Letters, 5/8: Be responsible, vote
Tuesday is election day. This is the day that the people have a voice in our government. However, more than 70 percent of the people who could vote, will not vote.
To that 70 percent, I would like to say: Voting is not just your right, it’s your responsibility! Please be responsible and vote!
Karen Spero, Lincoln
LJS made wrong choice
The Journal Star editorial board is at it again. They stated Tom Osborne is the best leader for Nebraska (April 26). Why? Because his team won a national championship?
They stated Dave Heineman has exceeded expectations in his 18 months as governor. Whose expectations? Theirs, which tells me they did not expect much to begin with. For me, he has done a bang-up job.
Osborne had three terms in Congress. So what did he accomplish?
The board said Osborne will give more than lip service to make government more efficient. It appears to me the board selected lip service over proven ability to do the job of governor.
Robert E. Lee, Lincoln
Osborne is what we need
When going to my polling place to vote Tuesday, I had planned on stopping at the bank and dropping off “my tax cut” that I’ve been hearing so much about from the current governor’s ad campaign, that states “He’s cut my taxes.” On second thought, I realized that I did not need to go to the bank, because I had nothing to deposit.
Nebraskans need a “significant emotional event” to occur in this state to keep our great state from attaining the No. 1 ranking of highest taxed state, and also the least business friendly state. I believe that Tom Osborne being elected governor will be the major “event,” with other significant events to follow.
Dan Reisdorff, Lincoln
Munger brings problems
I have two points I want to make about the Journal Star’s endorsement of Mark Munger for Legislative District 28.
Your own editorial on April 13 talked about the trouble the city is in over the ambulance debacle, and how much political will it will take for the city to overcome the firefighters union’s attachment to their lucrative contracts.
Munger was the key to this problem. As the leader of the firefighters union, he promised service would be “better, faster, cheaper.”
Now you want to send him to the Unicameral? Where he can dip deep into the state coffers for other special interests? Better, faster, cheaper? His track record would lead me to believe things would be messed up on a larger, costlier, statewide scale.
The second point is on newspaper endorsements in general. Perhaps before the information age newspaper owners could justify their “Citizen Kane” power because they had access to better information. But nowadays, this is not the case.
Newspaper endorsements are undemocratic, and in my view, an abuse of position. At the very least, the endorsements should be signed, and preferably, dissenters on the editorial board should be allowed to also state their position. The unsigned, monolithic facade is an eerie, corporate paternalism that is incompatible with American democratic ideals.
John Philip Johnson, Lincoln
Osborne plays politics
After LB126 was passed, while the all-volunteer petition drive to repeal LB126 in Nebraska was under way, Tom Osborne stayed noncommittal. He did not meet with Class I school supporters. He did not sign a petition to put the issue before voters, nor did he answer letters that were sent to him on the issue.
If anyone is playing politics with Class I schools, I believe it is Tom Osborne. He evidently hopes to embarrass Gov. Dave Heineman but not make a commitment himself. No one knows where Osborne really stands on rural schools or what he will do if elected.
Gov. Heineman met with Class I board members, listened, responded, visited several schools, then vetoed LB126 and lobbied members of the Legislature to uphold the veto. Tom Osborne has done nothing of the kind.
Gov. Heineman has his feet on the ground and has earned our support. He is experienced in state government. He listens to Nebraska residents. He does his homework and acts independently while maintaining civility and humility. He is an outstanding governor.
George Lauby, Lexington
Regional Coordinator
Nebraskans for Local Schools
What is ‘pro-life’?
If I see another “pro-life” reference from a political candidate I think I’ll throw up.
Today’s election atmosphere sparkles with glittering generalities: “pro-family,” “Nebraska values” and “pro-life.” But pro-life goes far beyond pre-birth. When a candidate fosters legislation on the following issues, I’ll start to believe he’s pro-life.
Guaranteed health care for every child. This is a national disgrace in the richest nation on earth. You can’t be “pro-family” without fighting for this cause.
Reducing the arms industry. From 1998-2001 the United States, France and the United Kingdom earned more income from selling weapons to developing countries than they gave in aid.
