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 Douglas County Voters’ Guide | Find voter information specific to your ballot at vote411.org.
All Nebraskans are represented by this office.
Candidates for Nebraska State Treasurer
John Murante (R): Website: http://www.johnmurante.com. Current Public Office, dates held: Nebraska Legislature (1/2013-present). Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln – BA. Volunteer experience: NRA, Nebraska Republican Party, Sarpy County Republican Party, Knights of Columbus, Optimists, Partnership 4 Kids.
Nebraska State Treasurer Candidates’ Responses
What will you do to increase transparency and reduce corruption on issues related to political contributions and funding?
John Murante: The State Treasurer manages the Taxpayer Transparency website. I will work to update and modernize the website so that the people of Nebraska have a user friendly, one stop shop for analyzing all of state government’s expenditures. Nebraskans deserve a State Treasurer with conservative values and respect for taxpayer dollars. I understand that tax dollars do not belong to politicians, they belong to the people. Too many politicians view tax dollars as their own private charity. That is wrong. As a State Senator, I have demonstrated a fundamental respect and appreciate for taxpayer dollars. They represent hard work and time spent away from families. If elected, I will continue fighting for conservative Republican values. That is why conservative leaders have united around my campaign. I am proud to be endorsed by Governor Pete Ricketts, Senator Ted Cruz, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, fmr. Governor Kay Orr, Treasurer Don Stenberg and over 100 others.
What qualifications and accomplishments make you the best candidate for this position?
John Murante: Nebraskans demand a State Treasurer with small business experience and a proven record of fighting for conservative values. Small business operators are well equipped to serve as State Treasurer. As fmr. President and CEO of Big Fred’s Pizza, which was started by my grandfather Big Fred Bruning in 1965, I know how to manage money, develop a budget and lead a staff of employees. I also know that big government is an impediment to small business. As a State Senator and Chairman of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, I have a proven record of reliable conservative leadership. In Republican primaries, every candidate claims to be conservative. Nebraska needs a State Treasurer who has walked the walked with a history of standing up and fighting for conservative values. I have fought to cut property taxes, enact common sense Voter ID laws, and abolish the learning community. As Treasurer, I will work with the Legislature to enact these conservative ideas.
If elected, what would be your first-year priorities?
John Murante: In my first year, I will expand the financial literacy program currently administered by the State Treasurer. As a person who has employed many 20-something millennials, I am profoundly concerned about young people’s ability to accomplish basic financial tasks. From developing a budget, to balancing a checkbook to making change at a cash register, kids are woefully unprepared. I will partner with professional associations, like the Nebraska State Bankers Association, to reintroduce these important skills into classrooms. I will also work with Governor Ricketts and members of the Legislature to deliver serious and meaningful tax relief to Nebraska. Taxes in this state are outrageous because government spends too much money. In particular, Nebraska taxes make it far too difficult to retire in our state. Many Nebraskans are simply choosing to leave upon retirement. As State Treasurer, I will continue fighting for these vital reforms.
