Get to know the legislative candidates

For the upcoming election, candidates have provided answers to questions posed by Tribune-Sentinel staff, to give voters insights into their positions on issues of interest.
Dist. 44 Legislature
1)  What qualifications do you have that would effectively serve and benefit the citizens of Nebraska Dist. 44 if you are elected to this position?
Edward Dunn: I believe the qualifications that I have make me an effective representative of the citizens of the 44th District are:
a) I will coninue to lean on the values instilled in me by the military—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
b) I will honor the institution. Legislative service is one of democracy’s worthiest pursuits. It is an important duty that deserves our time, attention and dedication. To work well, government requires a bond of trust between citizens and their representatives.
c) I will take the high road. Understanding legislative etiquette and ethical responsiblities is vital, not only to the institution and your contituants, but to yourself.
d) I know when to ask for help. My ability to communicate effectively across multiple platforms will help me to know when I am out of my expertise or comfort zone and when I need to seek guidance from those with more knowledge than I. I am not an expert at all things, but I will endeavor to learn as much as possible so that I can make an informed decision.
e) I know how to manage my time. I am organized, I know how to prioritize, and I will commit myself to those things the constituents of Dist. 44 consider important.
f) I will always vote my conscience and keep my word. I will work tirelessly to earn your trust. I will always make the commitment to communicate with my constituents about how I evaluate issues and arrive at decisions.
g) I enjoy a challenge and consider myself an excellent analytical problem solver. I will strive to keep open lines of communication with my constituents, either through email, written correspondence, over the phone, or face-to-face being my preferred method.
Theresa Ibach: My husband Greg and I graduated from Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School and the University of Nebraska. We married in June of 1988. We began farming and ranching in 1989 and immediately became involved in Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska Cattlemen associations because we knew that rural issues were important to our success and the success of our neighbors.
Because of that involvement, I have served on several statewide committees, foundations and boards. These organizations have allowed me to grow a strong network of friends and colleqgues that share my concerns about rural Nebraska, not only in District 44, but across the state.
I have had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer on the 4-H and FFA Foundation Boards, the NebraskaLAND Foundation board, a community foundation board and other service related positions. In each of these roles, concerns about rural prosperity, rural health, rural school vitality and rural values have always been front and center.
I am running for the Legislature to utilize my personal farming and ranching experiences, my District 44 and statewide network, and my determination to bring rural Nebraska values to the State Capitol where I will fight to protect and defend our way of life.

2) What sets you apart from your opponent(s)?
Edward Dunn: I think my experience with overcoming adversity at a young age will set me apart from my opponent as well as my willingness to serve.
I am the oldest of five boys from a single parent (mom) home. I had to grow up quickly to be able to help my epileptic mother who could not hold a job nor a driver’s license due to her medical condition. I was in foster care during my high school years and bounced from state to state but still was determined to graduate early and join the U.S. Army. I deployed multiple times in defense of our nation’s freedoms and to stop the spread of terrorism, so I am not afraid of heading into the dangers of a firefight, or in the case of the legislature a contentious situation.
Nothing works well uness you are willing to put forth the effort to succeed. I live my life day to day by continuing to ask the questions, “If not now, when?” and “If not you, then who?”
I am a Christian, pro-life (life begins at conception) pro 2nd Amendment, less government is better, constitutionally-driven candidate. And as it always should be, my service to God comes first and foremost.
Theresa Ibach: I decided to work for our family farm after more than 30 years in retail property management. Because of this decision, I am able to devote my full time and attention to District 44 and the duties of a State Senator during the 4-6 months that will be required when the Unicameral is in session.
I will also be able to devote as much time as needed during the remainder of the year to meet with, listen to, and learn from citizens of the district as I prepare for the next session of the Legislature. Being a family farmer, from a small town of 250 people, I understand the need for reduced property taxes, state support for our rural schools and hospitals, and the need for affordable rural housing and childcare to attract employees for our main street businesses and crop and livestock operations.
I support the 2nd Amendment, will defend innocent life, believe it is time we work to pass REAL and LASTING property tax relief, and will always stand up for the agriculture community.

3) Do you have any concerns about the Nebraska District 44? If so, how would you address them if elected?
