Janssen will seek seat in Legislature

Fremont City Council member Charlie Janssen has announced he plans to run for the District 15 seat in the Legislature in 2008.

That seat is held by Janssen's uncle, Ray Janssen of Nickerson.

“I want to be part of the movement that limits government, offers tax relief and controls state spending,” Janssen said in a prepared statement issued Thursday.

Janssen will make the officials announcement Thursday at a campaign kickoff rally, which is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. at the Love-Larson Opera House, 543 N. Broad St.

“I have a connection to Dodge County that is unique,” Janssen said. “Having been raised in Nickerson I know what it is like to live in a small village. I now own a business and live in Fremont with my family. This gives me a perspective that can be shared by both the rural parts of Dodge County and with Fremont.”

Janssen, chairman and chief executive officer of RTG Medical Inc., represents Ward 1 on the Fremont City Council. He was elected in November 2006.

Born in Fremont, he was raised in Nickerson where his mother was the village clerk for more than 20 years. He is a 1989 graduate of Logan View High School.

After high school, Janssen served in the U.S. Navy as a search and rescue swimmer. He served during the Persian Gulf War and earned several awards and commendations during his enlistment.

The council member said he learned how a village operated by watching his mother serve as Nickerson's clerk.

“Now serving as a Fremont city councilman, I have first-hand knowledge of how one of Nebraska's largest and best cities operates,” he said.

Several political leaders are expected to attended Thursday's kickoff rally, including Attorney General Jon Bruning, Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood, Sen. Ray Janssen and Fremont Mayor “Skip” Edwards.