A Dozen Influencers

The role of a county commissioner in local politics is less understood than the impact the seven Douglas and five member Sarpy Board of Commissioners have on policies and budget matters impacting their constituents.

My discussions with these 12 public officials revealed common themes of topics that are reviewed and in fact require decisions by state statute mandates.  Mental health concerns impacting citizens was frequently mentioned as a true need in our community.  The Douglas County Health Center governance by the Douglas County Board, acting as trustees, is a fact worth knowing. Sarpy is focused on infrastructure and roadway projects for their growing community.

Addressing budgets and collaborating with county employees are viewed as key issues, along with being a source of gratitude for staff support.  Their Boards were created by the Nebraska legislature, with representatives of each district being appointed to finish terms or elected for four years.

As a side note, it may be an unknown fact that Commissioners are employed on a part-time basis, with workloads that spill into breakfast appointments, regular Board meetings regulated by the Open Meeting Act and evening or weekend phone calls or commitments to address concerns that maybe time sensitive.

In reviewing each of the 12 profiles, there is clarity that they value their public service commitment and bring diverse professional roles to the table including military training, stints in corporate America and work as a Mayor and within the Mayor’s Office.  Healthcare savvy, sales professionals and lawyers add to the composite skills used to make effective policies and decisions related to the healthcare and justice systems along with tourism and infrastructure affairs.  Budgets reign supreme in discussions.

Enjoy meeting the Commissioners through their profiles.  They welcome contact by the public and readers of The Daily Record.  Contact information is included for each person.

Douglas County Commissioners

 

Roger Garcia

Douglas County Commissioner

District #1

(402) 444-7025

roger.garcia@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

Three Levels of Strength 

A detailed,  12 shade color-coding system used with Roger Garcia’s phone calendar helps balance his responsibilities to faith, work and role as a Douglas County Commissioner. This trinity of passions wraps around family obligations and doctoral studies In Public Administration at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Garcia intended to work as a school psychologist then fell in love with serving the community through non-profits.  His call to ministry led him to being an Associate Pastor in the Christian Ministry Alliance Evangelical denomination.  He serves in a house church format, with bilingual services spoken in Spanish and English simultaneously.  His passion for ministry further developed through a Masters in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology and a Doctoral Ministry degree from Claremont School of Theology.

Garcia is the youngest and newest board  member with two-and-a-half year’s experience.  He was chosen two months ago by a consensus vote seven to zero, as the Chair of the county system, setting the tone for the board’s operations.  This role resulted from “the nature of building relationships, time with one-on-one conversations and incorporating ideas to policy proposals.”

As Chairman, he connects with Douglas County staff, helping set policy priorities and overall board leadership.  2,400 employees in 22 departments compose the Douglas County system.

Garcia feels blessed with the support of his family.  He has been married to Yanira for nearly 10 years, raising two daughters.  He said, “My faith keeps me centered with a love of people.”

His employer, the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska, housed at UNMC, was created in 2009 for workplace development tied to the behavioral health sector.  As Associate Director of Recruitment and Retention, he focuses on supporting behavioral health professionals in Nebraska.

Key issues facing the Commissioners are the juvenile justice system, mental health concerns and health disparities.  He assists citizens with navigating county government resources.

Raised in an immigrant family, Garcia values leadership opportunities over twenty years including working as the Executive Director of the Latino Center of Lincoln/Lancaster County and the Latino Center of Council Bluffs.

“I ran for Commissioner out of a true desire to continue helping the community through public service, and really connected how many of the functions of County government tie to my experiences, skills, and passions through my nonprofit work. “

He is the first Latino County Commissioner and first millennial on the board, seeing direct impact stemming from local government.

“Coming from humble beginnings and as a candidate from outside the mainstream, I am honored to have made it to the level of being Chairman of the county system. I continue to be passionate about serving people in our local community, bringing forth a leadership style that is driven by compassion.”  Garcia also believes in giving time to mentoring the next generation.

While staying organized is critical, Garcia gives credit to a loving God for balancing his work life, local government efforts and ministry role.  His commitment to family is critical to leading an active and meaningful lifestyle.

