Meet the candidates
ELECTION 2020
D1
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Hales, Kelliher square off for mayor
Retired Chamber exec, GPH admin vie for top elected job
on renewing the city’s Quality Growth Fund in this election for 10 more years? Both finalists favored extending QGF and its reserved sales-tax mech- anism through 2031, which Hales called “one of the most powerful tools we have available to promote economic growth in North Platte.” They also vowed to work closely with the chamber and other city business leaders. Kelliher said the may- or “must create an environment that is wel- coming to businesses” and enforce ordinanc- es “to create a safe environment, a stable community infrastruc- ture and reasonable taxation.” Iron Eagle What is your position on the proposal to sell or lease Iron Eagle Golf Course? Both favor the City Council’s Sept. 1 vote to seek “requests for pro- posal” to buy or lease the long-controversial city-owned golf course. Interested parties have until Tuesday to submit bids. “I believe our commu- nity needs to move past the challenges surround- ing Iron Eagle,” Kelliher said. “The most expe- dient route is to move the course into private ownership as soon as possible.” Property taxes What’s the best way to keep property tax bur- dens as light as possible while providing needed services? Each candidate stressed the importance of maintaining an effi- cient city government and bringing in more visitors and shoppers to grow sales tax collec- tions. Hales said a city ho- tel-motel “occupation tax” — similar to one now in place for the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center — could be earmarked for specif- ic projects such as park upgrades and a new rec- reation center. Kelliher said adding housing options down- town, such as on upper floors of buildings, “will enhance property tax collection in the down- town area without significantly growing infrastructure support costs for the communi- ty.” Community vision What is your vision for North Platte’s future? “I want a North Platte where our children and grandchildren want to live, a safe communi- ty with opportunity and a desire to improve,” Kelliher said. “Working together, honestly facing the challenges before us and compromise will al- low everyone to have a voice in improving the community.” He and Hales both spoke of growing North Platte’s workforce with more diverse job op- portunities, affordable housing, parks and rec- reation and historic downtown’s current ren- ovation into the Canteen District. Such projects “all make our city more attractive to young fam- ilies, single people and retirees,” Hales said.
Online See the Telegraph’s interviews with both candidates at nptelegraph.com
Meet the candidates
Brandon Kelliher » Age (as of Nov. 3): 51 » Address: 3801 Sugarberry Court » Education: North Platte High School; University of Nebraska- Lincoln; University of Phoenix » Occupation: Chief informa- tion officer, Great Plains Health » Past public offices: None » Other elections entered: None » Community organizations: North Platte Noon Rotary Club, board member, past president;
please visit nptelegraph. com.
By TODD VON KAMPEN todd.vonkampen@ nptelegraph.com Voters within North Platte’s city limits will elect a new mayor and at least two new City Council members in the Nov. 3 general election. Outgoing Mayor Dwight Livingston’s suc- cessor will be either John Hales, retired vice president of the North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp., or Brandon Kelliher, chief information officer at Great Plains Health. Kelliher and Hales ad- vanced from a field of five active candidates in the May 12 prima- ry. Councilman Andrew Lee, Lonnie Parsons and former Councilman Larry Lee Britton were eliminated. Livingston, elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, chose not to run for a third four-year term. His successor, along with the four council candi- dates elected next month, will be sworn in at the Dec. 1 council meeting. Following are sum- maries of Hales’ and Kelliher’s written re- sponses to questions The Telegraph submit- ted to them and the City Council candidates. Council responses are in a separate story. For video interviews recorded last week with both mayoral finalists,
of city government? Are there particular services you believe that the city should provide or that it could do a better job in de- livering? Both candidates em- phasized the city’s primary role in provid- ing law enforcement, firefighting and other basic services. But they also agreed it’s appropri- ate that the city provide parks and recreation op- portunities and assist in promoting economic growth. Kelliher called for opti- mizing “some operations of city government” so community leaders can “respond to develop- ment opportunities more quickly than we have in the past.” Hales favored main- taining and upgrading city parks and trails and replacing the 1970s North Platte Recreation Center at its current site. Voters also should re- consider a half-cent sales tax dedicated to city in- frastructure that they turned down in 2018, he said. Economic development, QGF What role should the mayor and the city play in economic development? What is your opinion
Personal qualities
What are your strengths that you believe make you the best candi- date for this office? Hales stressed his 28 years in North Platte, in- cluding many years of service with communi- ty groups and retail and business experience as a former Sixth Street Food Stores manager and chamber executive. “The citizens of North Platte expect the may- or to be available at all times,” he said. Because he’s retired, “being may- or will be my one and only job.” Kelliher, a native and 1987 North Platte High School graduate, noted that he started the city’s first Internet service pro- vider (Netquest) in the 1990s before his career with the hospital. “My experience operat- ing a large organization, my ability to bring peo- ple together around complex issues, my expe- rience delivering results and my willingness to openly show results on a public scorecard sep- arates me from my opponent,” he said. City operations In your opinion, what are the main functions
