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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
August 29, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 9/1/09 Happy Labor Day next Monday! I love Labor Day. Every Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day we set aside time to recall the folks whose service has given us our freedom. I have long felt we need to treat Labor Day in a similar fashion. Please take a moment this Labor Day to remember the people who fought (and often died) to give us child labor laws, 40 hour weeks, weekends, overtime, vacations, the minimum wage, sick leave, parental leave, OSHA, employment nondiscrimination, pensions, Social Security, health insurance, and so much more. Unions continue to provide the best protection working people can have. I feel as though I have accomplished some good things as a member of the Board of Supervisors. One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud is starting an employee appreciation lunch every year the week of Labor Day. Johnson County employees deserve much more, but this is one extra opportunity to say thank you. Trust me – the average person has nothing to fear from unions. We all benefit when folks have safe and healthy workplaces. We all benefit when workers get adequate rest. We all benefit when workers receive good training. We all benefit when folks earn a living wage and have health insurance. Unions help improve the quality of life for all of us. I am proud to be a member of Local 716 of the American Federation of Teachers, an affiliate of the Iowa City Federation of Labor. Happy Labor Day! The Iowa City Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, will host its annual Labor Day picnic on Monday, September 7, starting at 12 Noon at Upper City Park, shelter 2. Burgers, brats, veggie options and beverages provided. Political speeches and a good time guaranteed. Free to all Friends of Labor. For more information call Patrick Hughes, President, Iowa City Federation of Labor, 319-828-4541. On a final labor note, I want to mark the passing of Larry Omann of Iowa City. Larry was an old and dear friend of my father’s, a member of Laborer’s 43 and business agent for Teamster’s 238, and a person who dedicated his working life to fighting for the little guy. RIP, Larry. School Board elections are Tuesday. I am supporting Sarah Swisher for election in the ICCSD, and Dick Schwab in Solon. Good luck to all the candidates – we have plenty of work ahead! The United Way is holding its annual Campaign Kickoff this Thursday. I am a big believer in the mission of the United Way. I usually spend some time in this forum asking folks to give, then give some more. I am not going to do that this year. The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther Ling Junior once said, “Charity is a poor substitute for justice.” I agree. The United Way allows people to feel good about themselves. But let’s not confuse charity with justice. If you fight to lower your income tax rate, lower your tax rate on capital gains, lower the inheritance tax, hand tax dollars to private companies, decrease government regulation, stop consumer protection lawsuits, prevent people from unionizing, increase criminal penalties, segregate communities, limit voting, limit marriage rights, etc…then give $1000 to United Way? Your $1000 in charity is no substitute for the real justice you oppose. I am sure my friends at the United Way will be horrified that I write this. They did not authorize it, and they have every right to distance themselves from it. They try very hard to keep donors of all stripes happy. And that is fine. This also does not mean that people who do all those things above are bad people. In fact, it is likely the opposite; I imagine most of them want to live in a better world - that is why they have tried to help the United Way. I simply hope that some of the donors will look deep within themselves, and recognize that as Doctor King said, “charity is no substitute for justice.” The Sutliff Bridge Authority is holding its annual street dance fundraiser Sunday, September 6th. The Sutliff Bridge Authority no longer has financial responsibility for the bridge, but they are continuing to raise money with an eye toward possible bridge restoration. “Fryday”, September 4, will serve as every Hawkeye enthusiast’s dream. Witness the official unveiling of Hayden Fry Way, immerse yourself in a sea of black and gold at the World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow and Tailgate Party, meet Hawkeye student-athletes, coaches, gear up for the 2009 Hawkeye football season and enjoy a large-scale, outdoor concert featuring Charlie Daniels. With numerous activities planned throughout the day, this will be a true celebration of all that is Hawkeye – something you don’t want to miss! For more info, see http://www.fryfest.com. Go Hawks! The University of Iowa football team kicks off the 2009 season on Saturday, September 5 as they play host to UNI. I love Hawkeye football, and I love hanging out in the areas around Kinnick with lots of old friends. I do have a couple words of advice for my fellow Hawkeye fans: *Do unto others. Let the other person go first. Be a good sport, a good host, and a good guest. *Remember, things are never as good as they seem when the Hawks win, and things are never as bad as they seem when the Hawks lose. It is only a game! *I think the Hawks are going to have an excellent team, but they have a KILLER schedule. If they can go 8-4 with this schedule, they will have really accomplished something. That said, now is the time to dream! The Hawks are capable of doing even better; I hope they do! *Beware UNI! The Hawks are playing an excellent team right off the bat. A win is not guaranteed! I hope the Panthers lose to the Hawks, then win the rest of their games, and win the elusive championship of their division. They have what it takes! Now please remind me of what I just said in mid-October. GO HAWKS! DID YOU KNOW? I have attended the vast majority of all Hawkeye home football games since 1973. 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
August 23, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 8/25/09
This may be good, it may be meaningless, or it may be a sign of the apocalypse… but I am now on Twitter! I know very little about Twitter; I have only sent two “tweets”. That said, feel free to sign up and “follow” me!