Fighting tobacco. Tobacco use is one of the largest preventable causes of disease and premature death in the world. Halving tobacco consumption now would save 150 million lives by 2050.
Asylum for refugees. Jesus was a refugee. Fortunately, he and his parents were granted asylum in Egypt. Today, many families are seeking a safe place to escape persecution and butchery.
These had better be “Nebraska values.” If you aren’t fighting for these issues (and others) when you claim to be pro-life, then I and thousands like me just can’t hear you.
J. Christopher Blake, Lincoln
Vote for Heineman
I would like to encourage all veterans and all patriotic citizens in the state of Nebraska to vote for Gov. Dave Heineman.
Gov. Heineman served our country with honor, and what better way to say thank you for his courageous duty than to cast your vote for him on May 9.
Carl W. Leising, Edison
Osborne contradiction
This past week the Nebraska State Education Association endorsed Tom Osborne for governor of the state of Nebraska. According to information taken from their own publication titled “The Voice,” Tom Osborne made the following statements at their delegate assembly.
When asked by members of the delegate assembly if he supported (1) An Education Trust Fund with a dedicated revenue source, similar to the Nebraska Highway Trust Fund, (2) Tuition reimbursement for certificated pre-K-12 teachers, (3) Increased teacher salaries, (4) A state-funded school facilities fund, and (5) Allowing school districts to exceed state-imposed spending lids to increase salary increases for employees, Tom Osborne responded a “yes” to all of these questions.
My question is how can Tom Osborne make these statements or promises, and at the same time promise to cut state spending in his campaign advertisements? I don’t think he has any idea about how much of the state budget is already tied up by law, and that there is no way he can make these statements or promises to teachers and not increase state spending.
Roger Rohlfs, Fremont
Poor park maintenance
Dr. Ryan T. Whitney’s comments on the Lincoln Journal Star op-ed page on May 4 gave me the extra impetus I needed to write on the subject of the beltway park bond issue. I agree with the Lincoln Independent Business Association that the city parks department can’t take care of the land they are supposed to maintain now.
I live next to Larson Park, which was mowed for the first time this season Wednesday. The number of weeds that have flowered and spread seed this spring have only added to my allergy problems. I guess if you can exercise in deep weeds and not sneeze, I might agree with Whitney. The maintenance of Larson Park is so minimal and the quality of that maintenance is so low that I call it “The City Weed Farm,” not a park conducive to public uses other than those folks that use it regularly for a dog run — off leash, of course.
I’m in favor of adequate green spaces and setbacks from busy streets so they have room for future growth. However, the Parks Department seems to lack sufficient maintenance budget to match all the park land they are charged with taking care of, so why add more? The idea of green spaces is good, but if it is just weeds allowed to grow a foot tall before mowing into unsightly rows and clumps of cuttings, who are we fooling?
Larson Park used to get better care in its early years but has been reduced to unsightly mulch. Can we expect the same disproportionate attention to future park land? If so, don’t bother buying any more “weed land” with our ever-increasing tax burden unless there is an adequate maintenance budget to go with it. Otherwise, we’re not really getting what we vote (pay) for.
Jerry Hielen, Lincoln
Osborne will offer relief
I would like to thank Gov. Dave Heineman for the $40 tax break that he provided to me in this year’s tax relief package. In fact, I promptly donated my $40 to the Osborne for Governor campaign.
It’s time that Nebraska had a governor who will truly offer tax relief to those of us who struggle every day to make ends meet. Because we have all had an opportunity to see Tom Osborne over the past several decades, I trust his character and I trust him to do what is best for all of us.
It’s not often we get a chance to vote for a leader like Osborne. In fact, we almost never get this opportunity. A vote for Osborne is a vote for integrity, a vote for a sound state government and a vote for true Nebraska leadership.
Greg Gifford, Lincoln
Spending a mystery
If Dave Heineman cut spending, why is it increasing 14 percent over the next two years?
