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Nebraska League of Conservation Voters Endorses Nine for Legislature in November

The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters has released its endorsements of candidates for the coming fall election.

"A major problem for many conservation-minded voters is finding an unbiased source of information about the candidates on the ballot.  We are pleased to be able to help fill that void for the first time in Nebraska this year, " said Dale Gubbels, president of the League. 

The League conducted written surveys based on its Common Agenda and in-depth interviews with candidates across Nebraska.  NLCV has thrown its support to 8 individuals who demonstrated commitment to protection of natural resources and investment in the natural infrastructure that sustains our communities.

Endorsements have been awarded in the following districts:

District 3 (Gretna):  incumbent Gail Kopplin.  "Senator Kopplin has been a pillar of good judgment and advocacy for common sense conservation measures throughout his career.  His understanding of the issues before the Natural Resources Committee adds critical depth and substance to its deliberations," said Steve Oltmans, chairman of the League's Political Action Committee.

District 5 (Omaha):  Health Mello.  Mello has demonstrated great capacity to build working relationships and to provide leadership in the development of important issues throughout his career.  He has promised to revisit the critical issue of electronics recycling, which was passed with an overwhelming majority by the legislature last year but vetoed by the Governor after adjournment.

District 21 (Lancaster County):  Ken Haar.  Haar has a well-earned reputation as a dedicated civil servant who listens to his constituents and seeks long-term solutions, based on his service as a member of the Lincoln City Council.  He has been an active advocate for conservation as a volunteer for many years, and has made renewable energy and conservation his priority for his first term.

District 25 (Lancaster County):  Kathy Campbell. "The board was very impressed with Mrs. Campbell's preparation and research on our key issues.  We believe her experience on the Lincoln Electric System board and the Lancaster County Commission will allow her to step into leadership roles in the legislature, providing balanced and thoughtful progress toward our objectives," said Gubbels.

District 27 (Lancaster County):  Dan Marvin.  Oltmans said, "Marvin understands the relationship between a healthy environment and a healthy economy.  He especially understands the cost savings a good conservation program can produce.  He has been a leader in Lincoln, and will continue to represent the conservation values of his constituents in the Unicameral."

District 35 (Grand Island):  Mike Gloor.  Mike Gloor has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during his career as hospital administrator. As a new wing was being constructed and furnished, Gloor included recyclability of furnishings in procurement considerations, and invested in a state of the art laundry system to save considerable water and energy for health care institutions throughout the region.  Gloor's understanding of long-term costs makes him the candidate of choice for both fiscal and environmental responsibility.

District 37 (Kearney):  Galen Hadley.  Hadley has worked hard to understand and integrate the interests of conservationists, agriculture and irrigation, and recreational users of natural resources since declaring his candidacy this spring.  "We cannot leave our children a lesser planet to live on," says Hadley, continuing that costs and benefits must be analyzed in terms of the legacy we leave.  Hadley places a high priority on the Platte River Recovery Program, which has earned him the League endorsement in District 37.

District 41 (Neligh-St. Paul):  Kate Sullivan.  Born on a farm outside of Ord, Sullivan knows firsthand the benefits of good conservation practices in the success of a grazing operation, using Holistic Ranch Management principles in the family operation. She says, "I have always believed that I've been given the opportunity to use the land temporarily and should ultimately leave it in better shape than I've found it."  Sullivan is a strong supporter of the development of wind energy resources.

District 47:  Ken Schilz.  Schliz advocates alternative energy development in Nebraska, citing economic benefits to the rural economy as well as energy independence for the state.  A fiscal conservative, he nonetheless understands how conservation programs can create benefits through water conservation and tourism for stronger rural communities.