- John A. Gale
May 21, 2007
Ron Moravec, chief deputy secretary of state, visited the Czech Republic Embassy in Washington, D.C., and met with Jaroslav Kurfurst, deputy chief of mission at the embassy.
May 17-18, 2007
Secretary Gale and Ron Moravec, chief deputy secretary of state, met with staff of the U.S. Department of State and members and staff of the Nebraska congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.
November 16, 2006
Secretary Gale testified at a Government, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee hearing in Lincoln dealing with voter fraud and voter identification issues.
November 14, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Pardons Board. He is a member of the board.
November 10, 2006
Secretary Gale was the featured speaker at a Veterans Day event at Barr Middle School in Grand Island.
November 9, 2006
Secretary Gale attended the Samaritan of the Year Award Dinner in Omaha sponsored by the Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Midlands. The award was presented to Jim and Nancy Armitage.
November 7, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office compiled results of the general election and posted them on its Web site.
November 3, 2006
It was announced that 42,152 students from 313 schools statewide participated in Nebraska Student Vote in connection with the November general election. The program, sponsored by Secretary Gale and the Omaha World-Herald, provided students with civics instruction, readership of the World-Herald and a mock election.
November 2, 2006
Secretary Gale was the featured speaker at the annual Medical Staff Appreciation Dinner in North Platte sponsored by the Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
October 30-31, 2006
Foreign representatives got an opportunity to learn what Nebraska has to offer the world at the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Diplomatic Conference in Omaha. The event, sponsored by Secretary Gale, highlighted the state in the areas of agriculture, business, education and technology. Forty-four diplomatic officials from 28 countries registered for the conference, which also was attended by Nebraska representatives.
October 27, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. He is a member of the commission.
October 18, 2006
Secretary Gale held a public hearing in Omaha on three measures appearing on the Nov. 7 ballot. The measures were Initiative Measure 421 (video keno), Referendum Measure 422 (school district consolidation) and Initiative Measure 423 (state spending lid).
October 16, 2006
Secretary Gale held a public hearing in Grand Island on three measures appearing on the Nov. 7 ballot. The measures were Initiative Measure 421 (video keno), Referendum Measure 422 (school district consolidation) and Initiative Measure 423 (state spending lid).
October 12, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Records Board.
Secretary Gale held a public hearing in Lincoln on three measures appearing on the Nov. 7 ballot. The measures were Initiative Measure 421 (video keno), Referendum Measure 422 (school district consolidation) and Initiative Measure 423 (state spending lid).
October 5, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
October 2, 2006
Secretary Gale administered the oath of office to Mike Heavican, the new chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court. Heavican, former U.S. attorney for Nebraska, replaced John Hendry, who retired after eight years in the post.
September 29, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to students at St. Patrick School in North Platte.
September 28, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Pardons Board. He is a member of the board.
September 25, 2006
Secretary Gale hosted Wolfgang Drautz, German counsel general in Chicago.
September 23, 2006
Secretary Gale rode in the LaVitsef Festival parade in Norfolk. The parade celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of Madison County.
September 22, 2006
Secretary Gale testified at a public hearing in Lincoln of the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee. The committee held the hearing to examine problems with Nebraska’s ballot petition process.
September 21, 2006
Secretary Gale and his wife, Carol, attended a presentation at the Qwest Center in Omaha of “Popsicle 69,” a painting by American artist Gene Davis. The Gales donated the painting to the Qwest Center and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
September 18, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a Cornhusker Council of the Navy League reception in Lincoln for Navy Rear Adm. Douglas J. McAneny, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate. Gale presented McAneny with an honorary Nebraska Navy admiralship and a proclamation recognizing the week of September 18 as Navy Week in Nebraska.
September 16, 2006
Secretary Gale rode in the AppleJack Festival parade in Nebraska City.
September 15, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. He is a member of the commission.
September 12, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting in Kearney of the Nebraska Brand Committee.
September 7, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a banquet in Omaha sponsored by the Omaha Area Board of Realtors to install its new president and officers. He is chairman of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
September 1, 2006
Secretary Gale announced that the humane care petition had not collected enough signatures to be eligible for the Nov. 7 ballot. The proposed constitutional amendment would have required water and nutrition with end-of-life care unless a person has a valid advance directive or living will authorizing withholding of food or water.
August 29, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Kamel Mekhelef, imam of the Almorabito Mosque of Cordoba, Spain, and Salima Abdeslam Aisa of Melilla, Spain, assemblywoman of the Regional Parliament of Melilla.
August 28, 2006
Secretary Gale announced that the statutory initiative that would allow Nebraskans to play keno using video machines had collected enough valid signatures to be eligible for the Nov. 7 ballot.
August 24, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission in Lincoln.
August 23, 2006
Secretary Gale administered the oath of office in Lincoln to Robert Phares of North Platte, newly-appointed University of Nebraska regent.
Secretary Gale chaired a special meeting of the Nebraska Records Board conducted via telephone-conference call.
August 22, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Pardons Board in Lincoln. He is a member of the board.
August 16, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke at a luncheon of the Schuyler Rotary Club.
August 11, 2006
Secretary Gale announced that a constitutional initiative to limit state spending had collected enough valid signatures to be eligible for the November 7 ballot.
August 3, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke at a meeting of the Lincoln Center Sertoma Club.