 

 

Jim Cavanaugh

Douglas County Commissioner

District #2

(402) 444-7025

james.cavanaugh@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

South Omaha Roots Run In His Blood

The South Omaha Immigrant History Museum is Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh’s favorite non-profit.  Born and raised where the stockyards signaled money and commerce, he’s proud of partnering with fellow Democrat Roger Garcia in allocating American Recovery Plan Act dollars (ARPA Federal Covid funds) toward this museum’s founding.  Located at 42nd and Center, rotating exhibits and events trace the lineage of families, companies, and political figures while preserving neighborhood-centric history.

As the sole lawyer on the Board, he is proud of his father Jack’s involvement on the Douglas County Board from 1956 to 1975.  Cavanuagh, a Creighton University Law School graduate, retired a few years ago from 49 years practicing disability law, making sure that deserving people received Social Security Disability relief. Ten years of  his career were spent as a public defender.

He was the Assistant to Mayor Al Veys and the City of Omaha’s first grant writer while attending law school.  Still leading an active lifestyle, fishing and camping are two of his hobbies.

He views his County role as helping implement the law and policy of Nebraska’s legislature and is quick to point out that Douglas County has over 2,000 employees and half-a-billion in annual revenue.

This role allows him to fund tourism grant proposals for community activities that impact a  broader area than District #2, including parades, Cinco De Mayo, The Joslyn, and the College World Series.  Tourism dollars help bring people into Douglas County that pay hotel tax revenue, which is allocated to the community grant program he oversees as Chair of the Community Services Committee.

In 2014, he was first elected by a district marked by diversity, economic boom, and health care needs.  Ensuring quality neighborhoods for generations of Omaha residents is critical. “As Commissioner, I am a big supporter of neighborhoods and ethnic groups.”

He sees mental health as a key issue and is on board with discussions to create residential, long-term housing for those impacted with mental health disabilities.  A group is targeting creating this space on the grounds of the Douglas County Health Center at 1111 South 41st (41st and Woolworth).  Funding and staffing issues still need to be addressed on this ambitious proposal.  Their plan is to create the space, collaborating with UNMC and the Veterans Administration, forming a public health corridor.

Cavanaugh is aware of many issues affecting his constituents including decent, affordable housing, good schools, quality healthcare for all, and the needs of aging residents. Ensuring a clean environment and good jobs are issues he hears from citizens.

His passion projects include the need to better serve people with disabilities, facing both mental and physical health challenges. Continuing to adapt existing county owned buildings without tax dollars or new construction ranks high on his list.  He is invested in helping educate young people on their civic duty.

Cavanaugh was raised with the idea of participating in his community.  He stands by his original campaign slogan, “Working Together We Can Do Better.”

 

Chris Rodgers

Douglas County Commissioner

District #3

(402) 444-7025

chris.rodgers@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

Creighton Bluejays and Politics

As a basketball player, Chris Rodgers learned teamwork, discipline and many lessons.  A competitive spirit and fostering a lifestyle marked by routines and schedules first instilled by coaches has served him well in life and politics.

His district as a Douglas County commissioner is primarily composed of less affluent residents living in zip codes 68111, 68110 and 68104.  Data sets have helped him make decisions on economic disparities, healthcare, housing issues and projects related to the criminal justice system.  

Using his analogy of a basketball referee, (Rodger’s sport as a Creighton University student), the Board of seven Commissioners have to make fair and equitable decisions that can be game changers for County residents, especially when policies are being developed.  “Teamwork is applied to sports and in real life,” said Rodgers.  He considers politics to be one of the closest pursuits to competitive athletics.

Rodgers was appointed to the Metro Community College Board for his first political office and was subsequently elected a year later.  Prior to running as a Commissioner, he served  in Mayor Mike Fahey’s administration, focused on projects related to non-profits, small businesses and entrepreneurship, public housing and Superfund projects tied to the Environmental Protection Agency.

