NE-Editorial Roundup

Omaha World Herald. December 27, 2019.

Questions hang over State Treasurer Murante's handling of Omaha office, ads

Nebraska's state agencies have important obligations. They must spend public dollars wisely. They must operate with transparency. They must provide efficient, convenient service. And they must have the public's trust. Perhaps the satellite 'œoutreach'ť office that State Treasurer John Murante has established in west Omaha may ultimately meet those requirements. But at present the project is a puzzlement that stands out for the many question marks that hang over it.

The office, at 111 N. 181st St., has been open for nearly four months and, Murante says, is intended to increase public access to the State Treasurer's services. But why, then, isn't the office listed on the department's website? Why was there no press release at the office's opening this fall, so the public would know about it? Why is there no signage outside the building to indicate a state office is inside, even though the department has workers and a manager there? Why is there no mention of the office on the list of tenants by the building's elevator?

Such a string of bizarre omissions by the Treasurer's Office puts down roadblocks to public understanding and trust.

A state outreach office that the public isn't aware of seems a contradiction in terms.

The Treasurer's Office, without question, carries out important duties including oversight of the state college savings plan. Indeed, under a new law, an account will be automatically opened for every child born in Nebraska from 2020 forward. Murante, for his part, demonstrated competence and energy during his six years as a state senator.

This outreach office project, however, so far remains a bafflement. The office costs $58,700 a year and was leased for 10 years.

The state conducts performance audits to analyze the efficiency and value of individual state operations. The outreach office would make a good candidate in the future for such an evaluation, checking to see that the office is providing high-value service, justifying state expenditures.

Murante also has greatly boosted his department's public service TV advertising, spending almost $600,000 over the past six months with a company for which he used to work. Murante, as a state constitutional officer, is exempt from state requirements to seek competitive bids for state contracts above $50,000. But directing that many dollars toward a business with which he was formerly associated doesn't build public trust. The situation has spurred one state senator to consider proposing legislation next year to end the competitive bid exemption.

Plus, by inserting himself so prominently in the TV ads and including his wife and young child in one spot, Murante has made himself vulnerable to understandable criticism that he's taking advantage of his department's public information obligations to promote his personal political interests.

With these actions, Murante has fallen short of a key requirement for state constitutional officers: They should always make sure that their decisions build public trust, and not erode it.

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Lincoln Journal Star. December 24, 2019.

Nebraska on right side of refugee issue

It seems like an easy question: Should our state, our county, our city accept refugees?

Refugees arrive in this county legally. They come from regions and nations where they are unsafe. The go through a rigorous vetting process before being admitted to our nation.

Yet in this age of polarizing politics and snappy soundbites, the nuances of refugee relocation and how it has absolutely nothing to do with 'œthe wall'ť and illegal immigration are easily lost.

So, unfortunately, it takes some political courage to stand up and say, We'll take refugees.

Last week, it was announced that Gov. Pete Ricketts would join the majority of governors, showing that courage and accepting refugees into their states. Earlier, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert had indicated their cities would welcome refugees. But without a public statement from a governor, nothing a mayor or a county commission decided would matter, as dictated by the Trump administration policy.

Ricketts gave his consent '“ along with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds '“ in a letter that thanked Trump for creating a more robust vetting process for refugees.

At this point, a number of governors have remained silent on the issue of refugee relocation. Some of them are likely to allow it. Other may quietly let the clock run out. Without voicing consent, states will have indicated they are not willing to accept refugees. So far, none has gone on the record stating opening that they will not accept them.

The arguments for taking in refugees are compelling:

With historically low unemployment in many communities '“ something Trump has been quick to tout '“ we simply need more people to fill vacant jobs.

Refugees bring unique perspectives, cultural diversity and talents that can enrich us all. Lincoln has seen this firsthand.

And, finally, on this Christmas Day, for those trying to live their faith, the charity associated with helping individuals and families '“ always carefully screened '“ find a new and safer life amid our free nation is a commandment. We are asked to love our neighbor '“ and that's not just the person in the house, the state or even the country next door.

Immigration policy remains contentious. The magnitude of the threats of illegal immigration '“ both socially and economically '“ are bitterly contested.

But this issue '“ inviting refugees who have gone through extensive legal reviews to become part of our communities '“ is an easy one. And we're grateful that Nebraska and Lincoln are on the right side of it

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The Grand Island Independent. December 26, 2019

Retirement community great news

With the new Grand Island Regional Medical Center nearing completion, the news from the accompanying Prairie Commons development just gets better and better.

Last week, the Grand Island Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) approved sending a $5 million tax increment financing request for a new retirement village on to the Regional Planning Commission.

The nonprofit senior housing and care provider Tabitha plans to build the retirement village west of the new hospital, which is south of Husker Highway and west of Highway 281.

Tabitha is working in partnership with Senior Housing Partners, the project development consultant, and Chief Construction, the proposed project general contractor.

The $45 million project plans to have 157 apartments, including 81 independent living, 20 assisted living, 20 memory care and 36 skilled nursing apartments. It would create housing for approximately 200 residents.

This is very good news for the community as Grand Island needs more skilled nursing housing and the development will employ 80 to 100 people, with 66 positions being full time and an average wage of $20 per hour.

The property currently has a value of $80,599. Based on the 2019 levy, this would result in property taxes of $1,800. It is anticipated that the assessed value will increase by $15 million as a result of the redevelopment, which would result in an estimated tax increase of $341,823 annually.

Tabitha said the complex will include indoor parking, a full-service kitchen serving three meals a day, a bistro café, club lounges, rooftop patios, memory gardens, a library, salon, fitness center, wellness center, theater and chapel, community rooms, outdoor yoga, walking trails and other amenities.

There will be a variety of apartment styles including studio, one bedroom, one bedroom with a den and two bedrooms. Many will be outfitted with washers and dryers.

Grand Island should move forward with approving the request for $5 million in tax increment financing so this project can get underway. It's a considerable investment by the city, but it will result in a huge boost in tax income.

The TIF funds will be used for property purchase; site preparation; utility extensions; building plans and engineering; façade; private streets and recreational trails; and legal work, fees and financial tracking.

Plans are for work on the project to begin in April and be completed in less than 18 months.

With the addition of the new hospital and accompanying medical offices, as well as the new CHI Health Regional Cancer Center on Faidley Avenue, Grand Island is building its reputation as a regional hub for people seeking medical care. The addition of Tabitha's retirement community shows that Grand Island is a good place for people to live.

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