Former York County Public Defender Sam Bethune at a Constitutional Lecture, August 2010

In August 2010, the York County Tea Party held a very successful lecture on the US Constitution by scholar Glenn Freeman.  Almost 200 taxpayers from the York area attended.

All of our York County officials were invited and given special seating in the front row. We were very satisfied that many of them attended.

Former [York County] Public Defender Sam Bethune attended as well, but seemed dissatisfied in our website write-up advertisement of the event because we did not include “York County” before his title of Public Defender.

On Tuesday, December 21st at 9:46 am, 2010 (a time in which most of us would assume is a work day when a Public Defender would probably, or at least should be, working while on the taxpayer dime instead of cruising yorkteaparty.com), Mr. Bethune commented on our blog post:

“I wonder why every other official of York County except me was listed in this article and indeed with all the published items associated with this event. Everything I read and saw referred to me as “Public Defender Sam Bethune” rather than my proper title “York County Public Defender Sam Bethune”. Given the numerosity and consistency with which this happened I’m hard pressed to believe that this was unintentional or an oversight on someone’s part. However, given that I was at the time (and still am) the only public official in York County who is a member of the Democratic party, I believe the failure to properly list my title was deliberate and disrespectful.”

After this comment was posted, we sent this email to Mr. Bethune:

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Dear Mr. Bethune,
Thanks for sending this correction.  We can assure you that our error of not including “York County” before your title of Public Defender was in no way disrespectful or intentional.
We did not know you were a Democrat or that you’re the “only” Democratic local official, and quite frankly, it doesn’t matter to us what party you belong to.  Our tea party principles are bigger than party lines.  We have received support from both Democrats and Republicans as well as numerous Independents.  We are not interested in the in-fighting between parties and support our elected officials based on merit, the decisions they make and policies they enact.  We don’t care about parties and just want our elected officials to make the right decisions based on our principles of limited government, free market capitalism and fiscal responsibility.
We were very glad you were able to attend Glenn Freeman’s Constitutional lecture, and we hope that it was as educational for you as it was for us.  We believe that your attendance showed very good faith in your intentions, and everyone who was there saw that you made an effort to be there.
We’re happy to post your comment on our website with this reply if you’d like.  We thought that first we should check back with you on this reply to make sure you still wanted it posted.
Again, we absolutely meant no disrespect and I apologize for the title error.

Sincerely, the York County Tea Party

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We never received a response from Mr. Bethune, and decided that Mr. Bethune’s disappointment wasn’t worth getting upset about.  Afterall, we did apologize for overlooking the “York County” in his title.   So, we let it slide.

Bethune resigned from his office on January 2nd, 2011 and was quoted as saying ““It’s been my pleasure to serve the board and the citizens of York County,” Bethune said, “and I hope to have the opportunity to do so again at some point in the future.”  So, this comment was left on our website while he was still Public Defender.

On March 2, 2011, Amy Schram, a member of the York County Tea Party, posted this remark in response to Sam Bethune’s post:

“Maybe since this is YOrk County Tea Party they didn’t see the need to insert York County into your title. Yes once again we are picking on the Democrats!”

And that comment was fine – it was a perfectly valid opinion.

You would think this would be the end of the story.  But today, Sam Bethune was apparently cruising our website and decided to reply:

We’re guessing you’ve all heard about today’s sham of a public hearing on LB397/AM1116, which would expand the scope and jurisdiction of the bureaucracy of the CIR.

We recorded Lincoln’s Drive Time Lincoln and the Omaha Tom Becka Show today and cut the commercials and news, in case you missed it and want to hear the public’s anger. Tensions are high, and hopefully that helps to contribute to killing this bill and having actual real meaningful reform that brings power back to our local officials debated in the legislature:

http://www.nebraskapatriots.com/snd/KFAB_4-13-11.mp3

http://www.nebraskapatriots.com/snd/DTL_4-13-11.mp3

The parallels between Barbara Boxer and Sen Burke Harr are astounding…We really don’t need to look all the way to Washington to find back-room deals and arrogant Senators that “demand respect” and who are overly-sensitive.

An unelected and unaccountable bureaucracy is forcing taxpayers to flip the bill for union raises.

Public employees in Nebraska are paid an average of $10,000 more than the average private employee.

So who is forcing our city councils and school boards to raise and create new local taxes?

What can we do about it from York County?

Find out by joining us at a special seminar on:

Why We Need Meaningful CIR Reform & What You Can Do About It

with special guest York City Administrator Jack Vavra

Kilgore Library, York

Monday, March 17th, 2011 – 7:00PM (90 minute seminar)

Double your activist efforts and bring a family member, friend or neighbor!

I’ve received several emails from folks asking lots of great questions. You deserve an update, so here it is.

