Two amendments deserve vote, one other does not

When Nebraskans are wading through the amendments at the general election next Tuesday, they will have more to consider than whether to legalize casinos and other forms of gambling.

Voters will also have to decide questions about historic renovation, the lieutenant governor's role in the legislature and lottery funding for the Nebraska State Fair. In the Gazette's view, two of these amendments are worthy of passage; the other is not.

We favor Amendment Number 1, which would give the Nebraska Legislature authority to allow historic buildings to be fixed up, without subjecting them to increased taxation.

It makes sense for Nebraska communities. Now, historic buildings are often allowed to deteriorate because repairing them exposes owners to higher property taxes. But, with the passage of Amendment 1, the Nebraska Legislature would have the authority to enact laws which would allow improvements to be made without additional property taxes for a pre-set time span -- such as the eight-year exemption allowed in South Dakota.

As an example of what the tax breaks could do, consider McCook. If they were not subject to immediate property tax increases, owners and investors would be more likely to renovate historical structures such as the Keystone Hotel, the Fox Theater and the former U.S. Post Office and Federal Building.

Instead of declining in condition and use, the historic buildings could be revived, again playing important roles in community life. And this is not just true here. It's the same all across the state, with historic buildings fading into oblivion because lack of incentives to fix them up.

Another proposal we favor is Amendment Number 4. That is the plan which would allow 10 percent of state lottery funds to be used for the operation of the Nebraska State Fair. We favor this plan because the additional funding would help ensure the continuance of the State Fair, which is an important tradition, especially for agriculture and 4-H youth.

The proposal we oppose is Amendment Number 2. That plan would no longer make it necessary for the lieutenant governor to be the presiding officer in the Nebraska Legislature. We think the lieutenant governor should preside and make the deciding vote in case of a tie. Amendment 2 would put the selection of the presiding officer in the hands of the lawmakers, and poses the danger of having the choice controlled by senators from the heaviest populated regions.