges in Minot, N.D., in Febru- a r y when police were called to a convenience store be-cause Schell and Briggs had commandeered a rest-room and were having noisy sex. The store is part of the Iowa-based chain of 400 serving the Midwest that go by the name Kum & Go.

Democracy BluesU.S. Rep. Robert Andrews announced his retirement in February, after 23 years of representing his New Jersey dis- trict, and in “tribute,” The Washington

Post suggested he might be the least successful lawmaker of the past two decades, in that he had sponsored a

total of 646 pieces of legislation -- more than any of his contemporaries --

but that not a single one became law. In fact, Andrews has not ac-complished even the easiest of all bill-sponsoring -- to name a post office or a courthouse.

-- November election returns for the city council of Flint, Mich., re-

vealed that voters chose two convicted felons (Want-waz Davis and Eric Mays) and two other candidates who had been through federal bankruptcy. Davis never publicized his 1991 second-degree murder plea, but said he talked about it while campaigning. (The Flint Journal acknowledged that it had poorly vetted Davis’ record.)

Inexplicable The Internal Revenue Service reportedly hit the estate of Michael Jackson recently with a federal income tax

bill of $702 million because of undervaluing proper-ties that it owned -- including a valuation on the Jackson-owned catalog of Beatles songs at “zero.” The estate reckoned that

Mr. Jackson was worth a total of $7 million upon his death in 2009, but IRS placed the number at $1.125 billion. (In 2012 alone, according to Forbes magazine, Mr. Jackson earned more than any other celebrity, living

or dead, at about $160 million.)-- The North Somerset office of Britain’s

National Health Service issued a formal apology in January to Leanda Preston, 31, who had accused it of “racism” because of the pass phrase she received to access the system for an appointment to manage her fibromyalgia. Preston, who is black, had received the random, computer-generated pass phrase “charcoal

newsoftheweirdT H E W O R L D G O N E F R E A K Y B Y C H U C K S H E P H E R D W I T H I L L U S T R A T I O N S B Y T O M B R I S C O E

40 APRIL 10 - 16, 2014 | THE READER | weird news

41APRIL 10 - 16, 2014| THE READER | weird news

COPYRIGHT 2014 CHUCK SHEPHERD. Visit Chuck Shepherd daily at NewsoftheWeird.blogspot.com or NewsoftheWeird.com. Send Weird News to WeirdNewsTips@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679. Illustrations by Tom Briscoe (smallworldcomics.com).

shade,” which she complained was “offensive,” dem-onstrating that NHS therefore lacked “decency” and “common sense.”

Unclear on the ConceptA Florida appeals court tossed out an $80,000 anti-discrimination settlement in Feb-ruary because the beneficiary’s teenage daughter could not refrain from brag-ging about it -- even though the terms of the settlement required confidentiality. Gulliver Proprietary School in Miami had offered the sum to former headmas-ter Patrick Snay to make Snay’s lawsuit go away, but Dana Snay almost immediately told her 1,200 Facebook friends that “Gulliver is now officially paying for my vacation to Europe this summer. Suck it.” Wrote the court, “(Snay’s) daugh-ter did precisely what the confidentiality agreement was designed to prevent.”

PerspectiveA controversial landmark U.S. Supreme Court deci-sion in 2005 for the first time allowed a city to force unwilling owners to sell private property not for a school or police station or other traditional mu-nicipal necessity, but just because a developer promised to improve the neighborhood. Consequently, longtime residents such as Susette Kelo were forced off their land be-cause the city of New London, Conn., had hopes of a prosperous buildup anchored by a new facility from the drugmaker Pfizer. The Weekly Standard magazine reported in February that, nine years down the road, Pfizer has backed out, and the 90-acre area of New London in which Kelo and others were bulldozed off of is waist-high in weeds -- an even worse blight than that which New London sacrificed private property rights in order to prevent.

News of the Self-IndulgentPlastic surgeons have performed beard implants before, but only for men with facial scarring or for

female-to-male transgenders. Recently, New York city surgeons report an uptick in business by men solely to achieve the proper aesthetic look. Accord-

ing to the New York City website DNAinfo, the procedure is the same as for hair transplants

-- and takes eight hours to do, at a cost of about $7,000. Said veteran plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, “Whether you’re talk-ing about the Brooklyn hipster or the ad-vertising executive, the look is definitely to have a bit of facial hair.”

Creme de la WeirdCable’s TLC channel (formerly, The Learning

Channel) recently completed its fifth season of “My Strange Addiction,” mostly starring a host of compulsives who apparently cannot refrain from eating that which should not be eaten (mattress stuffing, diapers, plastic bags, makeup -- plus the engaging Heather Bell, who eats paint, to her a “thicker version of warm milk”). The full-body-suit-ed “Living Dolls” (reported here two weeks ago) led off the season.

Least Competent Criminals(1) Hernando County (Fla.) Sheriff ’s detective

James Smith happened across longtime fugi-tive James Dixon, 53, in March and detained

him, even though Dixon claimed he was actu-ally one of his own twin brothers, Gary Dixon.

