2012 Candidate Survey

Candidate responses to our 2012 survey are here. Click to jump a particular office.

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Bellevue City Council at Large
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Bill Richards Did not participate.
Councilwoman Carol Blood I m running for re election to the Bellevue Council I m a long time resident local business owner and active community volunteer I ran for office in 2008 to serve as a public servant NOT a politician. Every citizen deserves a leader who won't waste their money and seeks community input. Solutions and resolutions are what Bellevue needs going forward, a focus on community investment and someone who will be a mindful public servant to implement those steps A vote for me is a vote for common sense ideas continued fiscal responsibility and accessibility to local government. Municipal sustainability is a key Council issue because it is a path where our community can expand its investment in reducing energy consumption and using more sustainable sources of energy can benefit our environment, our municipal budget, and our community creating a brighter future for upcoming generations. Tasks like switching lights to LED and implementing other municipal energy savings allows us to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I received the Environment Champion Award from Green Bellevue for my work on behalf of the Bellevue Farmers Market. We have had 3 successful years and look forward to more. The current council has implemented and supports Green Bellevue. Initiatives include keeping Bellevue Beautiful, creation of a tree board that ensures awareness and protection of our beautiful trees (and to plant over 100 each year),complete streets programming that connects neighborhoods and neighbors through an interlocking trail system, community wildlife habitat,teaching sustainable planting methods,preventing water pollution through projects such as storm drain labeling & rain gardens, recycling education and more. Ideas are currently being implemented successfully, we need to stay on the path and continue moving forward.
 

Bellevue City Council, Ward 3
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Lisa Swanson I am seeking the Ward 3 seat in Bellevue Nebraska’s City Council. I have been active in the business and volunteer community for more than 30 years. The trust and confidence people place in me is taken seriously, with respect and dignity. I welcome the opportunity to tackle challenges and accomplish what skeptics say cannot be done. I have donated thousands of hours as a volunteer in Bellevue. Now, it’s time to take that commitment to the next level, and become an elected official. A lesson learned early in life rings true: leave a place better than you found it. Traditionally, sustainability pertains to environmental stewardship. I have been an active participant in environmental issues since I was in grade school. As a board member of Green Bellevue and Bellevue’s Tree Board, I have worked on projects including planting more than 300 trees in 2 years; designed and installed a bioswale at a school; worked with a team to initiate the largest bioretention garden retrofit in Nebraska. I lead the effort to have Bellevue designated as a Community Wildlife Habitat. I work with children to produce Arbor Day celebrations. The need for dark night sky is my most recent challenge. Bellevue has a green initiative as a main component of the city’s comprehensive plan. I think we need to see sustainability in a broader sense than environmental stewardship---a sustainable economy. These concepts integrate the needs of society with the integrity of nature. If we use safer, greener technologies, we reduce the costs of regulation, hazardous material storage and disposal, worker protection, and liabilities, while supporting values of protecting human and environmental health. Concepts and strategies that respect our natural resources are sustainable. We live at the intersection of land, energy, and water use.
Paul Cook Did not participate.
 

Bellevue City Council, Ward V
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Andy Mahoney Did not participate.
Don Preister I'm seeking the Ward 5 City Council seat in Bellevue Nebraska. I have lived in South Omaha and Bellevue most of my life. After serving in the Army and Vietnam, I graduated from UNO in 1977. As a Boys Clubs of Omaha professional youth worker for 10 years, my objective was and has always been to teach for improving our world. That approach was what led me to community activism and a 16 year service in the Nebraska Legislature. Listening, organizing, coordinating, leading, involving and respecting people are important to me. Understanding, insight, high energy and service are my qualities. Wise stewardship of all resources is vital to human survival and success as a species. Walking lightly on the Earth by leaving each place I visit better than I found it, is my goal. I introduced and helped pass legislation for renewable energy, conservation, disclosure, electronic waste recycling, water and air quality, health and wellness. I have been the Chairman of the South Omaha Environmental Task Force for the past 15 years. I founded Green Bellevue, started a Tree Board that planted 332 trees in 2 years, with Arbor Day programs for students, initiated Complete Streets and expanded city recycling programs. People and their elected representatives can work together for the betterment of our community. Leadership, vision, energy, compassion and long range view are essential to sustainability of people and their cities. Transportation options, housing density, city planning, livability, energy consumption, conservation and choices are all policy issues that help shape our future. Setting and leading by example is a solid approach. We can divert waste from our landfill through expanded recycling. Developing geen teams in schools, scouts and youth groups to help plant trees and water wise plants can be done to educate children. Improved water retention and conservation are goals.
 

