I hesitated to write this article, but I thought the message was timely. During my time in the Legislature, my focus has been to try to represent the issues important to the residents of District 42, regardless of political affiliation. Certainly, there are many issues that fall along party lines, and I never made it a secret that I am a conservative Republican. However, there are far more issues that impact everyone, notwithstanding political ideology, than those that are partisan.

I have been truly impressed with the demeanor of the lion’s share of the emails and calls I have received from District 42. They are respectful communications that are helpful for me to see. I get many emails from other parts of the state (Omaha and Lincoln) that are not always that way. I hope that my articles are informative and let you know what I am thinking about issues and outline why I take the positions that I do. I then rely on MY constituents to react. Communication is how we solve problems and work out differences.

I have been watching all the civil discord that has been taking place since the Presidential election and feel the heat is getting turned up as time goes on. Many people are not communicating with each other, but instead either talking (or shouting) past each other or only to those who agree with their own viewpoint. Do those shouting realize that no one is listening at that point? To be clear, this occurs on both sides of the political spectrum.

I believe that this discord reached a new low during the recent town hall meeting held by Congressman Flood in Lincoln. Three minutes into the meeting, he could not get a word in without getting shouted down, with many hurling four-letter words. What were the protestors wanting to accomplish? Whatever it was, it didn’t work. He came across as the adult in the room, and those screaming were seen as unhinged protestors trying simply to disrupt the event for those who wanted to hear the issues and get their questions answered. This was a very bad look. That is one of the reasons that I am so proud of MY constituents who care just as deeply about issues important to them and have respectfully reached out to me to express their concerns. It’s this attitude and approach that allows us to have a civil exchange of ideas. THANK YOU! It does not go unnoticed.

To underscore this point, I had two constituents reach out to me this week to express their concerns about issues. Both were registered Democrats who made good points that I will keep in mind if bills to address these issues make it onto the floor. They also ended their calls asking about my health and wishing me luck in my re-election campaign. This does not happen everywhere in the state. We live in a very special place.

In closing this week, I want to recognize the passing of my good friend and co-host of “Mugs in the Morning,” Rick Windham. I still find it hard to believe he is gone. Rick was a true outdoorsman who forgot more about hunting, fishing, guns, and camping than most people know. He was also a master at using a Dutch oven. And Rick was a great teacher who was dedicated to getting young people involved in outdoor activities. Rick’s personality and sense of humor were infectious, and he was simply a great human being. Rest in peace, my friend.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.