VansOpinion - POPPE - A POPULAR PASTOR WITH POLITICAL POTENTIAL

I have been a confirmed member of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod for a bit more than a half-century. In that time, due to moving around the country and by choice, I have been a member of a number of churches of that denomination and thus have been associated with several Pastors. Without reservation or hesitation I can say the Rev. Clint Poppe, of Lincoln's Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - my current Pastor - has earned my respect and confidence more than any other before. He and I regularly discuss subjects of both theological and political substance and rarely disagree. Poppe has been elected to two political offices before moving to Lincoln. In my opinion, we might do well to consider tapping him for future public service.

Several weeks ago, I was proud to introduce to the members of the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) three new members which I had recruited - my son, my friend and my pastor. It is the latter of these I would like to talk more about here.

Clint Poppe is a man who can deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a forceful and meaningful style like few other. He can also hunt duck and fish with the best. A regular guy who became a minister later in life and one who can enjoy a steak or a brew with folks of all callings and persuasions.

Prior to moving to Lincoln a number of years back, while serving a Lutheran congregation in West Point, Nebraska he served a four year term on the city council of that community. He also served on an Educational Service Unit (ESU) in the Norfolk area. Those with whom he served will attest to his fiscally conservative approach to the solution of every question or matter.

A short time back, Coby Mach, Executive Director of LIBA solicited the opinions of the organization's members "on a matter that could have an effect on businesses in our community." Mach stated "LIBA will discuss the results with the Mayor and City Council." He went on to say, "The Mayor is proposing an Occupation Tax on gasoline" and "The LIBA Board of Directors would like to know if you favor this method of raising revenue for street construction and repair."

Mach stated in his correspondence to LIBA members both the "Pro" and the "Con" thoughts regarding the mayor's proposition. Those supporting the mayor think Lincoln needs to raise funds for road repairs and that her idea is a viable alternative to a bond issue. Further, that "this directly affects those who use roads (a property tax increase would affect everyone)" and that the "funds can be tied to street construction or repairs only." Those who oppose the mayor's proposition think that it would "have a larger effect on business owners who have a fleet of vehicles" and that we should do a better job of allocating the funds we have. Additionally that the mayor's plan "could drive customers to gas stations outside the city" and that "It's another tax for the citizens of Lincoln.

Poppe responded to Mach's request for opinions with these words.

"I am strongly against this method of raising revenue. It is one more "temporary" tax that will be with us forever if passed, and will be the first of many steps of using one very limited method instead of a broad based approach. The mayor's comment that it would be an increase for the gas stations and then they can decide if they want to pass it on to the consumers was one of the more foolish comments I have ever heard from an elected official and clearly displays that she is completely out of touch with reality! I believe we need to better prioritize how we spend the money we already have rather than look to the quick fix of another tax increase. Bond issues are for large projects that fall outside the scope of the regular budget. Poor planning in the past may demand that this approach be considered for street construction and repair, but as a normal approach this should be strongly discouraged. The good people of Lincoln have demonstrated that they understand the issues this way in defeating bond issues filled with frivolous things and yet approving a much needed storm sewer project."

The pastor further stated, "Street planning, repair, and construction, as a whole, is one of the most important aspects of city government at the present time. It is also one of the most embarrassing and frustrating when people visit our city and are baffled by left turn lanes with no left turn signal, 4 lane streets that move to 3 and then 2 and then 3 and back to 4 with no rhyme or reason, new construction with no apparent thought to access; need I go on? We need a major change, not a band aid approach."

While I'm not anxious to give him up as my pastor and pull for him as a candidate for Mayor of Lincoln, I would be willing to share him with the people of Lincoln as a Member of the Lincoln City Council or as a Member of the Legislature when Senator DiAnna Schimek "term limits out." This is a guy I would put yard signs up for!