August 2, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Collection Agency Licensing Board in Lincoln.
August 1, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a hearing in Lincoln regarding proposed rules and regulations to permit counties with less than 7,000 residents to apply to the secretary of state to conduct all elections by mail in certain precincts.
Secretary Gale talked about politic and business ethics at a University of Nebraska-Lincoln business law class.
July 31, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted a delegation from Central and South America. The delegation included Jose Roca Haensel of Bolivia, Timoteo Huamoni Coba and Manuel Toro Gracia of Ecuador, Rocio Azurin Sanchez and Edilberto Pezo Carmelo of Peru, and Marlon Lara Orellana of Honduras.
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Kwok Kwan Cheung of Hong Kong.
July 25, 2006
Secretary Gale issued a certification for the new learning community of Douglas and Sarpy counties that will deal with educational issues in the Omaha area. The learning community officially starts September 1.
July 20, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Records Board.
July 18, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Pardons Board. He is a member of the board.
July 13-14, 2006
Secretary Gale participated in activities at Oregon Trail Days in Gering.
July 12, 2006
Secretary Gale held a news conference to announce that a three-part initiative proposal to allow casino gambling is not eligible for the Nov. 7 ballot but that an initiative proposal to authorize video keno is eligible for the ballot.
July 10, 2006
Secretary Gale participated at a news conference with Gov. Dave Heineman to discuss filling the vacancy created by the removal of David Hergert from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
July 4, 2006
Secretary Gale rode in Independence Day parades in Ralston and Seward.
June 22, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to election officials at a Nebraska Association of County Officials conference in Grand Island.
June 19-23, 2006
Secretary Gale conducted business in Central Nebraska, visiting Gothenburg, Cozad, Lexington, Kearney, Holdrege, Minden, Broken Bow, Grand Island and Hastings. He attended service club functions, conducted meetings and met with news media representatives.
June 16-17, 2006
Secretary Gale participated in the parade and other activities at NEBRASKAland Days in North Platte.
June 16, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted three international visitors – Mirela Pejakovic, a radio journalist from Croatia; Morten Damkjaer Nielsen, an official with Denmark’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries; and Rasa Mikulskiene, an official with Lithuania’s Ministry of Health.
June 14, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
June 12, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Board of State Canvassers that was held to certify the Legislative District 44 results of the May 9 primary election. Gale is a member of the board.
June 9, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a leadership breakfast in Omaha sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton.
June 8, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Brand Committee in Holdrege.
June 7, 2006
Secretary Gale attended President Bush’s speech in Omaha on immigration issues. The president gave a 30-minute speech at Metropolitan Community College’s south Omaha campus.
June 5-9, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office assisted with Cornhusker Boys’ State held in Lincoln. Boys’ State is a citizenship program for high school students sponsored by the American Legion.
June 5, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Lincoln of the Nebraska Board of State Canvassers that was held to certify the results of the May 9 primary election. Gale is a member of the board.
June 2, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a conference on electronic voting systems that was held in College Park, Md.
June 1, 2006
Secretary Gale attended an international relations luncheon in Omaha sponsored by First Data.
May 30, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a luncheon in Lincoln marking the signing of a cooperative agreement between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Ataturk University in Turkey. Harvey Perlman, UNL chancellor, and Yasar Sutbeyaz, rector of Ataturk University, also attended the luncheon.
Secretary Gale and the Nebraska Bankers Association honored 201 Nebraska youths who served as election workers during the May 9 primary election. As part of the recognition program, the association awarded $50 savings bonds to five participants, whose names were picked in drawings.
May 19, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to a second-grade class at Rockbrook Elementary School in Omaha.
May 18, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a Nebraska Pardons Board meeting. He is a member of the board.
May 15-16, 2006
Secretary Gale conducted business in Alliance and Scottsbluff. He attended service club functions, conducted meetings and met with news media representatives.
May 13, 2006
Secretary Gale was the speaker at the Western Nebraska Community College graduation in Scottsbluff.
May 12, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Helen Campbell, an official with the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. The U.S. Department of State sponsored the visit of Campbell, a native of England.
May 8-9, 2006
Secretary Gale hosted the Nebraska visit of Paul DeGregorio, chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. DeGregorio was in Nebraska to talk to local election officials and observe operations of the state’s May 9 primary election.
May 3, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission in Lincoln.
May 2, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a dinner in Omaha with Mexican consulate officials stationed in the Midwest.
April 30-May 1, 2006
Secretary Gale hosted a Polish delegation that was visiting Lincoln. The delegation included Franciszek Adamczyk, a member of the Polish legislature; Andrzej Sasula, vice marshal of the Province of Malopolska; and Piotr Tworzewski and Tadeusz Wludyka, professors at Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
April 28, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a Nebraska Bankers Association banquet in Omaha.
April 27, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Collection Agency Licensing Board in Lincoln. He is chairman of the board.
April 24, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Lixia Lin, an attorney from Beijing, China. Her Lincoln visit was sponsored by the Mayor’s Committee on International Friendship.
Secretary Gale spoke at a University of Nebraska-Lincoln reception honoring graduates from foreign countries.
April 23-24, 2006
Secretary Gale participated in events in connection with the ground breaking of an ethanol plant in Cambridge being built by Mid America Agri Products/Horizon. He spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony on April 24. He also attended an April 23 dinner and an April 24 luncheon.