Edward Dunn: My concerns are the same concerns of the people of the 44th District in addition to the entire state of Nebraska. I will address each situation with an open door, open mind, and an open line of communication. We have far too often forgotten that if elected we work for the people who elected us, not the other way around.
The concerns that I have heard since starting my campaign in October from the great people of the 44th District are property tax reform; election integrity; stopping the runaway tyrannical state Board of Education and the indoctrination of our children with comprehensive sex education and Critical Race Theory; fixing the housing crisis in rural central and western Nebraska; ensuring that western Nebraska gets afforded the economic development opportunities it deserves; and ensuring broadband is accessible and affordable.
Like I said earlier, I do not claim to know everything, but I will surround myself with a fully vetted staff and like-minded senators so that we can tackle these issues to provide the best possible outcome for the constituents of the 44th District and the State of Nebraska.
Theresa Ibach: This past year we have witnessed special interests that do not represent rural Nebraska values pushing their agenda on our kids and families. Parents have a right to be involved in their children’s educational journey, and I will fight daily to protect that right.
I oppose exposing your grade school age children to liberal sex education agenda as well as any curriculum that teaches our children that they should be apologetic for their heritage, such as CRT (critical race theory).
In the Legislature, I will support fair state funding for our rural schools, voter ID to continue to ensure election integrity, investment in broadband to provide high-speed internet for families and farms across central and southwest Nebraska, and affordable and available workforce housing and childcare programs to attract much needed working families to rural Nebraska.
Dist. 42 Legislature
1)  What qualifications do you have that would effectively serve and benefit the citizens of Nebraska Dist. 44 if you are elected to this position?
Chris Bruns: I believe that I am the most qualified for this position based on the diversity of life experience I’ve been blessed with, and proven conservative record that I have been able to accomplish for my constituents.  I’ve spent nearly a decade serving my country as a United State Marine.  I’ve fought in combat, lead global humanitarian aid operations in the South Pacific, trained a generation of marine officers, and worked for high-echelon leadership in the Pentagon, like the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.  I know how to bring diverse people and thought together to actually get big things done. More importantly, I truly know what it means to support and defend our individual liberties, which is something that I will do each and every day in the Unicameral.  I know what it takes to spur major economic growth while also helping small business and entrepreneurs.  From my time at Creighton University earning a degree in Business Administration focusing on Entrepreneurship, my time in the financial services industry and the focus I’ve had in helping new businesses get up and going, to my time serving on the NP Area Chamber and Development Board of Directors and Economic Development committee, I’ve played in integral role in many of the major economic

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ment projects now occurring in our region.  That is something I look to expand upon in the Unicameral and unleash our economic potential in rural West Central Nebraska.  My wife and I moved back to Lincoln County to raise our kids in the best place on earth to do so.  Together, we have a small nurse cow operation and I understand the challenges that both small and large producers are faced with every day.  I will work to support and strengthen Nebraska agriculture.  As a Lincoln County Commissioner, I have worked hard to control spending, create efficiencies, and CUT local property taxes.  I also championed Lincoln County becoming one of the first counties in the state to become a 2A Sanctuary County, and one of the first counties in the nation to stand against President Biden’s 30x30 initiative.  I will continue that work in the Legislature of fighting against government overreach, protecting our individual liberties, property rights, and preserving our natural resources.
Brenda K. Fourtner: I have an Associates degree in business management, & a lifetime of just being a regular tax paying citizen. You will not find that I have a long list of achievements that I brag about. I have no experience in any banking corporation, & absolutely no prior office in government. However, I saw a need for District 42 in Legislature. We needed someone that was going to stand up against the overreach that has been happening from our own legislature up to the federal government. I am a cosponsor of the initiative “Constitutional Carry & Repeal the helmet law.” The same legislation bill that senator Brewer tried to get passed in our Legislature is the initiative I cosponsored in October 2021. I am the only candidate that has been carrying a stack of initiatives that if enough signatures are received by July then come November we will be able to vote them into law if the majority of Nebraska agrees on them. You see I have the same things to lose & gain as every person in Nebraska. I am the only candidate that has been actively been taking action to help all of Nebraska, not just my county, or district.