Erich Strack, Lincoln
Brown has experience
The other day, I received in the mail a slick flier touting the reasons I should vote for a certain Democratic Legislature candidate. I was surprised to see that, according to her flier, she lives on my block. I have lived here for seven years, but I’ve never met her, nor even seen her. During her campaign, she has not knocked on my door or those of my neighbors. She has apparently very recently moved here, and it’s clear from her public statements that she doesn’t know north Lincoln at all.
North Lincoln is economically diverse, and deserves the same beneficial business investment as south Lincoln. For Danielle Nantkes to compare north Lincoln to north Omaha shows how unknowledgeable she is about this area. She is not someone who represents the best interests of north Lincoln.
However, Carol Brown is the District 46 candidate who knows north Lincoln. She’s lived here almost 20 years, has owned a business here, has sent her kids to school here. She knows Lincoln, having served on the Mayor’s Roundtable, the League of Women Voters and as a business development specialist for Lincoln Action Program. She has real experience. I witnessed Brown personally knocking on doors on my block, the very block on which the other candidate claims to live.
Our votes should go to someone with real investment in north Lincoln, and that’s Carol Brown.
Barbara Cornelius, Lincoln
Poore clear on issues
We’d like to add our voice of support to Rick Poore as expressed in recent letters to the editor. Rick is the only candidate for District 28 that has made his position clear on the issues.
When you go to the other candidates’ Web sites, you see general information on the candidate, vague stances on issues and how to contribute money. Rick’s Web site has a link to the issues and his positions, and covers more than simply “education good, taxes bad.” He talks about stem cell research, protecting kids and alternative energy.
We’d rather vote for a candidate with actual thoughts and ideas, and who will work hard to push the state into a better direction. We will not vote for another candidate looking to be another politician.
Kent and Gail Steen, Lincoln
Decision is easy
Since we are judged by the company we keep, I am thankful to those who have provided aid in my decision on the governor’s race.
My ears perked up when I heard that “Squeaker of the House,” Dennis Hastert, was endorsing Congressman Tom Osborne. Hastert is an enemy of social conservatives.
Strike two came when the Nebraska School Education Association gave Osborne their endorsement. The NSEA is an enemy of education.
Lastly, and that’s where he belongs, Sen. John McCain endorsed Congressman Osborne. McCain is a friend of Chuck Hagel.
On a negative note, I am not displeased with the job our governor has been doing.
Rolly Church, Crete
Take some action
Lincoln, thanks to the useless, ineffective city and state government, has regressed into the 20th century. Citizens, take a look at your apathetic attitudes. We have voted these “dynamic, progressive, proactive team-players” to run our state. Yet, people are stampeding out of this college-oriented, brain-dead, noncompetitive state in droves due to the lack of dynamic leadership.
Property taxes and the proposed increases are ludicrous, irresponsible and negatively impact our residents. It is redundant to say that people are fed up. We need to take some accountability to correct our mistakes.
Get out and vote — take action, demonstrate that we are not going to tolerate how our tax dollars are spent anymore. Stop giving tax breaks to large corporations; vote gaming in; redirect our school systems into the 21st century.
Gaming cannot be a moral or ethical question, it is an economically feasible means to alleviate the fiscal deficit, help improve roads, parks and education. Gambling is a personal choice and shouldn’t be left up to state bureaucracy.
Take some personal responsibility for what is wrong. Apathy is not justification for the deplorable condition of this state. If this keeps up, Lincoln will become a relic farm community of the 1900s.
Karen Tadsen, Lincoln
Here’s your weed notice
The city of Lincoln is proposing purchase of more park land in the coming election. However, they need to take care of the existing parks they already have.
I live near Roberts Park in central Lincoln, and every April and May the grass and the dandelions grow a foot tall. As of May 2 they still haven’t mowed the park once. The city blames it every year on the fact that their college summer help is not on staff yet.
If I let my grass grow as long as the city allows their parks, I would get a weed notice. Therefore, as a taxpayer of the city of Lincoln, I would like to give the Lincoln Parks and Recreation a weed notice.
It’s like a family with six children who can’t take care of the kids they have, and yet they are trying to adopt another child. The voters of the city need to wake up and take a good look at what we already have and what needs to be done, rather than taking on more responsibility they can’t already take care of.