April 21, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted a delegation from Anhui Province in China. The delegation’s Nebraska visit was sponsored by the state Department of Agriculture.
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Patricia Maza-Pittsford, consul general of El Salvador in Chicago.
April 20, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke at a meeting of the Fremont Kiwanis Club.
Secretary Gale attended a Nebraska Press Association dinner in Lincoln. The dinner was part of the association’s annual convention.
April 19, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to fifth-grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Lincoln.
Secretary Gale attended a dinner in Ashland for a delegation of military personnel from the southwest Asian country of Azerbaijan. The delegation was in Nebraska to observe training of the Nebraska National Guard.
April 18, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Records Board in Lincoln. He is chairman of the board.
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Tao Han, a television official from Liaoning, China. His visit was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
April 14, 2006
Secretary Gale met with a delegation of government officials from the eastern European country of Moldova. The delegation’s Lincoln visit was sponsored by the Mayor’s Committee for International Friendship.
April 13, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to a group of real estate agents in Columbus. He is chairman of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
April 12, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a reception in Lincoln marking the end of the Legislature’s 2006 session. The event was sponsored by the Nebraska Trucking Association and the Lincoln law firm of Ruth Mueller Robak.
April 11, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln political science class on election issues.
Secretary Gale spoke to a group of Russian students and teachers participating in an exchange program at Lincoln High School.
April 6-8, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a conference of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials held in Jacksonville, Fla. He is chairman of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
April 4, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to a group of high school sophomores who were taking part in a program sponsored by the Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs.
Secretary Gale spoke to a group of high school students from the western Nebraska district of Sen. Philip Erdman of Bayard.
April 3, 2006
Secretary Gale met with Rabbi Ephraim F. Einhorn and Thomas R. Hutson. Einhorn, an American, serves as a rabbi in Taiwan and is a successful businessman. Hutson, a native Nebraskan, is retired from the U.S. Foreign Service.
April 1, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a banquet in Lincoln sponsored by the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
March 31, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Hiroko Yuhara, an attorney from Nagoya, Japan. Her visit was sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
March 30, 2006
Secretary Gale participated in a reception in honor of conductor Leonard Slatkin. The reception followed a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra, led by Slatkin, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln.
March 29, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Technical Guidelines Development Committee in Gaithersburg, Md. He is a member of the committee, which is an advisory body of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Zbigniew Kubacki and Andrzej Gdula, diplomats from the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
March 28, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted a group from North Africa and the Middle East. While in Nebraska, the group also was hosted by the Grand Island Area Council for International Visitors. The group’s visit was sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
March 27, 2006
Secretary Gale gave opening remarks at the Nebraska Capitol Forum on America’s Future at the State Capitol. The program provides an opportunity for high school students to study and discuss important global issues. Capitol Forum is a collaboration of the Nebraska Humanities Council and Gale’s office.
March 24, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission in Lincoln. He is a member of the commission.
March 23, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission in Lincoln. He is chairman of the commission.
March 22, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke at a meeting of the Nebraska City Rotary Club.
March 16, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a Pardons Board meeting in Lincoln. He is a member of the board.
March 13, 2006
Secretary Gale participated in a ceremony at the Denver Mint for the striking of the Nebraska state quarter. Gale was chairman of the quarter design committee that made recommendations to Gov. Dave Heineman.
March 8, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a Nebraska Records Board meeting in Lincoln. He is chairman of the board.
March 6, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke at a meeting of the Millard Rotary Club in Omaha.
March 4, 2006
Secretary Gale helped host the Statehood Day dinner held at the State Capitol. The NEBRASKAland Foundation presented six notable Nebraskans with achievement awards at the dinner.
February 27-March 3, 2006
Secretary Gale hosted 10 Nebraska Statehood Day birthday parties that were attended by some 3,500 students. The parties were held in Kearney, McCook, Scottsbluff, Chadron, O’Neill, Wayne, Omaha, Boys Town, Lincoln and Grand Island. The NEBRASKAland Foundation, the Nebraska Humanities Council and Gale sponsored the parties.
February 23, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a Nebraska Real Estate Commission meeting in Lincoln. He is chairman of the commission.
Secretary Gale, who is chairman of the Nebraska Collection Agency Licensing Board, spoke to a meeting of the Nebraska Collection Agency Association at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. He also attended the association’s banquet.
February 16, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a luncheon sponsored by the Blair Chamber of Commerce at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
February 15, 2006
Secretary Gale attended the Nebraska National Guard’s annual African-American Heritage Month luncheon that was held at the Spirit of ’76 Armory in Lincoln.
February 14, 2006
Secretary Gale attended the Nebraska Agri-Business Association’s annual governmental dinner at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
February 10, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke to the Adams County League of Women Voters at a luncheon in Hastings. He talked about terms limits for state senators.
February 9, 2006
Secretary Gale testified at a hearing of the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. He testified in support of LB 1184, which would prohibit the secretary of state from serving as an officer or official in a campaign committee other than his of her own.
Secretary Gale and Kim Perry Butler, consul general of Canada, hosted a reception at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. The reception followed a performance of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s “The Magic Flute” at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
February 3-5, 2006
Secretary Gale attended the winter conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State in Washington, D.C. During the conference, Gale presented the association’s Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award to Joseph Levin and Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center of Montgomery, Ala.