He became interested in his current county role through Carole Woods Harris and her influence. Woods Harris served on the Board of Commissioners for 12 years and was known for breaking barriers for black women in business and politics.  She was the first African American woman elected to the Board.

Rodgers sees equity disparities in the county jail system, concerns related to the youth detention center and public health factors needing significant discussion and action. He believes social determinants of healthcare and the zip code you live in impact people’s life span, based on what you eat and where you live. 

Hailing from East Saint Louis, which is primarily composed of African Americans, he was recruited to play basketball at Creighton University. For 12 years, he has worked on the Creighton campus as the Director of Community & Government Relations.  He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration at Creighton and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha.  

Among his non-profit activities are the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Salem Baptist Church Board of Trustees and The Wellbeing Partners. Addressing voting issues in the black community has also been an important topic. He invested energy as a Board Member with Charles Drew Health Center and Mentor Nebraska. 

 “The Art of War,” attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu,  is a book Rodgers refers to often. He is married to Sharlon, who was appointed as CEO of Seventy Five North Revitalization Corporation in December 2023.  They have two boys they watch play basketball.

Rodgers balances success in his work, politics, and personal life. Summing up his worldview, he said, “I am thankful by the grace of God go I.  I have been fortunate and had great favor. I’ve had a blessed life.”

 

P.J. Morgan

Douglas County Commissioner

District #4

(402) 444-7025

paul.morgan@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

A Polished Public Servant

While 1973 marked the first year of tenure and first term as a Douglas County Commissioner for P.J. Morgan, his political and business ventures were already forming a long history.  Among the titles he has carried with dignity are Senator, Mayor and CEO/Vice-Chairman  of Lincoln Nebraska’s Duncan Aviation.  His company PJ Morgan Real Estate, formed in 1967, still operates under his name, though he sold the firm to employees in 2019.

His role as husband of 42 years in August, 2024  to Annie Morgan is most precious. Their adult children are Kim, Alyse, Paul (deceased), Julie, and Jay. “I am very lucky and fortunate to be married to the best person I have ever met or known.”  They have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Charitable service over the years has included the American Cancer Society Board for 10 years in Nebraska and assisting the New York area. Morgan also invested his time with the Cerebral Palsy Association and appreciates The Merry Makers who sing for free at senior living facilities in Iowa and Nebraska.  The Salvation Army local board involvement was also important, along with sitting on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board. “I enjoyed all of these charitable involvements and had a good, full career of luck and opportunities.”

Summing up his commissioner role and his TCB Real Estate (“Taking Care of Business”) venture, Morgan said “You are really fortunate when you love what you do.  There are disappointments and some days are stressful.  I’m not sure about retirement. I  have a great appreciation of the County staff and my colleagues.”

 “I enjoy working with the commissioners and appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Omaha.  If you are elected, you have a responsibility.  I keep running because I enjoy the people I work with.”  This term of service has been marked by 12 consecutive years in a part-time position that can require near full-time hours. Among the duties that Morgan counts as significant are running the Douglas County Health Center.

Addressing the challenge of the number of adolescents in the youth center is another key priority, with many difficult questions and no easy solutions.  He is co-chairman of the budget committee, working closely with Lori Pirsch, Douglas County’s CFO/Director of Finance. The 911 system is also overseen by the commissioners, along with the Sheriff's Department.  “Our Board contributes toward making county government as efficient as it can be.”

Morgan emphasized his views on operating county government succinctly when he said “My passion is to run county government in a business-like way to watch the budget.”  He emphasizes that the commissioners are a subdivision of county government charged with keeping a lid on spending and property taxes.  Over the last ten years he has served on the budget committee, bringing his experience as a business owner and elected official.

Morgan lives what he said, “I am someone most thankful and appreciative of the privilege of serving the public in this community in an open, candid and transparent way.”

 

Maureen Boyle

Douglas County Commissioner

District #5

(402) 444-7025

maureen.boyle@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

Trained by Family Lineage and Medical School

Feeling a pull to honor her mother’s public service legacy, Dr. Maureen Boyle made a difficult decision to serve as a Douglas County Commissioner after Anne Boyle died.  “All of my life, my parents were involved with public service. I admired them and how they stayed positive even in the worst of circumstances.  I felt how hard politics can be, especially as a kid.”

