东京热app

Forty-nine women and men serve in Nebraska's unique, one-house Legislature.

They are citizen legislators, their jobs considered part-time, and they meet for 90 working days in odd-numbered years and 60 working days in even-numbered years. The 108th Legislature will convene in January.

Senators are paid $12,000 a year, a salary set in the state Constitution that cannot be changed without a statewide vote.

Senators' duties include representing the people and best interests of their legislative districts; appropriating funds to further the state's progress; strengthening the state's productive capacity and creating new opportunities; and keeping a careful check and setting policy on the operation of state government.

The Legislature is nonpartisan, so senators do not run with party labels, although they do have party registrations, including Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, independent.

State senators are elected to four-year terms and after two consecutive terms must wait four years before running again. Of the 25 seats听up for election this year 13 have no incumbents. In three races, opponents face no opposition.

Two of those uncontested seats are in 东京热app: Myron Dorn of Adams in District 30 and Tom Brandt of Plymouth in District 32.

Five other 东京热app districts are on the ballot this year.

In District 2, incumbent Robert Clements of Elmwood faces challenger Sarah Slattery of Plattsmouth.

Four 东京热app districts will elect new senators. The candidates in those districts are:

District 24: Patrick Hotovy of York and Jana Hughes of Seward.

District 26: Russ Barger, George Dungan III, both of Lincoln.

District 28: Roy Christensen and Jane Raybould, both of Lincoln.

District 46: James Michael Bowers and Danielle Conrad, both of Lincoln.

Age:听40

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听1010 Avenue F, Plattsmouth

翱肠肠耻辫补迟颈辞苍:听Chef and small business owner

Political party: Democrat

Website:

What experiences qualify you for this office?

I am an everyday Nebraskan. I鈥檓 a working-class mother. I bring with me some much needed perspective. Regular folks deserve seats in a government that is meant to be 鈥渙f the people, by the people, for the people.鈥�

Why do you want to be a state senator?

I want to be a state senator so that I may help my friends and neighbors thrive. District 2 deserves more enthusiastic representation. I am the working-class candidate and working folks deserve representation too.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

My priorities would revolve around helping working families. My platform consists of appropriately funding education and school nutrition programs, ensuring Nebraskans have accessible health care, protecting workers鈥� rights and supporting small businesses.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I support keeping elections of legislative leadership as they have been for most of a century. Taking away the secret ballot would be a slap in the face to the nonpartisan nature of the unicameral. I am actively campaigning for unity, and a rule change would only worsen the already vast partisan divide.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

Nebraska already has legislation limiting abortion. I see no need to change what is already in place.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I support responsible gun ownership. People need training and permits to operate motor vehicles. Those same things make sense for folks who would like to carry guns.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

There is a separation of powers for a reason. The Legislature is meant to operate independently from and uninfluenced by the governor. Further, I won鈥檛 be beholden to the interests of any political party or special interest groups. My priorities and loyalty are to the people of Legislative District 2.

Age: 71

Address: P.O. Box 198, Elmwood

Occupation: Banker, insurance agent, tax preparer

Political party:听搁别辫耻产濒颈肠补苍

Website:听狈辞苍别

What experiences qualify you for this office?

I have worked as a community banker, insurance agent and income tax preparer for 40 years. My career was devoted to helping families, farmers and businesses prosper in good times and bad. My financial experience helps me advocate on issues that impact families鈥� own budgets. I have volunteered with several community organizations. I am a good listener, work well with others, and have run meetings diplomatically. I would be honored to serve Legislative District 2 the next four years.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

As a small-town banker and small business owner, I've seen the negative impact government spending and high taxes have on our economy. I am running for re-election to continue the work I have done the last six years. I will continue to use my business experience to help provide more tax relief, balance our budget without raising taxes and grow our local economy. I will continue to be a commonsense conservative in the Legislature.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

The top issue I hear about from voters is property taxes. Our high property taxes hurt homeowners and farmers throughout our district. Last session, I voted for the bill that will fund more property tax relief, lower income tax rates and exempt Social Security benefits from state income tax. I will continue to support election security and funding for career education to increase our skilled workforce.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