Board of Governors Metropolitan Community College - District 1
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Chris Tribulato Did not participate.
Linda McDermitt The last 2 years since my appointment to the Board of Governors I have been able to keep the tax rate the same, served as Treasurer the first year on the Board and currently serve as co-chair. I have a successful insurance business and bring that business background to assist in the school being able to serve 50,000 students effeciently. I seek to remain on the Board of Governors representing Dist. 1. Being able to continue to bring my small business view and skills to this Board is important to our communities. Sustainability is how I attempt in my daily life to leave a small footprint. With Metropolitan Community College I have been supportive of the schools ability to use efficient low impact for energy sources to our buildings at all campuses. As a Board of Governors I have promoted the use of alternative energy in our planning for new and renovating projects. I am very proud of the ability of our engineers in getting our buildings into the low impact energy usage. The water saving efforts this year have been accomplished to assist in preservation of water at all campuses. I will continue to work with our engineers at all campus locations to encourage energy savings and new energy source ideas to accomplish our goals of being as self sustaining as possible I as a Board of Governor for a community college believe it is important to support the local trades in how to use current technology to build in Omaha with a low impact foot print. The Board of Governors encourages our college campuses to be good neighbors in each community and I believe this has been accomplished. Being elected to the Board will enable me to continue this effort.
 

Board of Governors Metropolitan Community College - District 4
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Nicholas Mayo Did not participate.
Steve Brock A lifelong educator, I have a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska---Lincoln and currently serve the community as chair of Metropolitan Community College’s elected Board of Governors. As a board member, I work diligently to provide both fiduciary and educational oversight without micro-managing the day-to-day efforts of the most inventive educational institution in Nebraska. It is not enough that MCC is only second to UNL in terms of the largest enrollment in the state, we must be responsible to ensure student learning takes place there. Sustainability entails using resources wisely today in order to be able to provide for the future. I am proud of the various sustainability efforts at MCC, leading the community in processes that are economically sound, socially responsible, and environmentally prudent. Among my efforts include the work of hiring our first sustainability director Daniel Lawse to oversee not only campus building projects and grounds, but also to incorporate sustainability into curriculum. At MCC, I led our effort to move toward the greater use of online textbooks and resources, including initiating that idea and serving on its steering committee. As a board member, I make sure all of our new buildings follow the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Guidelines (LEED) to better serve taxpayers now and in the future. Moreover, I heartily endorse public-public partnerships (like MCC has with the Omaha Public Library on our South campus or “The Pass to Class ” where students ride METRO buses to class for free) and public-private partnerships (Working with industries partners in Blair like Cargill, MCC trains candidates in bio-refinery and technology jobs in that community). I look forward to “growing” these partnerships and developing more.
 

Board of Regents University of Nebraska - District 4
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Bob Whitehouse I am running for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents for District 4. I have currently served in the role for one term of six years. I have been a lifelong educator and administrator for the Omaha Public Schools. I currently serve as the Co-Coordinator for the Collective for Youth, a community partnership that builds and sustains quality after school programs. I was a principal or assistant-principal in the OPS school district for 29 years. My experience in education provides a unique and valued perspective to the Board of Regents. I’ve described sustainability as a situation where you are given a limited number of resources at the outset, but sustainability is a process that uses and produces enough resources to continue indefinitely. I also believe sustainability efforts on a local level can make some of the biggest differences in changing the impact we have on our environment. My family and I are avid recyclers and while I have been on the Board of Regents we have undergone several new programs to decrease our impact on the environment across the University. The Board of Regents has oversight over the purchases and contracts at all University of Nebraska campuses. With an annual budget of $2.2 billion, the University of Nebraska can make an important impact on sustainability efforts across our state. Furthermore, the University of Nebraska and its employees need to be cognisant of sustainability efforts currently underway at the university. Our impact on the environment needs to be top of mind for the leaders of the University of Nebraska and should play a key role in our decision making in the future.
Dr. Lawrence W. Bradley Nebraska Board of Regents, District 4. B.S. Biology, M.A. Biology, Ph.D. Geography, (Minor Geology, Minor Native American Studies). Adjunct Professor UNO, Geography and Geology Department. Dissertation title, Dinosaurs and Indians: Paleontology Resource Dispossession From Sioux Lands. Currently teaching Environmental Geology at collegiate level. Have taught biology, physical geography, and Native American Studies. Elected to Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District (NRD) and serving on Finance Committee. Served on Environmental Quality Council (Nebraska) as Minority Populations Representative. Served on international organization of Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) on Government Affairs Committee. Veteran of U.S. Army. Hire a veteran. Sustainability: Development or use of resources in such a way that future generations will have a fair share of Earth's resources and inherit a quality environment. While on NRD I have defended and voted for clean water, conservation measures, environmental education intiatives, rain gardens, public trails, etc. While on EQC I have defended or scrutinized policies that pertain to clean air, clean water, CAFO's, environmental racism, mercury emmissions, etc., not only for the minority population but all of Nebraska. In teaching environmental geology for a decade I have required hundreds if not thousands of students to understand sustainability. In having multiple degrees in science and a life's work with environmental issues, I am the most qualified candidate. I actually teach and understand issues regarding agriculture in Nebraska. In fact, I have been endorsed by the Nebraska Farmer's Union. The university can help the state better conserve our natural resources in numerous ways. For example, we can use remote sensing to monitor water pollution. We can produce studies that are not funded by big agriculture companies so the science is trustworthy. We can research organic farming, factory farm air and water pollution, wind energy, and environmental racism.
 

Douglas County Board, District 1
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Mike Boyle I am seeking re-election to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. We are an administrative body acting as an arm of State government. We do not have power to enact laws or raise revenue. We may only do that which is specifically spelled out in State Law. I am a former mayor of Omaha; a property tax payer; and an attorney licensed to practice law in Nebraska. I was appointed to the Douglas County Board in 1997. I have been re-elected three times. I opened talks with Washington County to support environmentally sound storm water practices. Sustainability means responsible use and reuse of natural and man-made resources. I encouraged other members of the County Board to resist the Papio NRD's efforts to build dams, including actively lobbying against their legislation. I support Low Impact Development as a viable alternative to the massive sewer/storm water separation project the City of Omaha has launched. As one of seven commissioners, I am alone in simple recommendations such as switching from styrofoam to recyclable paper products in our office(I lost) to no longer using a large paper copy of our board agenda for board meetings. (I use a laptop at board meetings to view County Board Agendas and materials.) On larger issues, I asked our Public Property Department to investigate the use of geothermal heat/cooling at the newly renovated Goodwill Building at 42nd & Pacific Streets. My suggestion resulted in that building being retrofitted with geothermal service.
 

Douglas County Clerk
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Thomas F. Cavanaugh Seeking re-election as your efficient Douglas County Clerk. While serving as your County Clerk, I have increased efficiencies, transparency and accountability while cutting cost in county government. Believing in President Lincoln's government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Being in harmony with the resources of our world. Using our resources wisely in recycling and encouraging conservation. Being open and listening to ideas. And supporting our community programs like the City-County Building Commission's efforts to become more energy efficient. Leading by example in implementing positive sustainability initiatives.
 

Douglas County Commissioner - District 3
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Chris Rodgers Douglas County Board of Commissioners - District 3. 8 years as commissioners, 4 years as assitant to Mike Fahey, Officer with the National Association of Counties, Metropolitan Comm. College Brd (5 years) Being enviromentally consious. Working on ways to lengthen life of Douglas County Landfield I am aware of sustainability, and try to implement them whenever possible in County policy. Contiue to look for opportunity in our Enviromental Services Department.
 

Learning Community Coordinating Council - District 04
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Allen Hager I am running for Learning Community, District 4. I have always been involved in my children's education. I volunteer at their school, Ackerman through the WatchD.O.G.S. program and have been involved in tax and policy issues from my time in Washington, D.C. and college at LSU. I feel we need a representative who has children in the school district and understand the issues facing teachers, students and families across the metro. My wife also works for the Boys and Girls Clubs and I volunteer with them when time permits which gives me a unique perspective. We should try to ensure we live within our means While working for Alegent Health I am given a budget for many different projects and I always meet the budget and even come in under that which I am given. We should do the same with government spending. I am also in the technology industry and it astounds me how much paper products are wasted when we are supposed to be moving to a more electronic world; I would like to see less paper used in our educational system which would reduce long-term costs. I would like to see less paper used and see that government lives within its means. The Learning Community spends taxpayer's money and I would be one to hold the line on frivilous spending and hope that we could slow down the rate of spending. I also am one who would like to see a move to the cloud and Virtual Display Infrastructure (VDI) devices which use less energy, are more effective and bring a more consistent/stable computer environment at work. These initiatives would save considerable amounts of money and show that government can use private innovation effectively.
Amy Friedman Did not participate.
 

Learning Community Coordinating Council - District 06
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Blaine R. McCulloh I am running for Learning Community Coordinating Council District 6. A 65 year old life long conservative, married 46 years with two children, three grandchildren, one great grandchild and a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Wayne State College. Retired after 40 years as an electrical designer for Alvine Engineering specializing in Lighting. I taught art at primary, elementary, junior and senior high school levels. My teaching training and experience gives me first hand knowledge of the needs and challenges of the educational community. As a parent and grandparent I understand the expectations from the school system with a historical perspective. Sustainability to me means good stewardship: responsible resource use with minimal impact on the environment. Use renewable resources wherever possible. Use non renewable resources conservatively. During my design career I was responsible for the electrical design of numerous LEED certified buildings. In addition to using highly efficency light sources and fixtures, multiple level switching, occupancy controls and photo/time controls, daylighting techniques were also persued wherever possible. Meeting the exterior light tresspass requrements was the most challenging. Recreational off roading is a hobby of mine. I was a charter member of "Tread Lightly" and follow their principals when off-roading. The Learning Community only has a very few buildings under their direct jurisdiction, but where possible, if elected, I will encourage the use of sustainable practices, including LEED techniques at those facilities. Certification will also be encouraged where appropriate. I know that OPS encourages LEED and Energy Star in their facilities as I have been involved in many of them. If elected, I will encourage these practices in the five school districts of Learning Community District 6, and other six school districts of the Learning Community not already using them.
Mike Avery Did not participate.
 