Boyle decided to pursue a public service role after years of choosing not to run for office and instead invested her energy into becoming a physician. She tongue-in-cheek acknowledges that politicians only require a 51% approval rating to be elected.  Boyle explained the contrast to her life in private service, as doctors often have greater than a 90% approval rating.

As she learned about the role of a County Commissioner, she realized this position fit her skill set. The county oversees public health and runs the Douglas County Health Center.  Boyle decided to run during COVID-19. She believes in fiscal conservatism, but not at the expense of caring for the most vulnerable in our community.

Married to Mike Manganaro for 35 years as parents to two adult children, she first discovered her passion for medicine by volunteering at UNMC. She was fascinated enough to pursue an entry-level position as a Unit Clerk. Staff members realized she could be trusted with additional responsibilities and gave her more opportunities to interact with patients.

A fascinating point is that her path to medicine began while working a full-time job in finance and auditing. She decided to specialize as an OB-GYN doctor at Methodist. For over 20 years, she saw patients in clinic, performed gynecologic surgeries and managed pregnant patients.  She now works as an in-house doctor, caring for hospitalized patients including those who present for emergent OB-GYN care.

Over the last three years, public health issues have captured her attention. Feeling the pull toward medicine, Boyle decided not to file for reelection in 2024.

She is a fifth generation politician, following a pattern of public service from her parents Anne and Mike Boyle, and grandfather, Douglas County Treasurer Sam J. Howell. She and her dad were the first father-daughter pair to serve on the Douglas County Board. “It was a gift for me to see dad work in his element first hand.”  He died nine months after he was re-elected.

Boyle indicates that community mental health concerns are critical.  “We as a Board cannot do nearly enough to cover the needs.”  

As an avid sports fan and weekend warrior with over twenty years of medical education and training, Boyle lives out her belief that health is the most important topic people should address.  

At the end of the day, Boyle has led a fascinating life, working in finance, studying as a journalism major, volunteering leading to a vocation in medicine and later being elected to public office.

 One of her mother’s sayings serves as a guide for living. “Stand up for what’s right even if you’re standing alone.”  She knows that this is not easy to do, though it leads to ownership and peace.

 

Mary Ann Borgeson 

Douglas County Commissioner

District #6

(402) 444-7025

maryann.borgeson@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

Her Leadership Extends Beyond Douglas County

The role of Douglas County Commissioner is a policy maker and creature of the Nebraska legislature, administering state mandates for both funded and unfunded statutory contracts designed with poor, underserved individuals in mind, explained Mary Ann Borgeson. 

She views solid contributors in this role as those skilled in developing people-driven policies created to assist residents in their daily lives. Candidates for this elected office need to set aside party politics, able to do right by people when debating policies, programs and services.  “What I’ve learned over the years has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the people I serve.”  

Over her 30 years in county government, Borgeson has worked full-time in a role created as part -time employment.  Health and human services needs rank high on her agenda.  She said, “mental healthcare has been a passion during my tenure along with the needs of caregivers.”

Her time and energy have been directed toward Region Six Behavioral Health Care’s Governing Board since 1995.   She believes people in recovery deserve carry-through to do more for their needs, as does the older population facing health disparities and economic concerns. Each of the seven Commissioners sit as a trustee of the Douglas County Health Center, which operates as a stand-alone facility.

Her affiliation as a former President and active member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) extends value to the Douglas County workforce.  Her efforts in this larger context introduced Borgeson to many tools like Mental Health First Aid created by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing. This program has become available to County staff, a source of pride.  The course assists graduates in their offices and with families or loved ones they support.  

One of the misunderstood truths of county government is that elected personnel work with issues that are glamorous. She indicated that concerns facing her colleagues require many hours if not years to address complicated issues impacting residents.  