Brandon Kelliher
North Platte Toastmasters Club, charter mem- ber, past president; Platte River Fitness Series, technical adviser; Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, board member; Nebraska Information Technology Commission, member; Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network, mem- ber John Hales » Age (as of Nov. 3): 66 » Address: 905 W. William Ave. » Education: Attended University of Kansas » Past public offices: None » Other elections entered: North Platte school board, 1996 » Community organizations: North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity, charter board mem- ber; Nebraskaland Days, board member, past president, 2017 Dale Studley Award winner; Boy Scouts of America, past district chairman; North Platte Community Playhouse, board member, past president; North Platte Noon Rotary Club, member, past president; Heartland Singers, member, past president; Families First Partnership; North Platte Kids Academy, former board member; Adopt-a-Backpack Program, member » Occupation: Retired vice president, North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp.; former grocery store manag- er, Hy-Vee Food Stores and Sixth Street Food Stores John Hales
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T H E WO R L D - H E R A L D
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH ELECTION 2020 Voters to decide 4 council seats
D2
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020
WARD 1 Jim Backenstose (I)* » Age (as of Nov. 3): 67 » Address: 2109 Iron Eagle Court » Education: Roncalli Catholic High School, Omaha; University of Nebraska-Lincoln » Occupation: Retired » Past public offices: Appointed to City Council, December 2018 (confirmed by council, January 2019) » Other elections entered: None Meet the candidates
perience, he added, would help the city handle “a unique time in our history.” » Ward 4: Ostendorf said he has “a good work- ing knowledge of the city processes and procedures. When a citizen reaches out for assistance and I don’t have an immediate answer, I know where to go to get it.” Woods said he’s “an inde- pendent thinker,” has run his own business most of his adult life and follows “the character traits that my par- ents instilled in me: to be honest, hardworking and kind to others, depend on yourself and never stop try- ing.” City operations In your opinion, what are the main functions of city gov- ernment? Are there particular services you believe that the city should provide or that it could do a better job in deliv- ering? » Ward 1: Tryon said she would “encourage privatiz- ing as many nonessential services as possible,” while Backenstose said the city is “behind the eight ball, so to speak, in providing up-to- date recreation.” Both cited the primacy of providing es- sential services. » Ward 2: Volz said the city first needs “to set pol- icies and procedures to accommodate the goals of its citizens.” That includes the need “to stimulate growth” that diversifies the tax base “to remain relevant and competitive in our society to- day.” He and Agler agreed that essential services take top priority, with the lat- ter adding “there may be efficiencies that can be examined to provide the ser- vices the community uses and desires.” » Ward 3: Cities’ main role, Kurre said, “is to pro- vide those services and programs that we do best as a community.” North Platte has put off maintenance and repair of its streets and wa- ter and sewer systems and needs to address those, he added. Garrick said the city “should help rather than hinder people thriving.” By doing so, “we could defi- nitely do a better job at supporting and growing our own local businesses and at- tracting new businesses to move in.” » Ward 4: Woods said North Platte does well pro- viding city services, but he perceives “a feeling of dis- trust of the council and a feeling that the city does not take into consideration the ideas and concerns of the av- erage citizen.” Residents north of the Union Pacific tracks have “a sense that we are left out of the mix as far as economic development,” he added. City government exists “to serve the needs of the peo- ple,” Ostendorf said. Besides basic services and promo- tion of economic growth, “I believe that safe, comfort- able, affordable housing is of primary importance to all people, and the city should do whatever it possibly can to ensure that all citizens have access to it.” Economic development, QGF What role should the mayor and the city play in econom- ic development? What is your opinion on renewing the city’s Quality Growth Fund in this election for 10 more years? » Ward 1: Both candidates agreed that elected leaders and residents need to coop- erate to grow North Platte’s economy. Renewing the Quality Growth Fund, Backenstose said, “is integral to grow- ing our community.” Tryon said she would “apply the law as originally intended on a case-by-case basis” to city economic development pro- grams, calling them “a form of corporate welfare in pick- ing winners and losers.” » Ward 2: Agler and Volz said the mayor and council should be partners with lo- cal business leaders to grow North Platte’s economy. Both favored renewing QGF, with Volz saying “we will be at a severe disadvantage com- pared to other communities” if allowed to expire. » Ward 3: Both candidates
