 |
This campaign is not about personalities its about policies, and
I want voters to know where I stand on the issues that affect us all.
-- Click a title bar to show or hide the content--
- Issues
- Don's Plan to Protect the Great Lakes
Jobs & the Economy
Where we are –
Under the Upton-supported Bush administration, the United States has lost millions of manufacturing jobs, while huge corporations – many of which ship jobs overseas – make unprecedented profits and receive huge tax breaks, deductions, credits, loopholes and other subsidies from republicans in Congress. Michigan has the nation’s highest unemployment rate [1], and Berrien County boasts an unemployment rate over 9% [2], far above Michigan’s average and the national average. Rep. Upton has done nothing to alleviate unemployment in southwest Michigan, and he must be held accountable for this failure.
What I believe –
I believe investment in renewable forms of energy will create millions of “green collar” jobs to design, build and install the components and infrastructure of wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and other alternative energy products right here in southwest Michigan. We must invest in the green collar jobs of the future today, as this investment will bring down energy costs far faster than offshore drilling, or expanding nuclear power (an average nuclear power plant takes approximately 20 years to build) [3]. The signal we need to send on our energy future is not to Wall Street, but to Main Street.
I also strongly advocate and support a living wage for all, in addition to education and training programs for people who choose to pursue other career paths in this rapidly changing economy. Finally, I believe the right to organize and form a union is fundamental to a fair and just economy.
The change we need –
As your representative, I will support an end to the $12 billion a month we spend in Iraq [4], tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, and reinvest those dollars in the human and physical infrastructure of the country. I will support legislation to rebuild our roads, bridges and schools, and also invest in new infrastructure for the new economy – retooling automobile plants for increased energy efficiency and expanding manufacturing capacity to build renewable energy products like solar panels and wind turbines.
.
Poverty
Where we are –
Five million more people have fallen into poverty since Bush took office [5]. The City of Kalamazoo is tied with Flint for the highest poverty rate in Michigan at 36%, 2% higher than Detroit [6]. Among Kalamazoo’s children, the poverty rate is 39%, up 12% since 2000 [7]. For African-Americans, the poverty rate is 52%, the highest in Michigan [8]. For African-American children, 61% live in poverty [9]. In 2006, the City of Kalamazoo ranked 18th in the nation for child poverty [10].
What I believe –
I believe the poverty rate in southwest Michigan is a national disgrace and should illicit a sense of urgency from Congress. Our government has a responsibility to give everyone, especially children, access to the supports they need to lead a fully human life. Our people deserve it, and our nation will be better when we make poverty reduction a national priority.
The change we need –
We need to put supports in place for early childhood education and development, and provide access to every child’s basic needs. We must ensure that families are equipped to keep their children healthy, and ready to learn when they go to school. Lifelong education must be available for people to acquire the necessary skills to survive in this changing economy. In addition, we must provide adequate housing, health care, and transportation for people to take advantage of their economic opportunities.
.
Energy and the Environment
Where we are –
Our nation is experiencing record gas prices under the Upton-backed Bush administration. The price at the pump when Bush took office in 2001 was $1.44 a gallon [11]. Today, gas prices hover around $4.00 a gallon, with no relief in sight. The oil crisis has caused Republicans to desperately push for more offshore drilling in environmentally vulnerable areas like the Gulf of Mexico and the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, a policy opposed by every American president since Ronald Reagan [12]. This approach to the energy crisis reminds me of what Abraham Maslow once said: “If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem is a nail.” If the only tool we have is a drill, oil is the only option.
What I believe –
I believe we need to greatly expand our tool box of energy options to create energy markets that will increase competition, options for consumers and energy supplies. At the same time, we must decrease oil demand. I believe our nation needs to move towards truly sustainable and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal and responsibly grown biofuels. I believe investment in renewable energy will create jobs, lower energy costs, curb global warming and make us safer.
The change we need –
As your representative, I will support former Vice President and Nobel Prize winner Al Gore’s call for our Nation to become 100 percent reliant on renewable energy by 2018 by moving rapidly towards renewable energy through an Apollo-like public policy initiative. This effort – along with an emphasis on increased efficiency, conservation and investment in mass transit – will increase energy competition, lower energy costs, decrease our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, create 21st century jobs, and curb the effects of global warming.
Healthcare
Where we are –
45.7 million Americans have no health insurance [13]. For the people who have coverage, they’ve seen their deductibles and co-pays rise dramatically since Bush took office. Further, the cost of prescription drugs has risen as well. Rep. Upton enthusiastically backed Bush’s Medicare bill which created the now infamous “donut hole” in prescription drug coverage, and has refused to support universal health care [14]. Upton says “we are not ready yet” for universal health care, but with 45.7 million Americans with no coverage, and those with health insurance struggling to pay rising costs, how much longer can we afford to wait?
