Posted: Saturday, October 21, 2006 7:00 pm
Gov. Dave Heineman showed that he could accomplish the improbable when he made up a 40-point deficit to win the Republican gubernatorial primary. That augurs well for his performance in a full term as governor.
Admittedly the Journal Star expressed a preference for Tom Osborne in the GOP primary. But we have no hesitancy in endorsing Heineman in the general election.
Heineman performed capably and resourcefully after he unexpectedly took over the governor’s responsibilities when former Gov. Mike Johanns headed to Washington, D.C.
Heineman soon raised eyebrows when he embarked on a trade mission to Cuba to sell food products under an exception to the 40-year-old embargo on U.S. trade with the communist nation. The mission and a face-to-face meeting with Fidel Castro earned the governor a fiery blast from Florida’s Republican members of Congress.
The payoff was considerable, resulting in agreements for Cuba to purchase more than $60 million in Nebraska agricultural products.
Heineman has continued to push to expand Nebraska’s international trade with plans to open a trade office in downtown Tokyo.
One of the things we like best about Heineman is his focus on education — surely one of the prime requisites for success in today’s global marketplace, in which Nebraskans compete with the entire world.
The budget that he proposed to the Legislature included funding increases for both public schools and the University of Nebraska. Heineman also shows a thorough background in educational concepts with his support of early childhood education.
There’s little doubt that Heineman is a politician who positions himself carefully on issues. With some justification, he has been accused of turning the dispute over the future of the Omaha Public School District to his political advantage.
He’s the sort of politician who has a binder with the names of contacts he has made over the years. He has a network.
But details often can mean the difference between success and failure — not just in politics, but also in governing.
For example, the trade office in Tokyo won’t be staffed by a neophyte. The Nebraska Center will be run by Koji Nagasaka, who was employed most of his career by the world’s 17th-largest company, Japan-based Itochu Corp. Nagasaka was once stationed in Central City while working with Cargill.
As governor, Heineman has handled himself with an approachable style and a willingness to listen. He talks about the need for Nebraskans in different parts of the state to build relationships to aid in economic development. That binder he’s put together over the years might come in handy.
Heineman’s performance as governor since he was sworn in less that two years ago has earned respect and inspired optimism. The Journal Star believes Heineman is the right choice to lead Nebraska as governor for the next four years.
Steve Guittar in District 26
Steve Guittar would bring valuable experience and perspective to the Legislature as senator for District 26 in northeast Lincoln, replacing Sen. Marian Price, who could not run again because of term limits.
Small businesses have been left out too often as the Legislature has crafted programs to spur economic development. Guittar has the background and passion to change that.
“These businesses are the main engine of job creation and are the principal source of new technology,” Guittar wrote in response to a question in the Journal Star Voter’s Guide.
A commercial real estate broker, Guittar has served as president of the University Place Business Association and on advisory boards to city government. He has pledged to be a strong voice for returning more gasoline tax revenue to Lincoln, which urgently needs more funds for street construction.
Guittar’s opponent is Amanda McGill, a former television reporter now working for New Digital Group.
Bill Avery in District 28
As a private citizen and member of Common Cause, Bill Avery has worked for laws designed to keep government open, ethical and fair.
We expect him to continue working on those tasks and trust him to live up to those values as a senator representing the 28th District in central Lincoln, replacing Sen. Chris Beutler, who was ousted by term limits.
“Government must be responsive to citizens and free from the perception that special interests come before the public interest,” Avery said on his Web site. “As your state senator, I will introduce legislation to clarify the ethical responsibilities office holders and candidates have to voters.”
One of Avery’s campaign pledges is to work for a cap on property taxes for most retirees. That goal is worthwhile. If he can devise a workable proposal without eroding the stability of the tax system, Avery will have solved one of the state’s most chronic tax problems.
With his background, Avery should be able to quickly and effectively step into the role of state senator.
Avery’s opponent is Bob Swanson, who teaches computer courses at Hamilton College in Lincoln.
Daniell Nantkes in District 46
Danielle Nantkes would bring an aptitude for doing her homework to her responsibilities as senator for District 46 in north Lincoln, where Sen. Dave Landis is being turned out by term limits.
As an attorney for the Nebraska Appleseed Project, Nantkes has helped draft legislation, testified and lobbied state senators.
She paid attention. She has a good working knowledge of how the institution operates. This background will be a real plus because the 2007 session will the first since the state’s new term limits law took effect.
We expect Nantkes to be a strong supporter of disadvantaged Nebraskans, public schools and the University of Nebraska.
We admit to some misgivings about her involvement in helping draft Lincoln’s problematic living wage ordinance. This worry was assuaged somewhat when Nantkes accompanied the representatives from the Lincoln and Omaha chambers of commerce when they visited the state’s congressional delegation in Washington to discuss economic development issues.
Nantkes faces Carol Brown, a neighborhood activist and co-owner of North Star Jewelry.