Pahls values small-town upbringing

Above: Sen. Pahls learned the importance of community service from a young age.

In his first job as a “shoe-shine boy,” Omaha Sen. Rich Pahls learned how to spit-and-polish, negotiate and debate.

For customers at the local barbershop, discussing politics was as important as getting their shoes buffed and their hair trimmed. Pahls – just a fourth-grader at the time – was a willing participant in the adults’ political discussions.

“The guys had me believing anything,” he said. “But they were mentoring me.”

Pahls said his small-town upbringing in Downs, Kansas fueled his ambition to get involved in his community, and later, the Nebraska Legislature.

His father held local political offices, and his grandfather was a county commissioner. Pahls also received guidance from Harm Voss, a former Kansas state senator.

Pahls said his family and other Downs residents made sure he understood the importance of serving his community and helping others.

“They just did those things in those towns,” Pahls said.

He and his wife, Lyn, have tried to teach their children the value of philanthropy and civic involvement.

Morgan, a junior at Millard North High School, is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Jake, a freshman, volunteers at the Humane Society. Lyn volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and Sen. Pahls belongs to the Tangier Shrine, the Millard Business Association and the board of directors of his homeowners association.

Before coming to the Legislature, the District 31 senator was an educator for more than 30 years. After graduating from Fort Hayes State University in Kansas, he began his teaching career in Atkinson. He later became a professor of education at Wayne State College and spent 32 years as an administrator in the Millard school district. For the last 10 years of his teaching career, he was the principal of Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School, from which he retired in June 2004.

Pahls said he enjoyed every aspect of education, but loved being a principal because it allowed him to work with students and parents.

“It’s a very satisfying job,” he said.

Just 60 years old when he retired, Pahls admits he would not have been content staying at home full time. The Legislature has been an ideal place to apply skills he acquired while working in the public sector, he said.

“I have not really retired,” he said. “I’ve just changed careers.”

During his first year as senator, he has concentrated on learning to navigate the legislative process. However, Pahls said he admires leaders who are willing to take risks to change public policy and hopes to leave his own mark.

“The thing I always did (in education) is try to work outside the box,” he said.

He’s quick to credit others, such as coworkers and family members, for his personal success.

Although Pahls could be in office for up to seven more years, he already is planning to do more volunteer work once his service to the Legislature ends.

“I can’t have my own kids outdo me,” Pahls joked.