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Colten Zamrzla
Colten Zamrzla ran for election to the Lincoln City Council to represent District 3 in Nebraska. He lost in the general election on May 7, 2019.
Zamrzla completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
Although candidates had the option to file with political parties, city elections were nonpartisan and political parties did not appear on the ballot. Zamrzla filed as a Republican candidate in 2019.[1]
Elections
2019
See also: City elections in Lincoln, Nebraska (2019)
General election
General election for Lincoln City Council District 3
Incumbent Jane Raybould defeated Colten Zamrzla in the general election for Lincoln City Council District 3 on May 7, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jane Raybould (Nonpartisan) | 67.9 | 10,406 |
 | Colten Zamrzla (Nonpartisan)  | 31.8 | 4,876 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 36 | ||
| Total votes: 15,318 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Lincoln City Council District 3
Incumbent Jane Raybould and Colten Zamrzla advanced from the primary for Lincoln City Council District 3 on April 9, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jane Raybould (Nonpartisan) | 68.1 | 8,812 |
| ✔ | | Colten Zamrzla (Nonpartisan) | 31.5 | 4,079 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 44 | ||
| Total votes: 12,935 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Colten Zamrzla completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Zamrzla's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
My top three priorities once elected will be: 1. Fixing the roads and keeping them fixed, 2. Adding police officers, and 3. Working towards tax relief by prioritizing ‘needs’ before ‘wants’.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Local economics, government finance, and public safety. Vibrant, growing cities have stable, transparent governments that are dedicated to their businesses and to their police and firefighters. Businesses are the backbone of any city, and ensuring that we have pro-business, pro-growth officials will ensure our long term prosperity and increase our quality of life. In Lincoln, we enjoy fantastic parks, trails, and public services--these could only improve with a renewed focus on efficiency and transparency for the core functions of local government.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History'. It's a Ken Burns documentary that dives deep into the lives of both Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt, revealing their strengths and flaws, providing an enthralling comparison of the two and their journeys to the Presidency.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Fiscal Responsibility: We deserve efficient, effective government, and 'fiscal responsibility' means ensuring every tax dollar is being put to the best possible use. Dependability: Our elected officials are there to serve us and our needs. They need to be accessible and trustworthy--in other words, they follow through on what they say they will do. Strategic: Successful public policies require a long-term view, and a long-term view requires a strategic mindset. Proactively anticipating changes and new challenges will make great ideas great both for the short-term and long-term. Transparency: Being trustworthy is being transparent. Citizens deserve government officials that say what they mean and avoid all conflicts of interest. Conservation: The government has a duty to protect and preserve nature and natural resources. Officials must protect our resources through innovative energy-efficient projects that are balanced by being friendly to small-business and low-income individuals.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I love problem solving, and I love working with people. Ever since I was a kid, I've gravitated towards puzzles and problem-solving games, and this has shaped my approach to leadership and my interpersonal relationships. I never see people as issues; rather, I see the situation or the idea as an issue and I work with them to find a solution. Sometimes, that means admitting that I was wrong!
What legacy would you like to leave?
When folks look back at my time on the Lincoln City Council, they're going to remember a man who kept his promises on straightening out the priorities of our local government. They'll know that I gave it my all and I tirelessly advocated for what was right, and they'll respect and appreciate that I held to my values--NOT to party lines.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Music is really important to me--I can play multiple stringed-instruments--and thus I'm always on the search for new music. Most recently, I've had 'Ceremony' by New Order go through my head. It's relaxed and rhythmic--very soothing,especially during my journey along the campaign trail.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Most people wouldn't guess that I struggle with depression. It hit hard back in high school and it's something that sticks with you, never truly going away. I've been fortunate to have my faith, family, and friends to support me, along with a regimen of vitamin D and exercise to keep it at bay. My experience with it has made me acutely aware of the research and debates over mental illness, addiction, and other mental conditions.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2019 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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