In lieu of not hosting a local candidate forum due to scheduling issues, the Alliance Chamber of Commerce sent questions to local candidates who are seeking office in Box Butte County. The following are their questions and the candidates’ responses. Evan Mehne, candidate for Alliance City Council, and Mike McGinnis, incumbent candidate for the Box Butte County Commissioners, were asked for responses, however, as of press time, no responses were received. The responses featured here appear in alphabetical order and do not indicate a preference for one candidate over another. Candidates were limited to 200 words per response.
Alliance City Council
1. Please tell us about yourself.
Mara Andersen – My name is Mara Andersen and I am the executive director of the Alliance Recreation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to unifying our community. Our work prioritizes youth development, family engagement, and builds healthy habits for every member to positively impact long-term community health. Recently, my team and I opened ARC Park, a community accessible playground for 2-12year-olds.
I graduated from Alliance High School, earned my bachelor’s in English from UNL, and my master’s from UNK. I am a graduate of and class speaker for Leadership Nebraska and was awarded the highest civic honor of being named Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska by Governor Ricketts. I serve on the board for Leadership Nebraska, Leadership Box Butte, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Snow RedFern Foundation.
My husband Jake and I relocated to Alliance in 2015 to be closer to family. My pursuit of council speaks to my desire and aspiration for serving people, lifelong learning, and my appetite for a good challenge. My father, Kevin Dahlstedt, served this community as a council member, vice mayor, and a UTU representative. In his honor, I endeavor to serve this city to the best of my ability.
Mike Dafney – I was born, raised and educated here in Alliance. My wife Helen (Percival) and I raised three children (Nick, Adrianne, and Dana). I spent 41 years working as a locomotive engineer for BNSF Railroad. I have served 22 years on city council 1988-2006 & 2018-2022.
Tearza Mashburn – I am married to my husband Matt of 20 years and have been a member of the community for that long. Having my BS in Education, I have worked or volunteered within the schools in various positions during this time. Along with my husband, I own and operate a small rental house business and quick service restaurant, A-Town Zesto. These ventures have expanded my knowledge base for operating in the business world and allow me to use my MBA degree. Outside of work, I stay busy with our 2 children, their activities, and being a deaconess of my church.
Russell Saito – I was born and raised on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. I left Hawaii to attend San Jose Bible College to train to be a youth minister. I graduated in 1978 and returned to Hawaii and served 7 years at my home church. I also opened and managed Malaekahana State Recreational Area for 4 years on a very low budget. I had a flower business for 4 years and served the North Shore of Oahu.
I was a youth pastor for 2 years in Gering. I had a part of renovations of an old barn into a Bed and Breakfast near the Scottsbluff National Monument. I was called to serve a church in Alliance and a couple years ago started Break Free Agape Fellowship where we run our Young Life program called R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Community Kids), helped start Celebrate Recovery and have a food pantry.
I am a VIP volunteer for the Alliance Police Department and police Chaplain, Police and Citizens Advisory Board Meetings active with the R.S.V.P. program and serve at the Senior Center.
I’m the current President of the Alliance Ministerial Association, and serve on the patient and Family Advisory Council at Box Butte General Hospital.
2. What do you see as the primary functions of city government?
Mara Andersen – The primary functions of city government include representing citizens’ needs and interests, implementing financially resilient and strategic approaches to address infrastructure demands, investing in and inspiring opportunities that drive our economy, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens.
Mike Dafney – Primary function of city government is to give citizens representation and a voice on matters that concern them. To provide those services vital to daily lives. Clean and safe water, efficient and safe sewage system, strong and reliable electric grid, roads and streets along with recreational venues, and land use plans to help move Alliance forward.
Tearza Mashburn – City government’s primary functions are to provide adequate public services, such as policing, medical response, transportation, recreation, and working infrastructure. Along with these services, city government should actively pursue opportunities for growth into new areas of industry, while continuing to promote its current industries.
Russell Saito – The primary function of the city government is to serve the citizen to make it a friendly, safe and pleasant place to live and being financially responsible in the decision making of the expenditures of its government.
3. What do you see as opportunities facing the City of Alliance?
Mara Andersen – The opportunities include the economic challenges of recruiting and retaining residents and businesses, developing workforce, dealing with the shortage of housing, and a growing demand for proactive maintenance of infrastructure.
Alliance is a great place to call home. We must be ready to attract new residents as well as retain as much of our population as we can. Placemaking, the investment in projects that provide people with places they congregate and enjoy for recreation, is one opportunity. Effective placemaking projects – like trails or green spaces – connect residents, drive local economy, and improve community health.
As WNCC develops trade programs for both career changers and career ready high schoolers, we must be an attractive choice for relocation. Limited housing affects the available workforce. “Missing middle” homes like duplexes, triplexes, and apartments are great choices for starter homes or down-sizers.
