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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 28, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 12/1/09 I know that Johnson County is full of people who want to make the world a better place. If this sounds like you, I have a suggestion: consider becoming a foster parent. Melissa and I have served as foster parents for many years now, and it has been a truly rewarding experience. In all seriousness, Johnson County is desperate for more foster parents. The Department of Human Services is very willing to work with families (or individuals) to match your needs with those of children needing a place to live. Interested? Respond to this E-mail or give me a call. I’d be happy to discuss it in greater detail. Local Republican and Democratic Parties will be meeting to select their respective candidates for the January 19 County Supervisor election. The Democratic Party will hold its convention at 6:30 PM on December 3rd in Room 10 of the Pappajohn Business Building. Local Republicans will meet December 5 in the afternoon at the Coralville Public Library. The January 19 special election will serve to fill the seat vacated upon the passing of Larry Meyers. That seat is currently being filled by Democrat Janelle Rettig, who was appointed to fill the vacancy. The winner of the January 19 election will serve until early November of 2010, when the winner of the general election will be seated. As you know, Iowa City received a tremendous honor when the United Nations named it a UNESCO City of Literature, only the third in the world and the first in the Western Hemisphere. So what has been happening since? Many outstanding ideas have been forwarded, and lots of bright people are trying to decide what do. For an update on the progress, see Pulitzertown.com or iowacityofliterature.com. Congratulations to my dear friend (and Salvos reader!) Kirsten Running Marquardt of Cedar Rapids on her recent election to the Iowa House of Representatives. Kirsten won a special election to fill the seat in House District 33 vacated by Dick Taylor. Many of you will know Kirsten as the Johnson County staff person with the Iowa Democratic Party back in 2000, or as a stalwart worker for SEIU Local 199 in Coralville. Kirsten grew up in CR, and moved back there a few years ago. But I have no doubt that she will be happy to hear from her Johnson County friends in her new role. Congrats again, Kirsten! Finding Our Balance Policy Summit -Securing Iowa’s Budget Now and For the Future. Friday, December 4 from 9am to 3pm at the Botanical Center in Des Moines. The summit will examine and respond to the balance problem built into Iowa’s fiscal structure and budget practices. We are bringing in national and state experts to offer their perspectives. In addition, other speakers will offer a look at various possibilities for reforms in order to create a more sustainable budget for Iowans. This event will provide information about the challenges we all face as Iowans. Please respond to aberg@cfpciowa.org if you are planning to attend. Please make the subject line "Will Attend," and include your contact information (name, organization, phone, email, etc.) in the body of the email.
Government is GOOD! How do I know? Because Meals on Wheels exists to provide nutrition to people who cannot leave home.
Over one million seniors take Meals on Wheels, with the number rising every day. Brought to you by your GOVERNMENT!
DID YOU KNOW? Wayne County, Indiana (population 71,000) has the highest percentage of its total population divorced - 19%. (Source: National Association of Counties.)
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 22, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/24/09
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking back, 2009 was a very difficult year for me. Yet I know that I am truly blessed. I have many things for which I am thankful – including the wonderful folks who read Salvos each week!
Thank you for your interest, friendship, and understanding. Have a great holiday - all my best to you and yours.
A little over a year ago, voters were kind enough to give me a second term as a County Supervisor. I thought it might be a good idea to check in on my campaign promises (established about 20 months ago) to see how I am doing.
1). Increase County commitment to the environment: The big thing that happened on this front was the Conservation Bond initiative. While I can hardly take credit for that issue passing, I am certainly proud of the role I played.
Besides the bond initiative, the Conservation Department is moving into a new headquarters. Their current (soon to be former) facility is outdated, undersized, and frankly, unsafe. The new facility should facilitate an improvement in the efficiency of the Conservation Department.
In addition to good things in the Conservation Department, Johnson County has adopted a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan – the first County in Iowa to do so. This plan implements some common sense energy savings along with LEED certified buildings, organized vanpools, and other ambitious goals.
2). Improve dust control: Johnson County adopted a new Chip Seal policy that allows individuals to pay for chip seals in front of their own properties. In addition, Johnson County has identified priority roads for upgrading from dirt to gravel and gravel to chip seal.