What I believe –
I believe our nation needs universal, single-payer healthcare, and more affordable prescription drugs. Health insurance should be affordable, comprehensive, accessible and portable. Our health care system should emphasize prevention, giving “health care” to people, not just “sick care.” The government should be permitted to negotiate down the cost of prescription drugs with drug companies, especially if it helps people afford their necessary medications. I believe that healthcare is a human right and should be available to all, not a commodity for the privileged few.
The change we need –
As your representative, I will support H.R. 676 to create a single-payer, universal health care system in the United States
[15]. I will also support any and all measures to make health care for children a fundamental right. I fully support Sen. Barack Obama’s proposal to make health care for children universal, immediate and comprehensive.
Taxes
Where we are –
My opponent supports the Bush administration’s tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, and wants to make them permanent [16], driving the nation further into the $9 trillion debt [17] mostly held by foreign banks and creditors [18]. He also voted to give subsidies and tax breaks to oil companies boasting record profits [19]. In fact, one of his first jobs in Washington D.C. was working for David Stockman, President Reagan’s Budget Director in the early 1980s [20][20]. Now being prosecuted by the federal government for defrauding investors [21][21], Stockman was charged with implementing the “trickle down” theory of economics in the Reagan administration [22]. Upton has always been a strong cheerleader for this failed economic theory [23].
What I believe –
I believe we must roll back the irresponsible tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, and reinvest those dollars in human and physical infrastructure of the country. In addition, I believe we should give tax relief to the middle class, working people and the poor, who need it the most. Further, I believe that any company that gets a tax break from the government should pay prevailing wages, and pay taxes in the United States. I believe we should close offshore tax havens, as they only serve to encourage poor corporate citizenship.
The change we need –
As your representative, I will support measures to restore fiscal responsibility to Washington D.C. Our tax policies should be progressive – based on a person’s ability to pay – not regressive. We need to stop taxing work, and instead invest in the policies which help build the middle class and make our nation great – good schools, roads, bridges, police and fire and world-class higher education.
The War and Occupation in Iraq
Where we are –
Fred Upton has been lock-step with the Bush Administration on the Iraq War on nearly every war policy. Rep. Upton voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq, to continuously fund the war and publicly cheerleads for the war effort [24]. A self-proclaimed “budget hawk,” [25] Upton has voted to fund this war on a credit card, passing trillions of dollars in debt to our children. Further, Iraq war funding is a supplemental appropriation, so the true cost of the war will not be fully realized until the debt is called by our foreign creditors [26]. The war and occupation in Iraq has already cost our Nation nearly $1 trillion [27], and this Congressional district over $1 billion, money which could have been spent to give almost 400,000 people health care, 108,000 students’ scholarships, 784,000 children health care, to hire 33,000 new teachers for our schools, or put 22,000 new public safety officers on the beat [28].
Sadly, however, this is the least of the Iraq war cost. We have also lost the lives of more than 4,100 of our brave men and women in Iraq [29]. Nearly 30,000 more have been wounded, and many more will carry psychological scars for the rest of their lives.
What I believe –
I opposed the invasion of Iraq, which was illegal, immoral and unnecessary. As a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, I introduced and help pass two resolutions opposing the war in Iraq. I believe our foreign policy should emphasize diplomacy, and respect for human rights. Militarism is not the answer for every conflict in the international community.
The change we need –
We need to end the occupation in Iraq. I believe that a timetable for withdrawal should be established and our troops responsibly removed as soon as possible. In addition, all mercenaries like those employed by Blackwater [30] should leave Iraq as well. No permanent military bases should be established, and we should put an end to no-bid contracts in Iraq. I will support legislation to end the occupation, and bring in the international community to support Iraqis in rebuilding their country.
Social Security
Where we are –
The Bush administration and Republican Congress tried to privatize social security, turning one of the most successful social welfare programs in the history of civilization over to Wall Street speculators [31]. Fortunately, Bush and his GOP allies were defeated by well-organized and galvanized citizens who vigorously opposed turning their retirement security over to the people who gave us Enron and Bear Sterns.
Financially, Social Security is sound, and will be for another generation [32][32].
What I believe –
Social Security should not be privatized, and Republicans in Congress should be held accountable for trying to turn Social Security over to Wall Street speculators. I believe in the promise of Social Security, and oppose increasing the retirement age, decreasing benefits, and taxing Social Security. I believe people who work hard their entire life deserve to retire with dignity.
