Right stuff for a top-notch leader

This past week, the citizens of Southwest Nebraska had a chance to get reacquainted with Dave Heineman, a former resident of this area who is now serving as the state's lieutenant governor.

Heineman was in McCook for the open house at the Work Ethic Camp. As it turned out, he was here on a triumphant occasion as work camp supporters had just learned that the camp had received legislative budget approval for the next two years.

Striking the right chord as far as this area is concerned, the lieutenant governor declared, "We ought not be talking about closing the camp, we ought to be talking about expanding."

Right on, Dave. Right on. Not for that reason -- although it certainly doesn't hurt -- Heineman's visit to McCook went a long way towards reminding us that he is a rising star on the political horizon.

It starts with Dave, personally. He's a genuinely nice guy, who had the advantage of growing up in several Nebraska communities with strong hometown values.

He was born in Falls City, but moved to McCook with his family in his grade school years. His father came here as an assistant manager with the JCPenney Co. Later, Mr. Heineman became the manager of the Penney store in Benkelman, where the family lived for several years before moving to Wahoo, where Dave graduated from high school.

A life of accomplishment has followed, with Dave attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and rising to the rank of captain before going to work in the private sector. He started with Procter & Gamble, then entered the political arena as a staff member for two U.S. Congressmen, Hal Daub and Doug Bereuter.

Following service on the Fremont City Council, Heineman won election as the Nebraska State Treasurer, where he saved Nebraska taxpayers more than $500,000 in banking charges by upgrading to electronic disbursements.

Impressed with Heineman's performance, Gov. Mike Johanns tapped Dave as his lieutenant governor following the resignation of Dave Maurstad.

And, again, Heineman has done an impressive job, gaining national recognition for Nebraska as a result of the high quality of the Homeland Security program he has directed in Nebraska.

When Gov. Johanns' term ends -- either in 2004 for a Senate run or in 2006 when his second term expires -- the heir apparent to become the state's chief executive is Dave Heineman.

Dave still must face the challenge of political debate, and the intense scrutiny of public attention, but at this early stage it appears Dave Heineman has the right stuff to be a top-notch Nebraska leader.