Metropolitan Utilities District Board
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
David Friend My experience as a 12 year M.U.D. board member along with my perspective as a husband, father, lifelong member of this community, and longtime public safety servant, qualifies me to continue my service. As a result of my M.U.D. experience, I have gained a deep appreciation of the value of our public utilities. With significant challenges and opportunities ahead, I hope to keep my experience at work for M.U.D.’s customers in an effort to keep our rates among the lowest in the nation. Additionally, I hold a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and volunteer with the VFW Post 2503. Sustainability implies responsible use of resources. M.U.D. provides tap water and natural gas and is a responsible steward over those resources. M.U.D.’s average household customer has reduced their water consumption significantly over the last decade, largely due to our conservation promotional efforts. Also, I have been a leader in moving compressed natural gas (CNG) into transportation. Compared to petroleum fuels, natural gas is a clean, economical, abundant domestic fuel. As a result, M.U.D.s public CNG stations will have dispensed almost 200,000 gallons of CNG this year, reducing CO2 emissions by over 450 tons, and displacing over 4,300 barrels of oil. By utilizing natural gas for vehicles, we have an opportunity to dramatically improve air quality. Have you ever been behind a medium or heavy duty vehicle that uses natural gas for fuel? The difference in emissions from the tailpipe is very noticeable. We are currently fueling 2 semi-trucks that are testing the newest 12 liter natural gas engine. The drivers of these trucks are amazed at how clean and quiet these trucks are compared to the diesel versions they drive. Because of our local progress with CNG, we are now viewed as national leaders. Please visit livegreenthinkblue.com for more information.
Jim Begley Did not participate.
John S. McCollister I am uniquely qualified to serve as an MUD Director. Along with my father and brothers, we owned and operated McCollister & Co, a Midwest manufacturing company that employed 75 people and covered 14 states. I served as President. I also served five terms on the MUD where energy conversation is and was a high priority. Low emission natural gas is the fuel of choice for large fleets and is the ideal fuel to replace coal for power plants. Finally, MUD is one of the largest electricity consumers in the city so conservation is essential to reduce cost. McCollister & Co was awarded a grant from the EPA in the early 80's to jointly develop a program with UPS to recycle used truck lubricants. After we completed the pilot, we implemented the program in 10 Midwest states for the company. We also operated a steel barrel recycling plant for packagers in order to reuse the barrels we conditioned rather than using new containers. Finally, we promoted the use of lubricants compounded with recycled basestocks in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa South Dakota and Minnesota. We compounded the lubricants used by DOT's in each state with these basestocks. Sustainability, recycling and conservation are absolutely essential for MUD and all businesses. Good environmental stewardship makes good business sense by reducing cost and enhancing the reputation of the enterprise. Moreover, society benefits as the air, water and general environment becomes cleaner.
Megan Elizabeth Murphy I am running for a seat on the MUD Board of Directors. I am a native Omahan, and the only candidate running that is a woman, parent of a young child with special needs, a recent graduate with a science based degree. I am a realistic thinker that honestly wants to work to get to know the current problems at MUD not just do as I am told. There are currently two members of the board that have been on there longer than I have been alive, and it's time for new blood. Sustainability to me is being as practical as possible. Not being excessive and being upfront and honest. Working with the EPA and scientific experts for real solutions that will help Omaha in the long run, not just a quick fix that lets me make a name for myself. I live my daily life in a sustainable manner, and believe simple clean choices do more to solicit real change than the current CNG vehicle policy being pushed by MUD's current board of directors. More public awareness! Again I would push to END the CNG program as it is not for the entire city of Omaha, and still involves resources derived from questionable sources, mainly from fracking. It is a WASTE of time, money and resources that only benefits a few that can financially afford the technology. It's like beta and VHS, cars will eventually reach 100 MPG. I would put more focus into cleaning our water and see to it that drug stores and hospitals have safe disposal of drugs not into our water supply.
 

Nebraska Legislature - District 07
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Christopher N. Geary Nebraska Legislature - District 7; I have lived in Omaha for over 30 years and I am a patriot. I proudly served my country in the U.S. Marine Corps. I am a small business owner; I know what it takes to be successful in the business world and what it is like to make ends meet in a stressful economy. I am a teacher; In a job where most of the budget deals with education, I think a working knowledge of the process is invaluable. I am also proud to be a contributing member of the community. To me; Sustainability means: The long-term maintenance of responsibility while meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations. I have no experience in this field. But I do understand the importance of recycling because it prevents the waste of potentially useful materials and reduces air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from land filling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal. Instead of wasting our tax dollars on policies that make things worse we need to commission a team of environmental experts to develop ways to clean up our environment for the benefit of generations yet to come. We need to develop inventive ways to produce bio fuels and to harness renewable resources like solar wind and geothermal power. Having more options will give us a better outcome now and in the future. We need to recognize the serious threats posed by global warming and we need to take action to reverse this trend.
Jeremiah Nordquist Did not participate.
 

