Rod Sullivan, Supervisor, Johnson County, Iowa

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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

April 18, 2010

Sullivan’s Salvos 4/20/10




In this edition:

*Thoughts on Justice Stevens
*Local Heroes Retiring
*Buy Here Business Fair
*Crime Victim Week
*Dealing With Sexting and Other Technology Issues
*Day of the Book
*Did You Know?




*Thoughts on Justice Stevens
I have always had tremendous respect for retiring US Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. As the longest-serving Justice, we can track the political “mood” in the US throughout his term.

In his first decade, he was seen as a center-right justice, but as the composition of the court grew more and more conservative, he found himself referred to as the court's most liberal member, a moniker he never liked.

Stevens claims he never changed; the politics changed around him. I think there is some truth to this. I once saw the stances of US Presidents on twelve key issues placed side by side. Eisenhower and Nixon were to the left of Bill Clinton on nine and seven issues, respectively.

Meanwhile, all the best to Justice Stevens on his retirement, and thanks for 35 years of stellar service!




*Local Heroes Retiring
Speaking of retirements, two of my heroes are retiring later this month.

Peter Fisher and Jim Throgmorton are both retiring from the UI Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

I know, I know… the word “hero” can be thrown around far too easily. I thought about that as I wrote this, and it fits. I seriously cannot imagine how different my six+ years as a Supervisor would be if not for these two men. I have relied heavily on both for information and ideas.

Even more importantly, Jim & Peter have dedicated their careers to making public policy work for everyone, not just the wealthy and well connected. We are all better off because of their work.

Congratulations, Jim & Peter!




*Buy Here Business Fair
Join the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual Buy Here Business Fair from 4-7 PM on Thursday, April 22 at the Coralville Holiday Inn.

Buying locally makes all the difference! I am very proud to be a part of a Chamber that “gets it”.




*Johnson County observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
We are not far removed from the tragic events of March 23, 2008, when Sheryl Sueppel and her children Ethan, Seth, Mira, and Eleanor were tragically killed.

On Monday, April 19, Sheryl’s brother, David Kesterson will be the keynote speaker for the opening ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, sponsored by the Johnson County Crime Victims’ Advocacy Board.

The discussion will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Iowa City Council Chambers. The public is encouraged to attend the event, which will address the issues of faith, hope, and redemption. It will also discuss the impact of violent crimes on the family and friends of people directly affected by them.

According to the FBI, more than 15,000 Americans are murdered each year. In up to a quarter of these cases, the crime was committed by a spouse or intimate partner. In the state of Iowa alone, over 450 murders have been committed since 2000.




*Dealing With Sexting and Other Technology Issues
Sexting, Technology, OH MY Talking With Teens in Tough Times. Monday, April 26 @ 7pm @ United Action for Youth, Youth Center.

United Action for Youth health educators present to parents on the resources for parent/child communication, also touching on the issues related to technology and how a parent can be an advocate for their child's safety... and Peer Educators from UAY do role plays!

Great free resources available for families, and come enjoy the teen perspective on using technology safely! Call/Email : Kim Lamon-Loperfido 338-7518 for more info. This event is FREE and open to the public!




*Day of the Book
St George's Day is celebrated April 23 in England and other regions. It is traditional to give a rose and a book to a loved one on this day. This tradition inspired UNESCO to declare this the International Day of the Book, since April 23, 1616 was also the date of death of English playwright William Shakespeare.

As you know, Iowa City is one of three UNESCO Cities of Literature. So celebrate St. George’s Day this year by buying a book for your loved one! You will find sales throughout Johnson County!




DID YOU KNOW? In 2008, 70% of US businesses saw an increase in sales. The number was 88% in Johnson County. In 2009, the numbers were 42% nationally and 58% in Johnson County. (Source: Iowa City Area Development Group.)



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

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