SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
February 26, 2008
Sullivan’s Salvos 2/26/08
The winter weather has been brutal, and it is taking a toll on all of us. Drive extra safely, take some extra time, and hang in there! I know I am hearing from more and more folks who seem to be in a bad mood; let’s all try to avoid letting the weather affect us in this way.
Now, in a classic example of failing to take my own advice… I have a weather-related frustration. I have a problem with the fact that the Iowa City Community School District cancels school, and then holds athletic events. I think this sends a TERRIBLE message! The only reason school gets cancelled is safety. If it is unsafe to attend school, one could reasonably assume it is also unsafe to show up at that same school to play basketball.
I have been pretty pleased by the proposals put forth by Governor Culver. Combined reporting and expanding the bottle bill are proposals that will really help Iowa, and both are long overdue. Culver has been willing to take a chance in putting his ideas out there. A large majority of Iowans agree with his positions on these issues.
Unfortunately, Kevin McCarthy, Pat Murphy, and Mike Gronstal are not among that large majority. These three have decided to play politics, demanding that the Legislature reach “consensus”. Perhaps they should have told Iowa voters that they would require a consensus to get things done. If they need a consensus to legislate, then maybe they really didn’t need that majority after all.
Culver’s proposals are bold and thoughtful. Iowans deserve to have their Legislature discuss these issues. I wish these McCarthy, Murphy, and Gronstal would stop worrying about the 2008 elections and actually legislate during the 2008 session.
Are you between 37 and 55 and have a desire to embarrass your teenagers? I accidentally stumbled upon the perfect method when I decided to spend $8 on Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” CD.
Drive around in the minivan singing “Paradise By the Dashboard Lights”, and your children will cringe. Sing along while their friends are in the van, and they will never forgive you - guaranteed.
Fas Trac Afro-Stu College Bound Program supports African-American students in their high school performance, community involvement and preparation for college. Presently 22 freshman and sophomore students and their parents have signed contracts with the Fas Trac Program. Fas Trac students will be visiting historically Black Colleges each year, as well as participating in various other educational pursuits.
The program needs community members, businesses and organizations to provide employment opportunities, internships and other resources that will assist Fas Trac participants to become self- sufficient and college bound. For more information on the Fas Trac Afro-Stu College Bound Program please contact Program Director Henri Harper at 319.936.6611 or via email at harper.henry@iccsd.k12.ia.us.
In addition, Fas Trac will be hosting a Soul Food Dinner fundraiser on February 26 from 6-9 PM at City High.
The Compeer Program will present its 5th annual concert on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at 7 P.M. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
Tickets are $15.00 if purchased in advance or $20.00 at the door. The event benefits the Compeer Program whose mission is to improve the quality of life for adults with mental illness by creating opportunities for friendship with community volunteers.
The concert presents local musical groups followed by gourmet desserts. Performing are Euforquestra; Michael and Nancy Bell; Kol Shira; The Awful Purdies; and the U of I Pan American Steel Band.
Tickets are on sale at the Community Mental Health Center, Hands Jeweler’s, Lenoch & Cilek ACE Hardware stores, and many local churches. All proceeds provide funding for volunteer recruitment, training, and program materials for the Compeer Program.
Not all of Iowa’s State Parks close up during the winter months. Some of the best bets are featured in this article: http://usparks.about.com/od/stateparksus/a/IAwinterparks.htm
DID YOU KNOW? While minority youth make up only 17% of the Johnson County residents aged 10-17, they account for 45% of all police complaints, 58% of all juvenile detentions, and 51% of all adjudications.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 9:39 PM
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