3). Support Human Services: While we have not increased funding for Human Services, the pot of money has not been cut. I am committed to maintaining a strong safety net for our least fortunate citizens. That includes a look at “unfreezing” the amount of money Johnson County puts toward Health & Human Services.
4). Update the County Land Use Plan: This was completed not long after the election. There were several improvements to the LUP, including a much smaller and more dense rural growth area, and an end to the “phasing” concept. Unincorporated villages have finally been given some attention – Frytown and Sutliff have development plans, and Cosgrove is in the works. Johnson County has done a much better job of protecting sensitive areas, and the Plan instructs the Board & staff to protect farmland. We are limiting the number of wells and wastewater systems that go into the ground by encouraging shared systems.
So how have I done? I would have to say I feel pretty good so far. Perhaps you disagree with my measures in these areas. Perhaps you feel I have missed the boat somewhere else. Maybe I campaigned on the wrong issues altogether! If so, please let me know!
Johnson County has several openings on Boards and Commissions:
*The Compensation Commission needs 5 members. (1 member) – Owner of Farm Property; (2 members) – Licensed Real Estate Brokers or Sales Persons; (2 members) – Other Occupations.
*The Livable Community for Successful Aging Policy Board needs one member representing the University of Iowa.
*The Juvenile Justice Youth Development Program needs one representative from a social services agency, and 2 members representing local businesses.
*The Historic Preservation Commission needs 2 members.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding any or all of these Boards and Commissions. We would love to have you apply!
The Homeless Children’s Trust 21st annual Holiday Party will be December 5th at the Moose Lodge in Iowa City. Please help support the concept to "make a child happy today" by supporting Stuff Etc. during the month of December. A portion of the daily proceeds will go toward the Homeless Children’s Trust fund, which not only pays for the annual party, but also the Back-to School effort every August.
Volunteers are needed to help at the party doing various tasks such as shopping with parents at K Mart, wrapping packages at K Mart, working in the kitchen at the Moose Lodge, monitoring children at the Moose Lodge, helping to sort and package the donations on Friday December 5th at HACAP. If you would like to assist at this really fun event call Mary at 338-1212 (days) or 337-2264 (evening). Donations are always welcome and can be sent to HACAP at 367 Southgate Ave., Iowa City.
Government is GOOD! How do I know? Because the Family and Medical Leave Act exists to protect your job if you need time off to care for a sick loved one.
Yes, the US still lags behind almost every other First World country in this area. But imagine not having the FMLA! Brought to you by your GOVERNMENT!
DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County loses 3-5 tons of soil per acre of farmland per year. (Source: NRCS.)
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 14, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/17/09
I have noted before that I believe Johnson County is blessed with the finest Public Health Department in the State of Iowa. The organization and administration of the recent H1N1 clinics have only reinforced my belief.
Thanks to everyone at the Johnson County Department of Public Health for all your efforts! Great job!
Johnson County has at long last adopted a Buy Local policy. I am surprised at how difficult this has been. The policy itself has no teeth and zero mandates; it simply says we MAY buy local. Yet folks seem to be gravely concerned over the ramifications.
Frankly, my guess is that the Board will do very little to enforce this policy. Perhaps the public will hold us to account. In any case, having a policy is a step in the right direction. I am proud that this day has finally arrived.
Johnson County continues to work on a Cosgrove village plan. As you may recall, one of the items that came out of our 2008 Land Use Plan update was a need to create land use plans specific to each of our 11 unincorporated villages. Plans have previously been completed for Frytown and Sutliff, and both were very successful. I expect the Cosgrove plan to be completed early in 2010.
Johnson County is putting the finishing touches on several road projects. Notably, Highway 965 is now open, and Oak Crest Hill Road is almost complete.
Both of these roads are known as “Transfer of Jurisdiction” or “TJ” roads. This is because the State of Iowa determined that they served a more local purpose, and would be a better fit as a part of the county secondary roads systems.
I agree that it made sense to transfer these roads from the State to the county. But here is the rub: the State agreed to pay $200,000 a year for ten years for all maintenance for all TJ roads - total. The current Oak Crest Hill and 965 projects combined to cost almost $4 million, and we have only done half of each road. Plus, there are several additional TJ roads that also need work.
