NEGenWeb Project
Resource Center
On-Line Library

\Bar

GOVERNOR

171

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Salary

Governor--R. L. Cochran

$7,500

Private Secretary--Theo. M. Osterman

2,640

Chief Stenographer--Dorothy Guckert

1,800

Stenographer--Lulu Drayer

1,500

HISTORY

     Territorial governors were appointed by the President of the United States.

      Francis Burt, first territorial governor, arrived in Nebraska on October 16, 1854. David Butler, first governor of the state, entered upon his duties February 20, 1867. The salary of territorial governors was $2,000 and that of state governors $1,000, until the constitution of 1875 fixed the salary at $2,500. The constitution of 1920 fixed the governor's salary at $7,500, until otherwise provided by law. Beginning with 1889 the state paid the rent of a residence for the governor until 1899, except during the incumbency of Governor Crounse, who refused to accept the additional payments. In 1899 the legislature appropriated $25,000 for the purchase and furnishing of an executive mansion. Of this sum $21,385.30 was expended. Succeeding legislatures, with few exceptions, have made appropriations for the maintenance and repair of the mansion and the extension of the ground around it. The supreme court has held that the constitutional provision that state officers shall receive no compensation in addition to their salaries is not violated by the maintenance of a residence for the governor, but several governors have refused to accept funds for maintenance. (State v. Sheldon, 78 Neb. 552.)

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TRAFFIC CONTROL

State Sheriff-W. F. Flake

$3,600

      The prohibition enforcement act of 1917 made it the duty of the governor to enforce all the provisions of that act. He was empowered to use every authority of his position, and that of the attorney general's office, as well as of all local law enforcement officers to detect offenses against the liquor laws. The governor appointed an enforcement officer to have active charge of the work of enforcement of the automobile theft and liquor laws. The legislature of 1927 created the office of state sheriff to assist the governor in enforcing all the criminal laws and under certain circumstances, the general laws, of the state. The enforcement of the traffic control laws was added to the stare sheriff's duties in 1933. The department includes the bureau of criminal identification.

BUDGET

      The governor is the chief budget officer. He is required to present to the legislature a complete budget of all expenditures for the running of the state's regular business. The legislature may appropriate more for any given purpose than the governor recommends only by favoring vote of three-fifths of the legislature.

DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR (PARTIAL LIST)

      The governor is required to--
  1. Efficiently and economically administer state affairs.
  2. Prepare the budget of the state expenses and present to the legislature.
  3. Give information by message to the legislature.
  4. Render account of all moneys received and disbursed by him.
  5. Appoint certain officers as required by the constitution and statutes, and fill vacancies in state offices.


     1 The legislature of 1931 reduced the salaries of the governor and certain other constitutional officers, but the supreme court declared the act to be unconstitutional.

Bar

172

NEBRASKA BLUE BOOK, 1936

  6. Serve as commander-in-chief of militia.
  7. Sign or veto bills by the legislature.
  8. Call elections to fill vacancies in office of representatives and senators in congress.
  9. Certify public accountants and notaries.
10. Issue requisitions for the return of accused persons to this and other states and countries.
11. With the superintendent of public instruction, manage escheated lands.
12. Have custody of state lands and property not otherwise disposed of by law, including the capitol.
13. With treasurer and auditor, direct investment of surplus funds.
14. Order election of officers in new counties.
15. Designate places of publication for proposed constitutional amendments and proclaim such amendments when passed.
16. Enforce the prohibition laws.

MEMBERSHIP ON VARIOUS BOARDS

Member of, and chairman--

board of educational lands and funds.
board of assessment and equalization.
board of canvassers.
board of pardons.
capitol commission
depository bonds board
game, forestation and parks commission..

Member of--

state historical society executive board (by historical society constitution).
PUBLICATIONS
Messages.
Budget.
 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR

 Lieutenant-Governor--Walter H. Jurgensen, Lincoln.

HISTORY

     The constitution of 1875 made the first provision for a lieutenant governor. During the sessions of the legislature he is paid twice the compensation of a senator, amounting at present to $1,600 for a session. Beginning in 1937, the salary will be twice that of a legislator--approximately $1,744 a year.

DUTIES

The Lieutenant-governor---

1. After January 1, 1937, presides over the legislature.
2. Acts as governor during that official's absence or incapacity, and succeeds to the office if a vacancy or permanent incapacity arises.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

Secretary--Harry R. Swanson, Omaha

$5,000

Deputy Secretary--Donald E. Devries

2,640

Bookkeeper--Amy Palmquist, Omaha

1,380

Corporation Counsel--Fred B. Vomacka, Ralston

1,800

Recorder--Pauline Hill, Lincoln

1,380

Stenographer--Emaclaire Ruwe

1,140

Director, Division of Live Stock Brands--A. W. Schrag

1,800

Assistant--F. Hotz

600

Assistant Real Estate Commissioner--L. B. Maupin

2,640

Bar

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

173

HISTORY

The territorial secretaries of state were appointed by the President of the United States. The duties of the secretary of state were first prescribed in an act approved June 24, 1867. These duties have been constantly added to until even a partial enumeration of them appears formidable.

DUTIES AND POWERS (PARTIAL LIST)

The secretary of state is required to-

 1. Fix the seal of state to commissions issued by the governor and keep a register of them.
 2. Approve depository bonds.
 3. Pass on and approve each voucher drawn in payment of claims against the state.
 4. Receive and have custody of all bills that become laws, and to index, publish and distribute them; also, to furnish certified copies of them upon the payment of the required fees.
 5. Report to the governor the amount of all fees collected by him.
 6.Receive abstracts of votes from county clerks and tabulate results for the legislature and canvassing board.
 7. Keep a file of all articles of incorporation, consolidation, and changes in articles of all corporations, or other associations, also collect filing fees and annual license fees from the same.
 8. Receive filings of certificates of nominations for state office, initiative and referendum petitions, and arrange the official ballot for both primaries and elections; also, publish proposed constitutional amendments.
 9. Record trade-marks, brands and labels, and collect fees for the same.
10. Endorse registration certificates of public bonds.
11. File reports of county clerks as to county officers.
12. Receive and file testimony in certain election contests.
13. Receive and file bonds of state officers.
14. Inspect business records and accounts of money loaners.
15. Act as attorney for non-resident motor vehicle operators.
16. Register emblems of organizations.
17. Distribute and sell the Nebraska statutes.
18. Act at real estate commissioner.

The secretary may --

1. Administer oaths and take acknowledgments upon payment of customary notarial fees.
RELATION TO VARIOUS BOARDS, ETC.

Member of--

board of equalization and assessment.
board of educational lands and funds.
board of canvassers.
board of pardons.
 PUBLICATIONS
Biennial report.
Corporation laws.
Notaries' public laws.
Brand book and laws.
State constitution.
Bar

174

NEBRASKA BLUE BOOK, 1936

AUDITING DEPARTMENT 

Auditor--Fred C. Ayres, Lincoln

$5,000

Deputy Auditor--Elgie C. Bute

2,640

Funds Bookkeeper--Margaret McCalpin

1,479

Appropriation Bookkeeper--Lucille Robinson

1,533

State Accountant--W. H. Pansing

2,640

County Treasurer Examiner--T. O. Merchant

2,052

County Treasurer Examiner--Anton Sagl

2,052

County Treasurer Examiner--Phil Kohl .

2,052

Warrant Clerk and Recorder--Eleanor Hansen

1,200

Warrant Clerk and Recorder--Olga Dvoracek

1,350

Stenographer and Bond Clerk--Verda Johnson

1,500

 HISTORY

     The auditor's office was created by act of the first territorial legislature, approved March 16, 1855. The auditor was thereby made general accountant and revenue officer of the territory, with a salary of $200 per annum. Amendatory acts prescribing duties were passed by the territorial legislature on January 26, 1856, February 15, 1864, February 9, 1865, and February 13, 1865. The act of February 15, 1864, combined the offices of auditor and school commissioner, with a salary of $900 per annum.

     The legislature of 1875 fixed the salary and outlined the duties. By act of legislature in 1913 the insurance department was separated from the auditor's office.

