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Wed., May 7, 2008
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Election Preview

Gretna Mayor Party Issues Why you should vote for
Sally McGuire Republican I think the citizens of Gretna look to the elected officials to make intelligent, informed decisions for the city. Holding taxes at the current rate and using those funds wisely is also important. I believe my constituents would like to see improved services in the city. My past experience, with 12 years on the City Council.
City Council Ward I Party Issues Why you should vote for
Jason Stahr Democrat The continued growth of Gretna, in population and area, while trying to maintain the Śsmall town' atmosphere we enjoy right now; and the possibilities of a new pool/community center or library are and will likely be issues for the near future. I feel, that being an implant to Gretna, from other small towns in Nebraska, I might be able to bring a few Śnew' ideas to the table. Ideas that would help with the growth of Gretna and help the city move forward. We are moving toward becoming a first class city and I'd like to see us maintain the feel of the small town that we moved into. I feel we should all have a concern for how we uild the city and turn it into a place that our kids will want to return to and continue building.
Doug Clark Democrat Info not returned Info not returned
City Council Ward II Party Issues Why you should vote for
Loren J. Foged Republican The important issues to voters are the same issues that are important to me; budgetary constraint through effective planning and foresight, conservative stewardship of Gretna tax revenues, effective management of city employees through consistent policy development and enforcement focused on customer service, effective husbandry of Gretna's naturarl resources, minimization of city government and taxes, and the creation of good paying local jobs through sound economic development. Additionally, although Omaha's growth into Sarpy County and District 37 is an old issue, it should be prepared and planned for vice feared or embraced. Although I am a candidate for city council, I don't think I am any more or less qualified to perform the job than any other dedicated Gretna resident who is also willing to devote the time and energy required by such a thankless task. I believe candidates run for such offices out of a sense of community pride, civic responsibility and patriotic duty. i would be honored that any of my neighbors would trust my judgement serving in that capacity.
Jeffrey R. Wollenburg Republican Info not returned Info not returned
Gretna School Board Party Issues Why you should vote for
Alan Dietze Non-Partisan Taxes and the new Metro Learning Community are most important. I have been involved in meetings with State Senators and other school district superintendents and sharing my views of what is needed in a rapidly growing district such as ours. Some of which have been addressed by the passage of LB988. Is it perfect? No, but it is a start. We will have to see how it will work out, then if adjustments are needed, suggestions can be made to our Senators. My hope is that every student of Gretna Public Schools get the best education possible and prepares them for life after high school, whether that is going on to college, military or work.
David Gulizia Republican Info not returned Info not returned
Rick Hollendieck Republican I believe we need to stay focused on providing as many opportunities for all the kids in the district. like our family, many families move to Gretna because of the great reputation of the school system. We need to continue to provide the first class education as our District continues to grow rapidly. We need to be able to forecast out five years and make sure we plan today to be successful in the future. At the same time we need to support our administration and teachers and make sure we are listening to their needs and provide them with all of the tools that are necessary for them to be successful. We need to have board members that have experience in the construction industry so we can support the construction projects better than in the past. The contractors need to be held accountable for meeting the construction schedules for completion. i have been in the construction business for 20 years and have owned my own company for six years. I am confident that I can provide positive input in this area. We have been in Gretna for 12 years and watched the community grow. I have volunteered my time with kids for more than 20 years coaching soccer, basketball, football, track and helping at school activities such as post prom, One Act, etc. It is very rewarding to łgive back˛ to the kids and hopefully make a difference at the same time. Being a member of the school board gives me the opportunity to support all of the families in our community and be their voice with our education system. i will help make sure that the kids that attend the Gretna school district will have a positive experience and leave with great memories.
Ronald Johns Republican One important issue is dealing with the legislature and the development of the learning community so our funding can be maintained. I would continue to attend statewide conferences, attend legislative sessions on education and educate them on what our district's needs are. I have had previous experience working with the legislature and the learning community process. I've learned to make better decisions for the children of our district. My experience over the past eight years has been educational and I would like to continue to build on what we've accomplished.
Mike Meyer Republican Info not returned Info not returned