So, loyal readers… please offer some advice! Who or what should I follow? What should I tweet about? Are there “dos and don’ts” when it comes to Twitter? Please share your thoughts!
School Board elections are a mere two weeks away. Folks – you will not cast a more important ballot! You know how politicians talk about things being “for our children”? Well, this REALLY IS for our children! And even if you are childless, schools are the biggest users of your tax dollars. Everyone should pay attention, and everyone should vote!
I urge you to cast your ballot on Tuesday, September 8, or to vote early any weekday between 8 AM and 6 PM at the Auditor’s Office. (Remember – there are combined polling places in school elections. See the Auditor’s website at http://www.johnson-county.com/auditor/voter/0909elec.htm for details.)
The Landlocked Film Festival runs Thursday through Sunday in downtown Iowa City. This is the final leg of the Summer of the Arts, and probably the least well known. I really enjoy this festival; I believe you will, too. For more info, see: http://www.landlockedfilmfestival.org/
St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Cosgrove is holding its annual Pork Day celebration on Sunday. I have tried in vain to find more info – if this year’s celebration is like previous events, it will consist of a good meal, beer tent, polka music, and other fun stuff!
The Regina Fall Festival is coming up Labor Day Weekend. I have always enjoyed this event – I appreciate the close-knit community that is Regina.
The event opens at 5 pm Friday with carnival rides, games for kids, a garage sale, softball tournament, and 3v3 soccer tournament. These and other events continue through the weekend. Enjoy live music every evening. All meals and the Sunday brunch are hosted by one of the high school classes. Come Sunday, participants of all ages walk/run in the Fall Fun Run 5K. Fireworks at dusk put a cap on the weekend. I hope you get a chance to share in the fun!
Club Kazi (Kazi = “to work” in Swahili) presents the 2009 Save Our Children Conference September 10 & 11 in Coralville. The purpose of this conference is to gather African Americans who are concerned over the number of African American children in Foster Care in Iowa.
For more info, contact LaTasha Massey at 688-5708 or lmassey@co.johnson.ia.us .
In light of the recent tragic shooting event, friends have approached me regarding the need for some type of commission similar to the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board.
I have always supported the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board. I think it serves an important purpose. I know my friends in law enforcement hate the idea, but I think it provides an important check and balance. The public deserves a strong voice in the manner in which they are policed.
Thankfully, the County form of government already has a way for the public to weigh in – we elect our Sheriffs. And that matters!
Let’s say, hypothetically, that a local city has a really bad Chief of Police. The Chief makes several inexcusable mistakes. The Chief does not respond to the public. He needs to go.
In most cities, the public would need to elect 4 new council members, each of whom was willing to fire any City Manager who refused to fire the Chief. Guess hat? It ain’t happening. Ever.
I think we have a great Sheriff, who is very responsive to public concerns. That is in part because the public chose him.
DID YOU KNOW? All people who have any County subscriptions (agendas, minutes, Commission openings, etc.) will need to sign up again due to a new County website. See http://www.johnson-county.com/email_register.aspx to subscribe.
