Rick Holdcroft
Rick Holdcroft is a UNL graduate and a Navy veteran. He served 28 years on four ships, and, when he retired, he worked for the country’s largest producer of solid rocket motors. He states that at one point, the company underwent lay-offs, and he had to lay off 50% of his workforce. He was approached by Senator Hilgers, who encouraged him to run for office. He states that he has served his community and is now ready to serve the State of Nebraska.
Rick states that the public services he has most frequently used include the DMV and public roads. He further states that he volunteers at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. Rick would like to see veterans’ benefits and parks and recreation tourism expanded.
Rick states that, while the budget is limited, he will work to ensure that public services are fully funded.
When asked how federal infrastructure funding should be allocated, Rick states that transportation should be a priority. He states that agriculture is the largest employer in the state, and roads, bridges, and rails are necessary to support the industry.
Rick states that certain aspects of state services may be privatized, depending on the service. He states, “I believe in capital and business, but the role of the unions in business is also very key to success.” Moreover, he states that he may support public/private partnerships on a case-by-case basis, as many need government oversight but private capital.
Rick supports the right of Nebraska State Employees to unionize. He also supports ensuring state employee wages are equal to or greater than inflation, and he states that, while in the military, his family suffered due to rising inflation and stagnant wages. Furthermore, Rick supports paid parental leave, but says that it must be limited, and cannot be for months.
To fill vacancies and end staff turnover, Rick states that the state must reduce property taxes and keep people in Nebraska. He further states that the State must “pay a wage better than the next guy.”
Rick opposes the election of committee chairs through secret ballot and the current filibuster rules. He also states that the limit of 33 actual votes should be reduced to 30 or less.
When asked what differentiates him from his opponent, Rick states that his service sets him apart. He states that he is running because he wants to serve, and he believes that he will be elected on social issues, such as being pro-life, pro-second amendment, and pro-law enforcement.
Rick states that he will win the election through door-knocking and his large military support. He states that he “doesn’t need the 12,000 dollars a year,” and that he is running because he can contribute to the state and is willing to put in the time and effort necessary to serve. He also states that he will never vote “present- not voting.”
Angie Lauritsen
Angie Lauritsen was born on Offutt Air Force Base, and has lived in Nebraska for 30 years. She is a small business owner, and has served her community through organizations such as Lift Up Sarpy County and Survivors Rising. She further serves her community through her organization, Gretna Hometown Heroes, and was elected to Gretna City Council in 2016. She states that she knows how important it is to have legislators that are in the Unicameral to serve. She is passionate about children’s safety within the community, and states that she has a reputation as an advocate.
The public service that Angie uses the most is the tax system when filing taxes for her business. She states that she would like to defer to public employees to decide which public services to add to or expand upon.
Angie states that she will work to ensure that public services are fully funded, and that there are a lot of current inefficiencies due to lack of funding.
When asked how federal infrastructure funding should be allocated, Angie states that water, sewer lines, and roads should be a priority. She further states that the state should use bonding to ensure projects are completed, and that the state is building according to need.
Angie opposes the privatization of state services. Moreover, she states that public/private partnerships are permissible in some cases, but need transparency. She further states that public employees should be given priority for jobs.
Angie supports the right of Nebraska State Employees to unionize. She also supports ensuring that state employee wages are equal to or greater than inflation, as well as access to paid parental leave.
To fill vacancies and end staff turnover, Angie states that higher wages are essential. She cites corrections staffing, and states that when wages rose, positions were filled. She further mentions that the State needs more people in general, and it must become a place people want to come to.
Angie supports the election of committee chairs through secret ballot and the current filibuster rules.
When asked what differentiates her from her opponent, Angie states that she understands the necessity of building relationships. She states that she is personable and moderate, and is able to bring a diverse set of people together in order to move goals forward. She states that, no matter what, she wants to take care of her community.
Angie states that she will win the election through key endorsements by the Omaha Fraternal Order of Police and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Officers. She further states that she will continue to work hard, and that she is sure she is the right candidate.