Nebraska State Legislature District 3

Party Issues Why you should vote for
Christopher N. Geary Democrat I have talked with many of the residents of District 3, and their most common concern has been the unfairness within our current system of taxation, especially with regard to property taxes. I will work hard to bring greater fairness to our tax system and I will fight to make sure that the tax dollars of Nebraskans are not wasted. I am not tied to any special interest groups financially or through group membership. My primary focus in the Unicameral will be representing the concerns of the citizens in my district regardless of party affiliation. My leadership qualities have been developed while serving my country in the U.S. Marine Corps and throughout my career as a business owner, martial artist and teacher.
Gail Kopplin Democrat Retaining Quality Schools - I will work to ensure that Sarpy County schools have adequate and fair funding and can retain their local identities in the Learning Community. Property Taxes - While levying property taxes is a local function, I will work for an increased homestead exemption and sufficient state funding to cities and schools that local property taxes can be decreased. I have four years of experience in the Legislature and a long career in solving the complex issues affecting our children's education. I have years of experience in working in school finance and a thorough knowledge of the school funding formula. This is a skill that is greatly needed in the Legislature. I am an experienced state representative for this area. I have worked hard and used common sense to address the needs of our communities. I have been very open, very honest and very truthful in working with people in our district and our state.
Scott Price Republican Info Not Returned Info Not Returned
Bob Twiss Republican My priorities, as your Senator, include protecting our schools, cutting taxes, enhancing economic development and improving transportation infrastructure. Many of us in Sarpy County have grave concerns about the learning community and its effects on our local schools, our property taxes and our ability to maintain local control. I do not like the learning community, but right now, it does not look likely to get rid of it entirely - barring any successful court suit. We need a strong voice who introduces bills and will vigorously support, defend and debate our needs on the floor of the legislature. Local control, shared property taxes and governance need to be addressed. Economic development is key to spreading our tax base and help ease our property tax burdens. I have broad experiences in marketing, management and economic development that provide unique insights to serve as your Senator. As a business owner, I understand how heavy taxation and regulations can stifle growth. We need to grow our state with quality jobs. As a fourth generation Nebraskan, I have both rural and urban backgrounds to understand and to build support with other legislators to enact positive changes. I have already developed relationships in Lincoln, over 16 years, which will help move our agenda forward. My civic and community involvement and knowledge of Sarpy and my service on two Chamber of Commerce legislative committees enhance my abilities to serve residents of this district.