February 3, 2006
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Phusadee Arunmas, a business report for the Bangkok Post in Thailand. She was visiting the United States under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of State.
February 1, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Kearney of the committee that is planning the launch of the Nebraska state quarter. Gale served as chairman of the committee that made recommendations regarding the design of the commemorative quarter.
January 31, 2006
Secretary Gale participated in legislative functions sponsored by the Nebraska Realtors Association. He spoke at a session at the State Capitol and attended a reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
Secretary Gale testified at a hearing of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee regarding his office’s funding.
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Pardons Board. He is a member of the board.
January 30, 2006
Secretary Gale attended a luncheon sponsored by the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Secretary Gale spoke at a meeting of the Nebraska LEAD program, an agricultural group, at the State Capitol.
January 27, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Collection Agency Licensing Board.
Secretary Gale attended a meeting of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. He is a member of the commission.
January 26, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Records Board.
January 18-19, 2006
Secretary Gale chaired a meeting of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
January 12, 2006
Secretary Gale spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Nebraska Credit Union League at the Governor’s Mansion.
January 6, 2006
Secretary Gale gave the oath of office to new troopers of the Nebraska State Patrol during a graduation ceremony at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
December 21, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke to the West Omaha Kiwanis Club on Nebraska issues in the news.
December 19, 2005
Secretary Gale participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for an ethanol plant near Madrid in southwest Nebraska. The $120 million plant is a project of Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland.
December 15, 2005
Secretary Gale participated in an event at Werner Enterprises’ headquarters in Omaha marking the trucking firm’s 50th anniversary.
December 13, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Lucas Menget, a foreign reporter for Radio France International. He was on a trip sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
December 11-14, 2005
Participants from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri learned about emerging election issues at the Midwest Election Officials Conference in Overland Park, Kan. Secretary Gale and his counterparts in the three other states sponsored the conference.
December 11, 2005
Secretary Gale joined his counterparts from Iowa, Kansas and Missouri in agreeing to explore cooperative ways to improve election administration. Areas that will be explored include duplicate voter registrations, training of election officials, testing of election systems, improvement in election-security processes and uniform protocols for international-election observers.
December 6, 2005
Secretary Gale hosted two officials of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) from Kansas City, Mo. Visiting Lincoln were Jack Chen, the new director general of the Kansas City office, and his associate, Henry Fan. TECRO represents Taiwan’s interests in the United States.
November 29, 2005
Secretary Gale announced that Nebraska had reached a major milestone in elections with the inclusion of all of the state’s 93 counties on a computerized, statewide voter-registration system. Gale and Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively talked about the new system at a news conference at Shively’s office.
November 15, 2005
Secretary Gale talked about elections at a class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law.
November 10, 2005
Secretary Gale met with officials of the Nebraska Realtors Association at the association’s office in Lincoln.
November 4, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office welcomed two African visitors who were on a trip sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Boureima de Salam Ouedraogo is a senior advisor with the National Commission for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta). Liguita Yaya Mahamat is president of the Red Cross in Chad.
October 27, 2005
Secretary Gale briefed the Lancaster County Board on plans to operate a pilot program offering satellite voting in Lancaster County for the 2006 elections. The program would allow registered voters to vote at centralized locations during a period prior to Election Day.
October 22, 2005
Secretary Gale was the guest on an interview program on Omaha radio station KKAR.
October 21, 2005
Chief Deputy Ron Moravec presented honorary Nebraska citizenship certificates to a 13-member Chinese delegation that was in Omaha.
October 20, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office hosted a four-member Japanese delegation visiting the state for agricultural purposes.
October 17, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Omaha for two new banking facilities operated by Great Western Bank.
October 12, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke to election officials attending a Nebraska Association of County Officials conference in Omaha.
October 7, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office hosted eight crew members from the USS Nebraska submarine who were visiting Nebraska.
October 6, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Marcelino Ballesteros of the Philippines. Ballesteros is a business consultant and teacher.
October 4, 2005
Secretary Gale hosted a symposium at the State Capitol that focused on how Nebraska is benefiting from global connections and ways to strengthen the state’s international efforts. The Secretary of State’s Foreign Affairs Symposium provided an opportunity for about 80 representatives of government, higher education and business to come together to consider the impact of globalization on Nebraska in the areas of commerce, cultural exchange and education studies.
September 30, 2005
Secretary Gale testified at a legislative hearing examining state government’s role in dealing with international affairs. Gale appeared in his capacity of chief protocol officer of Nebraska for international matters.
September 29, 2005
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Boulder, Colo., of the Technical Guidelines Development Committee of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Gale serves on the committee, which advises on voting systems in the United States.
September 27, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office hosted two officials from Tajikistan’s embassy to the United States – Ambassador Khamrokhon Zaripov and Nazir Sharipov.
September 20, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about election matters at a University of Nebraska-Lincoln political science class.
Secretary Gale’s office hosted Muhammad Gunawan Yasni of Jakarta, Indonesia. He is an editorial board member of the Batas Media Group.
September 16, 2005
Secretary Gale gave welcoming remarks at a Nebraska Retail Federation banquet in Lincoln.
September 13-14, 2005
Secretary Gale was part of a Greater Omaha Area Chamber of Commerce delegation that went to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials on a variety of topics.
September 12, 2005
Secretary Gale’s office hosted 15 visitors from New Zealand who were part of a Friendship Force of Lincoln exchange program.