Tracey Whyman, Lincoln
Osborne keeps promise
One of Tom Osborne’s ads said he tells it like it is.
I hope every veteran would ask him about veterans benefits. His Washington office answer was everyone must do their share and take a reduction. I assume they were expressing his ideas.
Veterans did their share by defending the country, and the promises made to us at that time should be kept. Osborne kept his promise to all his football players. I think defending a country is as important as playing games.
Fredrick H. Weidner, Hallam
Osborne is best choice
First, I applaud all of the candidates who are seeking to be Nebraska’s next governor. Regardless of party affiliation, each has courageously presented their intellect, ideas and courage to lead a state that is at once a wonderful place and simultaneously fraught with numerous challenges.
Having stated that, I stand solidly for Tom Osborne. His mature calm demeanor, deliberate thought process, proven leadership standards and commitment to a progressive Nebraska combine to make him the best choice for the next four years.
There are many issues that must be addressed with fresh concepts and skilled leadership. I will focus only on one concern that I have dealt with most of my adult life — health services delivery, financing and policy. Tom’s written promise to look at health and human services administration with talent and out-of-the box ideas argues boldly for his selection.
Randy Boldt, Lincoln
Ricketts ads puzzling
Some comments on Pete Ricketts’ political ads. Ricketts seems quite proud that he is neither a lawyer nor a politician. Why he wants to offend lawyers puzzles me. (I wonder if Ameritrade lawyers are reconsidering their career paths?)
His claim that he is not a politician is simply wrong. Of course he’s a politician. By definition a politician is “one who holds or seeks political office” (the American Heritage Dictionary), and he’s a record-setting politician, having already spent $4 million of his own money, and it’s just the primary.
Do you think “Mom” made Pete wear that silly stocking cap at the “meet and greet” Dad hosted at his new $29 million New York City condo?
Campaign for Senate — $4 million and counting. Dad’s Omaha home — $7.5 million. Dad’s New York condo — $29 million. “Nebraska values” — priceless.
John Haessler, Lincoln
To that 70 percent, I would like to say: Voting is not just your right, it’s your responsibility! Please be responsible and vote!
Karen Spero, Lincoln
LJS made wrong choice
The Journal Star editorial board is at it again. They stated Tom Osborne is the best leader for Nebraska (April 26). Why? Because his team won a national championship?
They stated Dave Heineman has exceeded expectations in his 18 months as governor. Whose expectations? Theirs, which tells me they did not expect much to begin with. For me, he has done a bang-up job.
Osborne had three terms in Congress. So what did he accomplish?
The board said Osborne will give more than lip service to make government more efficient. It appears to me the board selected lip service over proven ability to do the job of governor.
Robert E. Lee, Lincoln
Osborne is what we need
When going to my polling place to vote Tuesday, I had planned on stopping at the bank and dropping off “my tax cut” that I’ve been hearing so much about from the current governor’s ad campaign, that states “He’s cut my taxes.” On second thought, I realized that I did not need to go to the bank, because I had nothing to deposit.
Nebraskans need a “significant emotional event” to occur in this state to keep our great state from attaining the No. 1 ranking of highest taxed state, and also the least business friendly state. I believe that Tom Osborne being elected governor will be the major “event,” with other significant events to follow.
Dan Reisdorff, Lincoln
Munger brings problems
I have two points I want to make about the Journal Star’s endorsement of Mark Munger for Legislative District 28.
Your own editorial on April 13 talked about the trouble the city is in over the ambulance debacle, and how much political will it will take for the city to overcome the firefighters union’s attachment to their lucrative contracts.
Munger was the key to this problem. As the leader of the firefighters union, he promised service would be “better, faster, cheaper.”
Now you want to send him to the Unicameral? Where he can dip deep into the state coffers for other special interests? Better, faster, cheaper? His track record would lead me to believe things would be messed up on a larger, costlier, statewide scale.
The second point is on newspaper endorsements in general. Perhaps before the information age newspaper owners could justify their “Citizen Kane” power because they had access to better information. But nowadays, this is not the case.
