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			The combined primary election is coming soon. I am 
			humbling asking for your support and vote to once again allow me to 
			be your voice as Alderman of Ward 4. Your selection on February 25th 
			is an opportunity for you to elect me as your Alderman. A person who 
			has served on your City Council in both Ward 4 and Ward 2. I was 
			first elected in 1993 and was blessed to be re-elected for a 2nd 
			term. Near the end of my 2nd term, I resigned due to moving to a 
			home in Ward 2. I ran for office and served my constituents of Ward 
			2 for two more terms.
 I want to make one thing very clear, during those nearly 16 years, 
			my dedication to the city of Lincoln and the citizens within was 
			never defined by boundary lines. I have previously, and if I am 
			blessed with the opportunity to serve our community again, will do 
			my very best to be your voice for the betterment of our community 
			regardless of your street address. While my priorities will be 
			focused on the constituents of Ward 4, we all drive on the same 
			roads, pay the local taxes and deserve elected officials dedicated 
			to improving the quality of life for us all.
 
 Now for the portion of my letter that may cause some of you to stop 
			reading. Honestly, this is where I admit and understand, it gets a 
			bit too long.
 
 My experience:
 I proudly served under three previous Mayors.
 
 Under the first mayor, as a political newcomer, I learned so much 
			and to this day I am very proud of the accomplishments and 
			advancements made. The economic development achievement during those 
			years was a result of strong leadership and the proactive council 
			members that I had the pleasure of serving with.
 While serving under the last Mayor there were many talks about ways 
			to “think outside of the box” to best serve the constituents of our 
			community. I was Mayor Pro Tem and served as chair of the finance 
			committee. Thinking and exploring new ideas, we went to D.C. and 
			secured millions for our water treatment plant. We worked tirelessly 
			to rebound from the loss of LDC. During this period, I was member of 
			the Lincoln Logan County Economic Development Board of Directors. 
			Our team landed the Sysco Distribution facility over 16 other 
			communities trying to secure this facility, thus proving that hard 
			work, dedication, and strong leadership does matter.
 
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			I have served, throughout my nearly 16 years as 
			Chairman of the following committees: Finance, Fire, Police, Street 
			and Alley, Sanitation, Building and Grounds and Ordinance.
 Why am I running?
 
 I am asking for your support for the very same reason I first ran 
			for Alderman.
 For the betterment of our community. To do my part, to the best of 
			my ability, in a proactive manner and to move our community in a 
			positive, forward direction.
 
 Back when I first ran for Alderman. My 3 children were young. I 
			served this community because I felt that I needed to do my part in 
			preserving and improving the community that I was able to enjoy 
			growing up.
 
 Now, I am very proud that my adult children are near and I want to 
			do my very best to enable my 8 grandkids (soon to be 9) to have the 
			same opportunities to thrive, both educationally and safely in the 
			community that I love.
 
 I want the same for you and your family as well.
 
 I have been in leadership roles for most of my adult life. I know 
			that nothing comes easily. Leadership is compromise, willing to 
			listen and accepting other ideas that are better than my own. 
			Everyone's voice matters and I am humbling asking that you allow me 
			to represent your voice as your City of Lincoln Ward 4 Alderman.
 
 Sincerely,
 Verl A. Prather
			[Text from file received]
 
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