Local News
Rees wants 'citizen approach' to government
OSKALOOSA —
Retired architect Mark Rees is running for Congress to bring some civility to discourse in Washington, D.C.
Rees, of West Des Moines, is making his first foray into electoral politics by running in the Republican primary. The winner of the primary will challenge Democratic 3rd District Congressman Leonard Boswell.
In an interview at the Herald offices Friday morning, Rees said he wants to take a “citizen approach” to government. He said that the atmosphere in Congress is too polarized and news media organs such as CNN and Fox fuels it.
Rees said he has experience with working with diverse groups on construction projects through the years.
“I’ve had to be inclusive when running multi-million dollar construction projects,” he said.
Rees had to deal with both labor unions, and contractors and suppliers.
“My background is well suited for congressional involvement,” he added.
Since declaring his candidacy in December 2009, Rees has campaigned on several issues.
Rees is an advocate of the Balanced Budget Amendment. He said nothing can really be done until the national debt is under control.
He also favors term limits for members of Congress.
If elected, “I pledge not to serve more than eight years,” he said. “I don’t think our Founding Fathers intended for us to have our government run by career politicians.”
Rees also want to implement a sustainable national energy policy. He want the nation to move away from fossil fuels and use renewable energy sources and nuclear energy.
Rees said he is a moderate and wants to focus on issues that matter to voters such as jobs, taxes and education rather than being focused on cultural issues such as gay marriage.
“Voters want us to focus on a range of issues,” he said.
Rees said he can appeal to a broad range of voters and he believes he could defeat Boswell.
“My platform and issues appeal to moderates, disenfranchised Republicans, Independents and Democrats,” he said. “I’m the only candidate who can put together a broad-based coalition,” he said.
Rees said it is important for everyone to vote in the primary.
Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com
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