Executive Board issues reprimand of Cavanaugh

The Executive Board issued a formal reprimand of Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh Feb. 12 for removing parts of a Capitol poster display earlier this year.

In January, Cavanaugh removed posters outside her Capitol office that are part of a display to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Her actions prompted Gov. Jim Pillen to call for an investigation into possible criminal charges related to the incident, and prompted David City Sen. Jared Storm to ask the Executive Board to reprimand her.

Cavanaugh apologized soon after, saying she did not realize that the display had been approved by the Capitol Commission, and that the posters were promptly returned undamaged.

In a letter signed unanimously by the Executive Board and read into the Legislature’s official record, the committee called Cavanaugh’s actions “unbecoming of a member of the Nebraska Legislature.”

“This incident has sparked significant public controversy and criticism from Nebraska citizens who hold their elected officials to a higher standard of professionalism,” the letter continued.

In a floor speech following entry of the letter into the record, Cavanaugh reiterated her apology. She said she remained concerned that a criminal investigation might be ongoing, however, in spite of the Executive Board letter indicating that it was not.

“That is not a small thing,” Cavanaugh said. “It is serious, and it should concern every member of this body when disagreements within this building escalate to that level.”

No further action was taken in regard to the reprimand.