I heard you’ve been traveling?

Lots! I’ve been traveling across the state from Scottsbluff to Beatrice as part of my Americans For Prosperity Nebraska job meeting with tea party groups and giving presentations about the Lame Duck session in congress. As part of this presentation, an action item to send out letters and make phone calls to our Senators was encouraged, and has produced great results. [note: Continue sending letters and making phone calls! Don't let down until the new congress is seated on January 3^rd, 2011] Many letters were sent to Senator Johanns concerning his co-sponsorship of the Employer-Employee Cooperation Act that would unionize public-safety employees. Senator Nelson was also written to about concerns that far-left high-ticket Democratic legislation would be pushed through the door during the lame duck session. Specifically, people across the state were most worried about the Dream Act, union pensions bailouts, EPA energy regulations (like Cap & Trade). Many were also very concerned about Senator Johann’s vote for SB501, the food-’safety’ bill.  I also held a presentation in York at Kilgore Library on November 29th – see the photos.

It was great to meet with so many groups in such a short amount of time, to hear the concerns, and to better get to know the activists across the state. There are some great people doing some great things, and I really enjoyed helping these groups work on a specific target of communication.

Congressman Smith with Nancy Wood & I

This n’ That:

Nancy Wood and I had lunch with Congressman Smith at Chances ‘R’ in October. Congressman Smith talked with us about his concerns about a potential lame duck session (we met prior to the election). I have enjoyed meeting with Congressman Smith often, communicating our tea party principals and concerns, and I always have more questions for him than what we have time for.

I attended the Lancaster County Republican Party Rally w/Iowa Congressman Steve King prior to the November 2^nd election. It was a great pleasure to hear him speak again. Congressman King works often with Michelle Bachmann and is a part of the

Iowa Congressman Steve King

Congressional Tea Party Caucus. State Senator Tony Fulton also spoke, and I continue to be impressed with his common-sense

understanding of liberties. I was also pleased to hear from State Auditor Mike Foley, as he doesn’t do a lot of public speaking. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry also gave an address. It was a great event. I encourage all of you to attend these types of events in the future, it’s a great way to get our elected official’s ears and ask questions to get to know them.  We’ll try to keep you posted about events like this one where you can meet our elected officials through the “events” page on our website.

What were your thoughts on the election?

On the national level, I wasn’t at all surprised that Republicans won back the house. This was quite expected. I was actually surprised they didn’t pick up more governor, senate and house seats. I went into November 2^nd thinking that people across the country were exceptionally angry and would hands down revoke the Democratic administration and party. I expected a massive blowout, and I guess it could be categorized in the end as just a blowout. I was disappointed in the Colorado governor’s race (I was rooting for Constitutionalist Tom Tancredo). I was also disappointed with Murkowski’s re-election over Joe Miller in Alaska, and really disappointed and confused in California’s decision to re-elect Barbara Boxer, espeically with the current state of despair their state is in. Harry Reid’s re-election is beyond me. Nevada continues to experience the lowest unemployment and highest entitlement numbers.

Statewide, I was carefully watching legislative seats. I was disappointed that liberal incumbents Amanda McGill (North Lincoln), Danielle Conrad (North Lincoln), and Matt Wallman (Beatrice) won their re-election bids. One clear winner was conservative Lydia Brasch who narrowly unseated progressive liberal State Senator Kent Rogert in LD16. As a reminder, this is our State Senator Greg Adam’s second term (he was just re-elected and ran unopposed), and because of term limits in the legislature, he will not be able to run for re-election in 2014. Who are we going to encourage to run as our State Senator in 2014? I was very happy that amendment 2 that would have eliminated the state treasurer’s position did not pass. Unfortunately, amendment 1 that provides additional powers to municipalities did narrowly pass. This is really a step backwards in our pursuit of limited government.

Locally, I was watching many of the local judges (all were retained – mixed feelings) as well as our local schoolboard races. I was happy to see that Brian Bresnahan (who is on the Leadership Committee of the York County Tea Party) easily won his position on the Cross County schoolboard in Benedict. Congrats, Brian!

So, where’s the complaint from the Nebraska Democratic Party?

The Nebraska Democratic Party assured the public that they were going to file an official complaint against the York County Tea Party for electioneering. You can read more about that on our post about the Pre-Election Rally. I’m still very interested in seeing a complaint, although I’m not at all surprised we haven’t received one.  I’m not frightened by it, because put quite simply, we did nothing wrong. It’s beyond obvious that there is no basis for a legitimate complaint, especially because we have so much documentation. If we do receive a complaint, it will be big news, and the story will go viral nationally as the big mean Nebraska Democratic Party attempts to silence the little ‘ol York County Tea Party movement.  We’ll of course keep you very posted with any updates, but unfortunately don’t have any now.  If I had to guess at this point in time, we’ll never get a complaint.  The Nebraska Democratic Party lied and didn’t follow through with their promise when they said they would file a complaint after the election.   This obviously shows they were just trying to intimidate us with an empty threat.

