GRAND ISLAND — Ray Aguilar is seeking to continue representing District 35 in the Nebraska Legislature as the general election approaches this November.
Aguilar was elected to the seat in 2020, running against Dan Quick. He is seeking is fourth full term in the Legislature. He was appointed in June 1999 to replace Chris Peterson. Aguilar was also elected in 2000 and 2004.
Quick previously represented the district, being elected in 2017 and serving until 2020.
In the primary election in May, Quick narrowly beat out the incumbent Aguilar, but both advanced to the general election.
Aguilar pointed to his years of experience in the Legislature and had been elected to the chair of the executive board, which is voted on by every state senator. “You have to cross party lines to accomplish that,” he said.
Aguilar said his bi-partisan work has been a benefit to Grand Island and he feels that is something important for the voters to send back to Lincoln.
“As a conservative Republican and a strong believer in individual liberty and fiscal responsibility. I am committed to protecting the freedoms we hold dear and upholding the principles that make our state strong. While we must always be open to new ideas and perspectives, we must also defend the values and traditions that have made Nebraska the state we love,” Aguilar’s website states.
When asked why he is seeking the position once again, Aguilar said that there is always more to accomplish and said he would compare his accomplishments in the legislature against his opponent.
The most pressing issues for District 35 are ones that affect many Nebraskans, the top of which is taxes, especially property taxes. “There is so much more we can accomplish with this…I have some ideas that I think will help,” he said.
How that should be addressed is the expansion of the Homestead exemption, said Aguilar. He said this would be a good way to address the issue without raising other taxes, something Governor Jim Pillen supported but Aguilar did not.
Asked about his decision-making process as a state senator, Aguilar said, he always keeps in mind what will cost the taxpayers more money. He wants to seek alternatives, cutting government spending being one the primary methods.
When questioned about unfunded mandates from the state being placed on local governments, Aguilar said these should be paired down, even citing a bill that didn’t pass during the special session stating that the legislature could not enact an unfunded mandate and pass the costs to local government.
Speaking to the role that government plays in the lives of citizens, Aguilar said it should protect through public safety and ensure that education is supported.
“As your Senator, I am dedicated to promoting strong families and strong communities. I believe that by investing in our schools, supporting our law enforcement and veterans, and creating jobs, we can ensure a bright future for Grand Island. I am also committed to finding solutions for meaningful property tax relief, lower taxes, and responsible state spending,” Aguilar’s website states.
Editor’s Note: Ray Aguilar appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.
