SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
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.
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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 @ 10:07 PM
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