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Hopefuls have priorities, too

By Don Bowen/Tribune Staff
Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 - 11:13:38 am CST

The two men hoping to succeed Dodge County’s current representative in the Nebraska Legislature see the state’s budget priorities a little differently.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the focus being set with the state budget,” said Richard Register, a Fremont attorney who has filed to seek the nomination for the District 15 seat. “I don’t disagree with the goal: Reserve money and tax relief, but I’m concerned that we need to look more long term and take advantage of some issues now.”

Charlie Janssen, a Fremont businessman and nephew of the current office holder, said there are a couple of priorities that he sees as important in this year’s session.

“I think the top

priorities are dealing with the water rights with Kansas and revisiting the Learning Community,” Janssen said. “You think that’s Omaha, but that affects us. A lot of people haven’t paid attention to that around here. It could be several years before it affects us. We need to keep an eye on it. A portion of Fremont Public Schools does fall into Douglas County.”

Register said now is a perfect time to take a hard look at state government as a whole to find inefficiencies that waste money and could eat into the projected $465 million cash reserve.

Specifically, two areas where he said needs evaluated are Medicaid and public education.

“We need to take a good, hard look at those,” Register said. “We need to go back to zero-base budgeting, which would force the state government to look at the entire way it finances. We need to look at other states in the way they fund education. A 50-50 split between state and local governments can work better than our current way of funding. That would make us more competitive with other states around us.”

Janssen said tax incentives are another way to continue to attract new companies and new families into Nebraska.

“I think we have to watch the tax incentives that have been proposed to make sure they work appropriately,” he said. “A lot of people can talk about economic development. I’ve been in those programs with RTG Medical. I can tell people that I’ve been on this road already. I’m not just looking at a map. I’ve driven that road. I know how these programs work. I think I can tweak these programs better than most people because I’ve seen them work first hand.”

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Uncle Buck
Jan 21, 2008 1:26 PM
It sounds like Richard is just speculating on his ideas where it seems like Charlie has ran a successful business and already knows how these programs work. Charlie is also currently my City Councilman and he has always be there to answer my questions. My vote is going to be with Charlie.
Beldar
Jan 21, 2008 1:46 PM
Great another attorney running for senate that’s just what we don’t need. Why doesn’t he just do like the rest of those court appointed attorneys and go and get some whip lash case and stay out of our legislative system.
scoop
Jan 21, 2008 2:24 PM
Who knows law better than an attorney? Richard has my vote.
Chic
Jan 21, 2008 3:20 PM
I'm with Uncle Buck and Beldar. Charlie is an intelligent young man who can get the job done. Anyone who has ever talked to him will tell you; he always has the facts, and knows exactly what he is talking about. I've also talked to Mr. Register a couple of times. My motto is if you don't have anything good to say about a person, say nothing at all. My vote is for Charlie.
Kevin Rangle
Jan 21, 2008 3:24 PM
I like the fact that Charlie is not talking about something he has planned but he is telling us what he has done. I know his company has been very successful and everybody would agree the Fremont needs more high paying jobs. No offense to the other guy but I am voting for results not promises.
Schools
Jan 21, 2008 3:39 PM
I work at a school and have dealt with school finance for several years. I was alarmed that a candidate (Register) for a stae office would propose a 50/50 local/state funding mechanism for public education. This simplistic approach is simply irresponsible and demonstrates a lack of knowlege about education funding in general. At least it would be my hope it is a lack of understanding bacause it would be a shame if he actually researched the topic and came back with the "lets just split it 50/50" idea.
In a perfect world where all districts and schools were created equal that would work. Anybody else live in Richard Register's perfect world? take some time to study the issue. You have lost any chance of my vote already.
MERJ
Jan 21, 2008 3:51 PM
It's obvious Charlie is the front-runner. It's good to see citizens comment on intelect instead of he-said she-said. Way to go Charlie you're well on your way to Lincoln.
Lanny
Jan 21, 2008 4:32 PM
Charlie get my vote, too. His company has brought good paying jobs to Fremont. His experience on the city council should help, too. After all, that's where Dave Heineman started. The other guy has never held elected office.
Bill
Jan 21, 2008 5:02 PM
Charlie has done amazing things for the city of Fremont. He is proven in what he brings to the table. As a member of the city council he works hard for the people of the city and he's the kind of person that can do wonders for the district. I'm going with Charlie
Oh Brother, where art thou?
Jan 21, 2008 7:11 PM
what is it about the "American Way" lately? We have seen it with the Bushes both being president, and now hillary and bill. I guess you are not worthy of public office unless you are related to someone who has been in public office. I'm votin for the reform candidate. Take at look at Delmar here as your paradigm of hope. Them politicians think we are all dumber than a box of hammers.

Pete: Suits me. I'm voting for yours truly.
Ulysses Everett McGill: Well I'm voting for yours truly too.
[Everett and Pete look at Delmar for the deciding vote]
Delmar O'Donnell: Okay... I'm with you fellas.
Democrat
Jan 21, 2008 7:57 PM
I will not be voting for anybody who is a Republican. Isn't our country in enough trouble already? Let's all vote straight Democrat & get this country back on track.
open my eyes
Jan 22, 2008 6:10 AM
Charlie has been on that road, you mean the one where the public gives you money to help your business? I think that might be a good thing, he would have insight into making paperwork easier for big business people to get more money from the government.

Richard talks about a 50/50 split between communities and state government, wouldn't that leave the communities with less money than they have now?

do these candidates have web sites?
hmm...
Jan 22, 2008 6:00 PM
I guess Charlie needs his brother to be the first one to jump out to his support....
Monty Brewster
Jan 24, 2008 7:45 PM
vote none of the above! this country needs a third party, fourth party or more. It needs more than the current dominant two party system, Democrat and Republican. of the people, for the people, by the people. two sides will bicker back and forth for ever without resolution or compromise. get a third party in there to balance things out and then you will get people working together. i'm a registered independent who wants to take back this country to the people!!!
Whole person counts
Jan 25, 2008 10:01 AM
When examining candidates - for any position, do not undervalue a person's individual values and morals as a human being. How they treat and value their personal vows, promises and family tell a bigger truth. Are they responsible "people", successful in their personal life as well as in the limelight? Check out the entire makeup, because if we think we will be treated better (as strangers to these candidates), versus the people that are "cherished", that should be weighed VERY carefully.
curious
Jan 26, 2008 3:34 PM
where is the line drawn between acceptable and non-acceptable corporate welfare?
LSB
Jan 27, 2008 10:38 PM
I hear that Charlie has done great things for Fremont. I would like to hear what a few of them are. Maybe if we got some facts on the table instead of lip service people could make an informed decision.
NJB
Jan 28, 2008 10:51 AM
LSB HAS IT RIGHT. IF CHARLIE HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR THIS CITY PUT IT ON THE TABLE. SEEMS TO ME WHAT HE HAS DONE IS BENEFICIAL TO CHARLIE. IT IS EASY TO RIDE INTO A SENATE POSITION ON THE COATTAILS OF YOUR UNCLE. HARDER TO KNOW YOU HAVEN'T EARNED IT. AND FROM WHERE I SIT I DON'T THINK THAT I HAVE SEEN ANYTHING HAPPEN THAT WASN'T BENIFICIAL TO CHARLIE HIMSELF. BOTH IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE LIFE YOU LEAVE ALOT TO BE DESIRED. I HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING BEHIND A CANIDATE WHO DOESN'T LIVE THE LIFE HE PREACHES. I AM ALSO APPALLED AT SKIP EDWARDS FOR ENDORSING CHARLIE OR ANY OTHER CANIDATE FROM FREMONT. AS MAYOR IN THIS TOWN HE NEEDS TO HAVE AN UNBIASED OPINION OF THE CANIDATES. JUST BECAUSE HE IS ON THE COUNCIL, HE SHOULD NOT GET ANY SPECIAL FAVORS OR ENDORSEMENTS. I AM REALLY ASHAMED OF YOU SKIP, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. HOME TOWN PAPERS, MAYORS OR OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS HAVE NO BUSINESS ENDORSING ANY CANIDATE. IT IS POPULARLY KNOWN THAT PEOPLE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF THE CANIDATE WILL VOTE EITHER BY NAME RECOGNITION OR BY ENDORSEMENT OF A LEADER THEY KNOW AND TRUST, EVEN IF THEY TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH WHAT THE CANIDATE IS ABOUT. SKIP WHY DON'T YOU START SUPPORTING CHANGE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR FREMONT AND IT'S RESIDENTS AND LEAVE THE POLITICS OUT OF THE MAYORS AGENDA. SEEMS IT SHOULD BE FULL WITH FREMONT PROBLEMS TO SOLVE.
Kevin Rangle
Jan 28, 2008 2:43 PM
I love the ignorance of some people that don't have facts so they type in all caps for emphasis. NJB should be ashamed of himself for saying such insulting things about anybody he does not know. I support Charlie but would never say or worse yet make up stories you believe to be true in your biased obviously uninformed opinion. Nice that you hide behind an anonymous name as well. Neither Charlie nor Richard is hiding behind annonymous names. They are putting themselves out there to serve us and they have to put up with smear attacks like yours. And you know what NJB? Charlie has done a tremendous amount for Fremont in creating jobs and serving. Has the jobs benefitted him? Probably so. Would it be your wish if they were created somewhere else? Charlie moved his company from Omaha to Fremont. Do you think that gave RTG Medical an advantage? I think it is a case of a native son wanting to come home to the area he grew up in.
AND NJB LET ME TELL YOU WHAT CHARLIE DID FOR FREMONT THAT DID NOT "BENEFIT HIM" BUT BENEFITTED YOU, ME AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. HE WENT TO THE PERSIAN GULF WAR AND SERVED IN COMBAT. THAT IS RIGHT NJB REAL AND ACTUAL COMBAT FOR YOUR FREEDOM TO SLANDER HIM. NEXT TIME YOU SAY YOU SUPPORT THE TROOPS THINK ABOUT HOW YOU JUST SUPPORTED CHARLIE WITH LIES.
Schools
Jan 28, 2008 2:54 PM
I have no problems with the Mayor endorsing a candidate for Senate or any other seat. I have no problems with the paper doing the same. The fact that Mayor Skip Edwards the entire Fremont City Council, Scribner Mayor Steve Swanson and Hooper Mayor Bob Reynolds all support Charlie shows that he can build a consensus. It tells me that the people that actually know Charlie and work with him respect him and like him enough to publicly endorse him. To me somebody that rates an endorsement from a co-worker is a worthy person.
I make my own choice regardless of endorsements though. However my decision is going to be Charlie.
Find Something better 2 do
Jan 28, 2008 4:56 PM
Kevin Rangle. Way to go buddy. Seems NJB needs to do a little background check. You want to talk morals...thou shall not judge, lest ye be judged. Why throw stones at either candidate? Who is going to better serve me as a citizen? Who is going to get more done in Lincoln? Doesn't any of this matter?
Again do your research and re-evaluate your incoherent ramblings...Charlie's got my vote.
RE Rangle
Jan 28, 2008 8:26 PM
Thank you for putting this NJB in their place. I won't be voting for either candidate because I don't live in the district. I do think we should respect both men for running. And yes we should be thanking our veterans every day. Who is in Iraq right now facing death from your district that may someday come back and want to make a difference. Will NJB tie a yellow ribbon today and then hide behind his same yellow streak and make annonymous accusations?
Thank you Charlie for serving our country during a time of war. Thank you Richard for also putting your name on the line for unfair criticism. People like NJB are exactly why I would never run for office.
Checkers
Jan 28, 2008 8:38 PM
No one is denying or being ungrateful for the importance of the sacrice and contributions any military person gives to their country. In my opinion, they are not appreciated enough. However, it does not give one free license to be unaccountable for their actions, public or private. By putting themself on the line, running for any office, one will most definitely be the subject of intense scrutiny, and are in essence volunteering to be examined inside and out; which is as it should be. K.R. we all have the "right" to be anonymous OR publish our name. Get off your pulpit.
LSB
Jan 28, 2008 9:50 PM
Re: Kevin, I am glad that you know Charlie personally. But in a town of 25,000 not everyone does. Some of us are very involved in our own worlds of work, family and other commitments that we don't have time to keep up on who's who in Fremont. I am not trying to put anyone down, I truly would like to know the facts. I don't get to the city council meetings, I work, am a full time student and am involved in other activities with my children that take up most of my time. Being a single parent I depend on the Fremont Tribune for my news and reports of what the city is doing and what our politicians are doing and who they are. I try not to take too much of what is said in these blogs to heart, I would just like to see more facts on each candidate printed. What have they done, what do they plan to do, what are their ideas and what kind of people they are. All these things make a difference when I cast my vote. I wish I had more time to get out and meet people, attend meetings and such, but that is just not in the cards right now. Don't be so hard on those who don't "have the facts" because sometimes those facts are hard to come by. But I agree, not having the facts is no reason to bash any candidate just because you don't like them.
good ole boy wannabe
Jan 29, 2008 8:50 AM
I am paranoid because of the fact a certain candidate had an overwhelming amount of financial support within a week of the announcement of his running. That alone hints at a good old boy network, regardless of the candidates true abilities or beliefs. I must be thinking wrong to want a candidate who is slightly more like me, but we don't want the uneducated loosers like me representing us.
NJB
Jan 29, 2008 4:01 PM
Mr Rangle, I neither slandered or lied about any view I have with Charlie Janssen. Yes, he brought some jobs here, but it was advantageous to him. Yes he served in the military, but military service no matter how honorable does not a senator make. Yes, I believe that both your professional and personal ethics come into play as a canidate and I am entitled to that opinion. And yes, I do have a problem with town leaders endorsing any canidate whether it be Charlie, Richard or even you sir. I believe that creates undo bias, clouds issues and gives unfair advantage. Sir I take great offense at you calling me ignorant, but as I read your retort I believe it only comes from your own ignorance to call me names. I disagree with you, so you call me ignorant.Kind of like the playground bully. The nice thing is I don't have to agree with you or you with me. We each get to have our own opinions.
ignorant voter
Jan 29, 2008 5:09 PM
HEY, I resemble that remark.
Caesar
Jan 29, 2008 5:24 PM
Any debates for local candidates? So much is focused on the national election, rather than what actually impacts us (local elections). Are there any debates or one-on-one time between Richard and Charlie? If not, why not, and maybe their parties should consider at least one? If so, when? Otherwise these local elections are strikingly similar to high-school popularity contests, read: above comments. "I'm for _____. Because so is _____. Rah Rah." Honestly, I'd love to return to the days when the legislature only met every-other-year...that gov. is best which governs least.
call to action
Jan 30, 2008 7:44 AM
Caesar,
a debate might be interesting, just to see what the candidates are made of. Naturally their verbal communication skills affect their job performance, unless their aides really do run the place.

At the very least, i would like to see the Tribune devote a 1/2 page at least to some written questions and answers from the uneducated public. Not those run of the mill softball questions.
Uncle Buck
Jan 30, 2008 9:31 AM
I agree with you Caeser about and open debate. And if you have not decided on who to vote for now based on the current issue that each of these cannidates stand for. After a debate between them you would be able to have a clearer view of who should be our next senator.
BJ
Jan 31, 2008 8:11 PM
There is something really wrong with NJB's argument that a man who starts a business in Fremont should not benefit from it!!! Thank God for the entrepreneurs and for the wealthy who provide capital to start businesses that give people like me a job that can allow me to feed my family. Of course Charlie should benefit from his willingness to risk capital on a business venture. Why would anyone start a business if they couldn't benefit from it? Thank you for the jobs that your business provides to people in Fremont Charlie.
agree
Feb 2, 2008 11:37 PM
I dont know Charlie or Richard but I do notice most of these comments deal with Charlie and not Richard. I guess that tells me he gets your attention good, bad or indifferant. I like knowing my rep. will command notice.
And I do agree with BJ. I find it hard to think of a more unintelligent comment than to infere a businessman is not worthy cause he "benefitted" from his actions. should we try to find failures to serve us? Excuse me but I thought the american dream was to run a successful business.
My Dad used to tell me that success breeds contempt, looks like we have a success to vote ans represent us. I choose not to hold contempt for that.
RE wannabe
Feb 5, 2008 12:16 AM
How can the candidate that raised money belong to the "good old boy" network when he is what? 35?
Wish I belonged to a network like that when I was that young. And how much has the other guy raised? Probably close to the same. and if not why can he not gain support? Isn't gaining support part of the job? Will we be mad when the guy that can raise money starts using that skill for us all in the Leggislature?