Newspaper endorsements are undemocratic, and in my view, an abuse of position. At the very least, the endorsements should be signed, and preferably, dissenters on the editorial board should be allowed to also state their position. The unsigned, monolithic facade is an eerie, corporate paternalism that is incompatible with American democratic ideals.
John Philip Johnson, Lincoln
Osborne plays politics
After LB126 was passed, while the all-volunteer petition drive to repeal LB126 in Nebraska was under way, Tom Osborne stayed noncommittal. He did not meet with Class I school supporters. He did not sign a petition to put the issue before voters, nor did he answer letters that were sent to him on the issue.
If anyone is playing politics with Class I schools, I believe it is Tom Osborne. He evidently hopes to embarrass Gov. Dave Heineman but not make a commitment himself. No one knows where Osborne really stands on rural schools or what he will do if elected.
Gov. Heineman met with Class I board members, listened, responded, visited several schools, then vetoed LB126 and lobbied members of the Legislature to uphold the veto. Tom Osborne has done nothing of the kind.
Gov. Heineman has his feet on the ground and has earned our support. He is experienced in state government. He listens to Nebraska residents. He does his homework and acts independently while maintaining civility and humility. He is an outstanding governor.
George Lauby, Lexington
Regional Coordinator
Nebraskans for Local Schools
What is ‘pro-life’?
If I see another “pro-life” reference from a political candidate I think I’ll throw up.
Today’s election atmosphere sparkles with glittering generalities: “pro-family,” “Nebraska values” and “pro-life.” But pro-life goes far beyond pre-birth. When a candidate fosters legislation on the following issues, I’ll start to believe he’s pro-life.
Guaranteed health care for every child. This is a national disgrace in the richest nation on earth. You can’t be “pro-family” without fighting for this cause.
Reducing the arms industry. From 1998-2001 the United States, France and the United Kingdom earned more income from selling weapons to developing countries than they gave in aid.
Fighting tobacco. Tobacco use is one of the largest preventable causes of disease and premature death in the world. Halving tobacco consumption now would save 150 million lives by 2050.
Asylum for refugees. Jesus was a refugee. Fortunately, he and his parents were granted asylum in Egypt. Today, many families are seeking a safe place to escape persecution and butchery.
These had better be “Nebraska values.” If you aren’t fighting for these issues (and others) when you claim to be pro-life, then I and thousands like me just can’t hear you.
J. Christopher Blake, Lincoln
Vote for Heineman
I would like to encourage all veterans and all patriotic citizens in the state of Nebraska to vote for Gov. Dave Heineman.
Gov. Heineman served our country with honor, and what better way to say thank you for his courageous duty than to cast your vote for him on May 9.
Carl W. Leising, Edison
Osborne contradiction
This past week the Nebraska State Education Association endorsed Tom Osborne for governor of the state of Nebraska. According to information taken from their own publication titled “The Voice,” Tom Osborne made the following statements at their delegate assembly.
When asked by members of the delegate assembly if he supported (1) An Education Trust Fund with a dedicated revenue source, similar to the Nebraska Highway Trust Fund, (2) Tuition reimbursement for certificated pre-K-12 teachers, (3) Increased teacher salaries, (4) A state-funded school facilities fund, and (5) Allowing school districts to exceed state-imposed spending lids to increase salary increases for employees, Tom Osborne responded a “yes” to all of these questions.
My question is how can Tom Osborne make these statements or promises, and at the same time promise to cut state spending in his campaign advertisements? I don’t think he has any idea about how much of the state budget is already tied up by law, and that there is no way he can make these statements or promises to teachers and not increase state spending.
Roger Rohlfs, Fremont
Poor park maintenance
Dr. Ryan T. Whitney’s comments on the Lincoln Journal Star op-ed page on May 4 gave me the extra impetus I needed to write on the subject of the beltway park bond issue. I agree with the Lincoln Independent Business Association that the city parks department can’t take care of the land they are supposed to maintain now.