Mike Jacobson: a) Proven results in the Legislature: I was appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts to complete the term of former Senator Mike Groene on February 23. This appointment came after the Governor interviewed candidates for the position, including all of those declared in the race. He saw me as the candidate who could best serve the District.
Since that time, I have hit the ground running and now have “proven” results for District 42. Those include, but are not limited to, delivering the largest tax reduction in the history of state. LB873 has been presented to the Governor and includes four major changes: acceleration of the total phase out of Social Security taxes over the next 5-years; reductions in individual and corporate income taxes; adjustments to allow for reasonable but uninterrupted growth of the property tax credits for taxes paid for public schools; and a new credit for property taxes paid for community colleges.
I was able to convince the appropriations committee to increase funds to benefit the Sustainable Beef project from $15 million to $20 million in LB1014, which has also been presented to the Governor.
I was also able to fight off attempts by Grand Island and Fremont to reallocate funds that were targeted to North Platte for a new rail park. The relationships I was able to develop with the other Senators in the body made this possible. As a result, North Platte will be receiving $30 million to go toward construction and development of a new rail park through LB1013.
We also were able to get $53.5 million allocated to do the feasibility study to complete the Perkins County Canal in LB1015. This funding will also be used to fund land purchase options. Our ground water is precious. We need to complete this project to exercise our water rights and prevent further depletion due to Colorado water projects.
There is much work yet to be done and I have been honored to serve on behalf of the communities of District 42 in the Nebraska Legislature. There are many complex issues facing Nebraska and we are fortunate to have Senators from across the State who share the knowledge and experience with their colleagues. I look forward to continuing listening and learning from my constituents in District 42 and more senior members of the Legislature to propose solutions that can grow rural Nebraska.
b) Business and Economic Development Experience: Over my 46-year working career, I have spent four years as an ag teacher, 42 years as a banker, and my entire life in production agriculture. I moved to North Platte almost 28 years ago and founded NebraskaLand Bank 24 years ago.
In addition to building my own business in North Platte, I have also supported regional economic development in the region in my former roles as Chairman of the North Platte Development Corporation and Chairman of the North Platte Redevelopment Authority. My work with other local leaders was instrumental in helping to bring the Wal-Mart Food Distribution Center and accompanying Industrial Park, Menards, and Hobby Lobby to North Platte. We also worked to attract developers to rehabilitate the Platte River Mall and propose the Sustainable Beef Project, to name a few.
I currently serve on the boards of Great Plains Health and NebraskaLand Bank. I have been the former Chairman of the North Platte CRA, North Platte Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, North Platte Public School Foundation, and North Platte Airport Authority. I am also the former President of Ag Builders of Nebraska, Chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association, and a member of the Agricultural Hall of Achievement and Farm Foundation. During my entire career I have focused on economic development and making rural Nebraska an even better place to live.

2) What sets you apart from your opponent(s)?
Chris Bruns: Aside from the proven record and the ability to get things done for We The People that I’ve highlighted above, I think that I also best represent the people of District 42.  I come from a long line of railroaders--hard-working, blue-collar individuals just seeking to make a better life for their families.  That is who I am.  I am not independently wealthy, nor part of the establishment class.  I know the challenges that face everyday individuals throughout this district and I will be their strong, conservative voice fighting for our shared values as a citizen legislator.  I am a grassroots candidate, who brings credibility to the conversation and this race.  I’ve worked hard to earn the support and endorsement of Senator Brewer, Senator Erdman, the Perkins County Republican Party, the Nebraska Young Republicans, numerous County Sheriffs in the district, the Lincoln County FOP Lodge 26, Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom, Nebraska Freedom Coalition, and Nebraskans Against Government Overreach.  However, the only endorsement that really matters to me is that of the voters on Election Day, and I’m working hard to earn their trust.