So what’s the scoop on the Fillmore Central situation?

Well, first off, York High School teacher Gene Fischer is writing editorials about this issue. I will be responding soon. I sent the school a letter asking two simple questions. #1: Did the principal or superintendent receive the information about Glenn Freeman that Bill Plock gave to Social Studies teacher Meyer, who said he would give it to the principal or superintendent for review? #2: Does Fillmore Central have a written policy in regards to speakers? Unfortunately, I have not received a response. Fillmore Central could have very easily written me a response, which would have satisfied me. I continue to be concerned that the administrators feel that they don’t owe the public any answers.  School administrators work for us – the taxpayers.  Some have suggested I shouldn’t be involved in this situation, since I live in the Centennial school district. I argue that my state and federal tax dollars fund Fillmore Central. I am not “out to get anyone” and I will continue to ask questions boldly. A schoolboard meeting is scheduled for December 13^th. If you missed it, Glenn Freeman wrote a response in the YNT regarding Gene Fischer’s claims that Mr. Freeman is wrong about certain issues on the US Constitution.

Why didn’t the tea party leaders from Nebraska come up with a declaration at the Election Night Patriot Caucus at the York Country Club?

Tea Party Leaders from across NE meet in York

This was the first time that tea party leaders from across the state met in any formal way, so it’s not surprising we weren’t able to have anything developed that we could all agree to. Pride abounds in these folks, and they have reason to be proud – they are all organizing and working very hard in their own individual communities to influence grassroots activism. We did all agree that a future meeting would be a great idea. It’s very likely that a state-wide leaders-only summit will be held sometime next year with the objective of establishing our combined goals, creating state-wide milestones and talking about how we can work together towards our common goals. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to host this event in York and are very willing to continue discussing our principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility and free enterprise capitalism with any groups who also agree with these three things.

What should I be concerned about and what should I be working on before the end of the year?

Until the lame duck session is over, don’t back down with our Senators. Continue contacting Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson by writing handwritten letters and making phone calls, encouraging them to extend the Bush tax credits and avoid any other new legislation until the new Congress can be seated on January 3rd.

What’s the York County Tea Party working on until the end of the year?

Nancy and I just got done taking a new inventory our supplies and merchandise. That was a huge job – thanks again Nancy! We’re not planning any meetings until January 11^th, 2011, at which time Chairman Greg Vanderneck plans to regroup and make a game plan for 2011.  Ideas are still being considered for a formal York County Tea Party membership.  It’s also likely that another April 15 Tax Day rally will occur.

What’s the deal with Senator Nelson’s 2012 Senate seat?

You probably heard that Republican Attorney General Jon Bruning announced is candidacy shortly after the election. If you want to find out what he’s all about, check out his website at www.jonbruning.com. I recently spoke with former Nebraska Attorney General, former Republican Senate candidate and State Treasurer-elect Don Stenberg who will also likely announce his candidacy soon.   State Auditor Mike Foley’s name has also been in the running, but it’s probably too early to tell. I would assume Senator Nelson will seek re-election, and it’s almost certain that there won’t be any Democratic opposition to his primary. Of course, we’ll all be watching this race like hawks. [Great place for Nebraska fun political  news  is the Leavenworth Street Blog - http://leavenworthstreet.blogspot.com/] Now bear with me while I say something you probably wouldn’t expect from me.  One thing I’d like for you to consider is that we should be somewhat thankful we have Senator Nelson – a moderate who often changes his vote – instead of a die-hard progressive like Harry Reid, who would likely never back down from voting for liberal freedom-killing legislation. Although we were unsuccessful in December 2009 in regards to changing Senator Nelson’s mind about his #60 health care vote, remember that prior to his “yes” vote, he was a solid “no” vote.  Senator Nelson can be swayed but it’s up to us to communicate with him.  We are ultimately responsible for influencing his decisions as his constituents.  Write and call often!

What’s going on with Senator Johanns?

Senator Johanns recently voted for the food-safety bill, which Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hanity, Glenn Beck, the Heritage Foundation and so many more are all saying is freedom-killing legislation that will increase regulation and in the end, food prices. Luckily, SB501 was sent back to the Congress, where it was determined that the Senate put an unconstitutional tax provision, so it must be voted on by the House, then sent back to the Senate before it becomes law. An aide at Congressman Smith’s office believes it won’t be voted on in the House this lame duck session, which might mean that it could be killed with the new congress when it comes back to the floor. [note: From what I understand, it's still possible the Senate could pass it if they pass the original bill the House sent to them without the additions the Senate recently made which have forced it back to the House.] I’ve been researching and trying to read the food-’safety’ bill, SB501, formerly known as the “farm bill”. Although this one is only 250-some pages, it reads like stereo instructions, and it’s very difficult to read more than 10 pages at once without feeling suicidal. I spoke with Senator Johann’s State Agriculture Director and former 2-term State Senator Phil Erdman about this bill. He convinced me I need to do more research on it, and I agreed.  I also agreed with Phil Erdman that there are lots of misunderstandings and misinformation about this bill being circulated by emails.  I caution you to do your own independent research regarding this bill prior to making a decision about it.

Senator Johanns is also still continuing his co-sponsorship of the “Employer-Employee Cooperation Act” which would force public-safety employees to unionize. Senator Johanns has often been on the side of the unions in the past, even when he was Governor of Nebraska. I have written to him and called his office several times about this issue, voicing my concern about using the failed unaccountable model of Nebraska’s Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR) on a federal level. The York County Republican Party is currently discussing the possibility of preparing a resolution and open letter to Senator Johanns, requesting that he withdraw his support from this bill. I encourage you to consider contacting Senator Johanns about your concerns with this, as well. Find out more about it on AFP’s website.

What do you think are going to be hot topics at the Nebraska state legislature this year?

From what I understand, State Senators will discuss redrawing Nebraska’s legislative lines using the 2010 census information. Whenever this happens, it will take up lots of time at the capitol and I’m sure there will be lots of lively discussion about it. The LJS is reporting that CIR reform is ripe. I hope that’s the case, and that it is not only discussed but actually comes to fruition.  Many State Senators, most recently Tony Fulton, have introduced legislation for reform which has unfortunately failed in the past.  Could this be the year?

I heard you’re moving to Lincoln – Will you still be a part of the YCTP?

Don’t worry – The York County Tea Party is in great hands with Chairman Greg Vanderneck and the rest of the leadership committee running the show. It’s true – I am moving in just a few short weeks to continue working with Americans For Prosperity as either the Field Director (my current position) or as the State Director (I’ve applied for that position). Unfortunately, my attempts at trying to land a job as a Legislative Aide failed because the State Senators I had an interest in working for decided they wanted individuals who have past LA experience. It’s a catch 22 and I can’t seem to figure out how to get my foot in the door.  Being in the right place at the right time (Lincoln) might help me achieve my desired LA job in the future, and will hopefully find a State Senator who sees the value in hiring me, even without LA experience.

I have prepared standard operating procedures guides that include all of my YCTP responsibilities and have provided them to the leadership committee so they have access and instructions on all of the systems and projects I have worked on until now. Once in Lincoln, I don’t intend to manage any day-to-day operations of the York County Tea Party, as I will be seeking to join up with groups like the Lincoln Tea Party, Conservative Connections and Conservatives Tomorrow (All really great Lincoln groups!).  I’ll be assisting the YCTP leadership committee on ideas and some special projects in 2011, and will also be available for any special help they need with anything.  I’m sure the YCTP will continue to hold meetings and events, all to support and encourage the education of our government and the US Constitution.

Check out my recent letter to the editor in the YNT in response to Jeffrey Hines claim that the York News Times was “bought out” by the YCTP. What’s with this guy, anyway?

It’s been a really great experience being a big part of the York County Tea Party, and I really appreciate all of your support!  Continue being a grassroots activist, we can all continue to make a difference in our own communities, our state and our nation.

Members of the York Community met on November 29, 2010 at Kilgore Library for grassroots training with Jeremy Jensen, Field Director for Americans For Prosperity Nebraska, about the Lame Duck session of Congress.

Attendees heard direct quotes of Senators and Congressman who have committed to passing far-left legislation before the new Republican congress can be seated.  They also learned details on several of the bills.

They also learned the most effective ways to contact our Senators through writing respectful letters-to-the-editor as well as handwritten letters and cards, encouraging him to make the right decisions for Nebraskans.

Letters with questions and concerns were also sent to Senator Johanns with questions about his recent vote on the food-’safety’ bill and his continued co-sponsorship of the Employer-Employee Cooperation Act that would force public-safety employees to unionize.

The York County Tea Party reminds all members of our community that communication with our elected officials is key for them to understanding our thoughts and opinions.  Both compliments and complaints should be communicated on a regular basis, and we encourage you to pick up a pen and paper and write our Senators today.

Senator Ben Nelson

440 North 8th Street
Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508
Tel: (402) 441-4600
Fax: (402) 476-8753

Senator Mike Johanns

287 Federal Building 100 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, NE 68508
Tel: (402) 476-1400
Fax: (402) 476-0605