The Nebraska Constitution Article III Section 11, in reference to the Legislature, states: 鈥渢he yeas and nays of the members on any question shall, at the desire of any one of them, be entered on the journal. All votes shall be viva voce.鈥� Secret votes violate our Constitution and Nebraskans have a constitutional right to know how each senator votes. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and I support voting for leaders with a roll call vote.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I would support legislation to limit elective abortion earlier than the current 20-week ban. I would support exceptions for medical emergencies threatening the mother, IVF procedures and ectopic pregnancy procedures. I would not oppose an exception for rape and incest if there was a police report filed and a time limit. I do not support criminal liability for the mother or felony prosecution of the doctor.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

Nebraska鈥檚 concealed carry law places an undue burden on the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and needs revising. Nebraska Constitution Article I, Section 1, states "All persons have 鈥� the right to keep and bear arms for security or defense of self, family, home and others, 鈥� and all other lawful purposes, and such rights shall not be denied or infringed." I would support fewer permit requirements, but I would not oppose a limited safety training provision.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

I don鈥檛 look to the governor for my legislative priorities. I tend to bring bills which solve problems that help individuals and small businesses by cutting government red tape and overreach. I try not to bring bills that would grow government bureaucracy.

Age: 51

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听1825 Deer Run Drive, Seward

翱肠肠耻辫补迟颈辞苍:听Group exercise instructor at Fallbrook YMCA, substitute teacher at Seward Public Schools

Political party:听搁别辫耻产濒颈肠补苍

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

* Working as an engineering consultant (going into companies and having to quickly get to know the workers and systems and then implement solutions).

* Growing up on a dairy farm and I am still part of Luebbe farms today.

* Related to Hughes Brothers Manufacturing and seeing the economic impact it has.

* Serving on the Seward Public School board.

* Serving as the chair for the Legacy Fund of Seward County - COVID Relief.

* Serving on the Seward Wellness Center committee.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

I am running for the Legislature because District 24 is a very special place to live, work and raise a family. I want to do what I can to keep it that way for the future generations. I think it needs to be people that have lived in this state/district for a long time that should represent us. I am not a politician and have no desire to climb a political ladder.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

* Finding greater solutions to relieve some of the high property tax burden many families face and addressing how we fund our schools.

* Reliable, affordable and accessible broadband to everyone. This is necessary to keep people in our state as well as attracting others to come.

* Ensuring that we have good legislation that doesn鈥檛 create more barriers or mandates to individuals or entities.

* Supporting local control as much as possible.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I do not have a problem with people knowing who I vote for in the election of committee chairmen and chairwomen. I believe that transparency is an important ideal that keeps government responsive to the needs and will of the people it represents. I do understand the hard feelings and polarization that could occur if voting would be open.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I am pro-life and would support legislation accordingly.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I will support constitutional carry. The Second Amendment is very clear on this.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

It depends what the governor鈥檚 agenda is. I will support what LD24鈥檚 priorities are and what is in the best interest of my district and Nebraska.

Age: 60

Address: 220 Ash Ave., York

Occupation: Retired family physician

Political party:听搁别辫耻产濒颈肠补苍

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

I understand the legislative process, having followed it for years. I had the opportunity to serve on my local school board 12 years. I have been active in my profession, having leadership roles in multiple organizations over the last 15 years. As a physician I understand health care issues, including challenges with Medicaid and Health and Human Services. These, along with education, make up over half of our state budget. I believe I have the knowledge and experience to excel.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

My life has been dedicated to service to my patients, community and profession. Service is an integral part of who I am. I have also had an interest in the legislative process over many years. I am running for the Legislature because it would allow me to serve the people of the 24th District.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

My top priority is to find ways to decrease the state budget and help develop new tax policies that lower the tax burden of the residents of the State of Nebraska. I want to support legislation that allows for commonsense policies that spur economic development in Nebraska. I want to support legislation that helps support agriculture in our state.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I have no problems making my votes for leadership positions in the Legislature public but have potential issues with putting it into the legislative rules. There is a strong possibility that an action like this might affect the nonpartisan nature of the Nebraska unicameral.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I would support legislation to limit abortion. I would vote to limit abortion except to protect the life and health of the mother. I would also consider an exception for cases of rape and incest.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I would be in favor of constitutional carry. I like the idea that people choosing to constitutionally carry consider an education course. I feel that people who make the commitment to education are potentially more responsible in the carrying of their firearm.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

I would carefully consider the governor鈥檚 agenda, but I think the Legislature should be more independent in developing their priorities.

Age: 34

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听5643 Walker Ave.