Given the condition of these roads and the total mileage involved, the State should have transferred $1,000,000 per year for ten years to cover the cost of these roads. What occurred instead was yet another unfunded mandate.
Johnson County is catching up on the much-needed maintenance of these roads. But it is unfortunate that it is taking so much local time and local money.
November 15-21 is national Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week. The following local & state groups are sponsoring a Community Connections Day on November 18th to provide information and services for persons who are homeless and in need: Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board, University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, Iowa Finance Authority, & Iowa City Human Rights Commission.
Community donations of new socks and underwear are requested for distribution during Community Connections Day, and donations can be made until 4:30pm on Tuesday November 17th at the following locations: Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, Coralville City Hall, Iowa City City Hall, and Johnson County Health & Human Services Building.
Government is GOOD! How do I know? Because FEMA exists to act when disasters strike. Face it – there is no way a local government could ever possibly save enough money to cover the losses from a natural disaster. The only way we can address these types of issues is through federal intervention.
Yes, FEMA has problems. But where would we be without the help of that agency following our recent floods? FEMA helped tremendously. Brought to you by your GOVERNMENT!
DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County has suffered 34 suicides in 2009, up from 19 in 2008. (Source: Medical Examiner’s Office.)
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 7, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/10/09
A belated Happy Birthday to my daughter Rachel, who turned 18 on November 6. It is pretty hard to believe that Rachel is now a legal adult! It is a little scary, too!
Happy Birthday, Honey. I know it has not been easy, but you have come very far. I love you with all my heart!
Happy Veteran’s Day on November 11. I salute the women and men who have worn the uniform of our country. I hope we soon get to a point where we are not putting so many of our young people in harm’s way. Until that day, thank you to all who have sacrificed.
Congratulations to all the winners of the recent City Council elections, and thanks to everyone who ran for office. The next four years will undoubtedly present us with several challenges – best of luck!
All the wet weather this fall is making it very tough on my friends and family in agriculture. You may have noticed that the combining is running behind. Please join me in hoping for continued dry weather!
In keeping with the wet theme, “Water In – Water Out in Johnson County” will be presented by the Johnson County League of Women Voters Regional Governance Committee Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 PM at the Coralville Public Library.
Four regional experts in water management issues will give brief presentations and answer questions. For more information call Carol Spaziani, 338-6140.
I have been on Twitter for some time now. While I was dubious at first, I really like tweeting!
I do not have texting on my phone, so I only get tweets from the people I follow when I log onto the Twitter site. Because of this, it goes without saying that I am much more into sending than receiving. I follow about 25 other tweeters.
My tweets have tended to be at night, and tend to describe the upcoming day. But there is a bit of everything. If you are interested, feel free to follow me! And if you are following someone really interesting, please recommend her!
As you know, I frequently write about issues of poverty, class, taxes, and the like. People take from it what they will. I just came across some interesting statistics that may add some perspective to the discussion.
The median income for a household in the US is $48,000. That may include one or two incomes; it may include one family member or seven. The median household income is $48,000.
If you take the middle 60 percent of all household incomes, they range between $25,000 and $97,000. That is one definition of middle class. 20 percent of households earn over $97,000. More strikingly, 20 percent of households earn less than $25,000. Yet fully five out of six Americans describe themselves as being middle class.
A household that earns over $250,000 (again, regardless of one or two wage earners) is in the top 2% of all American households. Imagine where that places them among all the people of the world! Yet few people earning $250,000 consider themselves wealthy.
I know Melissa and I have always viewed ourselves as middle class… for the first time ever this year we now earn $100,000 between us. So I guess we are statistically actually wealthy! And realistically, compared to everyone else, we are. We need to remember that, particularly when we are asked to donate our time, talents, and finances to various charities.
As we approach Thanksgiving, keep in mind how well we do compared to our fellow human beings. Life is good, and we are truly blessed.
Government is GOOD! How do I know? Because FEMA exists to act when disasters strike. Face it – there is no way a local government could ever possibly save enough money to cover the losses from a natural disaster. The only way we can address these types of issues is through federal intervention.
Yes, FEMA has problems. But where would we be without the help of that agency following our recent floods? FEMA helped tremendously. Brought to you by your GOVERNMENT!
DID YOU KNOW? More Iowa females own farmland now than ever before. (Many were joint owners who are now widows.)
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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