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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 22, 2008
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/25/08 Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you and yours have a safe and pleasant holiday. And in the spirit of the holiday… thank you for indulging me by reading Salvos every week! I appreciate your interest! In my continuing battle to show that taxes are not a bad thing… let’s talk about value. Value is subjective, so it can be hard to quantify. I value going to Hawkeye sporting events. Many folks would say I am crazy; it is a better value to pay for cable and watch at home. That opinion is no more or less valid than my own. There is no right or wrong. Similar questions regarding value surround us every day. Is a high quality cup of coffee worth the $2.50 you will spend, or is a $.75 cup of lower quality brew your better value? Is a $150,000 house in town a better value than a $250,000 house in the country, or is the bucolic setting worth $100,000? Different people will value these things differently. Recognizing that we value different things, I still feel good about the value we get for our tax dollars. I live in a house valued at $162,000. I pay $2,744 annually in property taxes. This breaks down as follows: $1,198 to the City of Iowa City. $959 to the ICCSD. $506 to Johnson County. All the rest (4 smaller levies) add up to about $80. Those are the facts. Now I need to determine if I get a good value for my dollar. I will begin with my biggest expense. Do I get $1200 worth of services from Iowa City? I say yes. I do not have to worry about sewer, water, garbage, or most recycling; they are made easy. Streets and sidewalks are in decent repair. They get plowed and swept. Traffic flows pretty well most places. Melissa takes the city bus to work all winter long. Police and fire help to keep my family safe. BJ spends a lot of time at City Park Pool; the whole family uses rec facilities at Mercer Park. I love the fact that Iowa City has a Human Rights Ordinance, broadcasts public meetings on cable, and vacuums my leaves. Is all this worth $3.29 per day? You bet it is! In keeping with the season, I say Thank You, Iowa City! Do I get $959 worth of value from the ICCSD? Well, for that $959, my three kids have attended schools merely two or three blocks from our house. They have had relatively small class sizes. They have attended schools that rank in the top few in the country for their performances in academics, athletics, the fine arts, and more. Do I have complaints with the ICCSD? Of course – I have 3 children there. Things are not perfect. But I feel very good about the way in which my tax dollars are spent there. I pay about 25 cents per hour of instruction per child. Is this a good value? Put it this way – a babysitter would cost ten times that amount, no education included! You bet it is a great value! In keeping with the season, I say Thank You, Iowa City Community School District! I think the City of Iowa City and the ICCSD are giving me some of my best values anywhere. I do not get the same value at the grocery store. I do not get the same value when I buy gas or buy a car. I do not get this type of value from the many insurances I feel the need to buy. I do not get this type of value from most of my public sector transactions. So instead of bashing government and bad-mouthing taxes, let’s take a look at the value we get for our dollars. Once you do, I think you will join me in the spirit of the season, and say Thanks! The Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) met last week right here in Coralville. About 1,000 elected officials from all over Iowa attended, with a special visit from Governor Culver. I always enjoy talking with Elected Officials from other counties. I think this is a great way to learn new things. In addition, we get legislative updates, approve a legislative agenda, elect officers, and cover topics of general interest. I was extremely disappointed to see 3 states (AZ, FL, CA) vote to encourage discrimination in their states. All three states passed language prohibiting gay marriage. Much of the opposition to gay rights seems to come from folks who object on religious grounds. This seems odd to me, given that Christianity teaches “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I look forward to the day that the US chooses to fully accept our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County has 1.5 terabytes of data backed up every night. That does not include GIS, which uses 2 terabytes on its own. 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. If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line. If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line. As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you! ---Rod
November 16, 2008
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/18/08
As you know, Johnson County recently had a spirited race for the office of County Auditor. During the recent campaign, I heard several arguments for the position of Auditor to be appointed rather than elected. This opinion came from supporters of both candidates, and people from both major parties. I respectfully disagree with this stance. Here are a few reasons why:
The Auditor is in charge of an important set of our civil liberties (elections and voting). In other elections where civil liberties are at stake (County Attorney and Sheriff) the public has stated loudly and clearly – they want direct democracy!
Similarly, it is important to keep the auditing function of the Auditor’s Office independent. Imagine for a moment that the Auditor was an employee hired and supervised by the Board of Supervisors. Would that person be accountable to the public, or to her/his bosses? Would the Auditor report financial misdeeds, or cover them up?
Along the same lines, look at previous examples from more insulated forms of government. There was a time not so long ago where many Iowa City residents wanted to see a different Police Chief. In order to accomplish this, the public would have needed to elect 4 new council people who would fire the City Manager, then hire a new City Manager who would fire the Police Chief. Ain’t gonna happen. Didn’t happen.
So, say that a majority of the public wants a new Auditor. Instead of replacing a majority of the Board, you replace the Auditor. Mission accomplished. This system is more accountable to the public.
