The League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha contacts candidates during each election cycle and invites them to participate in the print and online editions of the Voters’ Guide. Candidates provide their biographical information and their positions on selected issues. Candidates are aware in advance that the biographies and answers will be printed exactly as submitted without edits for content, spelling, punctuation or grammar.
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Candidates
Jorge Sotolongo (R):
Website: www.gosotolongo.com
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Executive
Current Public Office, dates held: None
Past Public Office, dates held: None Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Saint Louis University Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha
Military Experience: None
Volunteer Experience: Mayor Stothert’s Millennial Advisory Committee (3 years)
Tony Vargas (D): No response received.
Candidate Responses
Does Nebraska need to change its method of redistricting? Why or why not?
Jorge Sotolongo: I am in favor of a fair, balanced, and bipartisan process of redistricting. The question is whether an independent body, outside of the legislature, would do a better, more equitable, job of redistricting. There may be constitutional implications and/or hurdles to this type of decision. If the legislative committee can uphold transparency and bipartisanship, I support its activities, but would also suggest the involvement of outside experts like the Metro Area Planning Agency.
How should the problem of prison overcrowding be handled?
Jorge Sotolongo: Despite alternative solutions that seek to relieve the number of incarcerated individuals in Nebraska, several of which I do support, I still believe we will need to build new facilities in the future. For example, changes to restrictive housing alone will necessitate more space. Construction of new facilities raises questions about staffing, construction costs, operating expenses, and how these facilities will improve our current system.
Do you feel there is a need for voter ID, if so why and how should it be implemented?
Jorge Sotolongo: As a Hispanic citizen, I hope to be a unique, informed, and pragmatic voice for District 7’s Hispanic constituents. This involves supporting policies that help newly arrived residents to feel part of our community. Obtaining proper ID and other official documents can be daunting, but ultimately important for creating a sense of belonging and peace of mind. My plan would be to consult the data on voter fraud and voting patterns in District 7, in order to come to a fair decision on voter ID.
Should there be increased restrictions on money in politics? Why or why not and what specific restrictions would you support?
Jorge Sotolongo: As a candidate, I have familiarized myself with Nebraska’s rules and guidelines enforced by the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. I have been pleased by the level of transparency that these rules provide. I will continually assess these guidelines and practices, as I move forward.
Does Nebraska need a paid family medical leave program? Why or why not?
Jorge Sotolongo: I think paid family leave is extremely important, because it allows families to care for their loved ones without fear. However, a universal mandate for paid family leave would be detrimental to many small businesses in my district. The demand for better maternity/paternity leave and other paid leave has increased in the market, and companies continue to respond to these demands, in order to remain competitive. I support solutions that incentivize employers to continue this trend.
