(KLZA)-- Humboldt farmer and businessman Ben Steffen is the choice of Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz for her running mate.

The formal announcement took place Tuesday at a farm near Elkhorn.

Walz said she was looking for someone with “a proven record of serving others.”

Steffen is chairman of the Richardson County Planning Commission. President of the Richardson County Rural Water District #1, and in the past year led an effort to help save Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt from severe financial issues.

Ben Steffen is President of Steffen Ag Inc. and along with his wife Paula Sue, farms the land that has been in the Steffen family for more than 130 years.

Steffen said that when Walz asked him to join the ticket as the candidate for Lieutenant Governor, it was an easy decision despite his busy schedule. He says Walz is a collaborative leader with a proven record that he has known for along time who treats everyone the same which he called a refreshing.

Walz was twice elected to the Nebrska Legislature and was elected to chair committees including the Education Committee.

Steffen has served as the County Chair for Richardson County Farm Bureau where he fought against tax increases for farmers and for working families. He is a former President of Ag Builders of Nebraska where he advocated for investments in research and agri-businesses. He testified in front of the United States Congress at the request of Senator Mike Johanns.

In addition, Steffen has served as Chairman of the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards, worked with the University of Nebraska as a voice to support agriculture, our families, and rural communities. He serves as Chairman of the Board for the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, which operates 15 radio stations providing valuable information across the state to thousands of Nebraskans.

Steffen said the state has serious issues to face including health care, schools, senior care, and daycare among others that are common across Nebraska and they’re things that people deeply feel in Lincoln and Omaha as well as in rural Nebraska.

Steffen said under the leadership of Jim Pillen's administration Nebraska has gone from a $1.2 billion surplus to a billion dollar deficit. He said the budget has not been balanced and the administration has failed to deliver on property tax relief. Steffen says Pillen's leadership style is not conducive to bringing people together.

 ( Photo courtesy of Walz for Governor campaign)