said city government plays a key economic development role in North Platte. Garrick and Kurre both called for QGF’s renewal. » Ward 4: Ostendorf cited the City Council’s recent re- zoning of Newberry Access’ east side as an example of good cooperation with North Platte’s business community. The council and mayor “should do everything pos- sible to facilitate new and existing business growth,” Woods said, but residents themselves “also need to pro- mote our town.” He called himself “torn on the issue of the Quality Growth Fund,” saying he op- poses “corporate welfare” but probably will vote for re- newal because the council has the last word on all QGF applications. QGF is meant “to help businesses of all sizes get started and grow,” Ostendorf said, citing a newly approved loan from the fund to Shae and Jeff Caldwell to help re- fit their newly purchased Parkade Plaza as a prime ex- ample. Iron Eagle What is your position on the proposal to sell or lease Iron Eagle Golf Course? All eight council candi- dates endorsed divesting the city’s interest in Iron Eagle, with Backenstose, Agler, Kurre and Ostendorf say- ing they hope the site will remain a golf course after being sold or leased. Property taxes What’s the best way to keep property tax burdens as light as possible while providing needed services? » Ward 1: To reduce infrastructure projects’ re- liance on property taxes, Backenstose said, the City Council should ask voters again to approve a half-cent sales tax dedicated to infra- structure needs. He also called for ex- ploring a 1% hotel-motel “occupation tax” that could be dedicated toward a new North Platte Recreation Center, among other possi- ble uses. Tryon said she hopes city government “can operate more like a business” with a new mayor and the recent hiring of Matthew Kibbon to replace the now-retired City Administrator Jim Hawks. “The citizens must realize for there to be any financial relief, government must re- duce spending, which can be achieved by a more efficient and smaller government as well as citizens taking per- sonal responsibility for some of their needs,” she said. » Ward 2: Sales taxes are “a very equitable way to spread that burden” borne by property taxes, Agler said, especially because out-of-town visitors and shoppers also pay it. User fees for more city services also should be considered, he said. Volz said “we need to manage the city bud- get critically” and expand the property tax base “by continuing to grow our population in a desired di- rection.” But “we are saddled with this (tax) structure” un- til the Legislature provides property tax relief, he added. » Ward 3: “It’s my belief that in examining the data and being clear, organized and transparent about where money is being spent, we could make our own systems more efficient and better able to manage within our means,” Garrick said. Kurre said he’d work to ensure “that spending is in line with the goals and pri- orities we set.” The ongoing downtown renovation “is one great example of what can happen when the city and lo- cal businesses do what is required to move into the fu- ture.” » Ward 4: “Sales tax is the fairest tax there is,” while growing North Platte’s population also pro- duces more property-tax payers to spread that bur- den, Ostendorf said. Woods called not only for promoting “jobs and growth” but for “aggressively” annex- ing areas outside city limits. Besides broadening the tax base, more annexation “may also get us to the magic pop-
By TODD VON KAMPEN todd.vonkampen@ nptelegraph.com
Half of the eight-member North Platte City Council will be elected for four-year terms in the Nov. 3 gener- al election. The other half will finish their terms in December 2022. » Ward 1: Incumbent Councilman Jim Backenstose is running against Donna Tryon for a full four-year term. The ward generally covers south and southeast North Platte on both sides of Interstate 80. Mayor Dwight Livingston appointed Backenstose at the end of 2018 to finish the term of Brook Baker, who moved outside city limits. Council President Jim Nisley is Ward 1’s other representative. » Ward 2: Pete Volz and Jim Agler are vying for the seat now held by retiring Councilman Glenn Petersen. Councilman Ty Lucas also represents their ward, which covers southwest North Platte north of the South Platte River. » Ward 3: Don Kurre, who represented the ward from 2006 to 2010, is running against first-time candidate Brad Garrick. The ward cov- ers central, west central and part of downtown North Platte. Incumbent Andrew Lee, who finished third in the May 12 mayoral primary, bypassed a run for a third Ward 3 term. Jim Carman holds the other seat. » Ward 4: Incumbent Lawrence Ostendorf is seek- ing a second term against Mark Woods, who led the primary voting. Tracy Martinez was eliminated in the primary’s only coun- cil race with more than two candidates. Councilman Ed Rieker also represents the ward that covers North Platte’s north side, a south-side area near- est to Bailey Yard and part of downtown. Next month’s general elec- tion winners will be sworn in at the Dec. 1 council meet- ing, along with the winner of the mayoral race between Brandon Kelliher and John Hales. Following are summaries of council candidates’ writ- ten responses to questions submitted to them by The Telegraph. Personal qualities What are your strengths that you believe make you the best candidate for this office? » Ward 1: Backenstose, a 30-year resident, said he managed many employees as North Platte’s UPS manager and later as operations su- pervisor at the North Platte Regional Airport. “I’m a good communica- tor and have good listening skills, which is a very useful tool when sitting on the City Council,” he said. With years of experience working for public, private and nonprofit employers, Tryon said, “I will work to make government smaller, more efficient and financial- ly accountable.” » Ward 2: Agler cited his 42-year North Platte Police Department career, which ended when he retired in 2019 as deputy police chief. He helped prepare the po- lice budget for more than 20 years, he said, and has “in- sight on how all city and county departments work and operate.” Volz pointed to his con- struction and engineering education, service as an Air Force officer and leader- ship roles including his past chairmanship of the city’s Planning Commission. “Having the ability to me- diate differing opinions to come up with an agreeable solution will allow North Platte to move toward our objective,” he said. » Ward 3: Garrick said his business background helps him understand what busi- nesses need to come to North Platte. “I’m a natural prob- lem-solver (and) have an analytical mind that under- stands numbers and data,” he said. Kurre said he’s “a good listener with the ability to summarize what other people say” and “a caring person with a positive attitude.” His skills and ex-
