York County Press Release
YORK COUNTY – York County Commissioner LeRoy Ott and Julie Wellman, the person who filed a petition seeking the recall of Ott, have provided statements regarding the upcoming special election pertaining to this matter.
These are their statements, unedited, exactly as they were presented:
Wellman’s statement is as follows:
“My motivation behind this recall is not personal, I want to save the family farms, and this change in zoning would be bad for our farms and community.
“I am not typically a person who gets involved in politics, although I do keep up on current events. However, in the Spring of 2025, a very important issue came before the York County Board of Commissioners.
“On April 1, 2025, the York County Commissioners’ agenda included a discussion and vote regarding rezoning York County. It would mean solar farms would not have to comply with the current zoning laws. After nearly 3 years to study, discuss, debate and research this issue, the vote was taken with a final count of 2 no votes and 3 yes votes; with this outcome, the York County Commissioners decided against rezoning York County. However, because this vote was voted on as a motion instead of a resolution, there needed to be a revote exactly 2 weeks after the first vote.
“When I realized there would be a second vote, I called LeRoy personally on Saturday, April 12, at 11:20 AM. During this call, we discussed the upcoming vote and the issue of rezoning York County. He assured me he would not change his vote because, as worded, this was wrong for York County at this time. But on Tuesday, April 15 (just 3 days after this phone conversation), LeRoy did change his vote from a yes to a no. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought he must have a good reason. I called him 3 times to find out an explanation – he never answered and never returned my calls; I am confident that I’m not the only person who attempted to reach out to LeRoy regarding his change of heart.
“We have 5 commissioners in York County: 1 lives in York, 1 lived in the city of York before moving to attend college in Lincoln, where he currently resides in a dorm, and 1 lives just outside of York city limits on a paved road, leaving just 2 commissioners who live and drive any county roads regularly. How can 3 of our county commissioners understand the needs and concerns of the rural residents of our county when they do not drive our roads, live in our neighborhoods or face the same issues we do living outside the city of York?”
Ott’s statement, in response to Wellman’s statement, is as follows:
“I have been the County Commissioner for the 2nd District in York County since I was appointed in January of 2025, and was elected to the position in November of 2025. I currently serve on the Veterans Committee, the Region V / Apace 9 Committee, the Aging and Transit Committee and the Legislative Committee. I communicate with our Nebraska State Senator Jana Hughes about issues concerning York County. I also attend meetings and have educational opportunities with the Nebraska Association of County Officials. The County Commissioners meet every other Tuesday at the York County Courthouse. I have attended Village Board and Planning Meetings in Waco and Gresham, and also have attended community meetings in York, McCool Junction, Henderson, Benedict, Gresham and Waco that were organized by Marvin Planning to generate community input and were open opportunities for people to share their opinions about what people want for York County.
“Part of the challenge of being a County Commissioner is studying state policies and requirements, considering budget issues, and listening to the needs of the members of the community, while working with the other commissioners to pass policy that is good for ALL of York County.
“One of the topics that the county commissioners have been addressing is Solar policy. My vote to continue to study the issue is why I am being recalled.
“My position on the topic has always been to compromise between those that want no solar and those who want solar everywhere in York County. I believe that land owners have rights to do what they want with their land, but it also must be tempered with the rights of their neighbors, as well as state, safety and environmental considerations.
“This is where I need your help. They were able to gather enough signatures to force an election to try to remove me from office. I need you to help me to continue to serve the members of the 2nd District of York County. I am not ready to stop being available to listen to your concerns and work to make York County a great place to live, learn, and prosper. This will be a mail-in election process, so please, I need everyone to obtain their ballot, mark their choice, and submit it according to statute so that your vote will be counted. If you have any questions about the voting process, please contact the County Clerk at the York County Courthouse.
“It is very likely that you or someone you know has worked with me or has been involved in some of the activities that I have done in York County over the years. I coached and helped direct Legion Baseball, helped with the Optimists Baseball league, was on the York Parks and Rec Advisory Committee, continue to serve as a CASA volunteer for children involved in the court system, was an elder, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, usher, member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and Bible studies, Emmanuel / Faith School Board Member, Toastmasters, Yorkshire Playhouse, active father of two boys who thrived in the York educational system, and a member of York Optimists Club for many years. I was also an owner and agent for the Fillman Insurance Agency for 26 years, serving insurance needs for rural and town members of York and surrounding counties as part of a third-generation family-owned business. I continue to work as a seasonal full-time worker for the City of York, keeping York beautiful by mowing and caring for the parks and city roadsides.
“I appreciate your vote to retain me as York County Commissioner in the upcoming election. I feel that my experience and service to York County in the past, and the things that I have already learned and accomplished as a York County Commissioner, make me qualified to continue to serve.
“For questions about the election process, stop by the Election Office at the York County Courthouse at 501 N Lincoln Ave, York NE 68467, call County Clerk Mary Melby at 402-362-7759, extension 5, email to elections@yorkcountyne.gov or go to the website at yorkcounty.ne.gov.”
