Kramer Running as Write-in Candidate for County Commissioner
Kevin Kramer of Crab Orchard is running as a write-in candidate for commissioner in District 1. “I'm seeing too much money wasted by the county,” said Kramer. “The flock cameras are a violation of our first amendment rights,” he added. “Our law enforcement needs to be more accountable.”
Kramer grew up in the Crab Orchard area. He lived overseas for several years before returning to Crab Orchard 2 ½ years ago. “What I see isn't right,” Kramer said.
Kramer has an applied science degree and has operated his own business for 25 years. “I care about my community.”
According to Kramer, county taxes are an issue in this general election. “People shouldn't be punished for maintaining their homes with new roofs, windows, etc., as well as taking care of their property.”
Another issue is the county roads. Kramer wants all Johnson County roads to be safe. He would like to see some of the roads, such as the Lewiston, Elk Creek, Sterling and old Highway 50 be paved by the vote of the people. “I would like to see people speak out and attend these meetings so they would know what is going on in their city.”
In the future, Kramer would like to see the Commissioners' meetings changed to 6:30 p.m., so that people who work during the day can attend. Kramer also said he is against all state mandates because it forces people to do something.
Kramer would like to bring more manufacturers to Johnson County. “We are an agricultural area and we have too many people driving to Lincoln and Beatrice, when we have people who need jobs right here in Johnson County.”
According to Kramer, the niobium mine owned by NioCorp Developments should be able to take care of itself financially and be able to operate on its own. “NioCorp Developments should be paying Johnson County to be here as well as providing its own security,” said Kramer. “Johnson County must benefit from this mine.”
Addressing issues concerning flock cameras, Kramer would organize the city to get rid of the flock cameras because they are an invasion of first amendment rights.
Kramer has been attending Commissioners, City Council and JCC School Board meetings because he cares about the community. He encourages more people to get involved in attending these county, city and school meetings.
He knows Johnson County Central Schools needs a new elementary building and that improvements are also necessary at the JCC Middle School in Cook. However, due to the present economy, fuel prices and tax increases, it's a difficult situation that JCC Schools has to deal with.
Kramer emphasized that the Johnson County Commissioners must stop the waste as Johnson County is spending way too much. Kramer has operated his business in two countries for 25 years. “Johnson County wants to buy a $400,000 grader.” Kramer believes the county should be able to maintain the grader they already have. “If you can't fix it, you find someone who can fix it. I maintain my vehicles and trailers and make sure they are ready when I have to go.”
In addition to his business, Kevin’s Tree Service, Kramer also takes his camels to public events. “I enjoy running my camels, making kids happy and having fun,” Kramer concluded.
Borrenpohl Seeks Another Term as County Commissioner
“I'm running for Johnson County Commissioner (District 1) because I like serving our community and there's still important work to wrap up,” said David Borrenpohl of Tecumseh.
“We've made progress on restoring the Courthouse by getting the roof complete and replacing the second-floor HVAC system. After the 2026 election, my top priority is to finish what we started,” Borrenpohl said. ‘Using our remaining bond money and tax credits from the project, I want to fix the drainage and repair the foundation, especially on the southeast corner where it's starting to settle. I want to keep working hard for the people of Johnson County and make sure our community spaces are taken care of for the long haul.”
Borrenpohl has spent the last four years working as a county commissioner for District 1, including serving as Chairman of the Johnson County Commissioners for the past 1 ½ years. During his time in office, Borrenpohl has served on the County Ambulance Board and the Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Board, as well as completing his Level 1 NACO County Board Member Certification.
“Having lived and farmed in Johnson County my entire life, I have a lifelong local perspective. Combined with four years of hands-on county leadership, I have the experience needed to keep serving our community well.”
Borrenpohl's top priority is getting the comprehensive study completed. It has been two years, and he feels the process has been taking too long. “In those two years, new issues have popped up that we need to address such as AI centers and Flock cameras,” Borrenpohl said. “We also currently have a moratorium on any new CFOs until new zoning is updated.”
When discussing some of the legislative bills and mandates that will impact Johnson County in the future, Borrenpohl said, “state funding for county bridge match has been zeroed out with current state budget shortfalls and that will impact our future bridge repair.
“With the NioCorp development, there is a potential to attract new businesses to Johnson County. As that project grows, it will bring workers, families, and visitors to our community. That opens up great opportunities for local business development – especially housing, new restaurants, retail, and local service companies. My goal as commissioner is to make sure our county is welcoming to these new investments.”
Borrenpohl also noted that NioCorp has been taking steps to support the County’s safety services as their project grows. “NioCorp agreed to cover the cost of a dedicated patrol vehicle, as well as the salary and training for a full-time Sheriff's deputy for three years. They've also purchased a repeater to support Emergency Management,” said Borrenpohl. “I appreciate that they are helping cover local safety expenses, so those costs don't fall on our local taxpayers.”
With the roads and bridges, Borrenpohl said his biggest concern is the lack of state funding assistance for county bridges. “Maintaining those bridges is a safety priority, but doing it without state support puts a burden on our local community. Keeping the budget in check will be a constant challenge, due to the rising costs of fuel, gravel, labor and equipment.”
Borrenpohl feels the need for the commissioners to be fiscally responsible with every taxpayer dollar while still protecting essential services. “As a farmer and landowner in this county, I feel the burden of taxes. That is why we, the Commissioners, try to find a balance of fiscal responsibility, while meeting the expectations of the citizens for services.”
Borrenpohl enjoys spending time with his family which includes his wife, Judi; their children, daughter, Chelsea and her husband Luke, son Zac, and daughter Marissa; along with the grandchildren, Wesley, Walker and Wren.
“I would like to thank Kathleen Nieveen and Terry Keebler for their combined years of service of over 63 years to Johnson County. Their knowledge will be missed, but I am confident that their deputies will be able to make a smooth transition,” Borrenpohl said.
“Looking ahead, we have been working on updating our dispatch area and making it more efficient and user-friendly. I would also like to take this opportunity to give high praise to our law enforcement and jail employees. They work hard every day to keep our community safe, and I have the utmost respect for their dedication to Johnson County.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve and I would appreciate your support in 2026,” Borrenpohl concluded.