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
Sullivan’s Salvos 8/25/09
This may be good, it may be meaningless, or it may be a sign of the apocalypse… but I am now on Twitter! I know very little about Twitter; I have only sent two “tweets”. That said, feel free to sign up and “follow” me!
So, loyal readers… please offer some advice! Who or what should I follow? What should I tweet about? Are there “dos and don’ts” when it comes to Twitter? Please share your thoughts!
School Board elections are a mere two weeks away. Folks – you will not cast a more important ballot! You know how politicians talk about things being “for our children”? Well, this REALLY IS for our children! And even if you are childless, schools are the biggest users of your tax dollars. Everyone should pay attention, and everyone should vote!
I urge you to cast your ballot on Tuesday, September 8, or to vote early any weekday between 8 AM and 6 PM at the Auditor’s Office. (Remember – there are combined polling places in school elections. See the Auditor’s website at http://www.johnson-county.com/auditor/voter/0909elec.htm for details.)
The Landlocked Film Festival runs Thursday through Sunday in downtown Iowa City. This is the final leg of the Summer of the Arts, and probably the least well known. I really enjoy this festival; I believe you will, too. For more info, see: http://www.landlockedfilmfestival.org/
St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Cosgrove is holding its annual Pork Day celebration on Sunday. I have tried in vain to find more info – if this year’s celebration is like previous events, it will consist of a good meal, beer tent, polka music, and other fun stuff!
The Regina Fall Festival is coming up Labor Day Weekend. I have always enjoyed this event – I appreciate the close-knit community that is Regina.
The event opens at 5 pm Friday with carnival rides, games for kids, a garage sale, softball tournament, and 3v3 soccer tournament. These and other events continue through the weekend. Enjoy live music every evening. All meals and the Sunday brunch are hosted by one of the high school classes. Come Sunday, participants of all ages walk/run in the Fall Fun Run 5K. Fireworks at dusk put a cap on the weekend. I hope you get a chance to share in the fun!
Club Kazi (Kazi = “to work” in Swahili) presents the 2009 Save Our Children Conference September 10 & 11 in Coralville. The purpose of this conference is to gather African Americans who are concerned over the number of African American children in Foster Care in Iowa.
For more info, contact LaTasha Massey at 688-5708 or lmassey@co.johnson.ia.us.
In light of the recent tragic shooting event, friends have approached me regarding the need for some type of commission similar to the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board.
I have always supported the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board. I think it serves an important purpose. I know my friends in law enforcement hate the idea, but I think it provides an important check and balance. The public deserves a strong voice in the manner in which they are policed.
Thankfully, the County form of government already has a way for the public to weigh in – we elect our Sheriffs. And that matters!
Let’s say, hypothetically, that a local city has a really bad Chief of Police. The Chief makes several inexcusable mistakes. The Chief does not respond to the public. He needs to go.
In most cities, the public would need to elect 4 new council members, each of whom was willing to fire any City Manager who refused to fire the Chief. Guess hat? It ain’t happening. Ever.
I think we have a great Sheriff, who is very responsive to public concerns. That is in part because the public chose him.
DID YOU KNOW? All people who have any County subscriptions (agendas, minutes, Commission openings, etc.) will need to sign up again due to a new County website. See http://www.johnson-county.com/email_register.aspx to subscribe.
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
August 15, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 8/18/09
Happy Birthday to my son BJ who turns 13 on August 22nd. BJ is a wonderful young man who makes me prouder with every passing day. It is hard to believe my youngest is now a teen!
The first day of school is coming soon to Johnson County! Clear Creek Amana begins (in a brand new facility) the 19th; ICCSD the 20th; Lone Tree the 24th, and Solon the 26th. Plus, the University of Iowa begins classes on the 24th.
Remember to drive a bit more carefully, expect a few more delays, and beware of pedestrians. We all need to readjust.
I love the sense of excitement that coincides with the start of every school year. Good luck to all the students and parents; have a great new year!
Race continues to be a topic of discussion in Johnson County. I know this can be an uncomfortable topic, but we ignore it at our peril.