Brenda K. Fourtner: I am the only candidate that has not taken money from any special interest group or individuals from within. While my opponents have raised over $80k each, I have not wanted to take any donations. I wanted the people to understand I would not beholden to anyone except for them when it came time to vote & make laws in the Unicameral. I am the only grassroots candidate, truly as I have ran on less then $5k. I also will promise to uphold the Constitution. I want to be an actual voice for the people, & that is not just an empty statement. I want to get rid of property, income, as well as inheritance taxes completely. I am tire of politicians saying they’ve lowered taxes but turn around & make actions that actually increase them. Or tell you a great dollar amount of cuts & sneak in that it’s mostly coming from corporate tax cuts & not the average citizens.
Mike Jacobson: Experience. The greatest difference between myself and my opponents is my successful track record of delivering results, both in and out of the Legislature.
I grew up on a share rented farm in Clay County with seven brothers and sisters. That’s where I learned to put in a hard day’s work, to live within my means, have faith, and support family and community. I put myself through college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education in 1976, before moving back to farm near Sutton and teach agriculture. While continuing to farm, I entered the banking industry in 1980 in Hastings and later transferred to the National Bank of Commerce (“NBC”) in Lincoln to become the head of the Correspondent Division (Large Agricultural Division). NBC moved me to North Platte to become the President of North Platte National Bank in 1994 and four years later I left to charter NebraskaLand Bank.
Much of my success, whether in farming, banking, or community development can be attributed to teambuilding. One person alone can only make a small difference. But by identifying talent and deploying teammates in a way that utilizes their strengths, one person can multiply their impact. I have found that to be true in business, and in lawmaking. Even during my short time in the Unicameral, I have proven that I can collaborate with the other Senators in the body to deliver real results for the 42nd District. My long careers in agriculture and banking have given me a strong business background that helps me be effective in the Legislature. None of my fellow candidates can compete with this level of experience.

3) Do you have any concerns about the Nebraska District 44? If so, how would you address them if elected?
Chris Bruns: Yes, my concerns are numerous, but those concerns fall into three basic areas of focus for me in the legislature.  We have to find ways to grow our rural communities through positive economic growth.  We must make our tax structure more competitive, not just regionally, but nationwide.  These two areas of focus I will work hard on making massive headway right away.  We need more focus on trades training in our community colleges because data shows that, at a fraction of the cost for the education, those students go to work right away in the region of the community college.  We need to cut burdensome regulation for business in order to make it easier for small and starting businesses to thrive.  We need to revamp our occupational licensing requirements across the state and drastically improve our reciprocity standards so that people who have good skills and want to move here to Nebraska to work can do so more easily.  We need greater emphasis on Western Nebraska for the economic incentives that the state already has.  That state money has too much flow to the metro areas, which needs changed.  We need more access to work force housing by smart and proper investments being made in rural communities.  And a lot of my work will focus on getting smart tax policy in place that removes the heavy burden on property owners we currently see.  Lastly, my 3rd area of focus is to fight for our individual liberties, property rights, and natural resources.  This will come through introducing good legislation, but more importantly, stopping radical, bad legislation and poison pills from becoming law.
Brenda K. Fourtner: Concerns for District 42; I don’t believe the growth of district 42 should be solely focused on North Platte. Our smaller communities have healthcare facilities closing due to government regulations & mandates. I have been speaking out against this from the beginning of the mandates. I held the protest at the Lincoln county courthouse. I’m also the only unvaccinated candidate because I knew as soon the government said it would mandate, that was a huge red flag. Meat processing facilities also closing because of government regulations. A huge dollar amount of Nebraska taxpayers money to be invested into 1 huge processing plant, in 1 community. I would like to see federal overreach removed from our facilities.
So that small communities can keep their loved ones close to home. Allow processing plants to directly sell to local grocery stores & meat markets. I would like to remove rule 10 from our Legislature. This rule places demands on small rural schools that takes funding away from where it is desperately needed & holds a schools accreditation hostage. I also believe the funding should follow the child, be it homeschool, private schools, or public schools.
Parents shouldn’t be forced to send their children to a school in another town wasting valuable learning time while sitting on a bus.
As you can see my focus isn’t on just one area. It’s all areas, because overreach has been allowed to slowly take over many facets. We need someone that is vigilant & not afraid to speak up & against. I have as much to lose as you do. I am also pro-life & believe Planned Parenthood has no place in Nebraska. I am also a Christian, I’ve been told that because I don’t make it a point to tell people, it leaves them wondering. I believe a faithful person shouldn’t have to tell you what religion they are, you should be able to see their actions speaking for them.