Occupation: Attorney

Political party:听Democrat

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

I know what it鈥檚 like to grow up while struggling to make ends meet. I have also worked with people who are often ignored by the system and need to have their voices heard. Throughout my career, I have been a bridge builder, trying to reach commonsense solutions to problems and bring people together. I have the personal and professional background to best represent northeast Lincoln and I鈥檓 ready to make sure that our neighborhood gets a fair chance.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

I decided to run for Legislature because I am tired of the partisan bickering that prevents work getting done for the hard-working families of Nebraska. I鈥檝e spent my entire professional career working on finding common ground and achieving goals that take everyone鈥檚 interests into account. I believe that as a state senator, I can build bridges and get things done that benefit the people of northeast Lincoln and all of Nebraska.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

My priority is to be an independent voice for the hard-working families of northeast Lincoln. I want to focus on things we can all agree on, strong schools for kids, retaining good-paying jobs on our side of town, making affordable health care more accessible, keeping our neighborhoods safe, and providing real tax relief for the middle class, not large corporations. I will also fight to keep Washington-style politics out of Nebraska so we can get things done for you.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting that reveals each senator鈥檚 votes? Why?

I support keeping the nonpartisan unicameral, including nonpartisan committee chair elections, and oppose any efforts to make Nebraska more like Washington, D.C. Ending this longtime rule will make senators accountable to their party, rather than the people. It, all but, guarantees that political parties will call the shots, making the Legislature no different than Congress. Advocates of this change aren鈥檛 doing it for transparency, they are doing it because it allows them to pass extreme legislation, like complete abortion bans.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I trust that women can make better decisions about their health care with the help of their family, faith and doctor, than politicians can. I will fight any efforts to enact an abortion ban, especially extreme policies that don鈥檛 even provide exemptions for rape, incest, or the health or life of the mother. I鈥檓 also concerned about the unintended (or possibly intended for some) consequences of such laws and how it could ban contraceptives or in vitro fertilization.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I support the Second Amendment and believe law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms. I also support commonsense laws to keep our neighborhoods safe. After talking with many responsible gun owners during the campaign, it is clear, people want their neighbors to know how to properly use their firearms. This legislation was opposed by law enforcement because this law doesn鈥檛 help responsible gun owners, but it makes it easier for bad guys to get guns.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

I would be an independent voice for the people of northeast Lincoln and Nebraska. Unlike my opponent, I was not recruited and bankrolled by the wealthy governor. Instead I rely on the support of working people who know I will have their back. I will be beholden to nobody except the people I represent.

Age: 50

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听7831 E. Avon Lane

翱肠肠耻辫补迟颈辞苍:听Attorney, entrepreneur

Political party:听搁别辫耻产濒颈肠补苍

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

Practicing law in state government, including my time as an assistant attorney general, gives me a jump-start on recognizing and innovating on policy issues. My agricultural background and businesses provide a unique perspective and understanding of Nebraska鈥檚 largest sector. My wife and I married, and have grown our family, in northeast Lincoln, living here for almost 23 years. Hopefully, age brings wisdom and perspective. Northeast Lincoln deserves better than it has received.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

From being a scout leader, to serving as a Natural Resources District director, I have a desire for public service. My family and I have been working and living in northeast Lincoln for nearly 23 years. Despite significant taxes, our streets and educational options have not improved. My decades of skill and experience can help northeast Lincoln. Northeast Lincoln deserves better representation in our state government.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

* Controlling government spending. Must establish metrics of success, not just budgets. Property taxes are relied upon too heavily.

* Protection of constitutional rights. First, Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights need constant protection.

* Public safety. Because Nebraska is now a gambling state, our law enforcement needs the funds to address some problems gambling brings: Sex trafficking, drugs and gangs.

* Election integrity. Support mandatory Voter ID and paper ballots.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I support a change in the rules to make votes public. Transparency in government increases citizen confidence in their elected officials. 鈥淧resent, not voting鈥� is not what voters want.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

Nebraska already limits abortion at 20 weeks of gestation. We have a duty to protect the humanity of pre-born children. In other states, legislatures are pursuing laws allowing abortion up to the day prior to birth. That is unacceptable in Nebraska.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

Unless limited by private actors, Nebraskans can openly carry weapons. Many Nebraskans are concerned that their constitutional rights will be infringed by bureaucrats. This includes their Second Amendment right to bear arms. Permits and safety training in some states are so onerous it effectively limits lawful gun ownership. Most Nebraskans want to avoid unconstitutional limits on gun ownership, which bureaucrats may couch as permitting or training requirements.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

My constituents鈥� needs come first. If the governor鈥檚 agenda helps and protects my constituents, and Nebraskans in general, then I would support it. Some tension between the executive branch and a well-functioning legislative branch is inevitable. Holding the line on taxes, a focus on public safety and community-building, while protecting our constitutional rights, should be the focus of both branches.