Jim Backenstose
» Community organizations: Nebraskaland Days, past board member; Cody Cavalry, mem- ber; North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity, board president; Golden Spike Tower, board member Donna Tryon » Age (as of Nov. 3): 73 » Address: 820 S. Bryan Ave. » Education: Accounting degree » Occupation: Part-time bookkeeper » Past public offices: North Platte Board of Adjustment, alternate, one year (appointed 2009) » Other elections entered: None » Community organizations: Fraternal Order of Eagles, North Platte Aerie No. 2839, member WARD 2 Jim Agler » Age (as of Nov. 3): 66 » Address: 3311 Reagan Court » Education: Mid-Plains Community College; Western Illinois University » Occupation: Retired deputy chief, North Platte Police Department (officer, 1977-2019) » Past public offices: None » Other elections entered: None » Community organizations: Police Officers Donna Tryon
Jim Agler
Association of Nebraska, past board member, past president; North Platte Noon Rotary Club, past board member, past president Pete Volz » Age (as of Nov. 3): 57 » Address: 4021 Sequoia Drive » Education: Colorado State University » Occupation: Insurance agent, Pete Volz Agency Inc./Shelter Insurance; retired captain, U.S. Air Force » Past public offices: North Platte Planning Commission, 2010-19 (chairman, 2014-19); North Platte Board of Adjustment (2014-present) » Other elections entered: None » Community organizations: Nebraskaland Days, past board member, past president; North Platte Ambassadors, member, past president;
Pete Volz
North Platte American Legion baseball, past board member; Nebraska School Activities Association, past football game offi- cial; past youth baseball, football and softball coach; Salvation Army, North Platte, past board member, past president WARD 3 Brad Garrick » Age (as of Nov. 3): 40 » Address: 1118 W. Fifth St. » Education: North Platte High School » Occupation: Clinical business intelligence an- alyst; owner, Top Tier and RA Productions » Past public offices: None » Other elections entered: None » Community organizations: North Platte Noon Rotary Club, past board member; volunteer self-defense instructor Don Kurre » Age (as of Nov. 3): 70 » Address: 1110 W. Third St. » Education: Indiana University » Occupation: Retired coordinator, North Platte Citizen Advocacy » Past public offices: North Platte City Council, Ward 3, 2006-10 » Other elections entered: City Council, 2006, 2010 » Community organizations: North Platte co-chairman and chairman; Leadership Lincoln County, com- mittee chairman; North Platte Chautauqua, co-chairman WARD 4 Lawrence Ostendorf (I)* » Age (as of Nov. 3): 79 » Address: 512 N. Elder Ave. » Education: High school graduate; real estate training » Occupation: Real estate agent; court-appoint- ed guardian/conservator » Past public offices: North Platte City Council, Ward 4, 2016-present » Other elections entered: City Council, 2014, 2016 » Community organizations: North Platte Noon Rotary Club, past board member, past pres- ident; Music on the Bricks, co-chairman; North Platte Downtown Association Kids Fest, former mittee member); North Platte Housing Authority, former vice chairman; Lincoln County Board of Realtors, former vice pres- ident and president; Sertoma Club, past secretary-treasurer; Fraternal Order of Eagles, North Platte Aerie No. 2839, member; Great Plains Corvette Club, past governor Mark Woods » Age (as of Nov. 3): 66 » Address: 902 N. Emory Ave. » Education: Arapahoe (Nebraska) High School; Mid-Plains Community College Area Habitat for Humanity, board member, past president, vice president, treasurer and site com- Brad Garrick Don Kurre Lawrence Ostendorf
» Occupation: Flooring contractor, including sales and installation; real estate entrepreneur (purchase and rehabilitation of older homes for rental purposes) » Past public offices: None » Other elections entered: None
Mark Woods
» Community organizations: Platte Valley Christian Academy, past board member, past president; AYSO youth soccer, past coach and referee; youth T-ball and baseball, past assistant coach *“I” denotes incumbent
Please see CITY, Page D3
ELECTION 2020
D3
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Blaesi, Luenenborg face off in NP School Board race
By JOB VIGIL jvigil@nptelegraph.com Two candidates face off in the North Platte Public Schools Board of Education Ward 2 seat in the board’s only contested race in the upcom- ing election. Angela Blaesi and Brooke Luenenborg advanced to the general election after garner- ing the most votes in the Ward 2 primary. Pat Cullen of North Platte was the third candidate in May. Current board members Skip Altig (Ward 1) and Matt Pederson (Ward 3) are unop- posed for reelection. Angela Blaesi Blaesi said in a May inter- view that she decided to run because current board member Mike Morrell did not seek re- election. “Back when Hall School closed, I had gotten very in- volved with meetings and paying a little bit more atten- tion on the board level than I ever had,” Blaesi said. “I re- alized that interacting with the board, you found out more about your schools and about what was going on in the North Platte system.” With the COVID-19 pandemic changing many school dis- trict policies, Blaesi said she is proud of the way the current board and administration have handled the difficult situation. “They were very quick to take care of things and their thought process was what is safe for the children,” Blaesi said. “So that’s great.” She said the board and ad- ministration seem to have been listening to parents and the health officials. “With those things, I’m very happy, very proud of them,” Blaesi said. “So far it’s been good. Unfortunately, it’s a