September 7, 2005
Secretary Gale gave welcoming remarks at a Lincoln marketing conference of NIC Inc., which provides electronic-government services nationally. The firm’s Nebraska affiliate, Nebraska Interactive, provides e-government services for the state of Nebraska. Secretary Gale spoke about his role of chief protocol officer of Nebraska for international matters at a meeting of the Midwest International Trade Association in Omaha.
August 24-25, 2005
Secretary Gale attended a meeting in Denver of the Standards Board of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. The Standards Board, composed of state and local election officials, advises the commission, which has responsibilities for election administration in the United States.
August 11, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about grass-roots democracy at a banquet at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for international students who are Fulbright scholarship recipients. The students were at UNL undergoing an orientation program for their studies in the United States.
August 8, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke at a teacher workshop at Bellevue West High School for the Nebraska Capitol Forum on America’s Future program. High school students have an opportunity to study and discuss important global issues under the program, which is sponsored by Gale and the Nebraska Humanities Council.
August 6, 2005
Secretary Gale participated in the parade at the Wilber Czech Festival.
July 22-25, 2005
Secretary Gale attended the National Association of Secretaries of State summer conference in St. Paul, Minn. He made presentations on his October 2004 diplomatic conference held in Omaha and international election observer missions in the United States.
July 21, 2005
The Secretary of State’s Office hosted Negash Teklu Gebremichael of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Gebremichael is general manager of the Walta Information Center, a quasi government news agency. He was in the United States as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
July 15-16, 2005
Secretary Gale participated in activities at Oregon Trail Days in Gering and Scottsbluff. He participated in an international food festival, a tea for dignitaries, a parade and a luncheon.
July 12, 2005
Secretary Gale met with two Polish diplomatic officials – Consul General Franciscek Adamcyzk and Vice Consul Jacek Dobrowolski – who were visiting Lincoln.
July 4, 2005
Secretary Gale celebrated Independence Day by taking part in three community events. He participated in the Douglas County Pancake Feed in Omaha and appeared in parades in Ralston and Seward.
July 1, 2005
Secretary Gale conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Ronald Moravec, who was appointed by Gale as chief deputy.
June 24, 2005
Secretary Gale met with a six-member Chinese delegation sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
June 22, 2005
Secretary Gale and Gov. Dave Heineman were presented a Nebraska Flag flown over Afghanistan in appreciation of the two officials' support of a Nebraska Army National Guard unit deployed to that country. The flag was presented during a ceremony at the Nebraska National Guard headquarters in Lincoln.
June 17-18, 2005
Secretary Gale and his wife, Carol, returned to their hometown of North Platte to participate in activities of Nebraskaland Days, including appearing in a two-hour parade.
June 16, 2005
Secretary Gale and Gov. Dave Heineman unveiled improvements and a new name for the state of Nebraska's Web site at a news conference in the State Capitol. The home page offers an improved design to make it easier for visitors to find information and services. The site will now use the name nebraska.gov.
June 14, 2005
Secretary Gale met with five Russian judges who were in Nebraska to learn about the American justice system.
June 10-11, 2005
Secretary Gale attended a national conference held in La Jolla, Calif., that focused on election reform and improving the election process. The conference was sponsored by the National Association of Secretaries of State, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties and electionline.org.
June 8, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about the American democratic experience to Girls State participants at a function in Lincoln. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Girls State.
June 1, 2005
Gov. Dave Heineman announced that a design featuring Chimney Rock would be on the Nebraska state quarter. Secretary Gale, chairman of the Nebraska State Quarter Design Committee, joined the governor for the announcement at a news conference at the State Capitol.
May 20, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about the state quarter program and Omaha history at an Omaha luncheon sponsored by the Douglas County Historical Society.
May 19, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about his office's activities at a meeting of the Gretna Chamber of Commerce.
May 13, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke at the Breakfast for Champions, an event at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that recognized the achievements of 330 Nebraska eighth-grade students. The event promotes scholarship, leadership and service in Nebraska's youth.
May 10, 2005
Gov. Dave Heineman signed LB 401, a comprehensive elections bill, into law at a State Capitol ceremony, which was attended by Secretary Gale and other bill proponents. Gale said the bill would make voting easier in a number of circumstances. Gale's office helped craft the legislation.
May 9, 2005
A four-member delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., met with Secretary Gale at the State Capitol. Chuansheng Liu, minister counselor for education, headed the delegation.
May 6, 2005
Gov. Dave Heineman accepted the four design finalists for the Nebraska state quarter from the U.S. Mint during a news conference at the State Capitol. Secretary Gale, chairman of the Nebraska State Quarter Design Committee, also spoke at the news conference. Heineman will select one of the designs and forward the choice to U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow for final approval.
April 2005
Secretary Gale hosts Carleton College students at the State Capitol who are returning to school from a Habitat for Humanity project during spring break. Secretary Gale graduated from Carleton College.
April 21-22, 2005
Secretary Gale was a member of the three-person U.S. delegation at an international elections conference in Vienna, Austria. The conference was sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the largest regional security organization in the world. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I was deeply honored to be asked to be a member of the U.S. delegation," said Gale.
April 11, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke at an event at the Sarpy County Courthouse in Papillion commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
April 9, 2005
Secretary Gale gave welcoming remarks at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln International Student Organization banquet.