Nebraska Legislature - District 09
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Erica Fish I am a candidate for the State Legislature in the 9th District. I was born and raised in Nebraska and live in midtown Omaha. As a homeowner I understand the burden high property taxes have on Nebraska families. I am a mom and former foster-mom, and have been in our school systems and understand the need for good education for our children. To me sustainability is comprised of two segments 1) Clean and renewable energy sources, and 2) Reduction of energy consumption. Sustainability is only effective when both of these segments are targeted. Although I have not been involved in any organized sustainability initiatives my husband and I have made several improvements to our home focused on reducing our energy consumption such as new windows, roofing insulation, insulating walls and reducing air leaks in our home. As a state legislator I will have the responsibility to ensure our government equips our State with the ability to capture renewable energy resources such as wind solar and biomass. Additionally there is a great opportunity to reduce energy consumption through energy efficient upgrades in existing homes and buildings. As a state legislator I want to help homeowners fund these projects. There was a recent article in the Omaha World Herald highlighting a City of Omaha program which struggled to use stimulus money effectively; as a legislator I hope to help avoid these scenarios.
Sara Howard I was born and raised in Midtown Omaha’s District 9. I graduated from Duchesne Academy, Smith College and received my law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law with specialty certificates in Tax Law and Child and Family Law. Currently, I work as a development specialist with OneWorld Community Health Centers. I am highly experienced in maternal and infant health policy and advocacy as my first job out of law school was as an advocate at the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition. I thinkof sustainability in broad terms of how we as a community can come together tomeet challenges in a time when external resources – federal and state funds,foreign oil, etc. – are limited and in high demand. Since graduating law school, I’ve worked toaddress health care access for underserved populations. In Illinois, I worked to find solutions thatdelivered health care access for women and their babies. Here in Omaha, I’m honored and energized towork for OneWorld, community-based medical and dental services for people inneed. For example of innovative leadership,we’re helping with school-based health services. We canlook at incentives that reward and encourage Green energy solutions. Nebraska has a great untapped potential to beone of the leading states for exploiting wind energy. We continue to explore affordable andefficient opportunities to generate solar power, and we can create new andbetter jobs in the emerging field of bio-fuels. I’m excited about opportunities to findgreen practices to help meet Omaha’s storm water challenges, including neighborhoodsolutions like rain barrels, permeable sidewalks and rain gardens. I support sustainable initiatives likeneighborhood gardens and improving Omaha’s network for alternative transportationincluding bicycles and mass transit.
 

Nebraska Legislature - District 31
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Richard L. Kolowski I am seeking the office of State Senator from District 31. I am a retired educator who served 41 years in public education in Nebraska as a teacher, curriculum director and high school principal (Millard West). I have served as International President of Phi Delta Kappa (1999-2001) and I have been elected to two different public boards in the past 8 years - the Papio Missouri River NRD (2004 & 2008) and the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties (2008). Chair of the L.C. for the first three years and of the NRD the past three years. Sustainability means to hold up and support. I could list projects I have been involved in since I was an Eagle Scout as a teenager plus efforts as an educator to collect preserve and maintain a quality environment. Also the NRD' s have had continued support of the projects that match their Mission. All these are fine but they are not enough. To understand where I am as an individual I can only recommend a book by Thomas L. Friedman "Hot Flat and Crowded" it has impacted me more than any other writing. This is required reading for all. The office of State Senator is a highly visible office and a Senator has the ability to use the position to educate the public and raise the awareness of our citizens to the crisis situation we find ourselves in with our addiction to carbon producing energy sources. Working to increase the efficiency of our current dependency and to add to the needed "Smart Energy Grid" that would utilize every power production source it can find to provide us with the energy we need will be the marching orders of a new and improved direction for our country.
 

Nebraska Legislature - District 39
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Beau McCoy Did not participate.
Judy M. Domina Office seeking: Nebraska State Senator from District 39 Formal education: BSE University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE and MBA Wayne State College, Wayne, NE. Life experiences are unique to each individual. I have worked in the educational system, business world both for profit and non profit and as a farmer. I have been an employee and employer. Parenting children living with the challenges of special needs has taught me patience, compassion and to be less judgmental. I am a team player focused on discovering and building on strengths to determine common ground. I am an open minded active listener. Sustainability applies to meeting needs of people currently while protecting and preserving the resources for future generations. As a farmer I was involved in stewardship of the land including protecting the wetlands on my property, controlling erosion and using reduced volume irrigation systems. During the time I was teaching and working in business I initiated recycling programs and methods to decrease the use of air conditioning and heating within the school and workplace. In my home I recycle, actively decrease amount of driving by grouping locations of meetings and control the use of air conditioning and heating. The Legislature is a prominent component relating to the sustainability issues in the state of Nebraska. The Legislation needs to take a stand on protecting and preserving resources in Nebraska to ensure abundant natural resources in our state are available for future generations. Once we compromise these resources they are gone. Regulations protecting the resources are needed along with tax incentives for developing technology to explore and implement aggressive recycling programs, wind power and natural gas usage.
 