We must also manage our existing infrastructure: from potholes in our streets, to water and pipes under those streets, to maintaining our electrical system. We must ensure our community is financially resilient. Our budget is the opportunity for the next council to face. We need an informed council with strong leadership to ensure we grow incrementally, strategically, and with a forward-thinking approach.
Mike Dafney – Opportunities facing Alliance is to continue working with BBDC and the UNL intern program to expand and enhance the Alliance Recreation Center as well as a rehab facility. Another is the building of the extended stay complex and shops next to Runza and getting control of the property around the golf course so as to have a say as to what we can do there such as houses. With the four lane opening opportunity is the prospect of additional businesses locating along the route.
Tearza Mashburn – The city has many assets that can be utilized for success. Three such examples include partnering with WNCC to expand or add tradesman programs, increase the functionality and use of the airport, and develop unused lot space.
Russell Saito – I believe our community has not even touched the surface of the potential we have in “Building the Best Hometown In America”. One indicator of this is that there seems to be no pride in the appearance of our town. It seems that there is no desire to make an effort for the aesthetics. Therefore to attract business is difficult when they come to Alliance to check out if they would like to start a business here. I believe businesses and residence should take better responsibility by doing their share of keeping their business and homes in a condition that is pleasant to the eye.
4. What are three goals you would like to accomplish during your time in office? For each, why is it important and how will you go about achieving it?
Mara Andersen – We are only as strong of a community as we are united and engaged. My first goal is to increase participation on city boards and committees to engage citizen input, distribute information, and drive innovation. Is our community a safe place to walk or play? Are there areas where we can add more trees or slow problematic traffic areas? Can we increase our connectivity through trails or sidewalks? Working together means we can increase our quality of life together.
My second goal is to establish a plan to proactively manage our infrastructure demands. Budgeting and strategic planning efforts will be key to ensuring maintenance and growth is reasonable and sustainable.
Third, my goal is to work with WNCC and BBDC to make it more possible to build a career and find a place to call home. Encouraging trades programs, missing middle housing, or accessory dwelling units (units constructed in unused spaces like attics or garages) are all developmental opportunities.
Overall, it is my mission to ensure we are always advocating for our community across our state. More grant dollars are available now than ever before. We must ensure our state knows Alliance is open for business and ready for residents.
Mike Dafney – Goals that I see important are continuing our strong partnership with WNCC in getting a trade school started here in Alliance. Yu achieve that by communicating the need for it which we have done and are in the process of finding a location. The benefit of that is trained carpenters, plumbers, electricians and appliance repair people all of which there is a lack of. We need to continue to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure which I mentioned earlier as vital to our daily lives and cultural enjoyment. You achieve this by training and giving all our city employees the tools and means to do their jobs effectively and safely. The importance of this speaks for itself. We need affordable housing and this has been an ongoing problem which answers the question of importance. You do not achieve it overnight buy we are planning to partner with the Community Redevelopment Authority to build two houses with the hope of priming the pump so to speak.
Tearza Mashburn – During my tenure in office, I would like to work towards recruiting new industry to the area, expand upon our tourism possibilities, and advance public services in conjunction with the first two.
The reliance on just a few industries, for example the railroad and agricultural, cannot sustain our community forever. We need to be preemptive and use our current assets to draw new businesses. Working with the FAA could lead to development in or around the airport. Another asset for new industry is the relationship with WNCC and BBGH. As these entities grow, so does the need for housing.
With the promotion of area attractions and use of city assets our tourism industry could increase bringing in more sales revenue to our city. We are around many historical areas or places of interest that the tourism department could partner with. Working alongside the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Department, we could create events centered around our attractions.
Since my goals are growth centered, I want to plan for our services to grow in pace with our population and need. Growth brings many changes, both good and bad. We need to be well established and ready to handle those changes.
Russell Saito – One of the things I hear from the citizens is that the City Council is not listening to them. I would like to take the time to hear what the citizens desire to make Alliance a better place to live. I want to remember that I am running for City Council to serve the people and not push my agenda to get my way. It’s important because in order to do a good job, the community needs to have a sense that their council is listening to them.
Another item that I would like to see is it attract more business of recreation nature. One of the things that I hear from citizens is that there is nothing to do in Alliance. If there are not activities for community, they will find things to do and that’s when trouble shows up.
I would also like to clean up our city and encourage people to take more pride in taking care of our properties, both residential and business alike. There should be no noxious weeds on City property. We cannot expect the residence to take care of their weeds if the city is not willing to do their part.
5. Why should a person vote for you for the Alliance City Council?
Mara Andersen – I believe strong communities give people a place to belong. My demonstrated leadership at the Alliance Rec Center (formerly the YMCA) has proven my ability to work with a team to transform a failing nonprofit organization into a thriving and critical organization effectively serving the children, families, and individuals of this community. I know the particular challenges of addressing a negative budget with an extraordinary list of needs. It takes a strategic problem solver who is willing to listen, willing to learn, and someone who has a passion for setting goals and achieving them. As evidenced by my work with many organizations in our community and across our state, I have established a network of mayors, city council members, administrators, directors, and senators who are willing to share their roadmaps to success. As a relentlessly dedicated citizen of this community, I will bring my energetic, innovative, and collaborative expertise to this council where I will partner with our residents to address our biggest opportunities of infrastructure and economic development. A vote for Mara Andersen is an investment in the vision of a better, more prosperous future. Thank you for your support and for your vote on November 8th!
