|
rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
October 25, 2010
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/26/10 In this edition: *Happy Halloween! *Some Election Facts *Ag Land Values *Did You Know? *Happy Halloween! Halloween is Sunday the 31st. I have been amazed in recent years by the amount of effort (and money) that goes into decorating homes for the season. When I was young, few homes displayed anything other than carved pumpkins. Now, there are huge blow up characters, lights, and much more. Regardless of how you view Halloween, we need to remember a few key things: First, be careful! One thing that has not changed is an abundance of young children in dark costumes excitedly crossing streets. Secondly, you may want to temporarily take down your campaign yard signs. Despite annual accusations to the contrary, I think most signs that disappear are teen pranks. Finally, have fun! Halloween offers all of us an opportunity to be young again. *Some Election Facts Hopefully, many of you have already voted. Whether you have voted or not, please consider the following facts. Over the past 4 years: 1.) Iowa ranks #1 in overall children’s health! 2.) Iowa’s bars and restaurants are now smoke-free! 3.) Iowa teacher salaries have risen from 42nd to 26th in the nation. 4.) Iowa now has strong civil rights protections, meaning you cannot be denied housing or employment because you are gay. 5.) Iowa has largely recovered from the fourth largest natural disaster in US history. 6.) Iowa’s budget is balanced, and our financial management is considered third best in the US. Any two of those issues would be enough to choose Governor Culver. Take all 6 together, and you can clearly see that Iowa is a strong state, headed in the right direction. Iowa has moved forward. We should continue to do so. Chet Culver deserves another 4 years. Please join me in voting for him. *Ag Land Values From the desk of Bill Greazel, Johnson County Assessor: When it comes to valuing land classified as agricultural property, assessors use a formula that includes the Corn Suitability Rating (CSR). Every tract of land has an average CSR, based on how good it is for growing corn. Land with a higher CSR will be more profitable, and therefore has greater value. The average CSR for Johnson County is 67.5 on a scale of 5 to 100, with 100 being the ideal. Knowing the county average makes it easier to compare tracts of farmland in the area. To analyze each piece of land, we hire soil scientists about every 20 to 25 years. (Soil doesn’t change much over time, unless there is significant erosion.) Iowa State University scientists walked the ground and took test borings, plotting the results on gridded maps. They determined how much of each soil type each tract has – how much of it is fertile black dirt, and how much is sandy, rocky or clay-like. They also looked at factors like erosion and the slope of the ground. Land with poor soil can still produce a good crop; it just requires more maintenance and increases expenses, such as fertilizer. And, of course, the farmer gets the same price per bushel as someone who didn’t have to put so much into it. People who are buying or selling farmland are interested in CSR, but it may not have a major impact on the price in the current competitive market. As we assess farmland, the CSR for a tract remains steady from year to year. What changes is another factor in the equation: the value per CSR point, which is based on net income of crop production. A profitable year of production results in a higher value per CSR point. Currently, the value per CSR in Johnson County is $15.264. The assessed value of farmland is determined by taking the CSR times the value per CSR point times the number of assessable acres (which excludes right-of-way acres and exempt acres, such as forest reserve or wetlands). So, a 40-acre farm with a CSR of 60 would be assessed at $36,633. (60 x 15.264 x 40 = 36,633). The CSR for any tract of farmland in Johnson County is available on our online property database. To see how Johnson County’s average CSR compares with counties in Iowa, visit http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soils/pdfs/wavcsr.pdf *DID YOU KNOW? The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office issued 1,855 speeding citations last 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
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/19/10
In this edition:
*Iowa = Well Run!
*Century Farms
*Job Fair
*Pat Meyer Vision Award
*Iowa City Human Rights Awards
*Did You Know?
*Iowa = Well Run!
24/7 Wall Street recently ranked Iowa as the 3rd best-managed state in the USA. Consider THAT as you vote for Governor this fall! Here is the rest of what they wrote:
Debt per Capita: $5,138 (6th); Unemployment Rate: 6.8% (8th); Home Price Change (’06 – ’09): 8.3% (22nd); Median Household Income: $48,044 (26th).
Iowa ranks 7th in education, with more than 90.5% of 25-year-olds having completed high school or the state equivalent. It is also sixth in lowest debt per capita and has the third-lowest rate of citizens without health insurance, with only 8.6% without coverage.