Omaha Public Power District - Metropolitan Subdivision
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
George Mills I'm seeking a position on the Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors. I have a BS in Education and a MS is Urban Studies. I was previously elected to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. In addition, I've been a Trustee for the Douglas County Hospital, and Board member of the Omaha Douglas County Building Commission. Recently I was named to serve on a blue ribbon committee to study the Douglas County Medical Facility. I'm also a member of the Holy Cross Church Parish Council. Rather that reinvent the wheel I will quote an EPA definition: Everything that we need for survival and well being depends either directly or indirectly on our natural enviroment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling social, economic and other requirements of present and future genertions. While serving as county Commssioner, Douglas County was invoved a great program that captured and reused methane gas at Elk City. And while serving on the building commission we instituted energy saving policies within the building complex. At home we recycle. If I was fortunate to be elected, I would stay informed of sustainabilty advancements and issues as they relate to OPPD. Currently, I believe wind power is being underutilized. In general, I would be a proponent for sustainabilty within the company and with our owner/customers. I would create a committee made up of rate payers to investigate and make suggestions on ways to improve sustainability within the utility.
Mike Cavanaugh Did not participate.
N. P. Dodge Jr. OPPD is one of the largest business in Nebraska with a gross annual income of approximately a billion dollars and four billion dollars in assets. My broad business background of running the NP Dodge Company as well as having served as a director on a number of profit making and civic boards has equipped me to serve the rate payers of Omaha. As a past member of the Nebraska Power Review Board, The Mayors Crime Commission and past Director of American States Water Company, I can make a contribution toward keeping costs low, maintaining reliability and continuing to reduce harmful emissions. Sustainability, to me, means using our natural resources in a manner that neither depletes nor destroys them. This not only applies to the everyday materials in our lives such as paper, plastic, and metals, but to the fuels we use to run our automobiles and heat and cool our home and business. Last but certainly not least this also encompasses the use of water. Finally, I believe that the use of carbon fuels is a contributing factor in global warming, and we must meet the growing needs of our community for power while doing a better job of reducing our carbon emissions. As a utility providing electricity to a thirteen county area, OPPD is all about sustainability. The District is just completing a ten year plan to deal with its’ seven coal fired plants and how to reduce their emissions. I will be very supportive of converting the plants to gas fired units as well as greater use of wind, solar, and methane generation. I will also be supportive of reducing the use of electricity in our homes and businesses, by the utilizing smart grids, automatic thermostats, CFL’s, green capacitors, and promoting the new energy efficient appliances.
Tom Barrett I'm Tom Barrett (votetombarrett.com) and I am running for the OPPD Board. As a husband, father of 3 young kids, our energy challenges will only get tougher. I'm committed to find ways to embrace renewable resources. I put myself through UNL by working at OPPD in the summer. As an Attorney (Creighton Law grad) and an Instructor with Outward Bound Omaha, I have the training and passion to lead. In November's race, the two incumbents, Cavanaugh and Dodge have been on the Board since 1994. 36 years of the same representation is too long. Sustainability is a concept that captures our ability to keep something going. Renewable resources such as wind-power and solar are sustainable. The continued reliance on fossil fuels is tricky because the U.S. has a large supply however the issues of pollution to air and water and health problems must be considered. I support expanding OPPD's portfolio to make a legitimate effort to address its carbon footprint. As a family, we focus on recycling through the curbside rewards program and conservation measures at home. I grow my own vegetables and native plants and avoid artificial lawn additives. First, OPPD is a public company. As I see it, the rate-payers are the owners and shareholders. The nine directors on the Board have three basic powers. One, to approve or disapprove of all spending from $1/2 millions dollars on up. Second, they approve all major policy decisions. Third, they act as liaison between OPPD and the consumers. If someone is not getting prompt service, I want to know about it. I will be a vocal advocate for the expanded use of renewable sources, including smart grid technology and stronger conservation measures.
 

Omaha Public Power District - North Subdivision - Two-Year Term
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Lloyd Scheve Board of Director, North Subdivision, Omaha Public Power District. 30 year resident of Blair, NE. 1975 Graduate University of Nebraska Lincoln. 40 years in banking industry. 20 years of active involvement in Washington County/Blair Economic Development. Prior member Blair City Council. Prior Chairman Blair Airport Authority. My background in banking and economic development influence my thoughts regarding sustainability. For a community to sustain it must create and maintain it economic AND environmental health. Our goal for Washington County was that jobs must be created to retain families and bring back youth to buy homes, retail products and pay taxes. No jobs means community cannot sustain themselves. It also means retaining and recruiting clean industries, (i.e Cargill campus companies)to provide those jobs and to assist in community projects targeted towards the environment such as recycling, water and energy conservation. OPPD must be a leader in community education towards sustainability. I will continue to support community programs such as the refigerator recycle program, the air conditioner management program and energy-management workshops. Specifically, I will push for increased use of methane gas from area land fills to generate electricity. I do support continued wind expansion in Nebraska, but not if it puts an undue burden on rate payers because of cost. I will also look closely at studies to convert existing fossil burning plants to natural gas. I would also like to see expansion of solar power in commercial businesses.
Mick Mines Did not participate.
 

Omaha Public Schools - Subdistrict 08
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Andy Allen Did not participate.
Danyelle Marie Baratta I am seeking the office of Omaha Public School Board-Subdistrict 8. Current Employment: Navigator-reEnergize Program-University of Nebraska at Omaha. Education: Highschool: Omaha Central. Post Secondary: Bachelors of Science Business Administration, UNO. Majors: Management; Small Business Management, Masters of Business Administration, Marylhurst University. Major: Sustainability. I am qualified for this position as a citizen of Omaha. I have great passion and commitment for the continued improvement of this community. I attended schools in the Omaha Public School system and also attended schools in the sub district I hope to represent. Sustainability to me means: not being unnecessarily wasteful. I am currently employed through the reEnergize Program, which is funded through the USDOE and is working to strengthen the energy efficiency market in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. The program works with contractors and homeowners to have energy efficiency upgrades performed on homes and businesses. Also,while finishing my MBA in Sustainability I completed waste assessments for the City of Omaha. Working on these assessments allowed me to focus on a particular interest of mine in solid waste and gave me the opportunity to use my educational background in sustainability. I believe this office has definite impact relating to sustainability. Education is the primary tool for furthering sustainability initiatives. Educating youth to consider their environment when making decisions and then offering real world applications can go a long way in changing societies less sustainable practices. I'd like to understand all of the sustainable initiatives OPS is currently working on. I would also like to explore opportunities to connect OPS with the burgeoning field of sustainability and its growing employment opportunities.
 

