Pillar 1: Fiscal Responsibility & Professional Conduct
• Diligent Preparation: Effective leadership starts with doing the homework. As part of my Listen, Learn, & Lead Tour, I am meeting with County Department Leaders now to analyze budgets and understand internal operations. I am not waiting for the election results to go to work for the people of Scotts Bluff County; I will arrive on day one fully prepared to make informed, independent decisions.
• A Culture of Partnership & Professionalism: I believe the county operates best when there is mutual respect between the Board and its partners. I am committed to maintaining open communication with our Department Heads, ensuring they have the support needed to lead their teams effectively. By fostering a leadership style rooted in appreciation, we can work to restore staff morale and return a sense of pride to county service. Furthermore, while I can only control my own conduct, I will lead by example—treating my fellow Commissioners with the professional respect required to move county business forward.
• Fiscal Discipline: Investing in Value: Professional stewardship is about more than just cutting costs; it is about pursuing the best long-term value. Like any business owner, I know that investing in quality equipment and reliable infrastructure saves taxpayer money by reducing future repairs and replacements. Furthermore, I believe we must weigh the true cost of our services; sometimes the "cheapest" option—such as outsourcing—leads to a loss of the personalized care and local accountability our citizens deserve. I am committed to a "needs-over-wants" budget that maximizes every dollar while protecting the quality of service that keeps our community strong.
• Protecting Our Community: I will be a steadfast advocate for our emergency services. I personally know the value of these services; in 2016, when a fire broke out in an outbuilding on our farm, the Gering Rural and Gering Volunteer Fire Departments were there for us. I am committed to ensuring our first responders have the tools they need to keep our families safe.
Pillar 2: Supporting Agriculture, Business & Property Rights
Fostering a healthy, diverse economic climate.
• Clear Standards for Growth: I want Scotts Bluff County to be a place where businesses can invest with confidence. I will work for clear, consistent rules and ensure that the Commission stays in its lane, so that entrepreneurs aren't met with unexpected obstacles.
• Respecting the Individual Property Owner: I will be a steadfast advocate for the rights of the individual property owner. I believe that when county government respects these rights and operates within its proper boundaries, it provides stability. Protecting the rights of the individual is the first step in ensuring a thriving community for everyone.
• Advocating for Our Agricultural Backbone: As a producer who has managed our family farm’s production of corn, beans, forage, and conservation programs, I speak the language of the Scotts Bluff County producer. I have worked directly with the FSA, USDA, and NRD on cost-sharing and resource management—just like you. I understand that "good fences make good neighbors," and I will bring that same respect for land management, ag education, and youth programs to the Commission to ensure our way of life is protected for the next generation.
Pillar 3: Strategic Tourism & Economic Development
Promoting Our Heritage: Smart Growth for the Valley
I believe our greatest economic assets are the ones we already possess: our rich history, our stunning landmarks, and our unique cultural heritage. By strategically promoting these assets, we bring "new money" into our local economy - supporting our hotels, restaurants, and shops without increasing the tax burden on residents.
• Leisure Tourism that Works: I am a strong supporter of the culture of leisure tourism championed by our Visitors Bureau. Events like the National Gravel Bicycle Championships and the Old West Balloon Fest (which will host the US National Hot Air Ballooning Championships through 2028) prove that we can draw national crowds by leveraging our natural terrain and wide-open skies.
• Celebrating Cultural Gems: I will advocate for our unique local attractions that put Scotts Bluff County on the map. A prime example is the Japanese Hall at the Legacy of the Plains Museum, which has earned a Nebraska Historical Marker and garnered international interest, preserving a vital part of our immigrant history while drawing new visitors.
• Common Sense in Sports Tourism: While I support maintaining our existing facilities and exploring new ideas like an Aquatic Center, I will bring a dose of "common sense" to the table regarding massive new "Sports Tourism" projects. We must be realistic about whether we can—or should—compete with the multi-million dollar tournament megaplexes in cities like Rapid City or Kearney. I promise to keep an open mind, but my priority will always be ensuring that every investment we make provides a real, sustainable return for our taxpayers.
The NRD Project:
Case Study in Principled Leadership
Standing for Property Rights Through Community Action.
In 2009, Lisa’s commitment to land stewardship was put to the test when a massive "flood diversion" project threatened over 200 acres of native prairie on her family’s homestead.
• The Courage to Stand: Lisa exercised her rights as a landowner and refused the government entry to her property for assessments, halting a project destructive to a disappearing ecosystem.
• The Power of Allied Energy: Lisa sought help from neighbors and friends, and concerned citizens from across the county joined the cause—demanding that property rights be respected.
• Government Working FOR the People: Because of this collective effort, Lisa eventually worked to find a pragmatic "Yes," offering a 44-acre parcel of less sensitive land to allow the project to move forward for public safety without sacrificing our natural heritage.
For her dedication, she was honored with the "Friend of the Trail" award from the Oregon-California Trails Association.
Paid for by Lisa Betz-Marquez • 140170 County Road 20, Gering, NE 69341
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