While the Hawkeye State may be known for its cornfields, its economy is meaningfully supported by The University of Iowa, which accounts for one in every 30 jobs in the state. Iowa’s governors have been smart to invest heavily in the institution, and have reaped the benefits: the state ranks eighth lowest in the U.S. for unemployment, which stands at 6.8%.
*Century Farms
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Farm Bureau recently recognized four Johnson County farms as Century Farms.
The farms are owned by Garth Heitshusen, Alan and Nancy Burr, Kenny and Cindy Hahn, and Dale and Charlene Rhodes.
To qualify as a Century Farm, a farm of over 40 acres must stay in the same family for over 100 years. This is an honor that is very near and dear to my heart, as my family has two Heritage Farms (over 150 years in the same family).
We went to the ceremony at the State Fair a few years ago, and I sincerely hope the four families above get the same opportunity. It was a wonderful event. It is hard to grasp over 100 years in the same occupation. It really is a big deal.
Congratulations to Mr. Heitshusen, the Burrs, the Hahns, and the Rhodes! Job well done!
*Job Fair
On Tuesday, October 26 the Building Blocks to Employment Committee, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission and Housing Authority, Goodwill of the Heartland, Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa City Area Development Group and the Shelter House are sponsoring a Job Fair at Eastdale Plaza, 1700 S. 1st Avenue, Iowa City.
The Job Fair is hosted by the Eastdale Plaza Owners Association with event assistance provided by Community – Based Corrections Program for the Sixth Judicial District. The Job Fair is designed to assist entry-level employees in obtaining gainful employment in and throughout Johnson County. Employers who wish to participate in the Job Fair must register by October 18th and pay a $25 registration fee.
There is no cost to Job Seekers who attend the Job Fair. Job Seekers will have the opportunity to meet with hiring managers and get information about specific employers. The Job Fair will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with free childcare provided. For more information, please contact Paul at 335-5331 or paul-retish@uiowa.edu.
*Pat Meyer Vision Award
The Johnson County Coalition on Domestic Violence is proud to announce that the 2010 Pat Meyer Vision Award for outstanding commitment to end domestic violence will be presented to Sandra Bucher.
Sandy is being honored for her 17 years of service as the Victim-Witness Coordinator for the Johnson County Attorney’s Office. Join us on Thursday, October 21 at the Iowa City Public Library, Mtg. Room A. Reception begins at 5:00 p.m. and the program will start at 5:30 p.m.
*Iowa City Human Rights
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is hosting its annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast on Thursday, October 28th at 7:30 AM at the Hotel Vetro.
I have said it before, and I’ll say it again – this is one of the deciding factors for me in choosing to live in Iowa City. Human Rights matter, and it is great to see a community that recognizes that.
The 2010 Honorees: Joyce Carman (Isabel Turner Award); Sergeant Denise Brotherton, Iowa City Police Department (Rick Graf Award); Sue Freeman, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (Individual in a Service Organization Award); Karrie Craig & Marsha Lowe, ToGather Together (Community Award); Kerry Lao (Kenneth Cmiel Award).
Congratulations to the City of Iowa City, the Human Rights Commission, all the nominees, and all the winners!
*DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County maintains over 900 miles of roads – enough to stretch from Iowa City to New Orleans!
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 10/12/10
In this edition:
*Early Voting
*Ballot Issues
*Judicial Retention
*Constitutional Amendment
*Constitutional Convention
*Run For The Schools
*Did You Know?
*Early Voting
I have already voted in the November 2nd General Election. I always vote early. You should, too. Here are four GREAT reasons to vote early:
1. Your vote is in the bank. So if something should happen, and you get in an accident, fall ill, or some other misfortune should befall you… no worries. You have already voted.
2. You will be crossed off the mailing lists. No more requests to vote from the party!
3. You will be crossed off the phone lists. No more calls from the party!
4. You are helping your party of choice. Now they can focus their resources on other people.
There are probably other reasons to vote early, but those are enough for me! Johnson County has 47 satellite voting sites, plus voting every day at the Auditor’s Office, plus vote by mail. You have plenty of options – now go vote!
*Ballot Issues
In addition to races for the US Senate, US House, Governor, and local races, there are several other issues on the ballot this year. In the following items, I will share my thoughts on a few of the issues upon which we can vote this fall.
