Larsen: Race isn't about money
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By the Lincoln Journal Star
Candidate Justin Larsen in five:
1. I come from a middle class family. After we lost the farm/ranch in the mid-’80s, my father worked construction and my mother worked at a local cafe.
2. I also come from a family of strong ethics, where your last name and handshake really stood for something.
Six candidates hope to replace Sen. Carol Hudkins in District 21. She can't seek re-election due to term limits.
Read more in our Voter's Guide.
3. I am a very special, proud and lucky man that has enjoyed six years with my wife, Melinda, who works as a director of nurses. I also have a special 3-year-old girl, Makenna, who is smart, charming and full of energy.
4. In my spare time, Melinda and I enjoy taking Makenna to the public parks, zoo and shopping that ends up in spending too much on our daughter.
5. I love to listen to country and gospel music. The Oakridge Boys are one of my favorite bands. A little rock from the ’70s is OK, too.
Republican Larsen, 30, works in the police department for Union Pacific Railroad as a support desk coordinator. He assists agents in the field with the National Crime Information Center, tracking and inspecting military shipments, and playing a leading role in overseeing the response management communication center. He also works with the National Joint Terrorism Task Force, National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On the campaign trail:
Larsen has been attending homeowners association meetings and has been going door-to-door. People are tired of politics, he said, and are busy and always on the go.
He decided not to buy yard signs and spend money on advertising because it not about money, Larsen said.Nebraskans are facing hard times, and it is hard to ask people to donate to campaigns, he said, when many families need assistance.
Voters say they are tired of paying higher and higher taxes, Larsen said. Health care is not affordable for most, he said.
Road maintenance is also an issue.
Q: Should the state have a role in the (illegal) immigration issue? If so, what specific legislation or bill might you propose?
A: The state needs to stiffen its position on illegal immigration. At large meatpacking plants, for example, illegal immigration is a continuing problem and not being handled correctly. State laws are not being followed and very little is being done about it. I would like the companies to be fined in large amounts to reduce this, and to have the individuals deported. To become a citizen, start by following the laws. If lawmakers overlook this issue, crime goes up, more welfare checks are issued, and Nebraska values will change in a negative way.
Q: How can the state address high property taxes?
A: I feel the state should carry more of the burden and once we conduct an efficiency evaluation we will be able to provide property tax relief.
— JoAnne Young
Election coverage>
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