The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District covers about 1,600 square miles in Southeast Nebraska, including most of Lancaster and Cass counties and parts of Otoe, Seward, Butler and Saunders counties.
Its 21-member board of directors guides the district's involvement in conservation-related areas including water quality and quantity, soil erosion, wildlife habitat, wetland protection, flood control, recreational lakes and trails and environmental education.
Board members are elected on a nonpartisan ballot to serve four-year terms. One board member is elected at large; the others represent subdistricts. Each subdistrict has two seats on the board, with one seat up for election every two years.
There are four subdistricts this year with more than one candidate:
Subdistict 1:ÌýCarla McCullough Dittman and Don Jacobson (incumbent).
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Subdistrict 2:ÌýAlexander Dierks and Seth Hawkins (incumbent).
Subdistrict 4:ÌýMartin Nader and Gary Aldridge (incumbent).
Subdistrict 5Ìý(finish two years of 4-year term): Suzanne Mealer and Greg Osborn (incumbent).
Uncontested candidates are:ÌýKenneth Vogel (Subdistrict 3), John Yoakum (Subdistrict 5), Anthony B. Schutz (Subdistrict 6), Chuck Hassebrook (Subdistrict 7), Christine Lamberty (Subdistict 8), Lisa Lewis (Subdistrict 9) and Stephanie Matejka (Subdistrict 10). All uncontested candidates, except for Hassebrook and Matejka, are incumbents.
Directors receive a $70 per diem for attending meetings and other duties, and the total amount cannot exceed $3,600 annually.
Jacobson and Dierks did not respond to the Journal Star's request to participate in the Voter's Guide.
Subdistrict 1
Carla McCullough Dittman
Age:Ìý54
±á´Ç³¾±ð:ÌýRaymond
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýSelf-employed, Branched Oak Farm
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²â:ÌýDemocrat
Elected offices held:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Education:ÌýB.S in Biology, Marquette University; B.S. in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering, Iowa State University; M.S. Environmental Science, West Texas A&M University
Family:ÌýHusband, Doug Dittman
°Â±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office because I am passionate about protecting our natural resources and have dedicated my career to this field. I want to support conservation programs and recreational opportunities for our district. I am offering my unique set of skills and experience to serve our community.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is water quality. Subdistrict 1 is a large rural area with several smaller communities. Drinking water in our subdistrict comes from groundwater, which needs to be protected. Communities can take advantage of drinking water protection planning programs and rural residents can test their wells and learn about treatment options if needed. Conservation practices on a watershed scale can help protect both groundwater and surface water quality.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
For 25 years, I've worked in the field of natural resources and watershed science. I've worked alongside Nebraska's NRDs on numerous projects and helped develop and secure funding for the Water Quality Management Plan for the Lower Platte South NRD. I've met with residents across the state for community-based efforts to adopt voluntary plans to address water quality issues. I grew up on a family farm and have lived in Lincoln and rural Lancaster County and understand the issues facing both.
What do you feel are the top three natural resource issues in the Lower Platte South NRD?
The top three natural resource issues are water quality, environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities. Water quality can be safeguarded through watershed management for lakes and streams and drinking water protection projects. Environmental stewardship should be prioritized through education and through community protection initiatives to buffer against drought and flooding. Recreational opportunities should be protected and enhanced when possible to improve quality of life.
Extreme weather events, such as floods and drought are becoming more common. What can the Lower Platte South NRD do to help the district be more resilient to extreme weather events?
In both flood and drought conditions, the more water we hold in the soils and watersheds, the more resilient we are in extreme weather events. By promoting conservation practices, more rain will infiltrate our soils and recharge our groundwater supply rather than run off, carrying soil and nutrients to our lakes and streams. Healthy soils that retain more moisture also help to sustain crops and pastures for our agricultural land when precipitation is scarce.
What do you think the role of the LPSNRD should be in working with individual communities to address groundwater quality and quantity concerns and what would those efforts look like?
The LPSNRD plays an important role in assisting communities with groundwater quality and quantity through wellhead protection and source water planning efforts, assisting with technical expertise in groundwater monitoring, assisting in educational and outreach efforts, and by providing cost-share assistance for conservation practices. The LPSNRD partnership with the City of Waverly is an excellent example of what can be accomplished together to address drinking water quality concerns.