*Judicial Retention
I am voting YES to retain all 3 of the Iowa Supreme Court judges who are on the ballot.
Iowa is lucky to have a merit system of selecting judges. The US Congress and Senate are already corrupted by money. Do we really want judges indebted to campaign contributors?
There is a strong homophobic effort out there trying to unseat these judges. Why? Because they did their jobs. Now these Justices need our support.
We need a strong, independent third branch of government. I like the system we have, and I like the judges we have. I am voting YES to retain them.
*Constitutional Amendment
As you know, I am a big supporter of conservation. I have never been shy in terms of my support for the environment. So you may be surprised to find out that I oppose the proposed Constitutional Amendment to dedicate 3/8 of one cent of a future sales tax increase to environmental programs.
Why oppose it? There is no cost now, right? My reasons are simple. For as much as I care about the environment, I feel even more strongly about our Constitution and protecting the poor. Here are my objections in a nutshell:
1. I believe the State Constitution is a vital document, dedicated to spelling out our civil rights and setting the basic rules for governance. The State Constitution is no place for what is essentially a spending bill.
2. Sales taxes are paid disproportionally by the poorest among us. We need to fund FEWER things through sales taxes, not more. Passage of this Amendment will simply pressure the State to adopt yet another regressive tax.
I still believe strongly in funding the environment. I simply think the Legislature should raise income taxes to do so, and leave the Constitution alone.
Helping the environment at the expense of the poor and our Constitution is a deal with the devil I am not willing to make.
If you want to hear from the other side, Iowa's Water & Land Legacy will be hosting an INFORMATIONAL session on October 13th at 4:00 PM at the Iowa City Public Library.
*Constitutional Convention
Another issue in front of Iowa’s voters is do we wish to hold a Constitutional Convention? Every ten years, the question automatically appears on the ballot.
I am voting no. I fear that a Constitutional Convention could undo the delicate balance we have achieved. I do not want to risk screwing things up.
Now, if there IS a Constitutional Convention, I am going to lobby like crazy to serve as a delegate! Consider this my campaign kick off!
*Run For The Schools
The annual Run for the Schools is Sunday morning, October 17 in downtown Iowa City. My family and I will be running/walking the 5K. For more info, see: http://www.runfortheschools.com.
*DID YOU KNOW? The average full time employee of Johnson County SEATS has worked there 16 years.
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
October 4, 2010
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/5/10
In this edition:
*UICCU and North Liberty
*Harvest
*21 Debate
*Early Voting
*Under a Cider Moon
*Did You Know?
*UICCU and North Liberty
As people who have followed my political interests know, I am a bit of a policy wonk where taxes are concerned. I also have a tendency to share my opinion, even when it would be easier to keep my mouth shut.
Given these two proclivities, it should come as no surprise that I oppose the deal between the University of Iowa Community Credit Union (UICCU) and North Liberty. Here are a few of the reasons:
1.) I do not believe any incentives are necessary. The UICCU wants a new building. They need to put it somewhere in the Corridor… why pay them to do what they are going to do anyway?
2.) Contrary to what has been stated, this project does not create jobs. The people who will be working here already live and work in the area. These jobs are not new, they are simply consolidated.
3.) TIFs were intended to serve as an incentive to redevelop blighted areas. It is hard to argue that bare ground is blighted.
4.) The terms of this agreement are so outrageously favorable to the UICCU that it will take North Liberty decades to recoup that amount in increased tax revenues.
5.) Why provide this incentive for the UICCU and not Hills Bank or Midwest One, both of whom have been in North Liberty for decades? For that matter, how should any current North Liberty business feel about this sweetheart deal?
6.) North Liberty needs to recognize that when they use TIF, they affect County services. There may be situations where North Liberty really does have a more important use for the money than County services. But County services (ambulance, jail, courts, mental health, human services, veteran’s affairs, public health, conservation, elections, assessors, medical examiner, and much more) are important. It is frustrating to me that cities seem to place such little value on them.
7.) The same paragraph above applies to the Clear Creek-Amana School District, which is battered by overuse and misuse of TIF. (More than any school district in Iowa!) Yes, the State backfills TIF revenues to schools. But they do not backfill 100%; it is closer to 80%. What’s more, why should all the taxpayers in Iowa fund North Liberty’s pet project?