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weird time and none of us real- ly know how to handle it, so all we can do is listen to each oth- er, lean on each other and work together.” Blaesi emphasized the impor- tance of community members communicating with board members. “I’ve talked to numerous board members who have told me that people just don’t reach out and talk,” Blaesi said. “They don’t call them; they have a problem, but they don’t go to them and talk to them.” Blaesi said she loves to talk and wants folks to feel comfort- able reaching out to her. “I want to be informed on how they feel about the differ- ent things that are happening and listen to them and be able to hear their side,” Blaesi said. “I’ve had a few people who have reached out to me and said, ‘If you get elected, I want to talk to you about this, or this.’ It’s kind of interesting to hear their per- spective.” She has two daughters who are students at North Platte High School and a son who graduat- ed from there. Brooke Luenenborg Brooke Luenenborg also has children in the school system and wants to be involved in de- cision-making. “I’m running because I care about the schools and the com- munity,” Luenenborg said. “I’ve been involved in some other projects or teams when there were changes made in the
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to work.” Luenenborg said she thinks being on the board would be similar. “There’s probably going to be topics I agree with right away, and some maybe I don’t,” Luenenborg said. “Just being on the board and being educated on every side of any issue will help me make some decisions.” She said she has reached out to people who work for the district and others. “I’ve asked themwhat their issues are, just so I could learn what I’d be facing once I’m on the board,” Luenenborg said. “I do feel like there’s been support and positive comments come my way. We don’t all agree, but that’s what makes the world go round.” McPherson County (Vote for up to three) Lana K. Albrecht-Watson Chrstena R. Schultis Josh O. Streiff Chad W. Fisher Mid Plains Community College Board of Governors District 4 Kent O. Miller (unopposed) District 5 Ernie Mehl (unopposed) At Large Ted A. Klug Jr. (unopposed)
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went back and changed the playbook in the guidelines that were recommended.” She said it seems that’s what’s happening in every avenue of life. “We try one thing and if it works, we continue it. If it doesn’t work we change it,” Luenenborg said. “We have to learn to be flexible.” Luenenborg said should she be elected, she is ready to listen. “I’d like to think I’m going to come into it open-minded, like I did on the task force,” Luenenborg said in an earlier interview. “At first I wasn’t ex- cited about the task force, but once I saw the plans, talked to the teachers and started putting things in place, I learned more and I could see how it was going
school system. I think it’s inter- esting and think if you want to make a difference, then the best way to address that is to get in- volved.” Luenenborg was a member of the Buffalo/Lincoln schools merger task force. “I still have some mixed feel- ings afterwards, same as I had before,” Luenenborg said. “I think it’s hard because emotion- ally, looking from the heart, I wanted Buffalo to stay there.” Luenenborg said she supports district’s decisions and process in dealing with the pandemic. “I think they did the best job they could of keeping peo- ple informed when it was time to go back to school and what the expectations would be,” Luenenborg said. “Then they
Pederson, Sellers vie for NRD seat in only contested race for board
on the development and use of wind turbines? A: I am all about re- newable energy. I have (seven) grandchildren and I want them to have the nice life that I have, and I don’t see how that is going to happen if we continue down the path with what is going on with climate change. I think we’ve got to be smart. We’ve got to look at wind energy, solar en- ergy. We’ve got to look at all of that and figure out what makes sense. Ryan Sellers Sellers, 40, the owner of Sellers Sales Trailers, is making his initial campaign for a spot on the NRD board. He was a candidate for the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners in District 3 in 2018. Sellers experience in the political field also includes a doz- en years’ involvement with the Lincoln County Republican Party, in- cluding two terms as its chairman. Q: What are your strengths or qualities that make you the best candidate for this posi- tion? A: I grew up in the area and been involved with ranching all of my life. The NCORPE (prop- erty) is right next door to me, so I’m really famil- iar with it. That is the main reason I am run- ning is because of (the project) and the misman-
the best way they can to be the most profitable and also conserve the water. Q: What are your views on the NCORPE project in provid- ing water to both the Republican and Platte river basins and its part- nerships with affected natural resource dis- tricts? A: It was actually im- plemented before I came on the board. It was the best option at the time and no one has come up with a better option. The biggest disagreements now is how it is man- aged and the NCORPE organization owning the land. In my mind I love seeing (the property) go back to dry land and what it really was sup- posed to be. I know that has been a change in the (property taxes) for school districts and just some different things that have had to have been adjusted from irri- gated to dryland values. As far as NCORPE own- ing the property, I think it goes back to what makes the most sense. We don’t want to have an issue where we sep- arate land from water in terms of ownership rights. I think that leads us down a path that has unintended consequenc- es in the future. To me it’s about maintaining water rights, and if that means it has to be with the land, let’s find some good uses for it. Q: What is your view
to come. It’s weed manage- ment and planting the right the banks of the riv- ers. Also, cedar kind of trees at