I live next to Larson Park, which was mowed for the first time this season Wednesday. The number of weeds that have flowered and spread seed this spring have only added to my allergy problems. I guess if you can exercise in deep weeds and not sneeze, I might agree with Whitney. The maintenance of Larson Park is so minimal and the quality of that maintenance is so low that I call it “The City Weed Farm,” not a park conducive to public uses other than those folks that use it regularly for a dog run — off leash, of course.
I’m in favor of adequate green spaces and setbacks from busy streets so they have room for future growth. However, the Parks Department seems to lack sufficient maintenance budget to match all the park land they are charged with taking care of, so why add more? The idea of green spaces is good, but if it is just weeds allowed to grow a foot tall before mowing into unsightly rows and clumps of cuttings, who are we fooling?
Larson Park used to get better care in its early years but has been reduced to unsightly mulch. Can we expect the same disproportionate attention to future park land? If so, don’t bother buying any more “weed land” with our ever-increasing tax burden unless there is an adequate maintenance budget to go with it. Otherwise, we’re not really getting what we vote (pay) for.
Jerry Hielen, Lincoln
Osborne will offer relief
I would like to thank Gov. Dave Heineman for the $40 tax break that he provided to me in this year’s tax relief package. In fact, I promptly donated my $40 to the Osborne for Governor campaign.
It’s time that Nebraska had a governor who will truly offer tax relief to those of us who struggle every day to make ends meet. Because we have all had an opportunity to see Tom Osborne over the past several decades, I trust his character and I trust him to do what is best for all of us.
It’s not often we get a chance to vote for a leader like Osborne. In fact, we almost never get this opportunity. A vote for Osborne is a vote for integrity, a vote for a sound state government and a vote for true Nebraska leadership.
Greg Gifford, Lincoln
Spending a mystery
If Dave Heineman cut spending, why is it increasing 14 percent over the next two years?
Erich Strack, Lincoln
Brown has experience
The other day, I received in the mail a slick flier touting the reasons I should vote for a certain Democratic Legislature candidate. I was surprised to see that, according to her flier, she lives on my block. I have lived here for seven years, but I’ve never met her, nor even seen her. During her campaign, she has not knocked on my door or those of my neighbors. She has apparently very recently moved here, and it’s clear from her public statements that she doesn’t know north Lincoln at all.
North Lincoln is economically diverse, and deserves the same beneficial business investment as south Lincoln. For Danielle Nantkes to compare north Lincoln to north Omaha shows how unknowledgeable she is about this area. She is not someone who represents the best interests of north Lincoln.
However, Carol Brown is the District 46 candidate who knows north Lincoln. She’s lived here almost 20 years, has owned a business here, has sent her kids to school here. She knows Lincoln, having served on the Mayor’s Roundtable, the League of Women Voters and as a business development specialist for Lincoln Action Program. She has real experience. I witnessed Brown personally knocking on doors on my block, the very block on which the other candidate claims to live.
Our votes should go to someone with real investment in north Lincoln, and that’s Carol Brown.
Barbara Cornelius, Lincoln
Poore clear on issues
We’d like to add our voice of support to Rick Poore as expressed in recent letters to the editor. Rick is the only candidate for District 28 that has made his position clear on the issues.
When you go to the other candidates’ Web sites, you see general information on the candidate, vague stances on issues and how to contribute money. Rick’s Web site has a link to the issues and his positions, and covers more than simply “education good, taxes bad.” He talks about stem cell research, protecting kids and alternative energy.
We’d rather vote for a candidate with actual thoughts and ideas, and who will work hard to push the state into a better direction. We will not vote for another candidate looking to be another politician.
Kent and Gail Steen, Lincoln
Decision is easy
Since we are judged by the company we keep, I am thankful to those who have provided aid in my decision on the governor’s race.
My ears perked up when I heard that “Squeaker of the House,” Dennis Hastert, was endorsing Congressman Tom Osborne. Hastert is an enemy of social conservatives.
Strike two came when the Nebraska School Education Association gave Osborne their endorsement. The NSEA is an enemy of education.
