Changing of the Guard: Newly Elected Officials Are Sworn In As Others Say Goodbye

By Gordon HopkinsThis week saw several newly elected government officials sworn in as others departed.Jefferson CountyAn open house was held the afternoon of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, to honor outgoing Jefferson County Commissioner Gale Pohlmann.“I've always felt we've had good employees, good people in our departments here at the courthouse, in the county,” said Pohlmann in an interview. “This is a thing I'm going to miss the most”Pohlmann said, “Go back 10 years ago, when I got out of livestock business, I never missed the livestock, but I missed people. And I kind of got into the politics and back with people again and now I've got to kind of readjust after today.”However, Pohlmann said he does not intend to step back from politics altogether. In particular, he has fought for much needed mental health and substance abuse services, serving on the board of Apace and testifying in front of the legislature to stop budget cuts of mental health services.“I'm hoping to kind of do some volunteer work and be involved with the legislature here now because of the county situation,” said Pohlmann. “And then with my work with Region V Systems and the budget cuts that have really affected the efforts to try and serve people that have mental illness, substance abuse.”Pohlmann announced he will be remaining on Region V System's Behavioral Health Advisory Committee. Pohlmann was defeated in his bid for re-election by Danielle Schwab, who was sworn in Thursday morning, January 9, at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Schwab told those in attendance, “I’m committed to being accessible, transparent and accountable, and I’m always open to hearing your thoughts, concerns and ideas.” Gage CountyOn Wednesday, January 8, the Gage County Board of Supervisors honored two outgoing Supervisors, Don Schuller (District 6) and Dave Swavely (District 4), the sole Democrats on the board. Both were defeated in the 2024 general election. LegislatureThe first day of the 109th Nebraska Legislature's 90-day convened on January 8 and 25 members were sworn in. That includes 19 newly-elected senators and six re-elected. Senator John Arch (R-14th District) was re-elected speaker.Senators will have until January 22 to introduce new bills. The new legislature is expected to end on June 9.

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