Platte, is seeking to re- turn to the NRD board. She served as an at-large member from 2015 to 2019 before running against state Sen. Mike Groene for the District 42 legisla- tive seat. Pederson also served two terms on the North University of Nebraska Medical Center Board of Counselors, Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness and the North Platte Trails Network. Q: What are your strengths or qualities that make you the best candidate for this posi- tion? A: I grew up on a farm (about 60 miles south of North Platte) so we had dry land, we had pas- Platte City Council and serves on the ture, we had irrigation. So I grew up very famil- iar with what goes into farming, irrigating, crop rotation, water resources and water management. That is a strength for me having that background. Q: The board members can be considered land stewards. What does that mean to you, or being a conservationist? A: It means a lot of dif- ferent things. Part of it is that we have the riv- ers that run through the district and how those are managed and the im- pact it has on the land on either side of the river. Just the irrigation itself and making sure that we have adequate water re- sources for generations
agement of it. Now
By TIM JOHNSON tim.johnson@ nptelegraph.com
they’re talking
The Twin Platte Natural Resources District spreads across nearly 4,300 square miles, covering 13 com- munities across parts of Arthur, Keith, Lincoln and McPherson counties. Seven individuals are on the ballot this year seeking four-year terms on the board of directors, which directs the dis- trict’s policies in flood control, soil erosion, irri- gation runoff, grasslands and wildlife and ground- water quantity and quality. Incumbents Shane Storer (Subdistrict 1), Robert W. Wiseman (Subdistrict 4) and Dennis L. Schilz (Subdistrict 5) are all running unopposed. Incumbent Jerry L. Weaver and challeng- er Ken G. Anderson are both on the bal- lot in Subdistrict 3, but Anderson says he in- tends to move outside the area and would not ac- cept the seat if elected. That leaves the only contested race in Subdistrict 2 between Judy Pederson and Ryan O. Sellers. Here is a closer look at that race. The candi- dates’ answers have been edited. Judy Pederson Pederson, 60, the owner of Pro Printing and Graphics in North
about put- ting wind turbines out there. What’s go- ing on out there is a mess.
Judy Pederson
Ryan Sellers
trees out in the pastures have been such an issue, so Twin Platte works a lot with contractors who cut those down to try and bring back those grass- lands and allow those pastures to renew. It’s kind of a whole gamut of things. Q: What are your thoughts on the water in- tegrated management plan and data programs within the district? Is it working in your mind, or are there some adjust- ments you would like to see done? A: They’ve only been at this for about a year and a half, and to have almost half the land- owners signed up (for the programs) is pret- ty amazing. I think what that shows is the irri- gators are finding true value to the program. I think all the things Twin Platte partners with help the irrigators to under- stand better and to turn out not only a better product so they can have more bushels to sell but also have more profit off it. I think this is some- thing that will help them to really understand how to manage their farms
Q: The board members can be considered land stewards. What does that mean to you, or being a conservationist? A: Well, if you want to be a steward of the land, the first thing is to be a steward of the water. Pumping millions of gal- lons down a creek is not being a good steward of the water. We’ve got the best groundwater in any place in the country and it is being dumped down the creek. People think paying $2 for a gallon of gas is too much, but they go out and buy a $2 bot- tle of water and think nothing of it. What hap- pens when the water is all gone? Q: What are your thoughts on the water integrated manage- ment and data programs within the district? Is it working in your mind, or are there some adjust- ments you would like to see done? A: We’re going to have to do something. Right now we are not doing anything, There’s no me- ters on the wells. A lot of people don’t want them
Please see NRD, Page D4
CITY from Page D2
could be “a vibrant, growing city of 100,000 people” with a broad variety of jobs and recreational opportunities, Woods said. Ostendorf said he wants “to see the projects that are just getting started continue to grow and prosper” during an- other council term. With the new department heads the city has hired following a wave of retirements, “I believe the city administration we have in place now is poised to do some amazing things.”
such examples, he said. » Ward 3: Kurre said he envisions North Platte as “a vi- tal and growing community.” Though “I’m sure it will look different ... the spirit that en- ergizes our community will allow us to work together and continue to move forward.” Garrick said he agrees as long as the city makes “a few strategic moves and good deci- sions.” He added: “We’ve been stagnant for 30 years, and it’s time to change that.” » Ward 4: North Platte
ue to diversify and grow our business community, promote and attract other industry, continue the revitalization of our city and maintain and en- hance the outstanding quality of life that we deserve.” Agler said he takes “a pos- itive view” because “North Platte over the past several years has positioned itself for growth and economic success.” The proposed Lincoln County “rail park” near Hershey and the Shot in the Arm housing initiative are among many
lowest property-taxed commu- nity in the state would be an attractive benefit.” Backenstose said North Platte must “grow and diver- sify” its economic base and “attract young families to our community to increase our workforce.” More affordable housing, a new Rec Center and the Canteen District renovation “will hopefully ac- complish this.” » Ward 2: “ I feel North Platte’s future is bright,” Volz said, “as long as we contin-
ulation number of 25,000 that will help attract retail out- lets,” he said. Community vision What is your vision for North Platte’s future? » Ward 1: “Ultimately I want to facilitate bringing new and good-paying jobs to North Platte and reduce government costs and intervention in our person- al lives,” Tryon said. “Being the
D4 ELECTION 2020 Six questions on statewide ballot THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020
