Southeast Nebraska speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Sep. 25, 2026
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
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I am a fifth-generation Nebraskan and a UNL holder of three degrees. I have had an amazing career in agricultural communication, education and technology in Nebraska, Washington, D.C., internationally and now in Nebraska again. Brent Comstock's Sept. 20 column was an outstanding articulation of what we need from our university! I strongly urge you to carefully read what he wrote. Look at the backgrounds of his supporters and vote for Brent. We can hold him accountable to deliver for all of us who care about this state.
Janet Poley, Lincoln
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It’s impressive that Lynne Walz is singlehandedly responsible for bringing data centers to Nebraska, as Pillen’s ads claim. She apparently accomplished this feat as one legislator of 49 and from the minority party. Meanwhile, Pillen has been governor for four years with a Republican majority Legislature. Every governor since 1999 has been Republican, including now-Sen. Pete Ricketts.
What was Pillen doing during this time? Accepting Ricketts’ donations, then appointing him U.S. senator. Awarding a $2.5 million no-bid contract that drew scrutiny by State Auditor Mike Foley, who said it broke the law by not identifying what emergency justified it and “smacked of favoritism” because the contractor, Julie Bushell, knew and had previously traveled with Pillen as part of a state delegation and on other occasions. LPD is investigating, while new questions are being reported about the contractor. Calling Nebraskans who didn’t vote for him “libtards.” Overseeing HHS as it denies services to our disability community, leaving families devastated. Running a company that pollutes our groundwater with nitrates, and responding by calling the reporter who wrote about it a “Chinese communist.” Employing a 17-year-old teen who died working with hazardous chemicals in a hog confinement facility, leaving his mother seeking answers that were not forthcoming. Opening a concentration camp to detain men, women, and children, while Pillen Farms used a contractor that hired undocumented migrants to work for them. Enacting Medicaid cuts and sending our voter data to Washington to please the president. Using a taxpayer-funded jet to tootle around the state. Taking a budget surplus and turning it into a billion-dollar deficit by giving tax breaks to himself and his wealthy donors (but still not addressing property taxes).
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Political ads keep promising “lower costs,” but household budgets tell a different story. Rising property taxes, high insurance premiums and elevated prices for groceries, fuel and healthcare continue to strain families and retirees. While people struggle, leaders such as Sen. Pete Ricketts have pushed major data‑center expansion that relies on generous tax incentives and heavy use of local power and water.
Many residents wonder why corporate tech giants receive relief while households shoulder rising costs.
- Updated
Justice demands answers for Brianna
The fatal shooting of 19-year-old Nyandeng “Brianna” Chol should deeply concern our entire Lincoln community.
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The fatal shooting of 19-year-old Nyandeng “Brianna” Chol should deeply concern our entire Lincoln community.
As a parent of a young Black teenager in Lincoln, this tragedy hits devastatingly close to home. When I look at my own child, I am filled with outrage and fear knowing that a 19-year-old young woman, with her entire life ahead of her, could be killed right here in our city.
- Updated
What is your opinion of the U.S. Congress?
If voters don't approve of Congressional performance, then why do they keep sending the same people back to Congress?
- Updated
As a grandmother, I’ve been fortunate to watch my grandchildren grow up on the volleyball court. It’s a privilege to watch them learn how to contribute to a team, push through disappointment, celebrate the success of others and keep showing up even in the face of hardship. These lessons stay with a child long after the final whistle blows.
Unfortunately, my grandchildren’s opportunities aren’t universal. A child’s chance to build confidence through sports shouldn’t hinge on how much money their parents earn. Nor should belonging on a team depend on a child’s ZIP code.
More like this...
I am a fifth-generation Nebraskan and a UNL holder of three degrees. I have had an amazing career in agricultural communication, education and technology in Nebraska, Washington, D.C., internationally and now in Nebraska again. Brent Comstock's Sept. 20 column was an outstanding articulation of what we need from our university! I strongly urge you to carefully read what he wrote. Look at the backgrounds of his supporters and vote for Brent. We can hold him accountable to deliver for all of us who care about this state.
Janet Poley, Lincoln
It’s impressive that Lynne Walz is singlehandedly responsible for bringing data centers to Nebraska, as Pillen’s ads claim. She apparently accomplished this feat as one legislator of 49 and from the minority party. Meanwhile, Pillen has been governor for four years with a Republican majority Legislature. Every governor since 1999 has been Republican, including now-Sen. Pete Ricketts.
What was Pillen doing during this time? Accepting Ricketts’ donations, then appointing him U.S. senator. Awarding a $2.5 million no-bid contract that drew scrutiny by State Auditor Mike Foley, who said it broke the law by not identifying what emergency justified it and “smacked of favoritism” because the contractor, Julie Bushell, knew and had previously traveled with Pillen as part of a state delegation and on other occasions. LPD is investigating, while new questions are being reported about the contractor. Calling Nebraskans who didn’t vote for him “libtards.” Overseeing HHS as it denies services to our disability community, leaving families devastated. Running a company that pollutes our groundwater with nitrates, and responding by calling the reporter who wrote about it a “Chinese communist.” Employing a 17-year-old teen who died working with hazardous chemicals in a hog confinement facility, leaving his mother seeking answers that were not forthcoming. Opening a concentration camp to detain men, women, and children, while Pillen Farms used a contractor that hired undocumented migrants to work for them. Enacting Medicaid cuts and sending our voter data to Washington to please the president. Using a taxpayer-funded jet to tootle around the state. Taking a budget surplus and turning it into a billion-dollar deficit by giving tax breaks to himself and his wealthy donors (but still not addressing property taxes).
Political ads keep promising “lower costs,” but household budgets tell a different story. Rising property taxes, high insurance premiums and elevated prices for groceries, fuel and healthcare continue to strain families and retirees. While people struggle, leaders such as Sen. Pete Ricketts have pushed major data‑center expansion that relies on generous tax incentives and heavy use of local power and water.
Many residents wonder why corporate tech giants receive relief while households shoulder rising costs.
Justice demands answers for Brianna
The fatal shooting of 19-year-old Nyandeng “Brianna” Chol should deeply concern our entire Lincoln community.
The fatal shooting of 19-year-old Nyandeng “Brianna” Chol should deeply concern our entire Lincoln community.
As a parent of a young Black teenager in Lincoln, this tragedy hits devastatingly close to home. When I look at my own child, I am filled with outrage and fear knowing that a 19-year-old young woman, with her entire life ahead of her, could be killed right here in our city.
What is your opinion of the U.S. Congress?
If voters don't approve of Congressional performance, then why do they keep sending the same people back to Congress?
As a grandmother, I’ve been fortunate to watch my grandchildren grow up on the volleyball court. It’s a privilege to watch them learn how to contribute to a team, push through disappointment, celebrate the success of others and keep showing up even in the face of hardship. These lessons stay with a child long after the final whistle blows.
Unfortunately, my grandchildren’s opportunities aren’t universal. A child’s chance to build confidence through sports shouldn’t hinge on how much money their parents earn. Nor should belonging on a team depend on a child’s ZIP code.
More like this...
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