Water is an integral part of our life. We use it to drink, shower, canoe, for economic purposes, and many others. However, it takes proper management to maintain the channels for the stormwater, drain water, and lake water.
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If handled incorrectly, homes flood, roads break, and soil erodes. Unfortunately we've experience all of these in Barry County. It's time for change. With your vote, Johnny will work with the EGLE to properly divert stormwater out of our homes to where they belong and prepare our drains to handle these issues.
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Along with removing water from our homes, Johnny will also focus on eliminating CAFOs, monitoring water quality (including lead and PFAS), and promoting policies to the county commissioners which proactively address climate change in our community.
CAFOs
CAFOs, or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, pose a large risk for water quality. These operations create metric tons of waste and other pollutants but don't properly dispose of them, which results in them moving into our ground water. CAFOs dump waste such as synthetic fertilizer, animal waste, and cleaning agents which can lead to many health problems and green house gases emitted.
We need to support our local farmers and make sure that CAFOs stay out of Barry County.
Water Quality
As Drain Commissioner, Johnny will make sure that our water is being tested for contaminants (like lead, arsenic and PFAS) all across the county. Everyone should have access to clean drinking water, no matter where they are in the county. With infrastructure older than Johnny in this community, it's important to not take clean water for granted. We can lead the state in clean water standards and avoid another crisis like the one in Flint.
Climate Change
Climate change is the greatest threat against our species and globe. While the Drain Commissioner is limited in scope of monitoring waterways and building drains, it is imperative to have a voice in the room to fight against climate change. As a Professor's assistant, Johnny has done research and lead classes demonstrating the need for progressive, forward thinking climate-centered policy.
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Johnny supports the Green New Deal and Blue New Deal.