Telegraph staff reports Nebraska voters face six statewide questions in November. Two are constitution- al amendments proposed by the Legislature. Amendment 1 would pro- hibit enslavement as punishment for crime. Amendment 2 would ex- tend repayment of TIF debt for “extremely blighted” areas. Four are statutory ini- tiatives proposed by the initiative petition process. Initiative 428 proposes to limit payday lending interest limits. The other three — ini- tiatives 429, 430 and 431 — would allow casi- no gambling at licensed horse racetracks and es- tablish regulation and taxation of the casinos. Proposed Amendment 1 Proposed Amendment No. 1 prohibits the use of slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for conviction of a crime. Nebraska prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude in 1875, except as punishments for those convicted of crimes. A similar situation exists in 11 other states, and nine states permit invol- untary servitude but not slavery as criminal pun- ishment. A “yes” vote supports removing the language from the Nebraska Constitution. A “no” vote would keep the language in the state constitution and allow the use of slavery and in- voluntary servitude as criminal punishments. Proposed Amendment 2 Proposed Amendment No. 2 would amend the Nebraska Constitution to allow the Legislature to extend the maximum amount of time for the re- payment of indebtedness related to tax increment fi- nancing from 15 years to
able any transactionmade in violation of the rate cap. Under current statute, delayed deposit licens- ees are prohibited from charging fees in excess of $15 per $100 loaned. The proposedmeasure would replace that with a 36%annual limit on pay- day lending transactions. Current law limits the loan amount to $500 and loan term to 34 days. Initiative 428 would also prohibit payday lend- ers from collecting fees, interest, or the principal of the transaction if the rate charged is greater than 36%. Payday lenders are also prohibited from marketing, offering or guaranteeing loans with interest rates exceeding 36% in the state regard- less of the lender having a physical office in the state. Currently, 37 states permit payday lending. Colorado, Montana, New Hampshire and South Dakota have enacted 36% annual interest rate caps that also prohibit addi- tional fees or charges. Four states authorize pay- day lending with limits on APR, but permit lenders to charge extra fees on top of interest. The remaining 29 states authorize payday lending without limits on APR. A “yes” vote supports limiting the annual in- terest rate charged for delayed deposit services to 36%. A “no” vote main- tains existing state law on payday lenders, including a prohibition on charging fees in excess of $15 per $100 loan and a $500 loan limit. Casino gambling initiatives Three ballot issues from the initiative pe- tition process cover casino gambling at li- censed Nebraska horse racing tracks, the regula- tion and taxation of that activity and the distribu- tion of the proceeds. They are: Initiative Measure 429, a proposed constitu- tional measure allowing
A ”yes” vote sup- ports enacting a law that authorizes gambling op- erations within licensed racetracks and establish- es the Nebraska Gaming Commission to regulate gambling operations. A “no” vote oppos- es enacting a law that authorizes gambling op- erations within licensed racetracks and establish the Nebraska Gaming Commission to regulate gambling operations. Initiative 431 Nebraska Initiative 431 would authorize the Nebraska Gaming Commission to collect a 20% tax on all gross gaming revenue gen- erated within licensed racetracks. Gross gam- ing revenue is defined as the amount of mon- ey players gamble minus the amount won, federal taxes and any promotion gaming credits received from the operator and re- deemed by the player. The revenue from the tax would be allocated as follows: » 2.5% to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund. » 2.5% to the General Fund. » 70% to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund. » 25% to local juris- dictions where licensed racetracks operate. The Nebraska Gaming Commission would be authorized to develop rules for reporting rev- enue from the tax, and gaming operators that do not comply would receive a maximum penalty of a Class IV misdemeanor. A “yes” vote supports imposing the tax and dis- tribution as outlined. A “no” vote opposes the tax on gross gam- bling revenue of licensed gaming operations. This report by J.L. Schmidt is made possi- ble by the Nebraska Press Association. Schmidt has been covering Nebraska government and politics since 1979.
casino gambling at li- censed horse race tracks; Initiative 430, a proposed law setting up a regula- tory framework for the casinos; and Initiative Measure 431, a proposed law to tax the casinos and direct most of the tax rev- enues to property tax credits. It took a ruling from the Nebraska Supreme Court to clear the measures for the ballot. It’ll take a min- ute to grasp the domino effect of the three-part proposal. Initiative 429 would allow for the en- actment of Initiative 430, which would authorize and regulate gambling at licensed racetracks, and Initiative 431, which would impose an annu- al tax of 20% on gross gambling revenue of li- censed gaming operators. Without the approval of Initiative 429, Initiatives 430 and 431 would not take effect. Nebraska Initiative 429 Nebraska Initiative 429 would add a new Section 24 to Article III of the state constitution to exempt laws authoriz- ing gambling at licensed racetracks from the state’s constitutional pro- hibition on gambling. Currently, the Nebraska Constitution prohibits gambling, except for the state lottery, which was authorized in 1992, and authorized raffles in- tended to raise proceeds for charitable causes. Revenue raised from the lottery is allocated to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, the Nebraska State Fair Board, and the Legislature to fund edu- cation. Gambling in some form is legal in 48 of the 50 states, with Utah and Hawaii completely ban- ning it. Twenty-five states have legalized commercial gaming and 30 states have authorized tribal casinos.