US Senate

Party Issues Why you should vote for
Scott Kleeb Democrat My highest priority will be strengthening the backbone of our country - the middle class. Through fairer tax policies and reducing the cost of health care, energy and higher educations, we can provide a brighter future for the next generation. We also need a farm bill that reflects our Nebraska values, and to restore America's standing in the world. I believe that people with different viewpoints can come together to get things done for our communities. I've succeeded with that approach in the past - most recently as a representative of the Natural Resource Defense Council, when I brought together environmentalists and local business leaders to find ways to improve energy conservation. That's the approach I'll take to solving Nebraska's challenges in the U.S. Senate. We've drawn on those values to make change here, that's how we'll change Washington.
Larry Marvin Democrat The two most important issues are 1) Civil rights - I intend to see that American women skiers participate in the World Olympics in Canada in 2010, or else; and 2) Corporation corrution and infiltration into our government. We need to clean house and prosecute them. Abortion, genocide, pedophiles, war, starvation, monopolies, rape, poverty, slavery, child labor, sweatshops, etc., all make me sad and sick to my stomach and I have zero tolerance for all of them. The Federal Farm Policy still favors the large and coporate farms; Federal Spending - we need to account for every dollar with no earmarks; the U.S. Economy - I am very much for free enterprise, and I strongly believe in regulating monopolies and groups that corner any market. I am receiving my monthly social security and my teacher's retirement, so I want to be assured of these cash flows, now and in the future. I am frugal with my money and everyone else's money. I have a record of asking questions and attending public meetings. I entered this Senate race to win, I am the best prepared candidate, 37 years of valuable public service, 38 years of political involvement, long-time tax payer, oldest candidate with the most experience. From November 19 to February, I was the only declared Democrat in the race. I am the only candidate who supports the 11 goals of our party platform.
Tony Raimondo Democrat There is no doubt - the squeeze on Nebraska's working families tops the list. Today, Nebraskans are faced with rising health care costs, growing energy prices and increasing grocery bills. We need to put America first, and change Washington's priorities. While I would have voted for the economic stimulus package that passed in the Senate, that was only a temporary fix. To get our economy back on track, we need to create jobs. We can do so by upgrading and repairing our nation's ailing infrastructure, continuing to invest in renewable energy and by creating łgreen collar˛ jobs in research and innovation. I have spent the past 40 years in business - creating jobs, balancing budgets in good times and bad and helping grow Nebraska's economy. I believe that real-world experience is what is needed today in Washington. The greatest threat to Nebraska's quality of life is the gridlock in Washington. For too long, Washington has been consumed with a broken political system focused on scoring partisan political points instead of doing what is right for Americans. I pledge to represent all Nebraskans regardless of political party or ideology.
James Bryan Wilson Democrat I would like to see a complete withdrawl of troops regarding the Iraq War and I would like to see us land a man on Mars in 2009, by working with NASA. I am the best candidate because I will be available to my constituents. I will also try to resolve issues facing my constitutions. I will be open minded and listen to other points of view and take them into consideration. I will never bring the disgrace of humiliation into this office.
Pat Flynn Republican Illegal immigration - closing the border, no amnesty, enforcing existing laws on employers who hire illegal aliens, English only; Cut Federal Spending - No earmarks/pork projects, no subsidies to private companies, reducing the federal budget; Taxes - Maintain existing tax cuts, reduce corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 22 percent, support and work for a Fair Tax; Health Care - Personal choices for private insurance that is portable, not government run and controlled. This is that moment when a new generation of conservatives needs to step forward with leadership and resolve to bring the American people fresh and sometimes, bold solutions in Washington. If best means doing in Washington what I have lived and spoken about here in Nebraska, then I am one of the best.
Mike Johanns Republican I will fight for fiscally responsible policies that benefit Nebraska's families, small businesses, farmers and ranchers. I will oppose tax increases and bring fiscally conservative principles to the U.S. Senate. I will make the Tax Cuts of 2001 and 2003 permanent to ensure over 650,000 Nebraskans continue to keep more of their money. Another priority will be to continue supporting the War on Terror and our brave men and women in uniform who are fighting to protect our freedom. We must also make sure soldiers and their families have access to care and support services when they return home. I have a tested and proven record of fighting to make life better for Nebraska's families, small businesses, farmers and ranchers. In order to continue expanding economic opportunities in rural communities across the state, we need someone with experience and a background in those areas. My record is clear, and I hope to bring Nebraska values to the U.S. Senate and end partisan bickering to improve life for the people of this great state, and across the country.
Steven R. Larrick Green Info Not Returned Info Not Returned
Kelly Renee Rosberg Nebraska Info Not Returned Info Not Returned

US House District I

Party Issues Why you should vote for
Jeff Fortenberry Republican Info Not Returned Info Not Returned
Max Yashirin Democrat Hard working, middle class families are being squeezed at every turn in the economy. I will be a voice for them, fighting for tax reform, spending reform, a high-quality education system and affordable healthcare. Washington is broken and we need new people and a new direction there. I've always felt the call to serve our country, that's why I served in the Marines and again in Iraq. I feel that my service in the Marines, my hardworking Nebraska work ethic and strong family values make me the best choice to represent hardworking Nebraskans.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

 


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