I have been writing the same piece for years, with little to show for it. (I figure I have written at least 1400KB on the topic, according to my computer!) I clearly have not been successful in ten plus years of arguing against TIFs. But some day, the misuse and overuse of TIF is going to catch up to the people of Johnson County.
I know most of the members of the North Liberty Council pretty well. They are good people and fine public servants. The people of North Liberty are lucky to have them. I simply believe they are making a mistake in this case.
I hope the North Liberty City Council will see the light, and pass on this deal. The taxpayers of Johnson County deserve better.
*Harvest
It is harvest time, and that means all of us need to adjust a bit. For example:
Be extra careful when driving. I can assure you, the driver of the combine does not want you riding his rear end any more than you want to be there. Patience is a virtue!
Similarly, farm equipment is large, and seeing well enough to pass it can be a challenge. Please be extra cautious when passing large, slow moving equipment.
There are farm accidents every fall. Farmers, you need to be on top of your games! While it may be tempting to cut corners, please observe every safety precaution.
It all sounds like common sense, but every fall people get hurt because they do not exercise the proper caution. Please take your time and do your part to ensure the safety of all involved!
*21 Debate
As you know, voters in Iowa City will be asked to vote to repeal (Yes) the 21 ordinance or keep it in place (No). The two sides are going to be having a debate at 7 PM on Monday, October 11 at the Iowa City Public Library.
The debate is sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Hawkeye Area Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and will be broadcast live on City Channel 4.
*Early Voting
Voters in Johnson County have a myriad of options for voting early. You can vote by mail, vote at a satellite location, or vote at the Auditor’s Office.
To learn about the specific options available to you, call the Auditor’s Office at 356-6004, or visit the website at http://www.johnson-county.com/auditor/index.html
*Under a Cider Moon
The Johnson County Heritage Trust is holding its 4th annual Under a Cider Moon – Celebration of Autumn on Saturday, October 9 at the Schwab Celebration Barn, 2501 Sugar Bottom Road in rural Johnson County.
Doors open at 5:30, with a silent auction at 6 and a live auction at 7. There will be music by Guy Drollinger, and local wines, beer, apple cider and hors d’oeuvres will be available. Cost is $50 per person, with $30 of that tax deductable.
All money raised supports the Johnson County Heritage Trust in its mission to protect and preserve the prairies and woodlands of Johnson County.
*DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County SEATS traveled 446,216 miles last year – enough to complete 80 trips around the world!
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 9/21/10
In this edition:
*No Salvos Next Week!
*Happy Homecoming!
*Democratic Party BBQ
*Bush Tax Cuts
*I Agree with the GOP!
*Did You Know?
*No Salvos Next Week!
Salvos takes a one week hiatus next week. You can expect the next edition (dated 10/5) to arrive in your inbox over the weekend of 10/2 and 10/3.
Enjoy your week off… I know I will!
*Happy Homecoming!
The UI celebrates Homecoming the weekend of October 1st- 3rd. Happy Homecoming to all the Hawkeyes out there! Be bold in your black and gold… but be safe, too! Go Hawks!
*Democratic Party BBQ
The Johnson County Democratic Party is holding its annual fall BBQ on Sunday, September 26 at 1 PM at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.
There will be great food and drink, statewide candidates for office, and lots of fun! The election is but 40 days away… and early voting begins this Thursday!
As the old typing test says… Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party! For more info, see: http://jcdems.org/wp/
*Bush Tax Cuts
Congress will soon reconsider the Bush Tax Cuts, which are set to expire at the end of the year. They can renew all the cuts, end all the cuts, renew them for the middle class, or numerous other options.
I believe the proper way to proceed is to maintain the tax cuts for the middle class, but repeal them for the top 2% of earners. To extend the cuts for the richest 2% will cost over $700 TRILLION – almost as much as was spent on the stimulus plan.
Tax cuts for the wealthy is the very definition of “Trickle Down” economic policy. These cuts will not create as many jobs as direct spending, and will not help the middle class and needy. We know this from past practice! If you want to help the middle class and needy, help them directly!
The GOP is going to claim this hurts small businesses. (Some small businesses pay income taxes at the individual rate.) According to the Congressional Budget Office, only 3% of all small businesses earn enough to be affected by this cut. 97% will see no effect.
