Democratic Convention Meets At Neligh Senior Center

The Antelope County delegate to the Nebraska Democratic Party's state convention was elected and Democratic candidate Paul Theobald spoke on his ideas to reverse rural community decline Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Neligh Senior Center.

Mary Ellen Taylor and her husband, Bennie, led the meeting. After Mary Ellen reported the Democratic Party's accomplishments over the past year and a half, Theobald, who is running for Congress in Nebraska's 3rd District, brought four of his ideas to attention.

First, Theobald said agriculture policy is crucial and the population of farmers and ranchers needs to be stabilized. He then focused on how people need to rethink the funding of public education and proceeded on to how health care needs to be affordable. He said he believes moving to Medicare for everyone would be best and described a "neighborly ethic." Lastly, Theobald said there needs to be larger rural small business start-up programs and more rural school infrastructure funds. 

After Theobald spoke, the group selected a new chairman, associate chairperson, secretary, treasurer and delegate. 

The group elected Art Tanderup as the delegate to attend the state convention in Lincoln from June 22-24. No one volunteered to be the alternate delegate. 

Bennie Taylor was selected to serve as the new chairman and Stephanie Wanek as the associate chairperson. Mary Ellen was chosen as the secretary and Gaye Mullins was voted to continue as the treasurer. 

Overall, Mary Ellen Taylor said she was pleased with the event's turnout.

"I hoped concerned citizens would show up, and I was happy with the ones who did," she said.

Another meeting is set for June 17 and will be a meet and greet with ​Theobald.