The cashvest by threeplusone platform offered through NACo EDGE was brought to Douglas County by Borgeson and became operational in August 2020. This third-party data provider was designed to help public officials and their counties analyze cash on hand and evaluate wise spending and investment practices.  $8,642,079 in benefits have been realized since inception.  That is a 50 times the fee Douglas County has paid since launching and equal to 5.01% of the county’s 2023/2024 property tax levy of $172,360,000.  

Leadership programs and strategic planning tools learned through her involvement in national affairs have also been introduced by Borgesen to county government.

Two fun facts are that during her Holy Cross Elementary school years she played basketball, earning a spot on a Junior Olympics team.  'Scared to death’, she danced The Foxtrot in front of 1,500 people at the local Dancing With The Stars fundraiser for Sunshine Kids.

Borgeson emphasizes that her passion for healthcare needs and government service have continued to grow during her years of service.

 

Mike Friend

Douglas County Commissioner

District #7

(402) 444-7025

mike.friend@douglascounty-ne.gov

 

Politics by Osmosis

In the November 5, 2024 cycle of elections for Douglas County Commissioner, Mike Friend is running unopposed.  Ballots cast will continue his role for District seven, extending his 12 years of service for an additional four year term.  Friend is the Vice-Chair of the seven member Board.

“I find my colleagues easy to work with.”  Relationship building and good communication skills are important qualities for a Commissioner he observes.  He serves as Chair for the Criminal Justice Committee.

The juvenile justice center and system are impactful concerns. He wants to make sure that the youth that are detained receive the necessary care.  Mental health is another big issue he sees as a community need. He points to the fact that of the 1,200 adults in the Douglas County Adult Correctional system, 40% have been diagnosed with a mental health challenge.  Friend is well aware that jails are the largest mental health institution in the state.

High property taxes in Nebraska and Douglas County are also concerns facing his District.  His fellow Commissioners focus their attention on the efficient use of tax dollars.  Statutory authority can specify challenging parameters for operating purposes he noted.

Friend blends a background in politics and business, having learned that public service can be a difficult job that he passionately pursues.  Generations of his family in a pattern of public service have helped him learn a skill set tied to policy making.  Friend said, “I think I’ve been trained to do this role by osmosis through my family lineage.”

Friend counts his time in the legislature as a fascinating time dealing with policy issues in a vibrant setting.  During his six year tenure as a state senator,  he served for four years as Chair of Urban Affairs, a committee responsible for processing legislation in many areas including state natural gas regulation, housing authorities, tax increment financing and state and local building codes.

In his business career, he spent 10 years as a sports writer and editor for the Grand Island Independent.   Over time, he transitioned into working at First Data Corporation and First National Bank of Omaha in corporate communications.  Five years ago he began as a property, casualty, life and health insurance agent in sales with the Amber Stroh Farm Bureau Financial Services Agency.

Friend has four adult children and has been married to his wife Jackie for 32 years.  As a fun fact, he is an amateur enthusiast in civil war history.  At 62 years of age, he pines to be a licensed guide at Gettysburg National Cemetery in Pennsylvania.  He estimates that it would take five years of study and preparation, making this dream a fascinating hobby rather than a position to pursue. He also enjoys writing when time allows.

Friend values his participation with non-profit organizations including Angel Guardians, Goodwill of Nebraska and Iowa, the Catholic Church, the Omaha Archdiocese and Lutheran Family Services of the Midlands.

He connects his family lineage in public service to his career and personal lifestyle.

 

Sarpy County Commissioners

Don Kelly

Sarpy County Commissioner  

District #1

(402) 206-1807

donkelly@sarpy.gov

 

Military Navigator. World Traveler. Expressway Champion

For 11 years as a Sarpy County Commissioner of which seven were served as Board Chairman,  Don Kelly has covered a lot of territory.  He has seen first-hand that the five member board is tasked with aspects of infrastructure, budgeting, economic development and public safety.  

