Soper: God, family come first
Candidate Tami Soper in five:
1. God and family come first in my life. Of all of the hats I wear, none is as important, or as rewarding, as being a wife and mother.
2. I was blessed with an amazing family. My parents, Ada and Rob Robinson, my brother Mario, and my large extended family have encouraged and supported me throughout my life. (It’s kind of like having a secret weapon).
3. I think I was a born defender, from bringing home strays when I was a little girl, to building with Habitat for Humanities and working to pass anti-bullying legislation as an adult.
4. I believe in “living out loud.” I love to learn about and experience new things. I sing along with the radio — even in public.
5. I grew up watching boxing on Saturday mornings with my dad. As a result I’m a huge fan. One of the most awesome experiences I’ve had in recent history was meeting Mohammad Ali at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
Democrat Soper, 40, works as a legislative aide. She is a six-year member of the Nebraska Air National Guard and has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards.
On the campaign trail:
Soper says her campaign is about getting out and connecting with people. The theme of her campaign is “People Before Politics.”
In addition to door-to-door visits in her district, she attends events and government meetings in its communities and is getting to know all parts of the district.
Residents of District 21 are concerned about water issues, she said, especially the quality and quantity of ground water. They are talking about the impact of rising property taxes and the overall cost of living. They want to be able to help out schools, but say they can’t afford any increases in property taxes.
And they are concerned about access to and the cost of health care and health insurance.
Q: Should the state have a role in the (illegal) immigration issue? If so, what specific legislation or bill might you propose?
A: Many of the changes need to occur at the federal level, such as strengthening borders and preventing people from entering illegally. And then we need to work hard at Nebraska’s accountability in enforcing those laws.
Employers who hire undocumented workers and cut wages or send jobs overseas are hurting all workers.
Last session I worked with Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard on a bill that would prohibit employers who are immigration law violators from receiving incentives under the Nebraska Advantage Act.
I don’t condone illegal behavior. Everybody has to play by the rules. At the same time, I don’t want to see us further oppress people seeking a better way of life for their families.
Q: How can the state address high property taxes?
A: The state frequently shifts tax burdens to the local level by decreasing their portion of formula funding or through unfunded mandates. I would begin by reevaluating state aid to schools. Nebraska rates among the lowest states in the nation for its support of public education. But ultimately, improving economic development efforts will reduce our taxes.
— JoAnne Young
1. God and family come first in my life. Of all of the hats I wear, none is as important, or as rewarding, as being a wife and mother.
2. I was blessed with an amazing family. My parents, Ada and Rob Robinson, my brother Mario, and my large extended family have encouraged and supported me throughout my life. (It’s kind of like having a secret weapon).
3. I think I was a born defender, from bringing home strays when I was a little girl, to building with Habitat for Humanities and working to pass anti-bullying legislation as an adult.
4. I believe in “living out loud.” I love to learn about and experience new things. I sing along with the radio — even in public.
5. I grew up watching boxing on Saturday mornings with my dad. As a result I’m a huge fan. One of the most awesome experiences I’ve had in recent history was meeting Mohammad Ali at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
Democrat Soper, 40, works as a legislative aide. She is a six-year member of the Nebraska Air National Guard and has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards.
On the campaign trail:
Soper says her campaign is about getting out and connecting with people. The theme of her campaign is “People Before Politics.”
In addition to door-to-door visits in her district, she attends events and government meetings in its communities and is getting to know all parts of the district.
Residents of District 21 are concerned about water issues, she said, especially the quality and quantity of ground water. They are talking about the impact of rising property taxes and the overall cost of living. They want to be able to help out schools, but say they can’t afford any increases in property taxes.
And they are concerned about access to and the cost of health care and health insurance.
Q: Should the state have a role in the (illegal) immigration issue? If so, what specific legislation or bill might you propose?
A: Many of the changes need to occur at the federal level, such as strengthening borders and preventing people from entering illegally. And then we need to work hard at Nebraska’s accountability in enforcing those laws.
Employers who hire undocumented workers and cut wages or send jobs overseas are hurting all workers.
Last session I worked with Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard on a bill that would prohibit employers who are immigration law violators from receiving incentives under the Nebraska Advantage Act.
I don’t condone illegal behavior. Everybody has to play by the rules. At the same time, I don’t want to see us further oppress people seeking a better way of life for their families.
Q: How can the state address high property taxes?
A: The state frequently shifts tax burdens to the local level by decreasing their portion of formula funding or through unfunded mandates. I would begin by reevaluating state aid to schools. Nebraska rates among the lowest states in the nation for its support of public education. But ultimately, improving economic development efforts will reduce our taxes.
— JoAnne Young
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