I also believe that partisan elections are more transparent. People who run in partisan elections have political parties and party platforms to which they can be held accountable. In nonpartisan elections, you have to wade through campaign finance reports to see who funds a candidate’s campaign, then attempt to connect the dots. This is not to say that there should only be two parties – I think having candidates from several parties is a positive thing. But hold those candidates accountable.
I have also heard the idea that the Auditor ought to be required to be registered no party. I suppose in a perfect world, having every Auditor be a completely blank slate with no leanings whatsoever would be the way to go. Since we do not live in that world, however, I think it falls back to the public to hold each candidate for Auditor and each person elected Auditor to the highest possible standards. Requiring that your Auditor run the office impartially is a responsibility of the voters, whether we have partisan elections or not. Again, this seems to be best accomplished through direct election.
Similarly, perhaps a better measure of impartiality would be asking candidates for Auditor to refuse all campaign contributions. Who is more likely to be corrupted – a major party candidate with almost no funding, or an independent candidate financed by 1-2 big donors?
Several states have elected Auditors; others states have appointed Auditors. Clearly either method can and does work… the question is what would be best for us?
In my opinion, 5 Supervisors, the County Attorney, Auditor, and Sheriff need to be directly elected. I think a better argument can be made for making the positions of Recorder and Treasurer nonpartisan hires of the Board of Supervisors.
That said, I really do not see a system that is broken. County government runs well, and gives the people a great deal of input. That is as it should be.
What do you think? I want to hear your thoughts!
I have said it before, but it bears repeating: I firmly believe that government is good. Government exists to collectively do the things that we cannot do alone. Government may be misguided at times, but it is truly a force for good.
Similarly, taxes are not bad; taxes are the method by which we pay for government. Most of the people in Johnson County live in a family where taxes pay all or part of the family income. Taxes help support the UI – and that is a good thing!
We have all seen the bumper stickers that say, “Freedom Is Not Free.” This is true in more ways than one! If we want a military, we need to pay for it. Want clear air and water? Want safe food, medicine, toys, cars, planes and other products? Want garbage picked up, fires put out, roads cleared, and criminals arrested? Want to rest assured knowing you have police and courts to protect your rights? As the bumper sticker says, none of this is free.
Obviously, elected officials must be sensitive to the amount of taxes levied. But I’m tired of people talking about taxes as though they were some type of disease.
I am sure that the Board of Supervisors will be sensitive to any and all tax increases. We will undoubtedly try to hold the line. But let’s stop the government bashing. I am proud to work in government.
When our local elected officials (all Democrats) run around supporting the Bush mindset that taxes are a burden, they tarnish the Roosevelt legacy and perpetuate this myth.
On December 6th the Homeless Children’s Trust will once again entertain 150 children in need at the Moose Lodge In Iowa City. The Homeless Children’s Trust is an offshoot of HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) and a United Way agency.
Children in need are identified by local human service agencies. The children are entertained at the Moose Club while their parents shop at K Mart with vouchers paid for by HACAP. Santa Claus appears at noon and presents each child with a gift bag.
HACAP is seeking toys, books, games, stuffed animals, caps, gloves, mittens and toiletry items for children from birth through age 18 to fill the gift bags.
There are four HACAP sites in Johnson County with 260 Head Start slots, as well as fifty transitional housing units. HACAP also provides LiHeap (heating) assistance to hundreds of low-income families in Johnson County. Please consider a cash donation, gift items, or volunteer your time. To help, call Mary Larew at 338-1212.
DID YOU KNOW? Cambus had 3.7 million riders in 2007. Iowa City Transit had 1.7 million, and Coralville transit had 489,000.
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.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
November 8, 2008
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/11/08
Happy Veteran’s Day! I want to take a moment in appreciation of all the troops that serve and have served our country. I hope you will join me in thanking them for their service.
Northeastern Johnson County lost a living legend recently with the passing of Gene Krob. Colorful characters like Gene make a place special and unique. I have known Gene my entire life, and it is hard to imagine Sutliff and Solon without him. RIP, Gene.
The 2008 elections are in the books, and history has been made. Barak Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. This is the first time in my life I have ever picked a winner. I joined the Obama campaign in February of 2006, long before the election, and earlier than I had ever committed before. It has been a long haul, and it feels good!
I recognize that the media has spoken at length regarding the historic nature of this election. It would be easy to feel as though this has been overblown. As the father of three African American children, I can assure you that the result of this election makes a difference. I am not going to attempt to spell it all out here, but trust me… it matters.
Nationally, Democrats rode the Obama tidal wave and won between 57 & 59 seats in the US Senate (a couple are still to be decided), and Senator Tom Harkin was reelected easily. Congressman Dave Loebsack won handily, and will continue to represent Johnson County in the US House of Representatives.
