Dan McKeon, (Central Nebraska Today, KGFW)
AMHERST — Dan McKeon is currently running for the Nebraska Legislature’s District 41 seat.
Speaking to his background, McKeon said he grew up on a farm in Sherman County near Sweetwater. He later attended school in Ravenna and graduated in 1984. He later attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and received his degree in agriculture education.
McKeon also enlisted with the Army National Guard.
From there McKeon went into agriculture, a field he has been involved in his entire life.
“Dan’s journey began on a family farm, where he learned the intricacies of agriculture from a young age. From caring for hogs to cultivating crops like corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and sorghum, he understands the dedication and hard work required to uphold our agricultural heritage,” per McKeon’s campaign website.
Dan quipped that he is an agronomist by trade, so he is always, “out standing in his field.”
McKeon is running for District 41, currently represented by Senator Fred Meyer, who was appointed to the position in 2023 to replace Senator Tom Briese, who was appointed as State Treasurer by Governor Jim Pillen.
McKeon said he has also been a part of several leadership programs over the years including the Nebraska LEAD program and Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership program.
His leadership experience has also come on the local level, being involved with the Boys Scouts and Future Farmers of America (FFA). He said he aims to be a servant leader by giving back to the community.
When asked about his reason for seeking election, McKeon said if you would have asked him a year ago, he would have had “no intent.” However, he alluded to the current state of politics and said that people are “sick and tired,” of what has been transpiring.
McKeon also said he felt a faith-based calling to pursue the position.
When asked about the issues that are facing the residents of District 41, McKeon said the special session of the Unicameral that was called to address property taxes did not yield any sweeping results.
Other issues McKeon sees are taxes in general, the educational system and sex trafficking. He said a primary mover to address these changes is a moral change
The people of District 41 are who he would ultimately be responsible for, and McKeon said he would focus on listening to them and being transparent about his decisions.
McKeon said he wants the people of the district to hold him accountable if he is elected.
When questioned about unfunded mandates that are passed down from the Unicameral to local counties and municipalities, McKeon said if more emphasis was placed on the locals making their own decisions, then that would eliminate these types of mandates.
McKeon said he feels there has been a great deal of overreach allowed to this point.
When asked about the government’s role in the life of citizens, McKeon said that it should be there to guide but not to order its people.
In conclusion, McKeon encouraged people to “be a citizen,” by researching the candidates and issues.
“Don’t let someone else tell you how to do things, do your homework, understand your topic and understand your candidates,” he said.
Editor’s Note: Dan McKeon appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.