Subdistrict 2
Seth Hawkins
Age:Ìý27
±á´Ç³¾±ð:ÌýPlattsmouth
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýDeputy County Attorney of Otoe County
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²â:ÌýRepublican
Elected offices held:ÌýLower Platte South NRD
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýBachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Law Degree, UNL
Family:ÌýWife, Katie
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Why are you running for office?Ìý
To serve the people of this district. I wish to provide the people of my subdistrict, which includes Cass and parts of Otoe, Saunders, and Lancaster counties, with a representative on the NRD Board who listens to their concerns and advocates for their interests.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is to ensure that the NRD works for the benefit of the public and does so in a fiscally responsible way. I believe that everything the NRD does should improve our natural resources in a way that benefits our community as a whole. This must also be done in a way that is fiscally responsible and does not overly burden the taxpayers of the district. Property taxes are already too high. Any action that the NRD takes should consider the cost to the residents of the district.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I have a bachelor’s degree from the UNL School of Natural Resources where I studied many of the issues that regularly come before the board. Additionally as a deputy county attorney, I have experience in many issues that local governments face on a daily basis and I am familiar with many laws relating to local governments. Lastly, I have served on this board since January 2024, giving me a great amount of experience in what the board deals with.
What do you feel are the top three natural resource issues in the Lower Platte South NRD?
First, water quality, especially in our rural communities. I want to ensure safe water for our towns by monitoring residential wells and effectively communicating how to reduce contamination. The next issue is flood control. The NRD monitors almost 200 dams in the district, many of them in Cass County. Ensuring that these dams are safe and other structures to control flooding are present and effective is a priority. The last issue is erosion control to protect wildlife habitat and farmland.
Extreme weather events, such as floods and drought are becoming more common. What can the Lower Platte South NRD do to help the district be more resilient to extreme weather events?
Floods are a concern of mine, so ensuring that our dams and other flood-control structures are safe and working properly will be something that I advocate for. This will help mitigate the risk and damage resulting from floods. Finding areas where new flood-control dams could be effective and maintaining existing dams is something that I find very beneficial to the NRD as it can help reduce damage caused by floods. Good water and flood-control programs also help mitigate the effects of drought.
What do you think the role of the LPSNRD should be in working with individual communities to address groundwater quality and quantity concerns and what would those efforts look like?
I believe that the NRD should work to support communities to address these groundwater concerns. This support includes assistance with testing wells, sharing research and data relating to groundwater as the NRD conducts many studies relating to groundwater, and promoting agricultural best practices to reduce groundwater contamination.
Subdistrict 4
Gary Aldridge
Age:Ìý76
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
Occupation:ÌýRetired teacher, USDA worker, small-business owner
Party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
Elected offices held:ÌýLower Platte South NRD
Education:ÌýB.S., education, Eastern Illinois University; M.A., biology, University of Illinois
Family:ÌýMargaret, four sons
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Why are you running for office?Ìý
I now have 10 years' experience with the Lower Platte South board. That includes two years (2015/2016) before first being seated. Government, at whatever level, cannot be all things to all people at all times. There are limits. People are grumpy about property taxes. I work diligently to ensure tax dollars are well and wisely spent. Well and wisely goes through the Lower Platte South board. When taxes are not spent well, the board hears from me about that.
What is your top priority?
Tax dollars must be well and wisely spent. Other directors can focus on programs. Taxes are an essential obligation of citizenship. For my own safety’s sake; and the safety’s sake of others. Citizens have a reasonable expectation that dollars taken from taxpayers will be well and wisely spent. I see silliness in budgets. Resources are finite. Patience is finite. I made an attempt to reduce the FY25 budget by $1 million. That didn’t reach the board.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I have eight years as an elected director of Lower Platte South. I often use my classroom experience as a teaching moment. As in … “you did this. What were you thinking? Perhaps another approach will/would yield better or different results.†For two or more years I would attend and address political subdivisions re: budget formation. I did not enjoy this. But, this is my responsibility - as a citizen. I also detected resistance to my ideas by those elected.
What do you feel are the top three natural resources issues in the Lower Platte South NRD?
