Pub. 11 2016-2017 Issue 2

July/August 2016 11 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members.  President’s Message — continued from page 7 Nebraska banks provide innovative financial solutions to the communities they serve. We are here to enhance your success. Loan Documentation and Negotiation Loan Participations Bank Mergers and Acquisitions Succession Planning for Owners Commercial Litigation Regulatory Consultation and Compliance Loan Default Remedies and Bankruptcy Representation Real Estate Purchase, Sale and Leasing General Business Representation Nathan J. Gurnsey (402) 437-8534 Andrew B. Koszewski (402) 437-8531 Frank J. Mihulka (402) 898-7413 Michael D. Matejka (402) 898-7409 Jill D. Fiddler (402) 437-8532 Daniel R. Carnahan (402) 898-7433 www.woodsaitken.com Omaha Lincoln Denver These definitions, ironically, seem to be based upon a continuum of increasing control, as one moves from defini- tion A to definition C. Our most basic guiding principle of politics and govern- ment consists of how we make public policy and how govern- ment canworkmore efficiently and effectively for the citizenry. This definition is best witnessed in our local city councils, village boards, and school boards. I have a great deal of admi- ration for those individuals who are willing to campaign for local office and work hard to make their community or region a better place for the next generation. Definition B references the need to guide or influence gov- ernment. This definition is howmany inmy generation learned to define politics at an early age. Activities within theNebraska Legislature, for the most part, seem to abide by this general definition or philosophy. While more common now than 20 years ago, partisan politics don’t often rear their ugly head in Nebraska’s top legislative body. Over the years, our govern- ment affairs teamat theNBAhas encouraged andworkedwith representatives from both sides of the political spectrum to develop policy options that positively impact Nebraska. Clearly, Definition C more closely resembles the current political climate inWashington, D.C.—the focus being onwin- ning and controlling. There is notmuch room in this definition for compromise, collaboration, and common sense. I watched with great interest several weeks ago as Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chairman of theHouse Financial Services Committee, rolled out a bank regulatory relief proposal at the federal level. Prior to the bill even being formally introduced, elected offi- cials including Sen. ElizabethWarren (D-MA) began tweeting and speaking publicly about her opposition to Congressman Hensarling’s proposal. Ironically, several of the important policy provisions that Sen.Warrenoften citeswere includedwithinRep. Hensarling’s proposal. Since when is it the right thing to actively oppose a proposal before you know or understand it? Obviously, this discussion and many related bank regulatory discussions are much more about winning and control than they are about what is good for America, Americans, or the U.S. banking sector. First and foremost, as we begin the sprint toward the November general election, I en- courage you to exercise your constitutional right to vote. Secondly, I would encourage you to get to know the candidates and their respective positions on issues important to the future of our state and nation. Third, talk to your friends and neighbors and encourage them to vote. Also, don’t be shy about sharing your understanding of particular candidates and their respective policy statements. Fi- nally, turn off the unending 24-hour media circus and social media outlets that masquerade as unbiased news sources. Remember, Husker football will soon be upon us and we can focus our attention on other priorities, even if only for a short four quarters on Saturday!  Reach Richard J. Baier at the Nebraska Bankers Association at (402) 474-1555 or richard.baier@nebankers.org .