Mike Dafney – I bring 22 years of experience to the council. I have been an advocate for not raising the mill levy and in fact lowered it this year. I’m not into raising rates unless it’s needed to maintain services and quality of life for you. I’m not just a councilman, I’m one of you, a member of the community.
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right”
Tearza Mashburn – A vote for me will help bring growth and revenue to the city, while working to maintain a safe and friendly community.
Russell Saito – A person should vote for me if they desire to see a definite, positive change that will make Alliance a better place to live.
Box Butte County Commissioners
1. Please tell us about yourself.
Brett Ditsch – Hello, I’m Brett Ditsch, I’m a lifelong resident of Box Butte County. I farm and ranch here in Box Butte County. My wife Jayme and I believe that Box Butte County is one of the best places to live that’s why we’ve chose to live here and raise our son.
Trish Johnston – I’m Trish Johnston, married to Brian, mom to Matt, Mike (Jessee), and Liz. I have worked at Redman’s Shoes for over 30 years. I have been involved with Youth Baseball & Softball in Alliance and Hemingford, Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Days Committee and helped with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, lifting weights and reading.
2. What do you see as the primary functions of county government?
Brett Ditsch – What I see is a primary function of county government, one is to listen to the people what they are thinking and what their opinions are and trying to figure out the best way to help. Making sure that everybody’s concerns are being addressed and taken care of.
Trish Johnston – The primary function of county government is to serve the people, and that means supporting entities like Box Butte County Extension, Box Butte Development Corp. and Panhandle Public Health, as well as keeping county roads safe and making sure our Sheriff’s department has up to date technology, training, and equipment to do their job.
3. The County Commissioners have just completed major projects requiring bonds, including updating the Courthouse and improving roads, especially West Otoe Road. How soon should you attempt another major project, and what would that be?
Brett Ditsch – This is something that will have to be looked at and when it comes up the cost and the need to get it done. The county roads would be one of those things, but I think if we can just keep a good maintenance on the roads, we should be fine.
Trish Johnston – In my opinion, at this time, we would not try another major project until the current bonds are paid off. Future projects could include road projects to keep our county roads safe for our producers and citizens, or perhaps building additions to accommodate more county services under one roof.
4. Raising the revenue to pay for all the services that county government performs is one of the biggest challenges facing county commissioners. Citizens often expect government to deliver more and better services to meet challenging community needs, but they are rarely enthusiastic about paying the bill. What are some ways to keep spending down?
Brett Ditsch – That is difficult question to answer. That’s something all the commissioners will have to really sit down and talk about. The best way to budget every year they already do that, but maybe a new individual has different and new ideas.
Trish Johnston – I think the best way to keep our spending down is to streamline services, reduce redundancy, and use existing technology to its fullest.
5. How can we better promote Box Butte County?
Brett Ditsch – I think the people in Box Butte County are doing a great job on promoting what Box Butte County has to offer it’s just more of a lifestyle thing. We are a rural community, and it just takes the right person to live here. “Honestly it’s not for everyone” western Nebraska takes a specific type of person to live here.
Trish Johnston – I think this is an interesting question for a county commissioner. As I said previously, Box Butte County is the middle of everywhere, we are an entrepreneur’s blank canvas. Our best kept secret is our amazing people who live, work, and play here, devoting themselves to the betterment of the communities they love.
6. Box Butte County has had a lot of trouble keeping a public defender. Can you recommend any changes so we can keep that position filled?
Brett Ditsch – Well sounds like we already have a public defender hired. I think it’s just going to take someone looking for the quality of life that we have to offer here in Box Butte County.
Trish Johnston – To keep this position filled, we will have to look at the fact that the budget for this office has not increased much over the last 10 years. As the rate of attorneys coming to our county decreases, recruitment will continue to be difficult. I think promoting this position as a stepping stone to private practice may help in the recruitment process.
7. Why should a person vote for you for the Box Butte County Commissioner?
Brett Ditsch – I think people should vote for me because I’ll bring a new perspective for the commissioners. I live on and travel the county roads. I believe in doing the things the right way and the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. I will stand up for what I believe is right for you the people of Box Butte County.
Trish Johnston – Since being appointed to the position in January, many people have asked me what my agenda is, I have no agenda, other than to serve the people of the county. To be a set of listening ears and a voice for your concerns. I have lived, loved and worked in Box Butte County my entire adult life. I have the skills, the time, and the willingness to continue to serve the people of Box Butte County as your Elected County Commissioner.