Region should be grateful to Don Blank

Involvement in government is important, but never more so than when push comes to shove. Western Nebraska has a tendency to feel slighted by the east, justified or not, but when budgets get tight, it's important that regional representatives be in place to protect the interests of their constituents.

Thus it was with pleasure and relief that we learned that McCook dentist Don Blank had thrown his hat into the ring for University of Nebraska Regent once again.

We wouldn't have blamed Blank for begging off a fourth try at the post. Every meeting involves hours of "windshield" time, away from his home, family and practice, traveling to the east. And, with the university reeling from recent cuts and facing more, we could understand why he might be happy to close the cover on that chapter of his life of public service.

But Blank was recently elected to a fourth term as chairman of the board, matching the record of John Payne of Kearney who achieved four terms from 1981 to 1999. It was an important vote of confidence by his fellow regents at a time when board dynamics might make all the difference.

We shouldn't be surprised, however.

Blank has always had a knack for bringing out the best in others while working to achieve important goals. A former mayor of McCook, he served as president of the Nebraska Jaycees and national vice president of the U.S. Jaycees. He is also a past president of the McCook Rotary Club, a member of the Nebraska Dental Association Hall of Fame and Nebraska Jaycees Association Hall of Fame.

He has used his interpersonal skills well, while serving on the Board of Regents. Among his achievements:

* Successful efforts to keep the school of technical agriculture at Curtis.

* Saving the School of Nursing in Scottsbluff during the recent budget cuts.

* Starting, along with the late regent, Kermit Hansen, the practice of bringing regents meetings outstate once a year -- five of which have been held in Blank's regental district over the last 16 years.

* Fighting for distance education opportunities in Western Nebraska.

* Keeping off-campus tuition costs equal to on-campus tuition costs.

Western Nebraska will do well to return him to office.