April 7, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about election issues at a Johnson County Chamber of Commerce dinner in Tecumseh.
March 31, 2005
Secretary Gale gave welcoming remarks at an event honoring students participating in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Japanese Agricultural Training Program.
March 28, 2005
Secretary Gale gave opening and closing remarks at the Nebraska Capitol Forum on America's Future held at the State Capitol. The annual program, sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council and the secretary, provides an opportunity for high school students to study and discuss important global issues.
March 26, 2005
Secretary Gale gave welcoming remarks at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Malaysia Night. He read a proclamation from Governor Dave Heineman recognizing the event that celebrates Malaysian culture.
March 22, 2005
Secretary Gale met with U.S. Election Assistance Commission members in Washington, D.C., to discuss election reform issues. The commission has oversight of the federal Help America Vote Act.
March 19, 2005
Secretary Gale participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in O'Neill.
March 7, 2005
Secretary Gale gave welcoming remarks at the banquet of the James E. Smith Midwest Conference on World Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
March 5, 2005
Secretary Gale helped host the annual Statehood Day dinner at the State Capitol. At the dinner, the NEBRASKAland Foundation presented the following achievement awards: Nancy Hoch of Nebraska City, Pioneer Award; Ralph Holzfaster of Paxton, Wagonmaster Award; Bryce Neidig of Madison, Trailblazer Award; and Father Val Peter of Boys Town, Distinguished NEBRASKAlander Award.
February 22-March 2, 2005
Portraying the character Cactus Jack, Secretary Gale hosted 12 Statehood Day birthday parties throughout Nebraska for some 4,000 school children. The parties were held in Grand Island, Kearney, McCook, Ogallala, Scottsbluff, Chadron, O'Neill, Norfolk, Lincoln, Beatrice, Omaha and Boys Town. "The purpose of the parties is to enrich the children's state pride and their enjoyment of the unique heritage of Nebraska, as well as to reinforce their path to becoming good citizens," Gale said.
February 17, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about forging international trade and protocol relationships at a LaVista Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
February 16, 2005
Secretary Gale and Omaha attorney Don Fiedler gave historical presentations at a Nebraska Legislative League luncheon at the Governor's Mansion. Gale talked about early Nebraska history through his portrayal of the character Cactus Jack. Fiedler portrayed noted Nebraskan William Jennings Bryan.
February 14, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke to an honors government class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on election issues.
February 9, 2005
Secretary Gale and Neal Erickson, deputy secretary of state, testified before the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on a package of election-related bills supported by the office. The bills dealt with changing election precincts to alleviate overcrowding (LB 233), authorizing the use of satellite voting locations (LB 290), allowing mail-only elections in rural precincts (LB 401), allowing overseas voters to receive and send ballots by electronic means (LB 408) and changing provisions regarding the recognition of political parties (LB 473).
February 4-7, 2005
Secretary Gale attended the winter meeting of the National Association of Secretaries of State in Washington, D.C. Gale serves on the Executive Committee of the association.
February 3, 2005
Secretary Gale had meetings with U.S. Department of State officials in Washington, D.C. The meetings were held in conjunction with Gale's international duties as chief protocol officer of the state of Nebraska.
February 1, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about the Nebraska state quarter program at a Lincoln PEO group luncheon.
January 31, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about the duties of his office at a meeting of the Nebraska LEAD Program, an agricultural group, at the State Capitol.
Secretary Gale spoke to a class on local and state politics at Doane College's Lincoln campus. He talked about term limits for state legislators.
January 25, 2005
Secretary Gale spoke about the Nebraska state quarter program at a dinner meeting of the Capital City Kiwanis Club in Lincoln.
January 24, 2005
Secretary Gale administered the oath of office to Rick Sheehy, the newly appointed lieutenant governor. Witnessing the ceremony at the Hastings City Hall were Sheehy's family and Gov. Dave Heineman. Sheehy resigned as Hastings mayor to accept the post.
January 20, 2005
Secretary Gale testified on four bills dealing with elections before the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. The bills dealt with early voting (LB 35), allowing voter registration on the day of an election (LB 36), voting rights of felons (LB 53) and special elections (LB 98).
January 6, 2005
Secretary Gale conducted swearing-in ceremonies for state officeholders in the Wherry Room of the State Capitol. The ceremonies were held for members of the Public Service Commission, state Board of Education, University of Nebraska Board of Regents and Supreme Court.
January 5, 2005
Secretary Gale conducted swearing-in ceremonies for newly-elected state senators in the Wherry Room of the State Capitol.
December 28, 2004
The Vote Nebraska Initiative's report to the Legislature was released during a news conference at the State Capitol. VNI, an 18-member task force, was created by the 2003 Legislature to examine why citizens are not voting and what the state can do to encourage voter turnout. Secretary Gale, VNI chairperson, and Sen. DiAnna Schimek, VNI vice chairperson, participated in the news conference.
December 16, 2004
Secretary Gale addressed a luncheon of the Lincoln/Lancaster County League of Women Voters. He spoke on the topic of restoring voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences.
December 13, 2004
Secretary Gale conducted the meeting at the State Capitol of Nebraska electors participating in the Electoral College. Nebraska's five electors cast ballots for George W. Bush for president and Dick Cheney for vice president.
December 8, 2004
Secretary Gale served as master of ceremonies at the annual Nebraska Cattlemen's banquet in Kearney.
