Melissa Temple
Melissa Temple is running for the Nebraska legislature because, in her many years as a Norfolk resident, she has come to realize how complex the issues facing her neighbors are. Temple worked as a special education teacher for five years in Norfolk before attending seminary school. She now serves as a hospice chaplain and also as an educator for children with autism.
As a Board of Directors member for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, she has worked to address the high nitrate levels that affect the water in her district. Temple said that she believes this is the most important issue facing Nebraskans. She also stated that through listening sessions in her community, she has learned that housing, transportation, education, and high taxes are big concerns.
When asked what services provided by state employees she has personally utilized, Temple said that she has collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services through her work with children on the autism spectrum. Her parents also use Veterans’ services.
Temple stated that she’s invested in learning where there are shortfalls or gaps in public services. She said that it’s important to try to fully fund public services and programs because there are unintended consequences when budgets get cut.
Temple generally opposes the privatization or contracting out of state services because there often isn’t the same oversight or commitment to equitable services.
When asked if she supports the right of Nebraska State Employees to unioninze and collectively bargain the wages and conditions of employment, Temple said that she does and she believes that change only happens when people unite together for equitable wages and treatment. If a bill expanding public sector collective bargaining to legislative and judicial branch employees were introduced, Temple said she would want to research it more but that her philosophy is pro-collective bargaining for everyone.
Temple stated that she would oppose any legislation introduced that would take away public sector collective bargaining rights in Nebraska.
When asked about legislative procedures, Temple said that she believes committee chairs should continue to be chosen by secret ballot. She also said that she supports the filibuster but wants to learn more about the current rules.
Temple said that what makes her stand out from other candidates is that she identifies with the needs of her fellow District 19 residents. She said she will fight for equity and justice, and the things she cares about are non-partisan issues.