Omaha Public Schools - Subdistrict 12
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Jennifer Tompkins Kirshenbaum Omaha Public School Board Subdistrict 12. I am an OPS parent, alum and substitute teacher. I have a business background and am a former PTA President. Sustainability means being responsible about natural resources. Through the Picotte PTA we have used e-mail and Facebook for some communications in order to save paper. I would like to brainstorm with the board to find out how else we can be efficient and effective while saving natural resources.
Patrick Bourne Did not participate.
 

Papio-Missouri River NRD - Subdistrict 1
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Chris J. Koenig PMRNRD Board of Directors Subdistrict 1. I am a civil engineer and I have worked on a wide variety of projects that impacted the environment. I have worked on land development projects, railroad projects, sewer projects, bike trails, and water main projects. Several of the projects entailed working near environmentally sensitive areas that required extra care and protection. The work was completed with minimal impact. I have also worked on sewer separation projects in an urban environment and was able to incorparate green solutions into the project. Sustainability simply means making the best use of the resources at hand and, if possible, reuse material destined for the landfill. Examples: used waste dirt from a concrete crushing operation for base stabilization for a railroad spur. Designed storm water detention basins in Omaha to reduce the amount of storm sewer pipes necessary to carry the storm flow. Specified the use of recycled concrete for pipe bedding and asphalt millings for road surfacing. Specified the mulching of trees removed for a sewer project for reuse. My wife and I used geothermal wells when we built our house. The NRD does a terrific job of maintaining a sustainable environment. The Board has the responsibility of providing the direction and support to keep these initiatives moving forward. As a board member I will encourage the NRD staff to minimize the amount of material sent to the landfill and to make the most of resources at hand. I do not have specific ideas at this time. We need to be aware of what has been accomplished on other projects and be ready to apply the same tools on new projects. The key is to keep aware of the opprotunities.
Scott Japp Did not participate.
 

Papio-Missouri River NRD - Subdistrict 5
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Brad Dunbar Did not participate.
Rich Tesar Seeking re-election to the Papio-Missouri River NRD Board, Subdistrict 5. I have served on this board 20 years. As chair of the District’s Finance, Expenditure, and Legal Subcommittee for the past 6 years, I am proud to say there have been no tax increases during that time. I have served as board Secretary for the past 6 years; was elected by my peers to serve on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ board. My experience earned me an appointment by Governor Heineman to serve on the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force to save and protect Nebraska's Rivers. Sustainability, as it relates to me as a sitting board member in our Natural Resources District refers to my ability to be a good steward of our land and waters. I recently chaired a committee whose charge was to choose experts in the field for the development of an integrated water management plan that will give guidance in future ground and surface water usage within this NRD. Appointed by Governor Heineman in 2007, I also sit on the Riparian Management Task Force to save Nebraska’s rivers from water consuming invasive vegetation. Water IS our most important natural resource in Nebraska. NRD directors can be the leaders in Nebraska in developing and implementing solutions to sustainability issues. The sustainability issue NRDs are most heavily involved with is that of Nebraska’s most important natural resource, its water. I have worked on and supported the development and construction of rain gardens, to the development and implementation of a long range integrated water management plan for the future. I strive to work for my constituents and Nebraska’s best interests. I work on the management of too much water as well as taking steps to safeguard all interests during times of too little water.
 

Papio-Missouri River NRD - Subdistrict 7
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Jim Powers I am a lifelong resident of my Natural Resources District where my wife Mary and I raised four children. As a father and avid bicyclist, I am familiar with the critical role the NRD plays in protecting our resources. I have been a practicing attorney in Omaha with the McGrath North firm for almost 30 years. My experience includes many of the same issues the NRD regularly faces. My knowledge of the issues facing the board that impact our quality of life and my concern for protecting our natural resources give me the qualifications to serve on the board. Sustainability is essential. It is the responsible use of natural resources so that the minimal amount of resources are eliminated and those eliminated are maximized. It takes around the clock devotion but it exists in each area of my life. My home is in Dundee and is a short commute to work. My primary recreation is bicycling over the NRD trails. Our law firm is recognized for its environmental awareness, which is no small feat. It takes considerable effort to achieve maximum sustainability but it’s worth it not to compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The goals of the NRD must be consistent with sustainability. I intend to enhance sustainability by strongly supporting the building and maintenance of bike trails and supporting water quality improvement projects. The NRD needs to develop better runoff management to reduce the flow of runoff into our lakes and streams. It needs to address sedimentation issues that impact our lakes and recreational areas. The increased use of low impact groundwater retention projects should be a priority for the NRD. I support the NRD’s participation in the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership to better address solutions to cooperative watershed planning.
Patrick Leahy I am running for NRD Board because I believe in its mission of proactive floodplain management, water quality assurance, and soil erosion prevention. I want to ensure that these objectives are accomplished in a way that enhances our neighborhoods and quality of life while responsibly managing the NRD’s budget. In my past positions with the U.S. Army and U.S. Senator Ben Nelson’s office I have worked with community and business leaders, government agencies, sustainability groups, and the NRD Board itself. My passion has always revolved around issues of sustainable development, conservation, and taking care of our city. Sustainable development means that we should be looking to grow our metro area in environmentally friendly and cost effective ways for today and tomorrow’s needs. Through my current employer U.S. Senator Ben Nelson’s office I have worked as a liaison with many local groups that are committed to conservation and sustainable initiatives such as Omaha by Design, Back to the River, and even the Green Omaha Coalition. I have assisted these groups in achieving their goals by identifying policies and opportunities for them at the federal level I expect to bring that experience with me to help the NRD Board. Everyone from the NRD Board to developers and to each individual citizen has a stake in proactive, responsible floodplain management and protecting our natural resources. Our community should always be striving to achieve sustainable growth. We need to reduce our current and future public costs through low-impact development strategies and practices. This will mean both small and large-scale use of the latest urban design tools in our residential and urban areas, such as incentivizing rainwater barrels and adding more green spaces and pond areas, among other techniques. Building public-private partnerships will be the key to our success!
 

