EDITOR:
What do individuals with a dementia diagnosis, individuals with a substance abuse disorder, individuals with a developmental or intellectual disability, and individuals with a mental illness have in common? On the surface, not a lot. But those with any of the above conditions (and those with co-occurring disorders) each may need a surrogate decision maker at some point in their lives.
So, who steps in to make decisions for those in need? Ideally, a family member, close friend, or other involved person in the individual’s life. The reality, however, is that many people do not have a person who is willing or able to fulfill that role. That’s where the Platte County Public Administrator steps in.
When appointed by the probate court, the public administrator as guardian is responsible for making decisions regarding an individual’s support, care, education, health, and welfare. As conservator the public administrator is responsible for managing the individuals’ finances, assets, and insurance.
When people’s health and well-being are on the line, it’s critically important that the public administrator knows the ins and outs of the many systems at play in a ward’s care. The public administrator must apply for and maintain eligibility for all benefits for which the ward is entitled. The public administrator must ensure the ward has adequate support and supervision, yet is living in the least restrictive placement available. The public administrator must make decisions on the ward’s behalf using court appointed authority and also provide regular updates to the court, provide an annual settlement of all finances for the court’s review, and seek court approval for certain actions outside the scope of usual business.
The public administrator must be educated regarding the operations of the probate court, Social Security Administration, Medicare, Family Support Division, Veterans Administration, community mental health centers, local hospitals, law enforcement agencies, public and private pensions, and numerous other entities which effect the wellbeing of the wards under their care. Without that, the wards are subject to losing their benefits, insurance, housing, and necessary supports.
To seek election to the office of the Platte County Public Administrator without the knowledge and experience required is not only irresponsible, it is doing a huge disservice to the most vulnerable citizens in Platte County.
There is only one candidate running for this position that has the experience necessary to protect the wards who depend on this office- that is Shanna L. Burns.
Shanna gained this experience while working first as a deputy in the public administrator’s office and then running and taking office as public administrator. While voting in the primaries, please do your homework and remember that experience matters.
A vote for Shanna L. Burns is a vote for protecting the Platte County citizens who need her help the most.
--Ashley Leach
Kearney
