Readers Write (Oct. 27): Water usage, Third District, Sixth District, state auditor's race, Hennepin judicial races

The Oct. 22 installment of "The Toolbox" (in the Variety section) stated the redundancy of pre-washing dishes before running the dishwater, highlighting the significant amount of water that could be saved. This idea should be extended to showering as well. Home Water Works claims the average American shower lasts for about eight minutes and uses more than 17 gallons of water. It is also safe to assume that many people take showers that last longer.

If people were to turn off the water in the shower when shampooing, conditioning, shaving, etc., and run the water only for rinsing, the impact could be drastically reduced. If running water time could be limited to three minutes, usage would be reduced to six gallons per shower. It is estimated by Water Sense that if every American reduced their shower time by just one minute, combined we could save 165 billion gallons every year.

With the global water crises we have today, it is important that every citizen is aware of their resource consumption, and reducing shower times is a way for individuals to be intentional about saving our planet.

Randy Gilbert should be elected state auditor for the state of Minnesota. He, unlike his opponent, has superior preparation for this job. After earning a degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Gilbert has spent nearly all of his career as an auditor in the public and private sectors. In addition, during his six years as mayor of Long Lake, he streamlined government services, which lowered city taxes while maintaining the high quality of city services.

His opponent, who is currently serving as state auditor, studied biology and education. Her previous career experience consists of running a business, teaching science, sitting on a school board and spending two years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. No auditing experience anywhere. Is this who we really want overseeing billions in taxpayer funds?

Let's get someone with auditing experience and accomplishments elected to this very important office.

I address this commentary to the voters of the Third Congressional District in support of Sharon Sund for Congress. You only need to ask the question of yourself: What has the incumbent congressman done for the middle class or seniors other than doing photo-ops at senior gatherings? The Alliance for Retired Americans rates the incumbent at 6 percent after six years in Congress. His votes cover an array of issues, such as opposing the Affordable Care Act twice; opposing a pro-retiree budget sponsored by the Democratic minority; voting for a proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to privatize Medicare with vouchers; voting against an amendment to restore funding for seniors in the food nutrition (SNAP) program, and voting for a bill to pay workers with compensatory time instead of cash under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District seat is open this year. After eight years of Michele Bachmann's polarizing politics, the Sixth has the opportunity for a fresh start.

Joe Perske has the temperament and experience to work with members of both parties in Congress for the benefit of the district, the state and the country. He is committed to modernizing road, rail and air transportation in the Sixth. He would preserve the parts of the Affordable Care Act that work for millions of Americans while fixing the program's problems.

Tom Emmer, in contrast, would continue Bachmann's divisive style of politics. "There can be no compromise between right and wrong," Emmer said upon receiving party endorsement and Bachmann's personal endorsement in April. Despite recent, unconvincing efforts to present himself as a moderate who will work constructively across the aisle, Emmer is not like this and never will be.

Voters who were alarmed by last fall's government shutdown should think twice about sending Tom Emmer to Congress. Those who want a fresh start in the Minnesota Sixth should support Joe Perske.

James Moore is a fair, knowledgeable and well-respected judge. He was appointed to the Hennepin County bench based upon a recommendation by the nonpartisan judicial commission.

If you are concerned about the quality and commitment of our judiciary, you will vote for Judge Moore on Nov. 4.

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Beverly Aho has been a champion for nonpartisan judicial elections. She has stood up against partisans who want party politics involved in choosing judges. She also knows that politics has no place in the courtroom.

Aho has run a nonpartisan campaign for Hennepin County district judge. She has gained support from Republicans, DFLers and independents, including former Govs. Wendell Anderson and Al Quie; retired judges; police and defense lawyers; certified trial lawyers; mayors and city council members, and citizens across Hennepin County.

Aho has strong experience as a litigation and trial lawyer in complex civil cases involving a wide range of issues. In addition, she has earned her MBA, owned a small family business and volunteered in many community activities. With her experience, she would be a good complement to the judges appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton.