Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mike Meister said Wednesday that Gov. Dave Heineman is distorting his proposal for a new form of state aid to schools.

"I have not proposed a cut in state aid to education," Meister said in a telephone call responding to the governor's remarks.

"What I have proposed is a different way of providing state aid to education."

Heineman on Tuesday said Meister would eliminate state aid to schools.

Meister said he has proposed the state consider assuming responsibility for local school physical plants, primarily buildings, instead of providing financial assistance through the current state aid program.

"We're taking responsibility for all your physical plant needs so you can focus on education," Meister said.

That idea has met with approval from a number of school superintendents, he said.

Many people think "it makes sense to get superintendents back in the business of educating children," Meister said.

His proposal "may actually save tax dollars on both the (school) district and state end," he said.

Meister said he is pleased that Heineman expressed a desire to focus on his record of leadership, fiscal management and economic development during the campaign.

"I'm glad he's willing to give up talking about silly issues the governor's office is not able to control," Meister said.

Meister described himself as "a fiscally conservative Democrat who believes in local control."

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.