At the State level, Democrats picked up a few seats in both the Iowa Senate and Iowa House. Congratulations and welcome to Larry Marek and Nate Willems, who will represent large areas of Johnson County in the Iowa House.
At the local level, turnout was amazing! A record 73,000 people voted, which amounts to just under an 80% turnout. In addition, 46% of the voters voted early, and over 1,200 registered on Election Day. County Auditor Tom Slockett was reelected after a spirited campaign.
Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to all the candidates. It takes courage to run – thanks for standing for something!
Finally, I want to say a few words about the local Land, Water, Future (LWF) campaign. I was extremely proud of this effort, and proud to publically stand with these wonderful people fighting for this worthy cause. They were outspent better than 2-1, and forced to fight lies at every turn. Yet they squeaked out a win with 60.8% of the vote.
There were two campaigns urging defeat of the issue. One was led by the Farm Bureau; it was factual and fair. My dealings with the local Farm Bureau have always been very positive, and this campaign reflected more of the same. We can respectfully agree to disagree.
The other campaign, known as “Flip No”, attempted to use all the best fear tactics of the Bush Presidency and the McCain campaign. Just as the nation as a whole rejected the politics of fear, the politics of hope won the day in Johnson County.
Flip No gave dire warnings of “30% tax increases” which in actuality are less than one percent.
We were warned that “people will lose their houses”. If you think you are going to lose a $100,000 house because of a $1.10 per month tax increase, you have bigger problems than that tax increase!
Flip No claimed the bond issue would hurt the local economy. Yet economic development experts here and elsewhere maintain that “quality of life” issues weigh heavily when businesses decide to expand or move.
Fear mongers claimed the county would lose significant income from properties leaving the tax roles – yet the County Assessor said in public meetings this fear was unfounded.
Even more beyond the pale, several Flip No supporters personally attacked LWF Campaign Co-chair Dick Schwab. If there is a more kind, generous, selfless, thoughtful man in all of Johnson County, I’d like to meet him. Dick Schwab represents all that is good in our community. As I fully expected him to do, Dick turned the other cheek. When you spread lies about Dick Schwab, you have lost all your credibility with me.
Public reaction to this is interesting. Proponents and opponents alike acknowledge how close this election was. On the other hand, bond issues are required to achieve a 60% supermajority. So LWF actually fared better than the US Senate (58%), US House (58%), Iowa House (56%), and Barak Obama in Iowa (54%), all of which were considered convincing wins. LWF achieved close to the same percentage that Senator Harkin received statewide (62%). Harkin’s win is viewed as overwhelming. The point is, the public was NOT split 50-50 on this issue. They were split 61-39. And 61-39 is convincing.
Unfortunately, the lies continue. Some people simply cannot accept the public verdict on this issue, so they will continue to attempt to undermine it through back door channels.
Interestingly, many elected officials ran and hid from LWF rather than taking a stand either way. I suppose they felt it would be 50-50 and that scared them. Now they run the risk of being criticized by both sides for playing it safe.
I hope Johnson County residents – opponents and supporters alike – will get involved in the public discussions that will be occurring on this topic over the upcoming months and years.
While the race wasn’t nearly as fun to watch as the others I have mentioned, I was also reelected Tuesday. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for all the support. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Supervisor. It is truly humbling to think that 41,000 people voted for me. I promise that I will never take this position lightly, nor will I ever take your thoughts and feelings for granted. Thank you very much for your trust and your votes.
A Republican friend of mine had called GOP Headquarters last week seeking voting advice on some down-ballot races. The advice he got in the Supervisors race? “Write in Mike Thayer instead of Rod Sullivan.”
On one level, that hurts. On another level, that is a badge of honor. I’m not sure what to make of it.
While it would be nice to have everyone in Johnson County behind me 100%, I know that can never be the case. That is particularly true if I am going to be outspoken. I do not see my style changing much… I guess I’ll have to live with some level of disapproval.
Meanwhile, I want to reaffirm my commitment to working with the people of Johnson County, regardless of political party. I promise to do my best to serve you. Thank you for the opportunity!
The Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board endorses a sleep-
out in remembrance of John, an Iowa City resident who died under a bridge (his home) in 2004. Campers will give up their warm beds on Saturday evening, November 15th and join together for evening activities--featuring a soup cook-off followed by campfires, musical entertainment, and special guests.
The HACAP facility will be open all night with warm rest rooms, warm coffee or tea and cookies. Sunday morning closing activities on the 16th include rolls and coffee with a sunrise service and blessing of the land before campers leave. To participate please download the necessary information at: http://www.shelterhouseiowa.org
DID YOU KNOW? Fish have vertical fins on their tails; aquatic mammals have horizontal fins on theirs.
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.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
November 2, 2008
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/4/08
Happy 17th Birthday to my daughter Rachel on November 6! Rachel is a sweet, bright, funny, lively and beautiful young lady. It is hard to believe that she is almost an adult.
Rachel and I have been through a lot together, and I would not trade it for anything. As Garth Brooks sang, “I could’ve missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.” (Rachel will HATE that I quoted Garth Brooks when referring to her!)
Happy Birthday, Honey. I love you!
Election Day is finally here! If you have not yet voted, you simply must do so today! As the saying goes, Democracy is not a spectator sport!
Check the Auditor’s website at http://www.johnson-county.com/auditor/voter/0811sat.htm
or call 356-6004 for your polling place.
One final attempt to correct some of the lies that are being spread regarding the Land, Water, Future campaign: A $200,000 house might pay $3000 annually in property taxes, probably a bit less. (This depends upon exactly where you live.)
A $26.00 annual increase in property taxes amounts to a tax increase of one eighth of one percent. (Take the increase - $26 – and divide by the total tax - $3000.) That is .008! The Flip No campaign claims in print and radio ads that it is a 20-30% increase.
Obviously, folks are free to vote however they wish. The local Farm Bureau has chosen to oppose this initiative, and done so in a manner that should make all of us proud. The Flip No campaign has been a different story. I just wish Flip No would use facts and not lies when attempting to make their case.
If you are interested in local returns, Cable Channel 5 in Iowa City and Coralville will have results beginning at 9 PM. You can also follow the action on the Auditor’s website referenced above.
Polls close at 9 PM in Iowa. Some polls out east will be closed by 6 PM Iowa time; most will be closed by 7 PM Iowa time. Given that Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan will be reporting results by 7 PM Iowa time, we should have a very good idea how things are going by the time our own results are available.
Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Wisconsin close by 8 PM Iowa time. Montana and Nevada close the same time as Iowa. Unlike the past two Presidential elections, we may not need to stay up until 4 AM waiting for results. (I will probably stay up anyway. Election Day adrenaline, y’know!)
Some interesting facts for today’s election – Johnson County now has over 91,710 registered voters, an all-time record. 44,000 are registered as Democrats (48%); 30,000 are registered as No Party (33%); 17,000 are registered as Republicans (19%); and the Green and Libertarian parties each have less than 100 registered voters.
91% of all people eligible to be registered are registered. Over 97% of the people over age 65 are registered to vote!
This is the first Presidential election where Iowa will allow voters to register on the day of the election. So voter registration numbers will continue to climb until 9 PM on Tuesday!
Johnson County has about 129,000 total residents. Who are the 29,000 people ineligible to vote? Children, mostly – we have about 25,000 citizens under age 18. Also ineligible to vote are foreign nationals, felons who have not had voting rights restored, and those adjudicated incompetent.
As of the close of business on Saturday, November 1, 39,118 voters (43% of all registered voters) had requested absentee ballots. 36,020 (92%) of these ballots had been returned.
Why do we vote the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November? It goes back to 1845, and has agriculture at its roots.
The thinking was that most of the crops would be harvested by November, allowing farmers time to vote. Back then, voting occurred only at the County seat, so some travel was required. Many people lobbied for Monday to be Election Day, but several others complained about being forced to travel on a Sunday. The latter won out, and ever since, Election Day has been a Tuesday.
A brief update on the United Way Flood Relief efforts from June 16 to Oct. 16, 2008.
Services were provided to 352 households with 886 total people in the households served. The total amount expended since June is $220,000.
Iowa City Marriage Equality Public Forum -Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 - 9:00 PM @ The Senior Center, Assembly Room.
Welcome: Kim Painter, Johnson County Recorder; Panelists: Jen and Dawn BarbouRoske, same-sex plaintiff couple in Varnum vs. Brien case; Camilla Taylor, Lambda Legal, Senior Staff Attorney; Tom Koeppel, proud parent of a lesbian daughter; Dr. Rev. Rich McCarty, ordained minister and Professor of Religion.
Co-sponsors: Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, National Association of Social Workers - Iowa Chapter, Iowa Citizens Action Network, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, Pittman Law Firm, Mears Law Firm, Iowa Women’s Foundation, Women’s Resource and Action Center, Emma Goldman Clinic, Prairie Lights Bookstore, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Community Mental Health Center, University of Iowa LGBT Resource Center, Connections, Iowa City Interweave.
DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County expects to be reimbursed $128,000 from FEMA to cover the costs of flood preparation and clean up. That is 90% of the expenses Johnson County incurred; the hope is that the State of Iowa will pick up the remaining 10%. These amounts do not include the Emergency Management and Secondary Roads Departments, which file separately.
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.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
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