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.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that never supports or opposes any political party or candidate for office.
PDF of 2020 Primary Douglas County Voters’ Guide | Find voter information specific to your ballot at vote411.org.
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Candidates
Mike McDonnell (D):
Website: www.votemcdonnell.com
Occupation: President of the Omaha Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator Legislative Dist. 5 January 2017-Present
Past Public Office, dates held: Nebraska State Senator Legislative Dist. 5, January 2017-Present
Education: Masters in Public Administration Bachelors in Criminal Justice Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology
Military Experience: None
Volunteer Experience: Knights of Columbus Council 10184 Saint Thomas More Festival Committee
Gilbert Ayala (R): No response received.
Candidate Responses
Does Nebraska need to change its method of redistricting? Why or why not?
Mike McDonnell: Yes! I would like to adopt a more nonpartisan approach similar to what the State of Iowa has done. We could use a nonpartisan state agency and an outside advisory commission to draw the districts.
How should the problem of prison overcrowding be handled?
Mike McDonnell: Reducing recidivism will reduce overcrowding. I introduced 2 bills this year that will help accomplish this. LB
1096 will be a private public partnership to teach skilled trade classes, to people within 18 months of being released from prison. LB 1097 will double the size of the current young adult court, which is a problem solving court. This court works with people age 18-26 to help with employment and addressing other issues to keep them out of the Nebraska prison system.
Do you feel there is a need for voter ID, if so why and how should it be implemented?
Mike McDonnell: No!
Should there be increased restrictions on money in politics? Why or why not and what specific restrictions would you support?
Mike McDonnell: Yes! I believe there should be limits on the amount of money individuals and organizations can spend on political campaigns. Based on not letting an individual or organization have more political influence.
Does Nebraska need a paid family medical leave program? Why or why not?
Mike McDonnell: Yes! I believe Nebraska workers should receive paid leave to deal with their own serious health conditions, and mothers should receive paid maternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
