The Lincoln Journal Star carried a major front page story today on Governor Kay Orr's Legacy. After having served as State Treasurer for 8 years, and earlier as Chief of Staff for Governor Charles Thone, she defeated Democratic candidate, Helen Boosalis for Governor in the fall of 1986. I was working for the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission at the time and we attended her Inaugural Banquet and Dance. I had briefed her on our activities a couple times during the campaign. We had completed a number of Natural Resources Policy Studies and were working on a State Soil and Water Conservation Strategy at the time. I had also been asked to brief Mrs. Boosalis, Mayor of Lincoln. Our studies were non-partisan and both candidates appreciated learning more about them. It was the first time in U.S. history that both candidates for Governor of a state were women. This picture was taken on May 19, 1987 when I arranged for Governor Orr to sign a Proclamation designating Soil Stewardship Week. Several people were involved and a Press Conference followed. During Governor Orr's term, there were major State tax revisions. LB-775 was passed which provided a stimulus for industrial development and job creation. It was probably the most significant "marker" of her administration. She was very supportive of our State Soil Strategy and would include in her talks to farm groups the message that "If we are short of water, we can pray for rain, but if we allow our soil to erode, we can only pray for forgiveness". She was a good Governor and a very nice Lady.
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