Nebraska Citizen

Jay believes that agriculture is the foundation on which the economy is built – that it is the foundation of economic stability for Nebraska. He feels that he knows the importance of ag. He believes we should build on our strengths, not our weaknesses and that ag is the primary strength of Nebraska and will continue to be for a long time.

I asked Jay about the 2007 Farm Bill and what he, as a freshman congressman, could do to influence it. He responded by saying, “We need a state farm policy. We need to have a discussion in the 3rd district to research the key ingredients that are beneficial to producers. The 2007 Farm Bill will have a large impact on economic development for Grand Island, McCook and rural Nebraska. The farm bill is an economic development tool that we need to maximize so we can grow.”

Jay is a big proponent of jobs and growth. He says, “It is jobs that bring people to a community. It is jobs and family ties that keep people in the community.” Jay points out that Grand Island has 2,700 new jobs in the last three years since he has been Mayor and that he wants to see that kind of job growth all across the third district.

I asked if Jay felt that there should be a limit on the amount of money that a farmer can receive from the Federal Government. Jay calls these “income transfer payments.” He says these are beneficial for the long-term growth of agriculture but would like to review if caps are necessary. Even so, he believes they are a necessary part of farm policy that have been in place for many years.

We talked about ethanol. Jay believes we need to support ethanol. He believes it helps create jobs and bolsters prices for farmers. He declares himself a strong supporter of ethanol.

Jay introduced his budget last year that included a 33% reduction in the cities property tax rate. Ultimately, the budget was approved and implemented. Jay recently proposed reducing property taxes another 10% for this year. He feels that this has been accomplished by streamlining government. Jay has run the city like a business. Services should be provided efficiently. Each tax dollar should be maximized.

Jay believes in open government. He feels that it is important that government should be accessible and open.

I asked Jay what kind of new jobs have been created in Grand Island in the last three years. He says that the new growth has been in ag, food processing, and manufacturing. He specifically mentioned Case New Holland and the suppliers to Case. He is glad that Standard Iron is in Grand Island and is growing. Grand Island has five major roads and lends itself to businesses that depend on good access to transportation. Jay feels that retailing has exploded and is really helping the economy of the city.

Grand Island recently designated part of the city revenue to be set aside for economic development. Jay feels that this has been a powerful tool for helping build the community.

One of the biggest benefits to the community was a call from the Adjutant General asking if Grand Island would like to attract a National Guard helicopter facility. Jay believes that this was the springboard that helped bring the community together. Grand Island was successful in recruiting the helicopter facility, and there will be a groundbreaking ceremony in 2007.

Jay believes that the same principles and philosophies that apply to his work as Mayor are applicable for how he would help the entire 3rd district. He believes the keys are business management, fiscal conservativeness, accessibility of government and being responsive. He says he has tried to build on the strengths of other people.

We talked about Lake McConaughy. Jay feels that the lake is low because of the drought. He feels that we need state leadership. He does not want to pit community against community or ground water user vs. surface irrigator. He feels that it is important that other states with mutual interests cooperate and that we need more dialogue.

Jay feels that he is familiar with the Republican River Basin issues. He believes that we should wait until the final data has been provided to the DNR and that once that data has been provided to the DNR, there will be more information to help decide the issue.

I asked Jay if he believed that global warming was happening. He said, “I would make the assumption that global warming is occuring. It is 50 degrees in December in Nebraska, and, as a hunter, I have seen how the seasons have changed in Central Nebraska. The polar ice caps are reducing. I think there are some things at play in the universe. Call it global warming or not, but that is my impression.”

I asked if the United States should do anything to reduce the effect of warming. Jay said, “We are talking about the earth and if any discussion takes place, it needs to take place between the nations of the earth because we are all sharing the same planet. We are not an island, and we need to discuss with other nations.”

I asked if Jay would support nuclear power plant development. He says he is not opposed to nuclear power.

We moved over to the immigration issue. I asked if there should be a wall between the US and Mexico. Jay says that he has just created a Hispanic steering committee to talk about this and other issues. He looks forward to hearing their impressions. Immigration is a concern that he hears about as he travels the 3rd district. He does not believe that a wall is the answer.

I asked if the US should ask undocumented workers to return to their country of origin. Jay does not believe that is a realistic solution. Jay says, “Current immigration laws that people are following, the homes that have been established, and considering the need the US has for laborers…forcing undocumented workers to leave is not practical.” He hopes to announce a position on immigration in the near future.

Health care costs are rising faster than the rate of inflation. Jay speaks energetically about how these increasing costs make it difficult for small businesses to grow or keep current employees. Jay believes we need great access to health care in rural Nebraska. He feels that we need to promote access. Jay says he does not have an answer to how to deal with this today, but he believes the marketplace and competition will result in better service. He feels competition allows people to make a good personal choice and helps address costs.

I asked if there should be subsidies for prescription drugs for those with low income. He believes that one needs to look at the larger budget picture and discuss specifics in this context. “Historically,” he says, “there has been assistance for low income people and that should continue.”

I asked if Jay believes life begins at conception. He does. He believes abortions should be allowed in the case of rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

Jay does not believe embryonic or fetal stem cell should be permitted. Jay believes he would like to research adult stem cell research more. He is not sure that it is profitable for private industry and would like to review that. However, he is inclined to support adult stem cell research.

Jay does not believe that a doctor should be permitted to prescribe marijuana for pain relief.

I asked if Internet sales should be subject to sales taxes. Jay wonders how that could be collected. He believes that access to markets is important. He also feels that Internet sales can hurt local main street businesses. So, he believes the public should have a discussion about the issue.

I asked what Jay, as a congressman, would do for education. Jay said, “I will be the education, economic development jobs supporter. My wife was the first person in her family to get a college education.” The same is true for Jay. He was the first in his family to get a college education. His wife is an elementary teacher. His daughter is a music teacher. He believes that education is the key to strong economic development. Therefore, he says he will be a strong supporter of education.

The last question was why people should vote for Jay over the other candidates. Jay responded by saying: “I have a track record of leadership in both business and as an elected Mayor of one of the larger cities in the 3rd district. I have helped people, and I want to help people in the future. I have the skills and the ability to work with people. But, basically, my track record of leadership, job creation, lowering taxes and economic development make me a good candidate, and I want your vote.”

Candidate Profile

Tags: Jay Vavrickek, Nebraska, Congressional