Gilbert Ayala
Mr. Ayala did not respond to our request for an interview.
Flint Harkness
Flint Harkness is a special education teacher in Bellevue. He is running for the legislature because he does not like some of the policies that impact students and schools. He wants to be a voice for his community, educators, and students across Nebraska.
Harkness believes that the most important issue facing Nebraskans is LB753, which would create the Opportunity Scholarships Act. Individual and corporate taxpayers would qualify for a tax credit equal to the amount the taxpayer contributed to a scholarship-granting organization.
Harkness stated that Nebraska needs more mental healthcare professionals, especially those who specialize in treating children. He believes that the lack of workers in this field creates a gap that results in the unnecessary incarceration of young people who do not have the support they need.
When asked how he would ensure that public services and programs are fully funded, Harkness stated that he would work with his fellow senators to figure out who needs funding and how the legislature can make that happen.
Harkness opposes the privatization of state services, noting that Nebraska does not have a positive track record and government services should be performed by government employees.
A union member himself, Harkness supports the right of State of Nebraska employees to collectively bargain the wages and conditions of their employment. He would oppose any bill that aimed to take away public sector collective bargaining rights in Nebraska. He also stated that he would support a bill expanding public sector collective bargaining to include legislative branch employees such as legislative staff and judicial branch employees such as probation officers and clerks.
When asked his opinion on legislative procedure, Harkness said that electing committee chairs by secret ballot instead of public vote is the most effective way for qualified people to be elected. He believes that filibuster rules need to be more robust so that it can be a more effective tool.
Harkness said he is the best candidate because he is working as hard as he can to build connections and be a voice for his district and all Nebraskans.
Margo Juarez
Margo Juarez was born and raised in South Omaha. She worked for both the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service before retiring. Since retiring, Juarez has been a passionate supporter of education and was appointed to the Omaha Public School Board. She is running for the legislature because she is concerned about the lack of representation in her district. She feels that the skills she has developed while serving on the Omaha Public School Board are transferable and will make her successful in the legislature.
Juarez stated that the most important issue facing Nebraskans is high property taxes and the lack of long-term care for seniors. She has a long history of advocating for her mother who has limited long-term care options.
When asked what public service jobs are lacking in Nebraska, Juarez stated that there needs to be more options for seniors and more social workers. If elected, Juarez would ensure that these public services are fully funded by looking at the budget from a tax perspective and exploring options that collected more taxes from wealthy citizens in Nebraska.
Juarez does not support the privatization of state services because there is a lack of oversight and accountability.
Juarez was a union member during the entire duration of her federal career and valued the representation. She would support a bill expanding public sector collective bargaining to include legislative branch employees such as legislative staff and judicial branch employees such as probation officers and clerks. Juarez also stated that she would oppose any legislation that sought to take away public sector collective bargaining rights in Nebraska.
Juarez believes that committee chairs should continue to be chosen by secret ballot. She stated that she supports the filibuster but thinks some rules should be changed to make it a more efficient tool.
When asked why she is the best candidate for legislature, Juarez stated that she has been involved and has stayed informed about the issues in her district. She is familiar with the things her neighbors care about and wants to be a voice for them.