SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
March 4, 2008
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/4/08
Congratulations to the City High Girl’s Basketball team on a fantastic finish to a fantastic season! There have been many different types of awards and titles won by City High students over the years, but this is a first for girl’s basketball.
My daughter is on the sophomore team, and it has been fun to have the opportunity to watch this group of girls all season long. More importantly, the coaches and players have been real class acts.
There has been some recent discussion as to whether the members of the Board of Supervisors (BOS) are full-time or part-time. The BOS has historically been considered 3/4 time, but that designation came about simply as a means to allow the BOS access to health insurance.
Many folks do not realize this, but you can just stop in and see a Supervisor. You do not usually need an appointment. Unless there is a meeting, there is almost always a Supervisor (or three or four) available to take your call.
Few people seem to question the hours that Supervisors put in, which makes me feel good. I know that while my workweeks vary dramatically, I almost always put in over 40 hours per week. That said, there is some legitimate debate as to what counts as work.
Some things SHOULD be clear; for example, political events are not work; going somewhere simply to “be seen” is not work; same with being in the office but working on personal business.
Other activities are less clear. For example, should I count the time I spend discussing county issues while at the grocery store? Should I count the time I spend writing Salvos? Should I count time spent on my couch reading the proposed changes to the Land Use Plan? These are all legitimate questions without easy answers. Perhaps the answers do not matter; I feel comfortable that I am working hard whether those instances are counted as work or not. Just the same, I’d feel more comfortable knowing the ground rules.
The BOS recently held a discussion on this issue, but little was decided. Frankly, I am a bit frustrated by the current situation.
Legally, BOS members do not really need to do anything. You can get elected, rarely show up, and collect $47,500 annually for 4 years. Obviously, no one does that. But claiming that BOS members need only abide by the Code of Iowa is a cop out. The BOS runs an organization with $75 million in annual revenues. I think the public needs to be able to hold the BOS more accountable.
I do not have a strong preference as to whether the job should be 3/4 time or full time. I DO think:
1. The status and expectations should be clear;
2. Full time or part time, the pay is basically adequate in either case;
3. Public business should take precedence over second jobs.
4. A County Manager would be an unwise move away from democracy.
5. It would be nice if the papers covered local government more closely.
The Board will likely need to resurrect this discussion prior to next years’ Compensation Board meeting. I will keep you updated.
The Johnson County FY09 budget hearing will be Thursday, March 6 at 5:30 in the Boardroom. This is a chance for the public to weigh in (pro, con, or otherwise) on next year’s budget. Proposed budget info is already available on the website – www.johnson-county.com.
Tuesday, March 11th marks one of my favorite events (and a sure sign that warmer weather is ahead!) – the annual Prairie Preview in Montgomery Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.
This is the 25th Annual Prairie Preview, and it will be dedicated to the memory and accomplishments of Paul Christiansen, the father of prairie restoration in Iowa.
The schedule is as follows:
6:30 PM: browse, meet prairie friends and visit the exhibits.
7:30 PM: Announcements and brief introductions.
7:35 PM: Connie Mutel – Connie will speak about her newly published book, The Emerald Horizon, A History of Nature in Iowa, and about her challenges and discoveries in writing about Iowa’s highly modified landscape.
Following the presentation: Enjoy refreshments (provided by the Four Seasons Garden Club) and check out the exhibits.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION - (319) 857-4741 or www.jcht.org.
Another of my favorite events occurs Saturday, March 8 with the annual Winter Fundraiser for the Sutliff Bridge Authority at the Solon Legion. Dance to Schmo Sounds from 8-12, with cool raffle items, a 50/50 drawing, and a live auction. A $5 donation at the door will help in maintaining the bridge.
DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County has a population density of 182 people per square mile. The State of Iowa averages 50 people per square mile. (Alaska has one person per square mile; New Jersey has almost 1200.)
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 @ 5:38 PM
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