For nearly 27 years, Kelly served his country as a navigator with over 4,400 flying hours. By a twist of fate, this Papillion native was assigned to US Stratcom, where he and his wife Melinda, retired in Bellevue, Nebraska. He was Deputy Chief of Staff, ranking as a Colonel at the end of his military career.  He had 13 different assignments, some twice.  Ironically, Kelly recounted that he joined the Air Force to see the world, yet his first duty assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base, the same location where he finished his career. 

Among his duty assignments, Guam and Hawaii were destinations.  He also worked in Virginia at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center and the Pentagon.  After being out of the cockpit for a stint, he jumped at the chance to fly again and serve as an instructor teaching young airmen.  During his military flight path, he traveled to dozens of countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, meeting four heads of state.

Following his honorable discharge, Kelly began to explore work as a civilian contractor along with public service roles. Armed with a top-secret clearance, he works for The Garrett Group, a contracting company that provides consulting support to the US military as their Chief Operating Officer.

As a Commissioner, he discovered a passion for public service.  “It’s rare in life to impact so many people involved and their daily lives.” Kelly is very clear that his number one passion since he was elected has been building an expressway to replace Platteview Road.  Estimates show that between 6,000 and 9,000 drivers travel this roadway daily. Projections show more than 40,000 drivers will use the road by 2050.

He explains that Sarpy is known for a high-quality lifestyle, fabulous schools, a safe environment and many amenities. Yet the infrastructure does not support the population growth and federal or state dollars are not available to build the very roadway envisioned. 

He has served as Chairman of the Sarpy Counties and Cities Wastewater Agency since its inception in 2017.  This agency is tasked with building a half-billion dollar infrastructure system across the southern half of Sarpy County.

“Public service is all I know. I’m a hard worker and it’s what I want to do,” said Kelly. “I’ll retire when I’m not doing a good job.”  Up for re-election in November 2024, he re-filed.

His two sons are an engineer and doctor, raised with their parent’s example of a now 42-year marriage.  Kelly’s wife was a civil servant for 40 years, a formative part of the couple’s lifestyle.

He has run two marathons and three half marathons.

After traveling across the world,  he strives for the day he can drive down a new expressway.

 

David Klug

Sarpy County Commissioner

District #2 

(402) 651-4279

dklug@sarpy.gov 

 

Process Driven. Service Directed. Good Government

Since 2019, David Klug has connected with the needs of his district, representing District #2 as a Sarpy County Commissioner.

Klug summed up his main public responsibility when he responded, “First and foremost to be a good steward of tax dollars, maximizing the amount and value of services for Sarpy County residents.” Safety, the impact of the Sheriff’s office, the new correctional center and county infrastructure including good roads to drive on are all issues that enhance the quality of life in this booming area.  These topics are routinely addressed with his colleagues.

Discussing his reason for involvement as a Commissioner, Klug emphasizes the big picture, as a proponent of being an active community member. He said, “Citizens need to be involved if a republic is to run.”

Klug’s first foray into politics began in 2006 as a member of the Papio Natural Resource Board, extending his involvement to three terms, with the last four years as Chairman. He expanded his responsibilities, running for and being elected to the Sarpy County Board in 2018.  Serving as a County Commissioner “is a privilege, an absolute privilege.”

Becoming more efficient and helping Sarpy County grow through partnerships challenges the team of five colleagues on the Board of Commissioners.

Klug is invested in making Sarpy a secure environment, proposing recommendations for county staff that make financial sense and improve the quality of life for all residents. 

He is fully supportive of mental health care improvements, shifting the right resources to serve the public’s needs. Ensuring quality Infrastructure and promoting development, houses, businesses and roads are priorities that need to be continually addressed. An area master plan detailing shared road construction costs is a win-win for taxpayers.     

Public safety is a key topic for discussion. “It’s incredibly important that the county board has a good relationship with the sheriff’s department and law enforcement”.  One question he raises is how the board can be more efficient, promoting great service to constituents at a reasonable cost. Participating with other local governments is one answer he sees.  

Klug studied Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration.  Dubbing himself a World War II and history nerd, Klug volunteered 1,500 hours restoring aircraft at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, showing gratitude toward all veterans, and working to preserve their stories.

