Legislative candidates participate in forum

The public had an opportunity to hear platforms of four candidates vying for the District 40 legislative seat, last Thursday, during a forum held in Plainview.

Barry DeKay, of Niobrara; Robert Johnston, of Clearwater; Keith Kube, of Crofton and Mark Patefield, of Laurel participated in the 90-minute event.

Farm Bureau sponsored the forum, which was moderated by Chad Moyer, of the Rural Radio Network. Candidates were given two minutes to respond to questions submitted by audience members.

While most candidates voiced similar views and potential solutions on topics, ranging from tax reform, eminent domain, livestock development, workforce shortages, carbon sequestration, broadband and economic development to voter integrity, one question drew a difference opinion.

DeKay, Kube and Patefield answered "yes," when asked, "Should public funds be allowed to follow the child, even if it means private schools recieve the money?"

Johnston responded "no."

"What's that going to do to public education?" he asked.

Johnston said the question has another part to it: do funds come from tax dollars.

"If funds go with the child, I don't understand how that school district will survive without the child and the funds," Johnston said.

During closing comentary, each candidate explained what makes them the top candidate to fill the seat, since current Sen. Tim Gragert did not file for reelection.

DeKay said rural Nebraska needs to be enhanced as much as possible. He cited a push for broadband expansion, economic develoment and infrastructure, including conversion of Highway 81 to four lanes.

"I will work hard to earn your trust," DeKay said. "When in Lincoln, I will work herder to keep your trust."

Johnston said funding for rural schools, infrastructure and broadband are important topics he wants to address if he is elected.

"My statements have been short and to the point," he said. "I'm ready to get to Lincoln and get to work.

Kube expressed concerns about taxes, noting that laws need to be fair.

"There's a lot of stuff happening under the table. I would like to address it and expose it."

Kube said a team approach will be necessary to navigate concerns the state faces.

Patefield said the forum offered local citizens an opportunity to be involved and make informed choices.

"Apathy is one of the biggest problems in this country," he said.

His focus, if elected, will be on rural Nebraska and how to bring people back.

"If you look at communities that reverse the trend, there's involvement, vision, finding areas you're good at and promoting those and quality of life," he said. "We're all in this together. We need to focus on growing together."