November 29, 2004
As a member of the Board of State Canvassers, Secretary Gale participated in the board's meeting at the State Capitol to certify results of the statewide general election on November 2, 2004. The board reconvened the meeting on December 6 to certify recounts in four races.
November 23, 2004
Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale; Tom Wolf, Chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association, and George Beattie, President of the Nebraska Bankers Association honored 85 youths throughout the state who served as election workers during the 2004 General Election. The youths, ranging in age from 14 to 18, were part of a new program to encourage students to learn more about the election process by volunteering or working for local election officials on Election Day. The Nebraska Youth Poll Workers' Savings Bond Drawing held Tuesday, November 23rd at the State Capitol awarded $50 savings bonds to five participants. Winners of the bonds purchased by the Nebraska Bankers Association were: Kayse Abrahams of West Point, Logan Hanzlicek of DuBois, Shea Henderson of Aurora, Devon Crawford of Cambridge, and Shaun Wiekhorst of Potter. The winners were picked in drawings based on five state geographic districts.
"The program got off to a great start thanks to the cooperation from county election officials and the Nebraska Bankers Association. We consider all 85 participants as champions of the democratic process through their efforts on Election Day," Gale said.
October 13, 2004
The Nebraska Secretary of State's Diplomatic Conference held Oct.13, 2004, in Omaha allowed a distinguished group of foreign representatives to learn what Nebraska has to offer the world. The event, hosted by Secretary of State John Gale and Gov. Mike Johanns, showcased the state in the areas of agriculture, business, education and technology. Officials representing such countries as Canada, Mexico, Britain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Belarus, Japan, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Ghana attended, along with Nebraskans leaders. "This diplomatic conference was a first in Nebraska," Secretary Gale said. "It gave Nebraska a great opportunity to showcase the progressive and dynamic quality of our state and to highlight what Nebraskans can offer to the international community."
October 8, 2004
Secretary Gale visited the Lexington Middle School and spoke to 210 Eighth graders about the importance of civics, voting, and community service. Instructor Lisa Fricke and Principal Mr. Tickle spearheaded the assembly of students.
October 4, 2004
Secretary Gale spoke to the Kearney Rotary Club, which included other service clubs, as well. Members of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Superintendent of Schools, and Buffalo County Economic Development Council members attended as well as various other organizations from the area.
July 7, 2004
As Secretary of State, Secretary Gale is responsible for issuing and enforcing licenses for Notaries Public in the State of Nebraska. The Notary laws seemed to be quite outdated for modern times and, therefore, we sought to update and modernize the laws with the help of the Legislature. The result is LB 315, which becomes effective July 16, 2004. The amendments will help Notaries Public perform their jobs more easily and effectively. Here is a photo of Secretary Gale presenting welcome comments to the attendees in Lincoln during one of the notary training sessions. Chief Deputy Secretary of State Greg Lemon and Deputy Secretary Debbie Pester conduct the Notary training session in Lincoln.
June 30, 2004
A group of Moldovans came to the Capitol to become honorary citizens. They were in the United States to study government, especially the election process. With them is Secretary of State, John Gale.
May 26, 2004
Secretary Gale met with several students from the Franklin, Nebraska area that earned an invitation to represent Nebraska at the International Conference for Future Problem Solving. The students ranged from grades 4-12. Future Problem Solving provides a motivational structure in which students can imaginatively explore possible futures. They work in teams of four, guided by a coach, to solve problems based on projections into the future. The group enjoyed their first visit to the State Capitol.
May 25, 2004
Secretary Gale attended the 2004 World Trade Conference sponsored by the Midwest International Trade Association, at Mahoney State Park on May 25th. This conference was attended by Governor Johanns, Christopher Thomson, Consul General of Canada; Luis-Fernando Alva-Martinez, Deputy Consul of Mexico; Sharon Valasak, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, among other dignitaries. In addition to speaking at the conference, Bernard Hoekman, Senior Advisor, Development Research Group and Research Manager, International Trade of the World Bank, was available to discuss why international development is important to the United States.
May 15-21, 2004
Secretary Gale was part of a delegation of NASS Members that went to Taipai, Tiawan. (Photos) (Press Release)
May 13, 2004
Secretary of State, John Gale, and the UNL Journalism class touring the Governor’s office. Secretary Gale speaking to the tour group on the history of the state seal in the Secretary of State’s Office.
May 3, 2004
Secretary Gale traveled to Kansas City, MO to meet with other Secretaries of State to review and discuss statewide voter registration system security issues./p>
April 27, 2004
State Quarter Launch Event presented to Secretary of State Gale and the State Quarter Committee Members by University of Nebraska Journalism Campaign Class.
March 30, 2004
Secretary Gale spoke to the Nebraska Republican Women's Club in the Wherry Room of the State Capitol.
March 29, 2004
Secretary Gale welcoming students to the 2004 Capitol Forum held in the Warner Chamber at the State Capitol. Secretary Gale joins the students for a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion. Secretary Gale posing with the 96 students attending the Capitol Forum in the rotunda of the State Capitol.
March 22, 2004
Secretary Gale spoke to three separate groups of high school students from all over Nebraska in the Warner chamber of the State Capitol. The students are with the Nebraska Future Leaders Conference, sponsored by Nebraska Farm Bureau.
