Stan Clouse, (Liz Macias, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse is running for the Nebraska Legislature District 37 seat.
Clouse has been mayor of the City of Kearney since 2006, sat on the city council since 2003 and has been employed with the Nebraska Public Power District for over 40 years.
“In addition to his official public service Stan is heavily involved in the Kearney and Buffalo County community including involvement in Rotary International, Leadership Kearney, TeamMates, Make-A-Wish, Junior Achievement and more. Stan is a member at New Life Church in Kearney,” per Cloue’s campaign website.
Clouse said he is pursuing the District 37 seat as Senator John Lowe is term limited, having been elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020.
Clouse said he has always wanted to serve in the Legislature, being interested in how the state laws are crafted. “In my particular situation, I felt this was the best way I could serve my state,” Clouse said.
In his capacity as mayor, Clouse has testified before various legislative committees and as a result, knows many senators on a first name basis. He also has been familiar with the last three governors of Nebraska and has been appointed to several different commissions by them.
Through those commissions, Clouse has always kept a close eye on the Legislature, keeping a close eye on bills that impact communities, businesses, keeping it touch with senators, etc.
Reflecting on his 18 years in local government, Clouse said it all started back in North Platte and his involvement in the community. He got appointed to the North Platte planning commission and this informed his understanding of the inner workings of city government.
Clouse later relocated to Shelton and got elected to the community’s village board and served there for several years.
Moving to Kearney, Clouse kept up his involvement in local government by joining the board of adjustments. He noted didn’t get elected on his first run for city council but was later appointed to a vacant seat and has been reelected ever since.
“I know municipal government from all kinds of different angles,” Clouse said, “That is something I can carry forward as a state senator is understanding how legislation will impact our communities, small and large.”
“Clouse has helped deliver hundreds of millions in capital projects to Kearney and Buffalo County while at the same time keeping the lowest property tax levy among Nebraska’s first-class municipalities,” his campaign website stated.
Clouse noted in both his civic involvement and his career with NPPD, he has had to be responsible both the rate payers and the taxpayers and making sure their spending is efficient and effective.
“I can hit the ground running,” Clouse said, regarding his overall experience.
Reflecting on his time with the City of Kearney, Clouse said, “It’s time to step aside…its time to turn that over. I felt this was a good opportunity, now we will see if everyone else thinks this is a good opportunity for me.”
Speaking to his goals if elected to the Legislature, is to first, “listen and understand,” both sides of an issue.
Clouse said he feels he has proven himself as a consensus builder and that has helped to solve issues that have appeared during his time on the city council.
Looking at some proposed legislation, Clouse said the current senators may not be aware of all the consequences if they are made law. He said his experience with municipal government has shown him what the consequences could be.
“They are doing what they think is right, but sometimes those unintended consequences can be significant,” Clouse said, “I think I can bring that experience and maybe head some of that off.”
Clouse said he has also noted frequently that when a bill is introduced that city, county or other group question, their staff usually have to put together information, visit with lobbyists, and the senator who may end up pulling the bill.
Clouse feels like that local work is wasted tax dollars, because the bill likely shouldn’t have been introduced or the senator didn’t understand what the consequences could be.
He feels that his experience could help mitigate situations like this.
Speaking to his decision-making process, Clouse said he would continue to do what he has done with the city council, involve experts and community leaders in the process. He said he welcomes the input and incorporates that into his decisions.
Clouse spoke to some of the issues that the Legislature has been wrestling with, including property tax and school funding. “You really have to look at some creative things and be careful in what you cut and slash, so you don’t have those unintended consequences.”
In conclusion, Clouse said has appreciated the support during his years on the city council and asks that those people continue their support in his bid for the legislature.
Editor’s Note: Stan Clouse appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.
