Two to run against McGill

LINCOLN - Concerns about the direction of the nation pushed two men into running for the Nebraska Legislature against incumbent State Sen. Amanda McGill.

The three candidates are competing to represent District 26, which encompasses the northeast part of Lincoln. The district is made up largely older neighborhoods such as Havelock, Bethany and University Place.

Tom Dierks, 47, jumped into the race last fall because of his concerns about federal spending and illegal immigration.

As a political newcomer, he decided to seek a legislative seat rather than one in Congress.

“I do think it's important that Nebraska be as strong and stable as possible to weather the fiscal irresponsibility of the federal government,” Dierks said.

Bob Van Valkenburg, 74, decided to make his sixth run for elected office because he thought voters need better choices.

“The people need somebody from this district that has the education and life experience to do what needs to be done,” he said.

Van Valkenburg said he doesn't disagree with much the Legislature has done but believes some things could be improved.

Each hopes to deny McGill a second term. The three-way race will be narrowed to two in the May 11 primary.

For her part, McGill, 30, is touting her experience.

She was elected in 2006, one of the group replacing the first wave of term-limited senators. She said too much turnover now would be detrimental.

“I feel like my work isn't done yet,” McGill said.

Among the issues she wants to continue working on are public safety, mental health and child welfare, schools and “green” city planning.

During her first term, she won the chairmanship of the Urban Affairs Committee and served as a member of the Judiciary Committee.

She also was chairwoman of a high-profile legislative task force created to deal with the issues brought to light by the state's former safe haven law.

The group's work led to a new state help line and other services for families of troubled children, such as those who dropped off teenagers and preteens before an age limit was added to the safe haven law.

McGill said her experience will be especially valuable as the Legislature tackles a $679 million budget shortfall next year.

“I think it's going to be important to have people in there who know each other and trust each other,” she said.

As a Democrat, McGill is in the minority in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. But she said she has made her own path in the body, working with senators of different philosophies. Her opponents are both Republicans.

“I am more progressive certainly in thinking about the future of our state and keeping young people here,” she said.

However, Dierks said he believes his conservative views on taxes and spending would better match those of district residents.

“I think Nebraska's doing OK, but we need to be keeping watch,” he said. “We need to keep it that way.”

Although immigration is largely a federal issue, Dierks said, the state can take some measures to deal with the problem.

However, he would support restoring Medicaid funding of prenatal care for low income women including some illegal immigrants, coverage that the governor opposed because he said it amounted to public benefits for illegal immigrants.

Dierks is the son of long-time Sen. Cap Dierks of Ewing, who is running for re-election this year.

If both win, it appears they would be the first family members to serve simultaneously in the Legislature.

Tom Dierks said he doesn't believe the relationship with his father is an issue and would vote for the interests of his district.

“I'm prepared to eat Thanksgiving dinner in the garage,” he said.

Dierks had raised $11,219 as of early April and had $8,112 on hand. McGill reported raising $9,642 and had $38,219 on hand.

Van Valkenburg had not raised or spent enough to file a campaign finance report.

“I haven't asked for money. I don't want money. I'm my own guy,” Van Valkenburg said.

He said he would be a voice for the district's older people.

Long an outspoken participant in local politics, he brings the same blunt manner to his legislative campaign.

To those who might call him a loser because of his repeated unsuccessful campaigns, he asks why those people don't run.

He said Nebraska should adopt a new income tax either a flat tax or fair tax to ensure that everyone pays some tax.

To address the dropout rate, Van Valkenburg would propose taking a youngster's driver's license until he or she graduated, obtained a high school equivalency degree or convinced a judge of the need for a waiver.

Contact the writer:

402-473-9583, martha.stoddard@owh.com

« Metro/Region

Share