Three other states will be voting on measures concerning gambling. Colorado would allow lo- cal jurisdictions where gambling is legal to ap- prove a maximum single bet limit of any amount and expand allowable game types in addition to slot machines, black- jack, poker, roulette and craps. A second Colorado amendment would lower the number of years an organization must have existed before obtaining a charitable gaming li- cense from five years to three years. Maryland would au- thorize sports and events wagering at certain li- censed facilities with state revenue intended to fund public education. A South Dakota constitu- tional amendment would authorize the South Dakota Legislature to legalize sports betting within the city limits of Deadwood. A “yes” vote supports amending the Nebraska Constitution to allow laws to authorize, regu- late, and tax gambling at licensed racetrack facili- ties in the state. A “no” vote opposes amending the Nebraska Constitution to do those things and would maintain the state’s prohibition against gam- bling at racetracks. Initiative 430 Nebraska Initiative 430 would authorize gambling at licensed racetracks with licensed gaming operators. It would establish the Nebraska Gaming Commission to enact rules to license gaming operators and regulate the gambling industry. The measure would pro- hibit anyone under the age of 21 from playing on gambling devices or par- ticipating in gambling at the racetrack. Currently, Nebraska outlaws gam- bling, except with respect to the state lottery, li- censed raffles, and bingo.
20 years if more than one half of the property in the project area is designated as extremely blighted. Tax increment financ- ing is intended to finance economic development in an area. In Nebraska, the governing bodies of cities and villages can enact res- olutions to declare an area as substandard, blighted and in need of redevelop- ment, and create a TIF district. The local govern- ment can then issue bonds to finance improvements associated with redevel- opment projects in the district. Local governments can use increased tax revenue, resulting from increased property values due to de- velopment, to pay off the bonds over a 15-year pe- riod. The ballot measure would increase the pe- riod to pay off the bonds and indebtedness from 15 years to 20 years for TIF districts designated as extremely blighted. In Nebraska, an extremely blighted area is defined as a census tract with an av- erage unemployment rate that is 200%or more of the average state unemploy- ment rate and the poverty rate is more than 20%. A ”yes” vote supports the extension of the re- payment period for tax increment financing from 15 to 20 years for areas where more than one- half of the properties are designated as extreme- ly blighted. A “no” vote would keep the repayment period at 15 years. Initiative 428 Nebraska Initiative 428 is the first of four is- sues placed on the ballot through the initiative peti- tion process. It is intended to amend Nebraska stat- utes covering the amount that delayed deposit ser- vices licensees can charge to a maximum annual percentage rate of 36%. It would also prevent these entities, commonly known as payday lenders, from evading the rate cap and deemvoid and uncollect-
NRD from Page D3
Polling locations in Lincoln County
lems. We need to sell this (NCORPE proj- ect) land and figure out what we are go- ing to do for the Twin Platte. Our taxes left and our water is leav- ing. Q: What is your view on the develop- ment and use of wind turbines? A: We need to stop the wind turbines before they get any further down the road. I don’t want them in my backyard and I don’t want them anywhere. They are terribly inefficient and not good for any- thing.
providing water to both the Republican and Platte riv- er basins and its partnerships with affected natural re- source districts? A: Well, you can’t unring the bell. When that whole deal got started, there were 40,000 acres in Kansas that could have been set aside for the Republican (River). The Twin Platte never should have got involved with (the project). We did and we bailed out the Republican wa- tershed while we still have our own prob-
North Platte Precinct 1: Calvary Baptist Church, 900 E. Second St. Precincts 2, 5 and 6: D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Road. Precinct 3: McKinley Education Center (south door), 301 West F St. Precinct 4: Holiday Inn Express Conference Center (east door), 300 Holiday Frontage Road. Precinct 7: Grace Community Church (west door), 1021 S. Buffalo Road. Precinct 8: Messiah Lutheran Church (north door), 2700 West A St.
Precinct 9: Messiah Lutheran Church (west door), 2700 West A St. Precinct 10: First Baptist Church (north door), 100 McDonald Road. Precinct 12: Lincoln County Courthouse (west hall), 300 N. Jeffers St. Precinct 13: Salvation Army, 1020 N. Adams Ave. Precincts 15 and 16: Berean Church, 202 W. Eighth St. County sites: Brady: Brady Community Center, 121 N. Main St. Hall: Berean Church, 202 W. Eighth St.
Hershey: American Legion Post 279, 108 E. Second St. Hinman: Lincoln County Fairgrounds (agricultur- al building), 5015 W. Rodeo Road Ave. Maxwell: Village Hall, 108 S. Pine St. Medicine: Wellfleet Village Hall. Osgood: Valley Christian Church, 2001 W. State Farm Road. Sellers: Harbor Lights, 711 N. Lake Road. Sutherland: Methodist Church, 631 Pine St., Sutherland.
and that’s fine. I’ve heard some people say we’ve got to take the end gun off the pivots. We’ve got to do something. I don’t know what it is, but we’ve got to figure it out. Maybe it’s retir- ing some of the new acres, I don’t know. Right now we are pumping more wa- ter out of Lincoln County than we ever have. Q: What are your views on the NCORPE project in
Wallace: American Legion Post, 217 S. Commercial Ave.
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