He is a Manager at OrthoNebraska where he oversees the performance improvement department, a role he approaches with focused intention and pride.  He clearly stated his most important role is serving as husband to his wife Melissa and father of two children.  Helping shape the growth of Sarpy County’s livability will benefit future generations as well as his children.

The biggest reason he believes in community service is “being part of something bigger than myself to benefit my community.”

 

Angela (Angi) Burmeister

Sarpy County Commissioner

District #3

(402) 827-7000, ext. 104 (work)

aburmeister@sarpy.gov

 

Blessings and A Busy Agenda

Representing the public’s interest in looking at issues that impact the quality of Sarpy County living and making the best decisions summarizes Angela (Angi) Burmeister’s worldview of her role as a Sarpy County Commissioner, representing District three.

She aims to dig into details that the average citizen will not take the time to research.  Demonstrating skills in listening and gathering information are two qualities she brings to the Board.  Burmeiser was not interested in a political position until being approached at a social gathering by a friend employed by the sheriff’s office who mentioned the position.  She was subsequently appointed in 2019.  

“I really like the job.  Helping to solve difficult issues for the betterment of our community is a challenge. The Board of Commissioners is dedicated to doing the right thing.”  Working with over 700 Sarpy employees is one of their responsibilities.

In 2020, she was elected by district residents and is up for reelection, running unopposed on May 14, 2024.  Burmeister is the Managing Partner of Berkshire & Burmeister as an old school general practitioner lawyer in a small firm.  As an attorney, Burmeister focuses on the areas of civil litigation, business law, personal injury cases, estate planning and probate. 

Her legal training has been helpful for understanding the issues being addressed in Sarpy County and district projects.  Detail work is the hard part of getting things done she recognizes.  She welcomes the public’s involvement and input into decisions.

For the last year, she has served as Chairman of the County Board, which brings a different level of responsibility and activities related to legislation.  A self-described type A personality, she explains that when she makes a commitment, she goes beyond half measures. “Collaboration and teamwork are key for being able to balance responsibilities to serve the best interests of Sarpy residents and my clients.”  

She sees herself filling two full-time jobs, along with prioritizing family time.  She has been married to Scot for 31 years, both raised in Bellevue.  They have three grown children.

Over the years, she has been an active volunteer with Fontenelle Forest’s Board, Avery Church, the Girl Scouts,  Heartland Workforce Development and the Omaha Childrens Museum to name a few philanthropic activities.

Burmeister values an eclectic group of people to gather insight.  Burmeister values hearing from people with different backgrounds and viewpoints.  Seeing things from many perspectives helps the Board  make better decisions that affect a large part of our community.

One of her passion projects is working with mental health initiatives including serving on the Governing Board of Region Six Behavioral Health Care.  In a collaborative partnership with UNMC, Sarpy County has the first forensic psychiatry fellowship in the State of Nebraska.  She looks forward to working with a crisis stabilization center as an upcoming project that is being addressed.

Summing up her philosophy, Burmeiseter said, “Good collaboration, doing good things together makes a difference.” This thought process captures her style of serving Sarpy County residents.  She emphasizes that each day is a blessing.

 

Gary Mixan

Sarpy County Commissioner

District #4

(402) 320-2085

gmixan@sarpy.gov

 

Communities Served and County Government

“We’re that last line of defense for tax payers,” said Gary Mixan of his colleagues on the Board of Commissioners for Sarpy County.  They serve to balance the roles of government with the allocated budget.

Working with County personnel to hire people when there is a shortage of workers is a key role. He explains further that the last few years have been challenging with roughly 80% of the county budget going for employee’s compensation within a growing county. Mixan and his colleagues work closely with the Sarpy County administrative team.

He described the district or area he represents as primarily residential and schools, with some retail stores.  He is often contacted about services such as snow removal and street maintenance.  It is a constant challenge to ensure all citizens are receiving services on a timely basis.

 “I feel I have business skills and life experience to bring to the table and make a difference.” Mixan served the City of Bellevue on the City Council for six-and- a-half years and completed a mayoral term for a-year-and-a-half.  His service has always been focused on what he can do to make government better.

