Bolz wins race to the Capitol

Above: Sen. Kate Bolz competes in a 2009 sprint triathlon.

Like most candidates, Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz walked door to door last fall, talking with constituents and getting her name out in her district. She admits, however, she had a significant advantage when it came to the campaign trail.

“My two nieces, Grace and Alysa, campaigned with me,” she said. “They were good little campaigners. I’m convinced that I received at least a few votes because of my helpers.”

Bolz, a sixth generation Nebraskan, earned a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. She cites her work in nonprofit advocacy, combined with a natural passion for public service, as her reason for seeking election.

During her time as associate director for the Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program in Washington, D.C., she said she found her focus was back home.

“I remember following the term limits debate when I was working in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “I found myself wishing I could be a part of that conversation.”

As a member of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, Bolz will help craft the state’s budget proposal. She said her experience in social work gives her a unique perspective.

“My goal is to make sure I’m a good steward with taxpayers’ money,” she said. “We must also remember the needs of our special populations and the impact our decisions have on them.”

She says her constituents are most concerned about providing services for elderly and vulnerable citizens. Bolz also intends to ensure the high quality of the public school system, “a real source of pride for me,” she said.

Outside of the Legislature, Bolz likes to keep active. She is an avid runner and has completed in triathlons and the 2011 Lincoln Half Marathon.

“I thought all the cheering from the crowd when I crossed the finish line inside Memorial Stadium was just for me,” she laughed.

Bolz belongs to a local book club and, once she has time, she would like to become more active in the arts. Despite her personal pursuits, Bolz admits that the role of a legislator does not end when she leaves her office at the end of the day.

“I don’t really think there is a line between your life as a senator and your life as a citizen,” she said. “I think you’re doing a good job if you take your role of senator into your personal life.”

She says the thing she expects to enjoy most in her new role as senator is participating in floor debate. The number of passionate people who have approached her with genuine concerns and ideas are her driving inspiration.

“There needs to be an openness in our dialogue on the floor,” she said. “I’m energized by the exchange of ideas. That’s the exciting part.”