1. Floods occur anywhere. Floods endanger people and property. Dad would sayÌý— death and destruction is a tough sell. Now eight or more frustrating years with Deadmans Run flood reduction we are as close to the end as the beginning. 2. Protect groundwater: A lot of people depend in many ways on groundwater. Groundwater relies on a natural resources district for protection. 3. Trails, trees, pollinators, mitigate or control soil erosion. A lot of things I see as interconnected.
Extreme weather events, such as floods and drought, are becoming more common. What can the Lower Platte South NRD do to help the district be more resilient to extreme weather events?
Certain laws of nature say: nature always bats last. I do not see an NRD or all NRDs in Nebraska having a substantial impact on extreme weather events. At times, the best-laid plans seem, well, puny. So, we need to be realistic. Fight the battles that can be won, in whole, or in part. People are not powerless, but at times some are short-sighted. We can/should work on that last.
What do you think the role of the LPSNRD should be in working with individual communities to address groundwater quality and quantity concerns and what would those efforts look like?
LPSNRD continues to work with Monolith and Hallam on groundwater issues. Use limits, oversight by LPSNRD, and community involvement, while not giving either side all they asked for. Allow both, at this time, to live together. Groundwater contamination and mitigation is a government responsibility. Many alphabet agencies -- EPA, USDA, LPSNRD, NDEE, NeAg -- have standalone or overlap jurisdictions. The real issue is not just to “reduce†but also identify the source(s) of contamination.
Martin Nader
Age:Ìý38
±á´Ç³¾±ð:ÌýLincoln
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýProfessor of political science, Western Governors University
Party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
Elected offices held:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Family:ÌýWife, Lyndie Christensen Nader, two children
Website:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
As an educator, I teach students about the importance of civic virtue and community engagement, yet I was not living by example. I felt a deep need to get involved in my local community and help make it better. The Lower Platte South NRD is doing so many important things that almost everyone takes for granted. I want to be part of this great organization and serve our community.
What is your top priority?
Making sure that southeast Nebraska is prepared for future floods and droughts.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
My dad and I used to attend annual Department of Natural Resources meetings. I was always amazed and humbled by how much work and thought went into protecting various ecosystems from human interference and pollution. In college, I interned in the governor's office and saw firsthand the bipartisan desire to be good stewards of natural resources. As a political scientist, I know the importance of getting involved at a local level and doing what is right instead of what is popular.
What do you feel are the top three natural resource issues in the Lower Platte South NRD?
Groundwater quality and quantity, aging water infrastructure and cooperation/partnerships with the agricultural industry.
Extreme weather events, such as floods and drought are becoming more common. What can the Lower Platte South NRD do to help the district be more resilient to extreme weather events?
We need to ensure that long-term thinking prevails over short-term convenience on the NRD board. We need to be ready for the extremes. Our flood-prevention and flood-management infrastructure is going to require improvement, maintenance and upgrades if we are going to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. We also need to improve our procedures for conserving water during intense droughts.
What do you think the role of the LPSNRD should be in working with individual communities to address ground water quality and quantity concerns and what would those efforts look like?
The LPSNRD is one of many government institutions that is in charge of monitoring and safeguarding the natural resources of southeast Nebraska. The LPSNRD must facilitate strong partnerships and cooperation with all levels of government: local, state and national. We must educate members of both urban and rural communities of the varying water policies and concerns that affect them, and then offer realistic solutions for their consideration.
Subdistrict 5: Suzanne Mealer
Age:Ìý50 on Oct. 21
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýEquity Compliance Officer, Doane University
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²â:ÌýDemocrat
Elected offices held:ÌýCultural Centers of Lincoln Board, Mayors Multicultural Advisory Committee, Blue Heron Tiospaye
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýHigh school diploma
Family:ÌýTed Jedlicka, five children
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Why are you running for office?Ìý
I’m running for the NRD Board because of my strong connection to natural resources and community service. Co-managing my family’s bison ranch in South Dakota, along with my involvement in health and community boards, shows my commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. My background with policy and equity work, combined with American Indian knowledge, positions me to contribute to sustainable resource management, ensuring the environment's health for future generations.
What is your top priority?