As the father of three African American children, I have dealt with issues of race more than most, but less than many. I have found several ways in which the discussion can break down quickly. Below is my personal list of do’s and don’t’s:
* We all have our own biases. We need to acknowledge this.
*Try not to use absolutes such as “always” and “never”. If I am inclined to disagree with you anyway, that type of language simply assures me you are incorrect.
*People tend to fear things with which they are unfamiliar. This is a natural reaction. Exposure begets acceptance.
*A large part of the issue is not race, but class. We are not afraid of the black woman in the office next door, but we fear her unemployed cousin. Dr. King was speaking about this when he was assassinated.
*There are legitimate cultural differences. These may seem to be clearly right or wrong, but in either case they may require explanations.
*Honesty is appreciated. A person has a right to her own feelings, even if those feelings seem hard to understand.
*There is no excuse for racist language. If you use it, quit using it. If you hear others use it, say something.
*We must stop equating race and criminal behavior. We do not blame all counselors for the things a few counselors have done. Why should we blame all African Americans for the crimes of a few?
*Similarly, we must not equate Section 8 Housing and criminal behavior. Statistically, this simply does not hold up.
*It is easy to be critical. It is much more difficult to come up with constructive solutions. Work toward solutions.
Do you have opinions regarding a community dialogue on issues of race? If so, I would appreciate knowing what you think!
Congressman Dave Loebsack is holding a series of town hall meetings around Iowa’s Second District throughout the month of August, including one at the Iowa City Public Library at 10 AM on August 22nd. (To see the complete list, visit http://loebsack.house.gov/ConstituentServices/healthcarereform/townhalls.htm.)
Dave needs your help. There are groups who have been recruited to disrupt these meetings and shout down members of Congress as they discuss health care reform.
What can you do? Show up and voice your support for health care reform. Let Dave (and our Senators) know where you stand! (But please – do so respectfully!)
LIFE Skills, Inc. will be hosting its 4th Annual "Run for Your LIFE Skills" 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, August 29. The race will start at 9:00 am from Shelter #12 in Iowa City's Lower City Park. Registration is $15 for an adult (and child) or $12 per person with group registration (family/friends/co-workers). The registration fee includes: participation in the race, food, drink, T-Shirt, and entry for prize drawing. Please share the word and bring your family, friends and pets! For more info, E-mail [mailto:dvincent@lifeskills-inc.com
DID YOU KNOW? The first courthouse built in Iowa City was a temporary two-story structure constructed of bricks. This courthouse burned to the ground in 1856. In 1857 this building was replaced by another courthouse, which was insured for $30,000. This brick building was used until 1899, when it was condemned.
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
August 9, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 8/11/09
Happy Birthday on the 17th to my wonderful wife, Dr. Melissa Fath. I have said it before and I’ll say it again… I’m a lucky man!
The Lone Tree Fall Festival is this Friday and Saturday. Stop by and take in all the Tree has to offer! For more info, see: http://www.lonetreeiowa.com/cc_fallfest.htm
There is a full field (eight!) of candidates for the three available seats on the Iowa City Community School Board of Directors. I urge everyone to learn all they can about each of these candidates, and to be sure to vote on or before September 8.
To start, check out the Johnson County Auditor’s website at http://www.johnson-county.com/auditor/voter/0909elec.htm.
I recently attended an informational session that attempted to quantify the “Diversity Climate” of the Corridor region. The Diversity Focus group commissioned Vernon Research Group out of CR to survey hundreds of residents in Linn & Johnson Counties.
While Johnson County received good overall ratings, African Americans viewed things as being worse than their Caucasian counterparts.
I think this is particularly noteworthy given the role race seems to be playing in our collective daily narrative. I do not recall a time when so many people were discussing race in this community.
I wish I could do more to influence the tone of these discussions; please join me in doing all you can to address this challenging topic. And for more info on Diversity Focus and the results of the Diversity Climate, see www.DiversityFocus.org.
A recent newspaper article mentioned the fact that 3-4 high rises proposed for Iowa City have been delayed. The article then went on to explain how the City would be attempting to figure out what it could do to make the high rises happen.