DUTIES AND POWERS

The auditor is required to--

  1. Be general accountant of the state.
  2. Adjust and settle all claims for services or expenditures of state made by authority of law, and to draw warrants
      upon treasurer, for the same.
  3. Settle accounts with all collectors of state revenues.
  4. Keep accounts with other states and the federal government.
  5. Direct prosecutions for official delinquencies in relation to assessment and revenue.
  6. Give information to legislature, to report in detail upon all the fiscal affairs of the state, and to furnish estimates
      of the revenue and expenditures.
  7. With attorney general and treasurer, settle claims of state for moneys due
  8..Examine and register state, county, municipal and other public bonds.
  9. Certify annually to county clerks amount due on county bonds.
10. Inspect county treasurers' books and establish a uniform system of accounting.
11. Certify names of new towns or changes of names.

The auditor may

1. Administer oaths and affirmations in matters pertaining to his office.
2. Inspect the books of certain charitable institutions.
3. Examine surety companies.
RELATION TO BOARDS, BUREAUS, ETC.

Examiner of public accountants:
Member of---
     board of canvassers.
     board of equalization and assessment.

PUBLICATIONS
Biennial reports.
Statement of legislative appropriations.
Bar

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

175

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

Salary

Treasurer--George E. Hall

$5,000

Deputy Treasurer--Horatio J. Murray

2,640

Bonds and Securities--Edward Westering

1,680

Chief Bookkeeper--Edward A. Dosek

1,560

Bookkeeper--Paul W. Liewer

1,440

Bookkeeper--Arlene Moon

1,200

Bookkeeper--Elizabeth Barton

1,120


HISTORY

     By the organic act of May 30, 1854, the governor and the secretary of the territory were made the medium through which the funds appropriated by the United States government for the territory were expended. An act of the territorial assembly, approved March 16, 1855, created the office of treasurer of the territory. The constitutions of 1866 and 1875 provided for this office.

DUTIES AND POWERS

The treasurer is required to

1. Receive and keep all state moneys not expressly deposited elsewhere, to disburse the same according to law, to keep accounts,
    to render statements and make reports, and to account for and pay over to his successor all moneys received.
2. Act as state fiscal agent.
MEMBERSHIP IN VARIOUS STATE BOARDS

Member of--

board of educational lands and funds.
board of equalization and assessment.
board of canvassers.
trustee of state bonding fund.
Treasurer of vocational education board and custodian of its funds.
PUBLICATIONS
Biennial report.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Salary

State Superintendent--Charles W. Taylor

$5,000

Deputy State Superintendent--Charles F. Dienst

2,640

Director of Secondary Education and Teacher Training--J. C. Mitchell

3,000

Assistant Director of Secondary Education and Teacher Training--F. E. Bowers.

2,400

Director of Certification--W. A. Rosene

2,400

Director of Rural Education--Chloe C. Baldridge

2,400

Director of Bureau of Education and Registration for Nurses--Carol Martin.

2,400

Director of Adult Immigrant Education--Edith Martin .

1,500

Supervisor of Character Education--Edna H. Jackson

2,100

 

ASSISTANTS

Stenographer--Pearl Barker

1,140

Stenographer--Velma Beckmann

1,140

Stenographer--Marguerite Fox (part time)

480

Stenographer--Kathryn Gass

1,140

Stenographer--Helen Henry (Bureau Education for Nurses)

840

Stenographer--Emily Jones (part time)

720

Stenographer--Hazel McBride

1,140

Bar

176

NEBRASKA BLUE BOOK, 1936

Stenographer--Florence Meduna

1,140

Stenographer--Violet Reeves

1,140

Stenographer--Verneda Whitney

1,260

Stenographer--Mildred Ilgenfritz

960

Clerk of Examinations--Julia Heine

960

Clerk--B. Elsie Heller

1,140

File Clerk--Susie Herzog

960

PBX Operator--Phyllis Jones

960

Statistical Clerk--Jayne Lyman

960

Bookkeeper--Dorothy McCall

1,260

Clerk of Examinations--C. F. Stillwell

1,140

HISTORY

      By an act of the territorial legislature approved March 16, 1855, the territorial librarian was constituted superintendent of public instruction. The legislature of 1858 provided for a territorial commissioner of common schools to be elected for a term of two years. The legislature of 1861 consolidated this office with that of the territorial auditor. By act, of the state legislature of February 15, 1869, the office of state superintendent of public instruction was created. The constitution of 1875 put the office on a constitutional basis and provided in section 24 of article V that "there--shall be no allowance for clerk hire in the offices of the superintendent. and attorney general." Under the decision of the Nebraska supreme court (25 Neb. 669), made in 1889, it was held that "clerk" as here used had its common-law meaning and did not include deputy or stenographer. The revision of the constitution in 1920 changed this section to fit present day conditions. The legislature of 1917 put the election of state superintendent on a non-partisan basis. A constitutional amendment adopted September 21, 1920, extended the term of the superintendent to four years, beginning in 1923. The legislature of 1927 created a division of adult immigrant education in the State department.

