Dan McKeon, (Liz Macias, Central Nebraska Today)
AMHERST — Dan McKeon is currently running for the Nebraska Legislature’s District 41 seat.
Speaking to his background, McKeon said he grew up on a farm in Sherman County near Sweetwater. He later attended school in Ravenna and graduated in 1984. He later attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and received his degree in agriculture education.
McKeon also enlisted with the Army National Guard.
From there McKeon went into agriculture, a field he has been involved in his entire life.
“Dan’s journey began on a family farm, where he learned the intricacies of agriculture from a young age. From caring for hogs to cultivating crops like corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and sorghum, he understands the dedication and hard work required to uphold our agricultural heritage,” per McKeon’s campaign website.
McKeon noted he had lived in North Platte for 20 years but in 2016 he and his family moved back to Buffalo County after his father-in-law began experiencing health issues and wanted to be closer to help care for him.
McKeon is running for District 41, currently represented by Senator Fred Meyer, who was appointed to the position in 2023 to replace Senator Tom Briese, who was appointed as State Treasurer by Governor Jim Pillen.
When asked what qualifications he would bring to the seat, he said the entire district thrives on agriculture and with his background and commonsense approach, has helped prepare him.
McKeon said he has also been a part of several leadership programs over the years including the Nebraska LEAD program and Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership program.
His leadership experience has also come on the local level, being involved with the Boys Scouts and Future Farmers of America (FFA). He said he aims to be a servant leader by giving back to the community.
Speaking about his decision to run, McKeon said a year ago he couldn’t have envisioned running but felt a faith-based calling to pursue the position.
He said when Briese was appointed as state treasurer, McKeon said he spoke with the Buffalo County Republicans and Central Nebraska Patriot Group, and they urged him to consider running.
McKeon also spoke with Meyer, who said he wasn’t going to run for the position and suggested he file for election.
When asked about the key issues he sees, McKeon said he considered “Three D’s”, feeling that wider society has been dumbed down, that many are in debt and the addiction to drugs, both legal and illegal.
To help address these issues, McKeon wants to see people unify more and to consider what our values should be. He said he feels as though the country’s moral compass is off.
Questioned as to how he would achieve his goals in the Legislature, McKeon said his first task would be to meet with the people throughout the eight counties covered by District 41 and learn about their concerns and their issues.
McKeon said with that knowledge, he would be better prepared to go to the Legislature to find solutions.
The people of District 41 are who he would ultimately be responsible for, and McKeon said he would focus on listening to them and being transparent about his decisions.
Later, McKeon said that if you don’t include experts and community leaders in decision-making, “your wrong.” He said he is not an expert at everything and would be there to represent the people.
“You’re just there to represent and do the right thing,” McKeon said.
He said forging relationship with constituents would be a key for success and feels that seeing eye-to-eye with others is a lost art that needs to be reestablished. He said the senators are also responsible for representing Nebraska and not just their district.
When asked about the government’s role in the life of citizens, McKeon made an analogy to his time as a wrestling official. He said when the wrestlers get out of bounds, it was his job to bring them back in and sees a similar role as state senator.
“We the people are the ones who should be the government, not the elite,” he said.
In conclusion, McKeon said he hopes for the support of the people of the district as he seeks grassroot support.
“If we don’t start working with our faith, family, friends and forgiveness, there is no way we can build a community,” McKeon said.
Editor’s Note: Dan McKeon appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.