Must we really go down this road again? This is not the proper role of government. If local banks will not lend the money, why should the City?
I get sick of this “public-private partnership” BS. Yes, there are instances where such partnerships can and do work. But more often than not, we get fiascos as a result.
We tend to forget about the ORIGINAL public-private partnership… the private sector pays taxes. The public sector then provides public services. I would like to see more emphasis on this traditional partnership rather than each little scheme.
We are too often guilty – at the local, state, and national level- of giving in to the trend to socialize the costs of a project, then privatize the profits.
If cities MUST use incentives of all kinds, at least use them wisely. Incentives are pointless when it comes to retail and office space. They simply do not pay. If cities only used incentives when basic sector employers are involved… then we might have something!
If you do not believe me, ask the Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD). There is a reason they only work with basic sector employers.
And I thought we had guidelines that require x number jobs, paying above certain wage, with benefits? How does a high rise meet those criteria?
Johnson County could create some industrial/research parks. It would not be that expensive, and then we would not need to worry about TIFs. Johnson County has not done so, because that would be sprawl. The County has been a team player; maybe it is time to begin competing rather than cooperating.
I have an idea. Let’s have our developers compete in the private marketplace. Let’s have our cities provide outstanding public services. I’ll bet that if we focus on that, things will work out just fine.
DID YOU KNOW? There are several County roads under construction, including 965, Oak Crest Hill Road, and Black Diamond Road, just to name a few. All County road closures are listed on the County website.
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
August 2, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 8/4/09
I am saddened by the horrible shooting/stabbing incident that took place in Iowa City. I do not know any of the three men involved, and I know even less in terms of the specifics surrounding the incident. I simply hope that the investigation reaches the truth, and that justice is served.
We have an abundance of summer squash in our garden right now. Melissa grilled some up with olive oil and Italian dressing, and it was REALLY good!
We can never eat all that we have. We would like to see others enjoy it. If you would like some squash, just give me a call, and we’ll arrange a way for me to get it to you.
Congratulations to the Johnson County Ag Association on yet another great Johnson County Fair! This year featured the best weather I can ever remember, in addition to all the usual good stuff. Nice job, folks!
113 people have served as US Supreme Court Justices. 111 were men. 111 were white. Yet Senate Republicans are worried that a “Wise Latina” might bring her life experiences to the Court?
Why have these same Senators not been concerned about bias before? Is it possible that the exclusive club of white men that is the Supreme Court has been biased toward white men?
I’d like to hear Senator Grassley and others explain why they are concerned about the biases of Sonya Sotomayor but not those of Roberts, Scalia, Alieto, Renquist, etc.
Johnson County recently acquired and implemented new E-mail filtering software. At first blush, this is a WONDERFUL change!
I used to have about 40 E-mails every day that would end up in my junk folder. Of these 40, an average of 38 or 39 would be junk, and 1-2 would be legitimate. Unfortunately, many of these spam E-mails were well disguised, so they had to be opened before being deleted. While I never ended up with any viruses due to this, it was a time sink, probably wasting 15-20 minutes every day.
Now, with the new software? None. Zip. Zero. Nada. I have not had any E-mails in my junk folder.
Perhaps I should just jump for joy, but I am a bit concerned. As I noted, a small percentage of the E-mails that ended up in my junk folder were legit. I am concerned that constituents, particularly those who use Gmail or Hotmail, will not get E-mail messages through to County government.
So, if you E-mail someone in County government and do not receive a response, please call. We need to make sure this new software is as great as it seems!
In keeping with the technology theme, on August 5th we are switching the county web site over to the new format. The web site may be unavailable for a short time as we make the switch.
Since we are using a new system for the site, the page addresses will be different then they are now. Because of this, any bookmarks to current pages on our site will no longer work. Also, if anyone is currently signed up to receive our e-mail notifications, they will need to re-register on the new system after we go live. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is currently registered with further instructions closer to the time of the switch over.
If you have not seen the new site, have a look! http://dev.jc.com/default.aspx
DID YOU KNOW? Almost half of all US counties faced budget deficits this year.
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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