One of the questions he is asked is why the county is not run like a business.  He explains that the rules are different than the public sector. The culture needs to be thought of as a service provider.

He is semi-retired from seven years working in accounting at Kiewit Construction and nearly 10 years at First Data. “The reason I got into being an elected official is I like to look at the processes involved and help improve them.”  One of his goals is to encourage county employees and staff to question their job processes and make improvements.

 “As a Board, we’ve always listened and are willing to work through issues.  We have a unified front and our strength is having a lot of viewpoints and ideas.”  He adds that their effective Board  has excellent support staff. “I’ve always used experience, skills and ideas with a common sense approach.”

A fun fact is that Mixan’s competitive spirit comes from his mother, who was his unofficial campaign manager. He has chosen not to take donations and paid his own way to run during elections. 

Coming from a large family of eight brothers (three have passed away), he and his wife Kris have been married for 28 years. Mixan is proud of his four adult sons and his seven grandchildren. He was born and raised in Sarpy County on a family farm that is part of the Bryan High School campus. South Omaha has been an extension of his life. 

Mixan adds that he values living in community, sharing that his connections to Gross High School and attending Saint Bernadette’s Catholic Church have been especially good experiences. Hunting and fishing are two passions he pursues.

Mixan is humbled by the support and trust given by Sarpy County residents and values the communities which benefit from his service.

 

Jim Warren

Sarpy County Commissioner

District #5

Phone:  (402) 290-8000

jwarren@sarpy.gov

 

Community Could Be Jim Warren’s Middle Name

Over the years, Jim Warren has balanced his roles of public service with a commitment to client services in his insurance business.  His focus on others extended to the role he played in helping found Journey Church in Gretna, Nebraska.

Warren integrates the concept of community in his lifestyle, balancing his faith walk with good people making up his business and political groups.  Warren has worked in the property and casualty insurance business and residential real estate.   He retired from Journey Church as an Associate Pastor.  Their website, www.journeygretna.com states, “Journey Church wants to make a lasting difference in your life,  in Gretna, and in the world.” 

Now in semi-retirement, he serves as an elected Sarpy County Commissioner.  He explains that the County is run by a five member board of commissioners.  Part of their role is overseeing Human Resources, and working with the Sheriff’s department and the county attorney.  A big part of their responsibility is reviewing and approving budgets that are submitted by department heads.  Working with corrections staff, the jail and the area’s juvenile justice system are other functions. 

This form of county government was created by the Nebraska legislature and requires three votes to initiate a project.  While he serves District five, he views his responsibility with a wider lens to the needs of Sarpy County, with a population of over 196,000 residents.  The  Board oversees the county budget.  Less than 13% of a resident’s property tax bill is allocated to fund county operations. 

Warren has a high regard for his fellow commissioners including Douglas County’s PJ Morgan.  He said, “PJ makes politicians reputable.”  Warren served as Gretna’s Mayor for a dozen years.  “Service to your community is joined with who you are. I’ve met a lot of elected officials.  What separates individuals I know is character.”

District five is geographically about half of Sarpy County and about one-fifth of Sarpy’s population. Warren remains open to direct contact with residents, and is willing to refer them to the appropriate staff person equipped to resolve the issue at hand.

 “People think the Commissioners run the community.  I do a lot of connecting and try to view every problem as facts.  I will try to find a solution.”   

Warren seeks to live a balanced life.  He has been heavily involved with missions trips, traveling to Southeast Asia, Europe and to Africa on three adventures.  He has seen first hand how medical clinics, and clean, fresh water transforms lives.

As a former athlete, he relishes his 20 years of officiating experience for high school and small college football games.  A stark contrast  to working in business is his 40 years of service as a volunteer firefighter.  He has been married to Patti since 1978 and is father to three adults, blessing the couple with five grandkids.

Warren said, “I have a love for people and the structure of society.”  Clearly, he has focused his energy on the political, business and faith communities which connect his lifestyle.