Our Opinion: Choice Is Good

The announcement last week by Scottsbluff attorney Mike Meister that he is running for governor on the Democratic ticket is a positive sign for the entire state.

While Gov. Heineman has done an honorable job during his time in office, a little competition never hurt anybody.

Reduced tax receipts and ever-growing expenses have led to an estimated budget shortfall of more than three-quarters of a billion dollars in the state’s budget.

A few simple program cuts is not going to rectify the situation. The state needs a comprehensive approach that builds on Nebraska’s strengths, while actively eliminating waste and duplication.

To accomplish this, the state needs a knowledgeable and capable leader that is willing to make the tough decision that may not always be the most popular at the time.

When Meister’s predecessor on the Democratic ticket, Omaha businessman Mark Lakers, resigned from the race, we lamented the loss of an opportunity for the state’s residents to hear competing viewpoints for Nebraska’s future.

With the announcement of Meister’s candidacy, we once again will have the opportunity to have an open discussion about the future of the state with the candidates that seek its highest office.

The governor should work first and foremost for the citizens of his state. As the executive of a level of government that affects every citizen on a daily basis, it is vital that a candidate possess the necessary skills and fortitude to shepherd the state through these tough economic times. It is also important that the governor represents the values by which the state’s residents live their lives.

The two candidates have differing opinons on the best way to approach the issues surrounding the state’s budget. Because of this, the state’s residents will have an opportunity to judge for themselves what they see as the most viable option for Nebraska’s future.

Nebraska voters will have a choice this fall and that is always a good thing.