The change we need –
We need to stop talking about turning Social Security over to Wall Street speculators, and start to focus on addressing the healthcare needs of our seniors. Disease research funding for ailments like Alzheimer’s disease is woefully inadequate, and I support fully funding critical research in this area. In addition, I will support legislation to make certain our dollars are invested in other debilitating, but treatable ailments to improve the quality of life for seniors. Universal health care and more affordable prescription drugs will go a long way in helping seniors, but crucial funding for research to find cures for debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and others must become a top national priority.
.
To download a printable version of this page, click here. | Adobe Reader Required.
Commissioner Don Cooney’s Plan
to Protect the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes consist of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie, and form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. Lakes Michigan and Huron are, hydraulically, a single lake, connected by the Straits of Mackinac. They are sometimes referred to by scientists as “Lake Michigan-Huron.” If these two lakes were designated as a single lake, they would form the largest fresh water body on Earth, surpassing Lake Superior (which would still hold more water volume). Lake Michigan, taken alone, is the only Great Lake contained entirely within the United States, and is the second largest Great Lake, according to volume.
The Great Lakes comprise approximately 22% of the world’s fresh water. 45 million people depend on them for drinking water, fishing, recreation, agriculture and shipping. The coastline of the Great Lakes is over 10,000 miles, approximately 60 miles of which sits in Michigan’s sixth Congressional district (from Ganges Township to New Buffalo).The total amount of shipping in the Great Lakes has been on a downward trend in recent years, although historically, the Great Lakes were used to move bulk cargo freight such as iron ore, coal and limestone for the steel industry. Commercial and sport fishing is a $4 billion a year industry, while recreational boating and tourism are major growth industries on the Great Lakes.
Existing and Proposed Legislation Affecting the Great Lakes:
Although often a popular campaign issue, legislation designated to protect the Great Lakes is woefully underfunded. The “Superfund” [1] – which was originally intended to fund environmental clean-up projects including the Great Lakes – is all “super” and no fund [2]. Michigan’s sixth Congressional district is home to 12 Superfund sites in need of clean-up, but critical funding for these projects is absent [3]. Three
of the Congressional district’s 12 sites exist Berrien County – one in Benton Harbor, another in Buchanan and a third in Saint Joseph[4].
While running for re-election in 2004, President Bush established a Great Lakes restoration task force which recommended $20 billion for clean-up, protection efforts and assessment, but the task force’s recommendations were never implemented or funded [5].
Meanwhile, environmental hazards like point and non-point source pollution [6], invasive species infiltration[7] and high-level nuclear waste storage become more daunting each year.
Sen. Barack Obama recently proposed $5 billion of new federal funds during his first term as President for Great Lakes restoration and clean-up, protection from pollution and measures to guard against the infiltration of invasive species. Sen. Obama also called for ratification of the Great Lakes Compact [8], which would limit almost all water diversions outside the Great Lakes basin.
Recent Legislative Developments:
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 placed a permanent ban on drilling for oil and natural gas in the Great Lakes [9], but also gave billions in subsides to Big Oil and the nuclear industry. Therefore, the ban will have little permanent effect on the environmental health of the Great Lakes so long as the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and its concomitant evaporative effects. Further, expanding the nuclear industry only worsens the existing nuclear waste storage crisis, all of which is currently stored on the pristine shores of Lake Michigan.
Under the bill that passed the U. S. House of Representatives the week of September 15th – The Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act – areas that were previously off limits for oil and gas drilling as of July 1, 2008 have become available for drilling [10]. This legislation was opposed by Rep. Upton [11], presumably because it did not go far enough in guaranteeing new drilling rights for oil companies, although it ends drilling bans in place for the last 26 years. [12]
The bill is subject to the regulations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act [13] and the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 [14], but not the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which banned drilling in the Great Lakes.
Among the many reasons Commissioner Don Cooney does not support H.R. 6899 – including his stance against increasing the drilling rights of oil companies which already own leasing rights to vast tracks of land in the continental United States [15] – is that there is no specific language in the bill ensuring that the liberalization of coastal oil drilling laws will not affect the Great Lakes drilling ban. This glaring oversight in the bill’s construction and ultimate passage could provide an opening, however slight, for Big Oil to drill in Michigan’s most precious natural resource, and Don Cooney would have, at the least, offered language in the bill to ensure federal protection of our Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Legacy Act:
The Great Lakes Legacy Act was signed into law in 2002 to reduce high concentrations of contaminants in the bottom sediments of rivers and harbors that feed into the Lakes [16]. Problematic harbor and tributary areas in the Great Lakes basin are labeled “areas of concern” (AOCs) by the Act, with 31 of 43 identified AOCs located wholly or partially within the United States (26 are located entirely within the United States, 12 in Canada, and five are shared by both countries [17]). The Act provides funding to research and clean up identified AOCs “located wholly or partially in the United States.”