 

DUTIES AND POWERS

The superintendent is required to

1. Organize teachers' normal institutes and attend them if possible.
2. Visit schools and advise with teachers and school officers.
3. Decide disputed points in school law, these opinions to have the force of law until reversed by the courts.
4. Prescribe forms for making reports and regulations for proceedings under the general school laws.
5. Publish and distribute annual reports.
6. Apportion state school funds.
7. Designate normal training high schools and prescribe conditions of admission to classes, and inspect these schools.
8. Expend appropriations to aid weak school districts.
9. Prepare all questions for examination of applicants for teachers certificates and prescribe regulations for such examinations.
10. Supervise instruction in agriculture, manual training and home economics in cer-(sic) high schools.
11. Prescribe a uniform system of accounting for all public school districts.
12. Prepare an outline for the teaching of morals in all the schools.
13. Supervise the instruction of adult immigrants.
14. Approve joint institutes.
15. Prescribe standards for junior colleges.
16. Approve petitions for elections in proposed junior college districts.
17. Prescribe forms for the use of school officials.
18. Approve bond of publishers of textbooks.
19. Approve county high school course of study.
20. Approve high schools eligible to receive free high school tuition.
21. Approve schools eligible to receive state aid.

Bar

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

177

22. Prescribe rules and regulations governing the issuance of special music certificates based upon examination.
23. Countersign certificates issued by private and denominational colleges.
24. Hold hearings and revoke teachers' certificates whenever definitely shown that there is sufficient cause to justify revocation.
25. Revive lapsed life certificates when legal requirements are met.
26. Prepare course of study for elementary schools.
27. Prepare lessons dealing with fire prevention.
28. Keep all books and papers pertaining to the office subject at all times to the examination of the governor, or auditor, or a
committee from either branch of the legislature.
29. Consolidate reports filed by county superintendents.
30. Prepare, print, and distribute examination questions in 14 subjects required for the completion of the eighth grade.
31. Prepare, print, and distribute examination questions in the 17 third grade elementary certificate subjects.
32. Grade and report to county superintendents all grades earned by applicants who write on the 17 subjects required for the
third grade elementary certificate.
33. Cause to be printed in pamphlet form school laws, laws relating to school lands, etc.
34. Prepare reports and furnish statistical data to United States Commissioner of Education.
35. Appoint board of examiners to visit state, private and denominational colleges relative to the matter of issuance of
institutional certificates.
36. Prepare and publish courses of study for adult immigrant education.

 

MEMBERSHIP ON VARIOUS BOARDS

Member of--

board of education of state normal schools.
vocational education board,
bureau of education and registration of nurses.
BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND REGISTRATION OF NURSES

Charles W. Taylor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, President.

Salary

Carol L. Martin, Director of Nursing Education, Secretary

$3,000

DIVISION OF EDUCATION FOR NURSES

Charles W. Taylor, Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Carol L. Martin, Director of Nursing Education.

DIVISION OF REGISTRATION FOR NURSES

Term Expires

Ursula Penner, Beatrice, Chairman

1936

Arta Lewis, Hastings

1938

Sister Myrtle Peterson, Omaha

1937

      The first act regulating the practice of nursing by trained, professional nurses in this state was enacted by the legislature of 1909. This was limited to the certification of nurses by the state board of health. In 1927 the general licensure act set up a bureau of examining boards in the department of public welfare. This bureau still exists in the department of health, but the legislature of 1935 detached the nurses' examining board from the bureau and set up a bureau of education and registration for nurses, with the state superintendent of public instruction, ex officio, president of the new bureau. The bureau is supported by the fees paid for examination, registration and

Bar

Prior page
TOC
Image
Next page

© 2003 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller