SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
July 5, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/7/09
I need to begin with a correction… last week, I said that I had been writing Salvos for 388 weeks. I’m not sure where I got that number, frankly!
I rechecked, and the number is actually 251 weeks. (Perhaps it only FEELS longer!) Anyway, I apologize for the misinformation.
Tiffin is holding its second annual Tiffin Fest this weekend. For more info, see:
http://tiffin-iowa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=27&Itemid=64
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford made the news recently when he skipped the state for an affair in Argentina. This case has generated a great deal of talk; I figured I might as well weigh in!
For starters, I think the details of Mr. Sanford’s marriage are the business of the Sanford family and no one else. Personally, I do not believe that marital fidelity translates to ability to govern.
That said, some argue that a politician who will lie to his wife will lie to the public. OK, I can buy that. It certainly does reflect poorly on his character, and I would not begrudge anyone who voted against him solely on that basis.
But I would argue that in the money-driven politics of this country, MOST governors would (and do) lie to the public, whether they cheat on their spouses or not.
The real issue in this case is that Sanford abandoned his position as Governor and left the state with no way to be contacted. During the week he was absent, there could have been any number of disasters that would have required the Governor’s leadership.
In my opinion, this is gross negligence, an abdication of duty, a betrayal of the public trust, and unbecoming of the Office of Governor. I feel Sanford should step down. Should he choose not to resign, the voters of South Carolina should send him a strong message of disapproval. Primary or General election, it does not matter… this issue is not political. It is about good government.
As our School Boards and City Councils struggle to balance their budgets, please remember something: any individual can balance a budget fairly easily.
She would tax herself what she thought was fair. Then she would fund programs and services she liked and used, and cut those she did not. Viola! The budget is balanced.
Problem is, cities and school districts represent more than one person. Those people disagree as to what is valuable, and disagree as to how much we ought to pay.
Elected officials are charged with striking a balance that the community will accept. If they do not do so, we can vote them out. But please vote knowing that budgeting for thousands of people is a challenge.
Backyard Abundance is holding several tours this summer. Our neighbors hosted one last year, and it was a fun event.
For more info, see: http://www.backyardabundance.org/events.aspx
Diversity Circles encourage dialogue to create awareness, to help develop sensitivity to and understanding of others, and to build and strengthen ourselves and our community. Facilitator guided discussions on such issues as race, immigration, religion, and sexuality encourage participants to take action for positive change.
The next Diversity Circle will be held: Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Grant Wood Elementary School Family Resource Center.
Sponsored by: Grant Wood Neighborhood Association, City of Iowa City Human Rights Division, City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services, City of Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, Johnson County Social Services, Iowa City Community School District and Women’s Resource & Action Center.
DID YOU KNOW? Pagans called the Midsummer moon the "Honey Moon" for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice.
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.
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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 @ 5:44 PM
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