Sterling Community Center hosts Republican candidates forum

BEATRICE – A five-county committee drew eight Republican candidates and several others for statewide offices to a Sunday forum in Sterling.
The forum gave residents at the Sterling Community Center a chance to hear four-minute remarks, candidates address a single question each…and to meet with the candidates who are facing off in the May Primary.

Governor candidate Brett Lindstrom, a state senator, touted his work to cut taxes this session…and said he would continue that approach if elected.
"And, as Governor I'll work to reform the tax code, provide economic development walking alongside businesses, making sure we cut regulations and get out of their way."  Lindstrom said the state has already made progress on cutting military retiree and social security taxes.

Falls City Rancher and businessman Charles Herbster began his comments by offering a welcome from former President Donald Trump and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Like both of them, Herbster has emphasized fighting illegal immigration at the southern border, which he claims is pumping a major flow of drugs into Nebraska.  "We've got to close the borders. The more illegals that come into our country, it will change the culture, it will change the country, and if everything gets the way they'd like to have it with the liberals in Washington, they'll give all of them amnesty to vote...and those of us here, won't get a chance, again."  Herbster said businesses are not coming to Nebraska, but instead to Iowa and South Dakota because of Nebraska’s tax code.

Columbus veterinarian and farmer Jim Pillen brought copies of his self-described Pillen Playbook, telling those attending he’s met with residents in all 93 counties.  "Our agriculture is our lifeblood. It's truly important that the next governor understands how to defend it. We fought against the PETAs...the far ideologies of society. We need to make sure that we can grow value-added agriculture and sell it. And then last is our values. Our values are under attack. We have to have the courage to defend our children, protect our children's adolescent minds...stand up for law enforcement, and Second Amendment and our property rights."

Theresa Thibodeau is a small business owner, and former Douglas County Republican Party Chair. She emphasized cutting red tape and getting back to the basics on education.  "We we fund the school per-child...that's an immediate reduction in property tax for everyone because that takes it out of your property tax bill. If you look to see what goes to your school district, that is the majority of your tax bill. And for the local taxing authorities, I am in favor of local control, but man, if they keep raising your taxes and they won't put a level on their spending....vote them out."

Also speaking at the forum were Republican candidates for Governor Michael Connely, Lela McNinch, Breland Ridenour and Troy Wentz.

Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers, a candidate for Attorney General is facing Jennifer Hicks in the Primary, and both attended the forum. Incumbent State Treasurer John Murante and opponent Paul Anderson also spoke.  Secretary of State Bob Evnen is opposed by Rex Schroder and Robert Borer…with all three in attendance.

The event was put on by a committee from Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Otoe and Richardson Counties. About 130 attended.