Petition, visit offer chance to stay involved

Now that the 2005 session of the Nebraska Legislature has ended, we can sit back and relax, right? No way. Not for a minute.

The momentous happenings in this year's Legislature have sparked a series of repercussions, including efforts by "Nebraskans for Local Control" to overturn LB126, the newly passed law requiring all schools to be part of K-12 districts.

Richard Klein of rural McCook is a member of the organizing committee.

The object of the petition is to amend the state's constitution to require a vote of the people before a school district can be dissolved, merged or affiliated with another district.

In a press release sent out Sunday, the Nebraskans for Local Control declares, small schools provide "a terrific educational setting that is healthy for children and families." The petition backers believe they have popular support, citing media polls which they say indicate "strong and active support for small school education."

The new law -- LB126 -- affects this area. Among the districts which would be required to affiliate with K-12 districts are District 8, southwest of McCook, and District 41, north of McCook. Under the law, both would be required to affiliate with District 17 of McCook.

LB126 was vetoed by Gov. Dave Heineman, but the Legislature overrode the governor's veto on the last day of the 2005 session. The state senator from this area, Tom Baker of Trenton, voted for the bill and for the override.

Governor To Visit Area -- Following up quickly on action taken in the 2005 legislative session, Gov. Dave Heineman plans to be in this area Tuesday. He will be appearing at a news conference at the ethanol plant in Trenton at 8:30 a.m. Among the topics he will be discussing are the ethanol fund, environmental issues and the state's new economic development package.

The governor's appearance is being promoted by Tara Hosick of Curtis, the development consultant in this area for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. "Hope to see you there," she says. "Please pass the word around. I would like to see the news conferences in Southwest Nebraska well attended."

Good point, Tara. By staying actively involved in state government, we can better protect and serve the interests of this area.