We are facing huge long-term problems: a real unemployment rate of 18%, dysfunctional banks that are "too big to fail", a regressive tax structure that's stifling economic growth, prisons that are bursting at the seams, urban schools that are struggling, a health care system that still needs major reform, the lack of a coherent national energy policy that will protect our economy and the environment, and a government that has been encroaching on our civil liberties. For decades we have lived with irresponsible public policies from career politicians in Congress who care more about increasing their party’s power and getting re-elected than they care about solving long-term problems. They haven’t been honest with us, and they have been lousy public servants.

I’m different. I do not want to be a career politician. I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I’m a Problem Solver. I want to force members of Congress to be responsible, and implement sustainable solutions to real problems. Please read the positions I present on this website, and spread the word to friends and family.

Please email me at John@Mertens2010.com, and become a supporter on Twitter at @mertens4senate or Facebook: John's FB

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Water and the Environment

We need to reform federal policies on water usage in the United States. I urge you to read the book "Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water" by Marc Reisner. It is a very complex issue; the bottom line is that we need to prepare for a water crisis in the Western United States, from South Dakota to Texas to California and most of the states in between. We shouldn't wait until the crisis hits to do something about it. Gross over-use of ground and surface water, and over-population of desert areas are the largest problems; we need to reduce frivolous use of water in desert areas, employ technologies that will enable our communities to recycle and reuse their water, and rely on efficient and sensible use of surface water in an environmentally friendly way. Western states will be forced to do much of this within a few decades through market forces, but current federal subsidies and policies are retarding progress.
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John Mertens for U.S. Senate
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