Recognizing Paul Kratz on His Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a faithful public servant who served the city of Omaha for nearly 23 years.

Paul Kratz, who led the city's legal department as the city attorney, retired last week to spend his days with his wife of 47 years, Diane. He is also a wonderful friend of mine.

A 1975 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, Paul oversaw a staff of 35, including 24 attorneys, and negotiated redevelopment agreements and managed litigation. Originally hired by former Mayor Hal Daub, also a former Congressman here, he served during the administrations of Mayor Mike Fahey, Mayor Jim Suttle, and current Mayor Jean Stothert.

Mayor Stothert had this to say about Mr. Kratz:

Paul has been an important adviser, negotiator, and taxpayer advocate for more than two decades. He has guided mayors and city councils to make decisions that make Omaha the great and growing city it is today.

Former Mayor Suttle said this about him:

During my time as mayor, Paul Kratz always told me what I needed to hear, not necessarily what I wanted to hear. Out of this foundation came a strong relationship built on trust and honesty. In addition, it made me a better mayor and a better leader, especially as we led the city through the two major tragedies of a potential bankruptcy and the devastating 2011 Missouri River flood.

Former Mayor Daub said this:

Paul Kratz brought unique skills and a love of public service to Omaha city government. Always the gentleman, his calm and pleasant demeanor provided stability in his well- managed office and earns broad agreement of admiring his objectivity and wise advice. He understood and appreciated the political ramifications of legal advice, the value of compromise, and his insights and creative recommendations to a multitude of tough issues were always helpful. His talent and tenacity in public service is rare, and he will leave very large shoes to fill.

Paul Kratz may have been the man behind the curtain in negotiations, but his legacy will remain because of dozens of projects, including the CHI Health Center, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, the TD Ameritrade Park, and the College World Series contract.

In addition, the legacy of service of the Kratz family continues with his children. His youngest son, Gregory Kratz, practices law in Fairbury, Nebraska, and also serves as an officer in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Jeff Kratz, his oldest son, serves as my legislative director and has worked for many years serving the needs of Nebraska taxpayers.

Paul Kratz's dedication to Nebraska has touched countless lives, and his positive example has surely inspired another generation of his family to carry his torch for many years to come.

We thank him for his dedicated service to our city and wish him the best in future endeavors. Recognizing Steve Nelson on His Retirement

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Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Steve Nelson, a man who has been at the forefront of Nebraska's booming agriculture industry and who retired on December 8 of this year as the president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, a position he has faithfully served since 2011.

A farmer his whole life, Steve has produced irrigated corn, hybrid seed corn, and soybeans at his farm near Axtell in south central Nebraska.

In his work with the Farm Bureau, both before and during his tenure as president, Steve has helped to secure farm bills and worked to reform and lower taxes to help protect farm and ranch families.

He has also fought to bolster animal agriculture against those who want to end it and sought initiatives to grow Nebraska's livestock industry.

While Texas and Nebraska may have had a rivalry on the football field, they also have held a rivalry in livestock. During Steve's time as president, Nebraska was ranked first for several years in commercial red meat production.

Steve has also advocated for Nebraska's agriculture industry to other countries, serving as a delegation member to Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Belgium, and many others.

I am sure his wife, Elma, a retired nurse, is looking forward to spending more time with her husband and is proud of the work he has done, as are his kids: Scott and his wife, Amy, who farm with Steve; and their daughter, Stacy, and her husband, Bobby, who live in Ashland. Sadly, their daughter, Sarah, passed away unexpectedly in 2006. Of course, his four grandchildren, I am sure, will spend more time with grandpa on the farm.

I thank Steve for advocating and bolstering Nebraska's agriculture industry. I thank him for his friendship and his counsel.

Madam Speaker, I wish Steve the best on his retirement from the bureau.

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