LINCOLN – State Sen. Dan Watermeier announced his candidacy for the state’s Public Service Commission at the state Capitol on Friday morning.
University of Nebraska Regent Rob Schafer introduced the senator from Syracuse.
Schafer: “He knows what it takes to make these small- town and communities across the state vibrant and robust and to become and remain a strong part of our Nebraska economy.”
Former Gov. Dave Heineman credited retiring Public Service Commissioner Frank Landis for 30 years of service. He said the commission has a vital role in a modern 911 system and access to broadband Internet.
In his endorsement, Heineman called Watermeier a responsible, respected and thoughtful leader.
Heineman: “Dan Watermeier is a common sense fiscal conservative who puts Nebraska’s interest first. He’s demonstrated those values in his service on the Legislature’s appropriations committee.”
Watermeier said he believes the Public Service Commission is a natural fit for his passion and his skills.
Watermeier: “Serving on the PSC opens opportunities to help grow infrastructure, specifically, broadband to all areas of the state. My business and legislative experience will be important as I work with fellow commissioners to ensure delivery to every resident in the state of Nebraska.”
He said his six years on the state Legislature was focused on taxes, economic development and infrastructure and said the experience has given him a deep respect for the Public Service Commission.
Watermeier: “My first two years in the Legislature I was fortunate enough to serve on the NITC, Nebraska Information Technology Commission. That affects all of our lives. They have commissions and they have boards that serve education, the health industry and so many things we do in life that we can’t take for granted, so, indirectly, broadband and telecommunications is how we’re going to grow this state.”
Watermeier earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and worked as a grain logistician for Cargill while farming in Otoe County.
Watermeier: “I will focus work as a commissioner to support our local ratepayers and to make sure that choice and competition is always important and safety is right there with it.”
Two other Republican candidates, Scott Smathers of Lincoln and Ron Nolte of Plattsmouth, are also running for the first district seat. It covers Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson counties.
He said his six years on the state Legislature was focused on taxes, economic development and infrastructure and said the experience has given him a deep respect for the Public Service Commission.
Watermeier: “My first two years in the Legislature I was fortunate enough to serve on the NITC, Nebraska Information Technology Commission. That affects all of our lives. They have commissions and they have boards that serve education, the health industry and so many things we do in life that we can’t take for granted, so, indirectly, broadband and telecommunications is how we’re going to grow this state.”
Watermeier earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and worked as a grain logistician for Cargill while farming in Otoe County.
Watermeier: “I will focus work as a commissioner to support our local ratepayers and to make sure that choice and competition is always important and safety is right there with it.”
Two other Republican candidates, Scott Smathers of Lincoln and Ron Nolte of Plattsmouth, are also running for the first district seat. It covers Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson counties.
