Seward County has a lot to be proud of. Our communities have been built by generations of people who worked hard, raised families, started businesses, served their neighbors, and invested in making this a great place to call home.
We often talk about the importance of building a strong future for our children and grandchildren. But to do that well, we also need to understand and preserve the history that brought us here.
That is why I support voting YES on both the Seward Blue River Historical District Levy and the Seward County Historical Society and Museum Levy.
Our local history is more than old buildings, photographs, and artifacts. It tells the story of who we are, what we value, and how our communities became what they are today. It connects generations, gives young people a better understanding of the people and events that shaped their hometowns, and helps ensure that the stories of our families and communities are not lost over time.
These two levies would provide dedicated funding to help preserve, maintain, and improve the historical resources that tell those stories. The proposed levy for each organization is capped at one-tenth of one cent per $100 of taxable property value. That is a maximum of $1 annually for every $100,000 of taxable property value for each levy, or $2 combined if both are levied at their maximum rates.
I understand that property taxes matter to families, farmers, homeowners, and businesses. Every tax dollar deserves thoughtful consideration. But I also believe we have a responsibility to consider what we stand to lose when we don’t invest in preserving the things that make our communities unique.
A strong community is built by people who care about where they live, take pride in where they have been, and work together toward where they want to go. Preserving our history is part of that work. It helps us maintain our identity, strengthen our sense of community, and pass something meaningful on to the next generation.
Supporting these levies is not simply about looking backward. It is about making sure future generations have the opportunity to learn from the past and appreciate the people, places, and experiences that helped shape Seward County.
I encourage my fellow Seward County residents to join me in voting YES on both historical district and historical society levies.
Let’s continue to take pride in our history, invest thoughtfully in our communities, and leave Seward County even better for the generations that follow us.