Papio-Missouri River NRD - Subdistrict 9
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Matt Pinkerton Did not participate.
Patrick G. Bonnett I am currently seeking election to the Papio Missouri Natural Resources District 9 Board. I own Encore Financial Services Inc and have been an Insurance and Financial Services Advisor for 17 years. Home Finance and Mortgage Planning have been a cornerstone of my practice. I hold a Bachelor Degree with a concentration in Real Estate and Land Use Economics and an Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. I founded Millard Area Lawn Care at age 12 and used it to pay my way through college; after which, I served 9 years in the US Army and Army Reserve. Although it seems that Sustainability may have many meanings depending on the circumstance and perspective of the person using it, to me it refers to a business's or an organization's three-tiered 'bottom line' of Profit and Economic Growth or Loss, it's Social or Human Impact and it's Environmental Impact. Implementing 'Sustainability' for an organization might mean designing processes, policies, products and packaging in such a way that would reduce the resources needed to conduct all aspects of the business plan and thereby ensure supply and avoid higher inflation costs. I see the NRD network in Nebraska as relating directly to sustainability in many ways including: erosion prevention; flood prevention and control; soil conservation; water supply for any beneficial uses; conservation of ground & surface water; pollution control; solid waste disposal; drainage improvement and channel rectification; development and management of fish and wildlife habitat; development and management of recreational and park facilities; forestry and range management. These are all examples of the NRD's mission but I would further like see more low-impact development and building standards in place.
 

Sarpy County Commissioner Dist #3
Candidate Please identify the elected office you are seeking and describe your background and qualifications. What does sustainability mean to you? Please describe sustainability initiatives you have been involved with or where you have demonstrated leadership toward innovative and responsible use of resources. How do you see the office relating to sustainability issues and do you have specific ideas to enhance sustainability should you be elected?
Don Kelly Sarpy County Commissioner District 1. I am a 26-year USAF Veteran. I am an appointed sub council six representative in the Learning Community and serve on the Board of Directors of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, the 55th Wing Association, and the Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter of the Air Force Association. I am a member of the Offutt Advisory Council, Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Advisory Group, Sarpy County Chamber, American Legion Post 32, Knights of Columbus, Papillion La Vista High School Alumni Association, and Trinity Lutheran Church. For me, sustainability means the ability to endure. Throughout my Air Force career, I led efforts to reduce waste, protect the environment and promote Green practices. At home, my family recycles and has adopted other green living practices such as, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, buying energy star appliances, using good insulation practices, using set back thermometers, etc. In Sarpy County sustainable development means smart sensible approaches to development and growth that enables people throughout the county to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations. The Government should lead the Green effort if it makes sense to do so and saves the tax payers money. The five R’s system--Rethink Reduce Reuse Repair and Recycle--may have utility. I'd like to conduct a top-to-bottom review of county operations to look for efficiencies, savings, and ways to reduce cost and waste.
Hugh Abrahamson Did not participate.
Tom Richards I am seeking reelection to the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners. District 3. I've been the past Chairman of the County Board. During my time we implemented a sustainabilty plan for the comprehensive plan for the county. I am the past Chairman of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. I worked at the Sarpy County Attorney's Office for 7 years as the Director of Diversion Services. I am well aware of Coutny operations and want to use that experiecnce in another term serving the county. Sustainability to me means changing the way we do everything. That's why the county implemented a sustainability plan into our comprehensive planning functions. This involved the public, consultants and the staff of the county to create the plan. It ranges from reducing the use of fossil fuels to bike lanes for county roads. I also served on a team that has created many of the renewable energy laws for Nebraska. The largest effort revolved around wind for export. A county commissioner is responsible for planning/zoning decisions in that jurisdiction. I want to create and environment where residents individual practices and the greater good of the community can come together. Sarpy County in all of its new buildings strives to be energy conscience. The new Sarpy Sheriffs Office is a certified LEED project. The new administrative wing has many new energy efficiency upgrades. Sarpy County has been a leader in sustainability and I hope to continue that practice if I am re-elected