Age: 64 on Nov. 1

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听3015 S. 20th St.

翱肠肠耻辫补迟颈辞苍:听Owner, vice president and director of Buildings & Equipment, B&R Stores Inc. and Lincoln City Council member, 2015-current

Political party:听Democrat

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

I have the government and business expertise to work effectively from Day One. I am an independent business owner and job creator of the largest independent grocery operator in our state. For almost 12 years as a Lancaster County Commissioner and now as a City Council member, I have been honored to serve the people of Legislative District 28 where I was born and raised. I am a trusted leader who is pro-business, pro-neighborhoods and pro-community.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

I鈥檓 running for this office because I love public service. I am dedicated to making a positive difference in my community and to keep our state moving forward.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

I plan to use my government and business experience to focus on the cost burden the state has shifted to our taxpayers by addressing the underfunding of public education, the overcrowding in our penitentiary and the need for criminal justice reforms. I will advocate for responsible tax policies that reflect our Nebraska values by restoring state aid to cities and counties and advocating environmental resiliency and conservancy.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I do not support this rule change. Doing so breaks with the unique tradition of selecting our committee chairs without fear or reprisal. No one should have fealty to a party. Our responsibility is to the constituents we represent and to the betterment of our state. Open discussions, integral to the nonpartisan history in our unicameral, would be restricted by one party. If the rules were changed, voices of working families and the most vulnerable would not be represented.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I support the current restrictions in place that allow safe and legal abortions to continue in our state. I am a pro-choice Catholic and I live my faith. Government has no business making personal and private decisions for families that should be informed by their physician鈥檚 advice, their own faith and what is in the best interest of their own family.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I do not support an expansion and further proliferation of guns in our state that jeopardizes families鈥� safety as well as the safety of our law enforcement. Permits and training are essential. The majority of Nebraskans want commonsense gun safety measures and I am with them.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

I am an open-minded, business-minded elected official that has shown independence and a commonsense approach to crafting good policy while bringing together all the stakeholders. I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in a cooperative and collaborative process.

Age: 63

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听820 Cottonwood Drive

Occupation: Audiologist

Political party:听搁别辫耻产濒颈肠补苍

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

My core belief is that those in office should see themselves as public servants. I spent my first two years on the Lincoln City Council learning how to be a public servant and how government service works. Early on I spent two years working in Chile. Until you have lived in another country, it鈥檚 hard to fully appreciate how wonderful America is. Because I鈥檝e also lived in other states, I appreciate the effectiveness of our one-house nonpartisan state Legislature.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

During my two terms as a Lincoln city councilman, I watched as our tax dollars left Lincoln to go to other communities. I think this happens because Lincoln鈥檚 representatives in the unicameral are often viewed as elitist and therefore Lincoln rarely gets important committee assignments or chairmanships. I do business throughout the state and believe I can communicate effectively with other state senators to help Lincoln get the tax dollars we deserve.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

Making sure Lincoln gets our fair share of tax dollars, especially making sure our bypass gets completed.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I believe that setting our Legislature up as a nonpartisan body was brilliant and differentiates us from other legislative bodies. I believe in putting people before politics and secret ballots ensure we are more likely to have legislative members voting for what is right as opposed to what is politic. Currently the state constitution prohibits secret ballots, so that would require a constitutional change.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I believe in the rights of every individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That includes individuals who don鈥檛 yet have a voice. I do not believe abortion should be used for convenience or contraception. Abortion should remain legal if the life of the mother is at stake.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I support the Second Amendment. I was raised in a family that respected firearms and was trained early in their use. I received additional firearms training in the military and believe that if somebody carries a firearm, it is their responsibility to be trained in its safe use.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

I have always supported doing the right thing over the political thing. While on the City Council I was the council member who crossed the aisle most often, whenever it was the right thing to do. I would do the same in the state Legislature.

Age: 45

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听3818 Dudley St.