Mike Jacobson: I have several concerns I’d like to see the Nebraska Legislature address:
a) Nursing Home Shortages: Like many areas, District 42 has seen a nursing home close (Mullen) and remaining nursing homes face ongoing challenges such as staff shortages. I believe that the Legislature can help by increasing provider reimbursement rates and working to attract more workers and providers to the market. Two bills that I voted for in this past legislative session will increase incentives to increases the number of nurses and increase provider reimbursements. Next year, I will focus on longer-term reimbursement solutions, and work to reduce some of the regulations to help rural nursing homes to work with local hospitals and ESU’s by eliminating some of the full time staffing requirements and improving efficiencies through tele-health.
b) Reducing the Tax Burden on Nebraska Families: I also believe that more needs to be done to reduce property taxes and other tax burdens on Nebraska families. As we see land and housing values continue to rise and increases in food, commodity, and building costs, every day households continue to feel the strain on the supply chains and labor markets on their wallets. Farmers own their land to farm it, not to sell it. Home owners buy their homes to live in, not to sell. The rapid rise in property values will cause even greater property tax bills if mill levies are not reduced and spending contained.
Although the EPIC consumption tax plan still has many pieces to get worked out before it would be ready to implement, I believe that it is a good start to begin thinking of creative ways Nebraska can shift an over-reliance on property taxes to other revenue sources. There is another plan making its way forward through the Blue Print Nebraska process that we should also consider. I will continue to look for long-term solutions that provide critical, stable tax relief without giving all our local control to the State or an unelected committee in Lincoln.
c) Connecting Rural Nebraska: Access to quality broadband and mobile service is no longer optional. Not only are comprehensive networks critical to public safety by providing Next Generation 911 service and reliable contact for emergency providers, the Internet has become ingrained in the everyday lives of Americans. From precision agriculture to remote work to online education, rural Nebraska needs to be connected.
I believe we need to take a wholistic approach to connectivity, especially in rural areas. As the Federal Communications Commission begins to roll out licensed spectrum offerings, we need to use high-quality fixed wireless products paired with middle-mile fiber to provide high speed Internet to those in remote areas who will not be reached with fiber for many years. We also need to continue investing in fiber to the home programs that help carriers make “business sense” of building out to rural Nebraska. Finally, the Legislature should do more to help expand the wireless tower network and 5G upgrades so Nebraskans have good mobile access outside the home. Together, these three solutions can help establish a statewide infrastructure that connects all Nebraskans now and provides opportunities for further upgrade over time.
d) Labor and Housing Shortages: Finally, we need to address the extreme labor and housing shortages facing many Nebraska communities. These two issues are linked, and we need to solve both in tandem to ensure the long-term vitalities of local economies.
Many of our labor shortages are connected to our housing problems. As cost rise and interest rates increase, this problem will get worse before it gets better if we do not act soon. The workforce housing bill that passed the Legislature this session will be a great start, but communities also need to invest in local incentives to truly make progress. If we have housing, we can attract labor, especially if we can grow the high-quality jobs. For North Platte, part of that effort will be keeping the high-quality jobs at Bailey Yard and investing in new job opportunities like the proposed Hershey/ North Platte Rail Park and Sustainable Beef projects.
There are opportunities for smaller communities as well. I would encourage cities and villages in District 42 to put establishment of an LB840 fund to the vote of the people. These funds, authorized by the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act, allow Nebraska’s incorporated cities and villages to appropriate and spend local sources of revenue for certain economic development purposes. Cozad, Gothenburg, Lexington, Imperial, and Ogallala are nearby communities already taking advantage of these funds to lure businesses – including developers of workforce and affordable housing – to their communities. Other resources can then be devoted to construction or rehabilitation of housing in the community. Partnerships with the University, state colleges, and community colleges can also ensure we have qualified workers to meet the employment demands of new and growing businesses.
As a representative of District 42, I will not only promote State efforts to address extreme labor and housing shortages but work closely with cities and counties in the District to connect people and programs. Rural Nebraska is poised to grow if we can bring all of the pieces together.