Erdman announces bid for state legislature

Steve Erdman of Bayard, the father of former Sen. Phil Erdman, has announced his candidacy for the 47th District legislative seat.

His father was a state senator from 2001 to 2009 and is now vice president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. Steve Erdman has been a farmer in Morrill County for more than 40 years.

The 47th District is composed of 10 counties and borders Colorado and Wyoming.

“I have been extremely encouraged and humbled by the strong support I received as I have visited with citizens of Nebraska’s 47th district about representing them in the Legislature,” Erdman said. “I offer my record of common sense representation, being accessible to constituents and a lifetime of commitment and experience in our district and state’s top industry, agriculture.”

If elected, Erdman said he pledged to do everything possible to be a senator who understands and represents with the views of the constituents of District 47 by being accessible.

Erdman said he would draw on the knowledge and experience he has gained by serving on the local school boards, local, state and national coop boards and his 10-plus years as a Morrill County commissioner.

“Serving as a county commissioner has afforded me the opportunity to apply commonsense to our county, holding spending in line, and being accessible to the residents of Morrill to listen to their concerns and issues. I understand what a representative form of government looks like.

“In addition, every person in our district relies on agriculture in one way or another for their livelihood. It is vital we address the issues surrounding the current agriculture economy not only in our district but also in entire state.”

“I consider it truly an honor that the citizens of the 47th have encouraged me to run,” said Erdman at a recent press conference held at the Bayard Fire Hall. “The overwhelming support not only from the constituents of the district but also from wife, Cathy, and family has been humbling.”