March 20, 2004
Secretary Gale and wife, Carol, riding in a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in O'Neill on March 20th, 2004. The driver of the car was George Fuller of O'Neill. Secretary Gale and Carol Gale at the "coffee club" at the PDQ Shoppe in O'Neill.
March 17, 2004
John speaking to a group of high school students from the Columbus Jr. City Council.
March 2, 2004
"Cactus Jack" spoke to 150 fourth graders from Beatrice schools (Paddock Lane, Stoddard, Cedar, and St. Joseph Catholic schools) in the Warner Chamber. They put together their own "Chautauqua" program, sponsored by the Homestead National Monument and Southeast Community College. The kids enjoyed the Chautauqua program, a talk with Senator Byars, a Capitol Tour and time to view the Legislature at work. "Cactus Jack" (Secretary of State John Gale) and William Jennings Bryan (portrayed by Don Fiedler of Omaha). "Cactus Jack" (Secretary of State John Gale), Susan Cook of Homestead National Monument, Kelly Morgan of Southeast Community College, and William Jennings Bryan. (photo)
February 25 – March 1, 2004
Secretary Gale holds a total of nine Statehood Birthday Parties for fourth graders across the state. Parties were held in Grand Island, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Chadron, O’Neill, Norfolk, Omaha, Wayne and Lincoln.
February 14, 2004
Secretary Gale welcomes Undersecretary for North America Geronimo Gutierrez to the National Association of Secretaries of State general meeting. Undersecretary Gutierrez was invited to NASS to speak regarding immigration and trade issues. With them is Secretary Mary Kiffmeyer, Minnesota, President of NASS.
February 14, 2004
Secretary Gale welcomes Chas Moore, Department of State, to the NASS meeting. Mr. Moore discussed the importance of building Councils of International Visitors across the United States. To the left is the Honorable Dan Gwadowsky, Secretary of State for Maine.
February 17, 2004
Secretary Gale speaks at the Youth Voters Summit in conjunction with the Winter NASS meeting. His topic was civic involvement and ways to get youth motivated to vote.
October, 2003
Secretary Gale visited Columbus on two separate occasions. He attended the Columbus Rotary meeting and spoke about International programs that our office is involved in. He also visited some local businesses, including Behlen Manufacturing and Gateway Realty, and then spoke to the Columbus Optimist Club about International programs.
On another occasion, Secretary Gale visited Columbus and attended a workshop about Elections, sponsored by our office’s Elections Division. He spoke about election reform efforts in Nebraska. During his visit, he spoke to the residents and visitors at the Cottonwood Assisted Living Facility about the duties of his office, and the State Quarter Design process. Senator Arnie Stuthman attended the event as well.
September 15 – 17, 2003
Secretary of State John Gale is serving as Chairman of the Nebraska State Quarter Design Committee consisting of experts in the field of coin collecting, history, culture and art. Committee members were selected by various organizations in Nebraska, including Governor Mike Johanns, the Nebraska Arts Council, The Nebraska Humanities Council and the Nebraska Historical Society.
The State Quarter Design Committee wants to highlight the design competition and encourage citizen participation. They have done this by holding several kick offs across the state. These fun, entertaining, and informative events were held to assist the public to become involved in the designing of the Nebraska quarter.
Photos can be found at http://www.sos.state.ne.us/gallery/quarter_album/
September 19, 2003
Secretary Gale attended the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Annual Awards Banquet. This event was held to recognize the efforts of select businesses and employers in supporting Nebraska National Guard serving our Nation and State around the world. There was a special performance by the 43rd Army Band Ensemble.
September 20-22, 2003
Secretary Gale attended the First Annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education in Washington DC in September 2003. This Conference on Civic Education is the first of five annual conferences that will focus on the civic mission of our nation’s schools. It will bring together the key decision makers in education policy from each state for a thorough examination of the civic mission of our nations schools and a realistic discussion of the current status of civic and democracy education across the country. The Conference is funded by an act of Congress.
August 19, 2003
Secretary of State John Gale spoke to the Lincoln Golden K Kiwanis group, which meets at Eastmont Towers Assisted Living facility in Lincoln.
August 2, 2003
Secretary of State John Gale and wife, Carol at Wilber Czech Festival. Banner Carrier Andrew Jeffries and Megan Howe. Driver of car Ruth Odvody.
July 12, 2003
Secretary of State John Gale with others at the Oregon Trail Days in Scottbluff.
Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity International, accepting a framed print signed by Secretary of State John Gale, presented by Keith & MaryAnn Blackledge of North Platte.
Millard Fuller, displaying the Nebraska State Capitol print sent to him by Secretary of State John Gale honoring the work of Habitat for Humanity.
Secretary of State, John Gale and wife, Carol, participating in the July 4th Ralston and Seward Parades.
Bosnia Trip June 2003
"Gathering for the dedication of the 20th Century Veteran’s Memorial on I-80, just south of North Platte are Secretary of State John Gale, Mid Plains Community College President Michael Chipps, North Platte Mayor Jim Whitaker, Adjutant General Roger Lempke of the Nebraska National Guard, Don Craig, a World War II veteran and chairman of the Memorial Committee, Megan McCurdy, Deputy Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, and a local Veteran's Post representative. The ceremony took place on Memorial Day, May 26, 2003, with some 750 people in attendance."
Secretary of State, John Gale visits Rockbrook Elementary School in Omaha on May 9th. Photos with students and teacher, Carol Lundberg.