On a hunch, Det. Smith called out to “Gary,” “Hey, James!” -- and “Gary” quickly turned his

head to see what Smith wanted. Smith said “Gary” then put his

head down and acknowledged that he was really James. He was held for extradi-

tion on a 30-year-old Michigan warrant. (2) Colton Green was arrested in Decatur, Ill., in

March, shortly after a nearby Circle K gas station was robbed. Police said it was not a challenging col-lar, in that Green was on probation and wearing an ankle monitor whose GPS trail placed him at the Circle K at the time of the robbery. ,

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cuttingroomn It’d be enough if Film Streams (filmstreams.org) just brought smart, artistic movies to our fine city, but they also deliver periodic doses of immortality. Seriously! They are firing up the latest edition of their Forever Young se-ries thanks to the support of Lincoln Financial Foundation. Kicking off with a two-week run of last year’s nominee for Best Animated Film, Er-nest & Celestine, the collection of films aimed at kids and anyone with a child still (meta-phorically) inside of them continues with four feature-length collections of Charlie Chaplin shorts. Tickets are only two-fiddy for kids 12 or younger, and the series starts April 12 and runs through June, shortly before you get to return your kids to the substandard public education that provides you respite.n Because the Internet ruins literally every-thing, we will never see Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, a western that sounded supremely awesome. When the script leaked, thanks to a self-important boob in need of face punching, Tarantino put the kibosh on a big screen version. But for one night and one night only, a small group will get a glimpse of what could have been. Film Independent is hosting a live-reading of the script directed by QT. Sadly, we normals won’t be able to attend, making this yet another gut punch delivered by the Internet. Someone should really take this thing down.n They are potentially making a sequel to An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary that put global warming on the map...just as we’re about to potentially be wiped off it. The pro-ducers and writers are gathering to potentially make a follow-up that covers the developments since the last installment nearly a decade ago. Presumably, the film would just be clips of The Day After Tomorrow with Al Gore crying “You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you all to hell!”

—Ryan Syrek

Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send any relevant informa-tion to film@thereader.com. Check out Ryan on Movieha!, a weekly half-hour movie podcast (movieha.libsyn.com/rss), catch him on radio on CD 105.9 (cd1059.com) on Fridays around 7:30 a.m. and on KVNO 90.7 (kvno.org) at 8:30 a.m. on Fridays and follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/thereaderfilm).

WINTER SOLDIER SHOOTS FOR FUNBY RYAN SYREK

With fight choreography pick-pocketed from Baryshnikov and more leaping and bounding than

Pooh’s friend Tigger on cocaine, Captain America (Chris Evans) makes beating the crap out of bad guys look downright pretty. Give directors Joe and Anthony Russo credit; bucking the law of diminishing returns, the brothers found a way to make the umpteenth superhero movie to be released in the last five minutes thrilling and visually fresh. But Captain America: Winter Soldier is more than just wanton badassery: it’s smart, diverse and unafraid to completely unmoor the backbone of the Marvel movie universe.

Everybody at home tends to forget that, technically, Captain America is 95 years old. In a charming opening sequence, we see the star-spangled superfella grapple with practical issues, like having missed decades of pop cul-ture (turns out, he does find the Internet “re-ally helpful”). As he makes his first friend after having been thawed from the block of ice he chilled in for five+ decades, Sam Wilson (An-thony Mackie), we see him doubting his role in the new American military. The metaphor is obvious but poignant: Cap is a greatest-genera-tion soldier whose existence is the epitome of a noble militaristic myth of integrity in combat. Modern American war is all bloody shadows and terror, conspiracies and covert public lies.

When Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) tasks Cap and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) for a questionable mission, it begins to expose enemy infiltration of Marvel’s mega-military outfit, SHIELD. With head honcho Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) now giving orders, Cap must ask Sam to suit up in mechanical wings as The Falcon in order to stop The Win-ter Solider (Sebastian Stan), an assassin with

a link to Cap’s biggest regret. Also: explosions and super punches and shield throwing and plane crashes are awesome.

Seemingly every time Marvel releases a non-Thor movie, audiences and critics rush to call it the best one yet. That’s less a true barometer of that individual film’s quality and more a general dis-belief that the studio keeps not totally messing things up. Winter Soldier doesn’t re-invent superhero movies or change on-screen fighting as we know it. It just kicks a ton of ass and does so with intelligence and diversity. The core group of heroes here includes two women, two black men and just one white guy. This doesn’t feel like a calculated decision to promote politically correct inclusivity, but an organic story development that also hap-pens to be encouraging to two communities (people of color and women) who tend to get left behind in the superhero shuffle.

Writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are also given room to really tinker with SHIELD, the meticulous organiza-tional structure that has linked the seemingly endless Marvel movies. Considering that many fran-chises bend over backward to preserve the status quo, it feels kinda bold. Actu-ally, considering the character-based focus, reliance on a larger fictional world and jaw-dropping visuals, Winter Soldier feels like exactly what Marvel has made for generations: a truly great comic book.

GRADE = A-

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me First-Run Dir. Chiemi Karasawa.Starts Friday, April 11One week only!

As tender as its subject is bristly, this documentary follows the legendary 86 year-old cabaret singer and “30 Rock” scene-stealer as she prepares yet another act and confronts her waning days. With appearances by Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, James Gandolfini, John Turturo, and Nathan Lane.

The Grand Budapest Hotel First-Run Dir. Wes Anderson.Through Thursday, April 24

Ralph Fiennes is a suave concierge in fictitious Zubrowka between wars on the run from an elderly lover’s greedy, murderous family with his trusted Lobby Boy.

First-Run Films Film Streamsat the Ruth

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Ernest & Celestine First-Run (PG) Dir. Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar & Benjamin Renner.April 12, 13, 17, 19 & 24

In this refreshingly old-school kids’ tale from the creators of THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE and THE SECRET OF KELLS, a mouse and a bear form an unlikely alliance and show everyone a thing or two about friendship and bravery.

Common Sense Media Rating: Ages 6+

Coming SoonUnder the Skin (R) Finding Vivian MaierNew York Film Critics Series: Locke (R)Jodorowsky’s Dune (PG-13)

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