Lastly, and that’s where he belongs, Sen. John McCain endorsed Congressman Osborne. McCain is a friend of Chuck Hagel.
On a negative note, I am not displeased with the job our governor has been doing.
Rolly Church, Crete
Take some action
Lincoln, thanks to the useless, ineffective city and state government, has regressed into the 20th century. Citizens, take a look at your apathetic attitudes. We have voted these “dynamic, progressive, proactive team-players” to run our state. Yet, people are stampeding out of this college-oriented, brain-dead, noncompetitive state in droves due to the lack of dynamic leadership.
Property taxes and the proposed increases are ludicrous, irresponsible and negatively impact our residents. It is redundant to say that people are fed up. We need to take some accountability to correct our mistakes.
Get out and vote — take action, demonstrate that we are not going to tolerate how our tax dollars are spent anymore. Stop giving tax breaks to large corporations; vote gaming in; redirect our school systems into the 21st century.
Gaming cannot be a moral or ethical question, it is an economically feasible means to alleviate the fiscal deficit, help improve roads, parks and education. Gambling is a personal choice and shouldn’t be left up to state bureaucracy.
Take some personal responsibility for what is wrong. Apathy is not justification for the deplorable condition of this state. If this keeps up, Lincoln will become a relic farm community of the 1900s.
Karen Tadsen, Lincoln
Here’s your weed notice
The city of Lincoln is proposing purchase of more park land in the coming election. However, they need to take care of the existing parks they already have.
I live near Roberts Park in central Lincoln, and every April and May the grass and the dandelions grow a foot tall. As of May 2 they still haven’t mowed the park once. The city blames it every year on the fact that their college summer help is not on staff yet.
If I let my grass grow as long as the city allows their parks, I would get a weed notice. Therefore, as a taxpayer of the city of Lincoln, I would like to give the Lincoln Parks and Recreation a weed notice.
It’s like a family with six children who can’t take care of the kids they have, and yet they are trying to adopt another child. The voters of the city need to wake up and take a good look at what we already have and what needs to be done, rather than taking on more responsibility they can’t already take care of.
Tracey Whyman, Lincoln
Osborne keeps promise
One of Tom Osborne’s ads said he tells it like it is.
I hope every veteran would ask him about veterans benefits. His Washington office answer was everyone must do their share and take a reduction. I assume they were expressing his ideas.
Veterans did their share by defending the country, and the promises made to us at that time should be kept. Osborne kept his promise to all his football players. I think defending a country is as important as playing games.
Fredrick H. Weidner, Hallam
Osborne is best choice
First, I applaud all of the candidates who are seeking to be Nebraska’s next governor. Regardless of party affiliation, each has courageously presented their intellect, ideas and courage to lead a state that is at once a wonderful place and simultaneously fraught with numerous challenges.
Having stated that, I stand solidly for Tom Osborne. His mature calm demeanor, deliberate thought process, proven leadership standards and commitment to a progressive Nebraska combine to make him the best choice for the next four years.
There are many issues that must be addressed with fresh concepts and skilled leadership. I will focus only on one concern that I have dealt with most of my adult life — health services delivery, financing and policy. Tom’s written promise to look at health and human services administration with talent and out-of-the box ideas argues boldly for his selection.
Randy Boldt, Lincoln
Ricketts ads puzzling
Some comments on Pete Ricketts’ political ads. Ricketts seems quite proud that he is neither a lawyer nor a politician. Why he wants to offend lawyers puzzles me. (I wonder if Ameritrade lawyers are reconsidering their career paths?)
His claim that he is not a politician is simply wrong. Of course he’s a politician. By definition a politician is “one who holds or seeks political office” (the American Heritage Dictionary), and he’s a record-setting politician, having already spent $4 million of his own money, and it’s just the primary.
Do you think “Mom” made Pete wear that silly stocking cap at the “meet and greet” Dad hosted at his new $29 million New York City condo?
Campaign for Senate — $4 million and counting. Dad’s Omaha home — $7.5 million. Dad’s New York condo — $29 million. “Nebraska values” — priceless.
John Haessler, Lincoln
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