My top priority for the NRD Board of Directors would be sustainable water management and conservation. Water is a critical resource for agriculture, recreation and community health, and addressing issues like drought, flood control and water quality ensures long-term environmental and economic stability. By prioritizing effective water use, conservation education and equitable resource access, I can help protect natural resources while promoting sustainable growth and resilience for future generations.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
My leadership in co-managing a bison ranch equips me with direct experience in sustainable land and resource management. Serving on multiple community boards has strengthened my ability to shape policy and advocate for equity, ensuring all voices are represented. My commitment to environmental stewardship, rooted in American Indian knowledge, offers unique insights into conservation. These experiences give me the skills and perspective to drive impactful, sustainable decisions on the NRD Board.
What do you feel are the top three natural resource issues in the Lower Platte South NRD?
The top three natural resource issues in the Lower Platte South NRD are water management, soil erosion and climate resilience. Ensuring sustainable water use, addressing drought, flood control and contamination are critical for protecting water quality and supporting agriculture. Soil conservation is essential to prevent erosion and maintain agricultural productivity. Lastly, climate resilience must be prioritized to manage the impacts of extreme weather on water resources, ecosystems and wildlife for long-term sustainability.
Extreme weather events, such as floods and drought are becoming more common. What can the Lower Platte South NRD do to help the district be more resilient to extreme weather events?
To increase resilience to extreme weather, the Lower Platte South NRD can enhance flood-control infrastructure, restore wetlands to absorb floodwaters and promote soil health practices to reduce erosion. Expanding drought-resistant water management strategies, such as aquifer recharge and efficient irrigation, will protect water supplies. Education and community partnerships are key to building awareness and implementing sustainable land use practices that mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.
What do you think the role of the LPSNRD should be in working with individual communities to address groundwater quality and quantity concerns and what would those efforts look like?
The LPSNRD should play a leadership role in partnering with communities to address groundwater quality and quantity concerns. Efforts would include monitoring groundwater levels and contamination, promoting best practices for water conservation and offering incentives for sustainable land use. Collaborating with local stakeholders, the NRD can provide education on pollution prevention, assist with implementing water-efficient technologies and enforce policies to ensure long-term water sustainability.
Subdistrict 5
Greg Osborn
Age:Ìý73
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýSelf-employed, SelectExtras Inc., an IT company, and property management
Party:ÌýRepublican
Elected offices held:ÌýLower Platte South NRD Subdistrict 5 director, 2008-2020.
Education:ÌýAssociate in ArtsÌýin business and computer
Family:ÌýMarried for 52 years to my childhood sweetheart Faye
°Â±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
I have extensive experience in this field, I love to serve the public, and I would like to finish the term I was appointed to in June 2024.
What is your top priority?
Protect the quality and quantity of our water supply today and for future generations, and to ensure public safety from floods through projects and programs.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I served on this board for 12 years prior to 2020. I have experience in both the private and public sector, managing employees and staff, budgets, contracts, and government interlocal agreements. I have a deep passion to serve in my church and community and am involved or have served on many private organizations and public boards and commissions. I have had a successful information technology company for 33 years.
What do you feel are the top three natural resource issues in the Lower Platte South NRD?
Protect the quality and quantity of our water supply today and for future generations. Ensure public safety from floods through projects and programs. Support continued education for the public and future generations about our natural resources. Find a proper balance of fiscal responsibility and the protections of our natural resources while keeping your taxes low.
Extreme weather events, such as floods and drought are becoming more common. What can the Lower Platte South NRD do to help the district be more resilient to extreme weather events?
NRD has water management plans that include ongoing programs and projects to help protect all of us from floods; watershed programs that include both high-hazard and low hazard-dams, Salt Creek resiliency program, bank and channel stabilization and others. Help in prevention and preparation of drought are developed programs and policies that deal with water use, availability and storage.
What do you think the role of the LPSNRD should be in working with individual communities to address ground water quality and quantity concerns and what would those efforts look like?
Groundwater quality and quantity is of extreme importance at the Lower Platte South NRD. The NRD has programs and projects including a Water Implementation Plan that goes into detail of water location, distribution, storage and usage. A very important part of this program is education for the public. Get informed. There is a lot of information available to help all of us to understand this better.