Occupation: Attorney

Political party:听Democrat

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

I was elected to the Legislature in 2006 and 2010 serving eight years on the Appropriations Committee. As a testament to my leadership and good relationships across the political spectrum I was selected to serve on the Committee on Committees, Legislative Performance Audit, Retirement Systems, Redistricting Committee, and chaired the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Task Force. If honored to be elected again I would have the second most seniority in the Legislature to help deliver more for our community.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

As a mom, wife, attorney and former state senator I was concerned about the direction of our politics. I believe my knowledge, experience and relationships can make a positive difference. I will work hard to bring down the temperature, keep an open mind and find common ground to ensure balanced policy results for families and businesses. Government cannot be the answer to all challenges, but it should be a positive partner in keeping our economy and quality of life strong.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

Tools to help working families succeed, tools to help small businesses succeed, and a strong public education pre-K through college.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

I strongly support our nonpartisan unicameral Legislature because it is a generational point of pride and because it works as a model of good governance compared to the partisan dysfunction that cripples our sister states and federal government. Legislative leaders have always been selected under a process that ensures the best candidate wins without regard to partisan pressure. That process should continue. I do not support rules changes that would weaken or dismantle our nonpartisan unicameral Legislature.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

I do not support abortion bans or additional restrictions. The decision about whether to have a child is a private matter that belongs with Nebraskans and their doctors. I have led the fight to protect reproductive rights as a state senator and civil rights attorney. I know the issues, process and rules to hold the line. I have worked to successfully expand child care, prenatal care and family planning services, raised wages and doubled funding for the Every Woman Matters program.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

I believe in robust individual civil rights and liberties. I also believe no right is absolute and support commonsense regulations to advance our shared public safety goals, such as permit requirements and training.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

I believe in a strong separation of powers to ensure checks and balances and deliver sound policy results. I have always worked independently to set my priorities and legislative agenda. If honored to be elected again I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues and the next governor on workforce development, child care, education, infrastructure and health care. I will always be a strong champion for our nonpartisan Legislature and for individual civil rights.

Age: 34

础诲诲谤别蝉蝉:听4206 Touzalin Ave.

翱肠肠耻辫补迟颈辞苍:听Therapist, school social worker, business owner

Political party:听Democrat

Website:听

What experiences qualify you for this office?

In my daily work as a school social worker, I have seen how good policy can save lives and how bad policy can harm neighbors. I have a track record of translating that experience into results while serving on the Lincoln City Council. I have passed the greatest number of initiatives and ordinances with bipartisan support all while serving during the pandemic. I have been tested and proven to do what is right for our city and state.

Why do you want to be a state senator?

Serving on the Lincoln City Council during the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of strong leadership in elected office. We need people in the Legislature who have worked on the front lines and can bring that experience to policy making. As a school social worker, I鈥檝e seen firsthand how Nebraska needs to improve access to health care, defend our public schools, keep children safe and protect seniors.

What would be your priorities in terms of legislation?

My priorities will be lowering property taxes, improving access to health care, defending public schools and fighting for working families, children and seniors. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by Lincoln鈥檚 firefighters, Lincoln鈥檚 teachers and Lincoln鈥檚 police officers because of my track record of getting things done.

Would you support continuation of election of legislative leaders and committee chairmen and chairwomen by secret ballot or support a rules change that requires open voting? Why?

The rules should not change. Changing the rules to fit one party is not what Nebraskans want. It鈥檚 no secret that our nation is becoming more polarized. By keeping the Nebraska Legislature nonpartisan we are holding to our value of people over party. Nebraskans want to see their elected officials putting time and energy into fighting for them, not a political party.

Do you support legislation prohibiting or limiting abortion in Nebraska and why? Under what circumstances, if any, should abortion remain legal in Nebraska?

Abortion should remain legal. We do not need additional laws to limit access to reproductive health care. I have been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Associates of the Heartland and will protect health care access for women in our state.

Do you support legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry guns, either openly or concealed, without government permits or required gun safety training? Why or why not?

Permits and gun safety training are commonsense measures that prevent accidental shootings and protect law enforcement.

Would you be inclined to support the governor鈥檚 agenda or be more independent in determining your priorities and legislative agenda?

Independent. Nebraskans expect their elected officials to fight for them, not for the governor. I have a solid track record of finding bipartisan solutions while fighting for north Lincoln. Nebraskans want leaders, not followers.