Michigan’s sixth Congressional district is home to one Great Lakes Legacy Act identified AOC, the Kalamazoo River [18]. Although the Kalamazoo River is in desperate need of clean up, it is still “under assessment” by the Act [19]. Several other projects throughout the United States and Canada are either underway or completed [20].
PCB contamination in the Kalamazoo River – which stretches from Saugatuck to Calhoun County – has negatively impacted the local economy of southwest Michigan for years. Recreational activities and development along the river are limited because of pollution, and the public perception of the River is poor. Just last year, two companies (Georgia Pacific Corp. and Millennium Holdings, LLC) attempted to dump 4400 additional pounds of PCBs in Kalamazoo, but were thwarted by a coalition of community members and elected officials assembled and organized by Don Cooney.
The Cooney Plan for our Great Lakes:
Don Cooney believes we must be vigilant in our efforts to protect the Great Lakes against point and non-point source pollution, invasive species, contaminated sediments, the evaporative effects of global warming and high-level nuclear waste storage. He also believes that legislation like H.R. 6899, which reverses a 26-year ban on drilling for oil in environmentally sensitive areas, threatens the Great Lakes and other coastal areas, whether promulgated or not by the legislation’s sponsors.
As your representative, Don Cooney will be the Guardian of the Great Lakes. He will support legislation to:
- Close the underfunding gap between the environmental clean-up needs of our Great Lakes, and the funding appropriated by Congress. Don Cooney will fight to fully fund Great Lakes clean-up, and make sure Congress fully funds its Presidential mandate for Great Lakes restoration. Don Cooney fully supports Sen. Barack Obama’s plan to appoint a Great Lakes Czar at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and fund restoration projects to the tune of $5 billion during Sen. Obama’s first four years as President.
- Establish “zero toxics” in the Great Lakes. Don Cooney believes “zero toxics” can be achieved by strengthening federal mercury pollution reduction standards [21] and joining with other Great Lakes border-states to prevent the discharge of invasive species from the ballast water of ships. He also believes point source pollution (usually found in the plume of a waste system such as a pipe, stream or underground injection system from an industrial facility [22]) and non-point source pollution (run-off [23]) should be strictly regulated. Further, efforts to clean up rivers and harbors
with contaminated sediments streaming into the Great Lakes should be fully funded, not just studied by the EPA.
- Invest in the renewable energy sources of the future, rather than environmentally destructive fossil fuels of the past like oil. Rather than pushing for increased exploration of oil wells, Don Cooney believes we should be pushing for increased exploration of renewable energy, increased efficiency and conservation. A real, Apollo-like investment in renewable energy would sharply and promptly reduce our Nation’s dependence on oil, further protecting the Great Lakes from the ominous specter of oil drilling, and evaporative effects of global warming.
- Ban the importation of foreign nuclear waste into the United States for storage, especially since so much nuclear waste already sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, and another nuclear waste storage site sits on the shores of Lake Huron [24]. A bill to ban the importation of foreign nuclear waste was introduced in the House last year [25], but was vigorously opposed by Rep. Upton, who worried it would halt the “nuclear renaissance” he supports [26]. Don Cooney does not believe importing foreign nuclear waste to store on the shores of the Great Lakes constitutes a “nuclear renaissance.”
- Uphold the Great Lakes drilling ban vigilantly. Don Cooney believes that any legislation which liberalizes oil drilling laws threatens the Great Lakes drilling ban. As your representative, he will oppose any and all legislation which allows for oil drilling in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Protect against attempts at water diversion. Don Cooney believes water is the oil of the 21st century, and that Michigan’s fresh water resources must be protected against efforts that divert them to other states and countries. He supports the full ratification and implementation of Great Lakes Compact, and believes just as much energy should be channeled into Great Lakes restoration as defending against water diversion.
- Fund and foster the restoration of Healthy Beaches. Don Cooney believes a true Healthy Beaches initiative would be a boon to local economies, and a recent study by the Brookings Institution supports this idea [27]. According to the study, a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem would boost the long-term regional economy by $50 billion, and create a short-term gain of $30 billion. The Brookings study concludes that for each dollar invested in Healthy Beaches, $2 is generated for the local economy to add jobs, enhance property values, increase fish abundance and strengthen the economy, along with numerous other benefits [28].
To download a printable version of this page, click here. | Adobe Reader Required.
|
 |