Republicans will also continue to hammer on the issue of the deficit. Nothing did more than these tax cuts to create our current deficit. How can they possibly justify these cuts if the deficit is truly their concern?
The people already feel that Wall Street got off way too easily. This smells like more of the same! I hope Congress will vote for the interests of 98% of us rather than the richest 2%. We shall see.
*I Agree with the GOP!
I am often criticized for being “partisan”. I attribute this to a few things:
1.) I am an active Democrat, and proud of it.
2.) I have opinions, and I am willing to share them.
3.) I generally lean left, or liberal, or progressive… choose your adjective.
Because of the three points above, a handful of local conservatives hate my guts. While it is never a good feeling to be hated by anyone, it is, I suppose, a cost of doing business. There are many Democrats who do not stand for anything; those folks are rarely the subject of Republican ire.
It sounds cliché, but some of my best friends are Republicans. In all seriousness, we can discuss politics and typically agree on 75-85% of the issues. There are many common sense solutions and compromises available among friends that do not translate to politics on the big stage.
I thought it might be interesting to point out that I agree with the GOP on a piece of the recently-passed health care legislation. There is a portion of the law that dramatically expands the tax reporting requirements for small businesses. Under the legislation, small businesses would need to provide a 1099 for every expenditure over $600.
This seems unnecessarily onerous to me. The federal government estimates that small businesses skip out on paying about $350 billion in taxes every year. I can understand the desire to reign in tax cheats; if that is the goal, hire more IRS agents. Punishing all businesses rather than going after the cheaters seems like a bad approach.
Do I want to see the whole health care bill repealed? Absolutely not! But I agree with the GOP that this specific portion of the bill should be repealed.
*DID YOU KNOW? The Johnson County Ambulance Service responds to an average of 20 calls every day.
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 9/14/10
In this edition:
*Auditor or Political Hack?
*Tax Calculator
*Iowa Women’s Music Festival
*Iowa Peace Initiative
*Fiddler’s Picnic
*Tapped
*Did You Know?
*Auditor or Political Hack?
Representatives from the office of State Auditor Dave Vaught were recently in Johnson County to review our Mental Health and Disability Services (MH/DS) programs. While we have yet to receive a written report, MH/DS Director Kris Artley says the inspectors found no problems, and were very complimentary. They even took some sample forms as examples of "best practices" for other counties.
Obviously, I am pleased with these results. But I have to ask: where is the publicity? Auditor Vaught is pretty quick to put out a press release when something is found to be questionable; why doesn't he publicize the positive results that come from his office? They targeted about two dozen counties; could it be that they targeted Johnson County because it votes heavily Democratic? What would have happened had they found problems?
It is a shame to feel the need to ask these questions, but Auditor Vaught has brought this suspicion on himself. By politicizing his office and doing the bidding of the Branstad campaign, he is making it hard for everyday Iowans to have confidence in his work. Even former Republican State Auditor Richard Johnson takes issue with Vaught for playing politics. National organizations are frowning on his activities.
I truly do not mind the State Auditor running investigations. That is a big part of his job. But Iowans need to be able to trust his work without questioning his motivations.
Meanwhile, congrats to Johnson County MH/DS for passing the audit with flying colors!
*Tax Calculator
From Citizens for Tax Justice (CTJ): The Bush tax cuts expire at the end of 2010. President Obama wants to extend the Bush tax cuts for all but the very rich, while some lawmakers want to extend them for everyone.
Use CTJ's new online tax calculator to find out how much you would pay in federal income taxes in 2011 under three different scenarios:
1) Congress does nothing and the Bush tax cuts are allowed to completely expire;
2) Congress enacts Obama's proposal to extend some of the Bush tax cuts and some additional tax cuts (expansions of the Child Tax Credit and EITC that were included in the Recovery Act);
3) Congress extends all of the Bush tax cuts but none of the tax cuts included in the Recovery Act.
Unless you are among the richest 2 percent of taxpayers, you will find that President Obama's tax proposal would benefit you as much as, or more than, an extension of all the Bush tax cuts. Unlike other online tax calculators you may have seen, this one also tells you how much of the proposed tax cuts go to people at your income level or below, and how much go to people at higher income levels.
Use CTJ's Online Tax Calculator at: http://www.ctj.org/federalincometaxcalculator.php
*Iowa Women’s Music Festival
The 17th annual Iowa Women’s Music Festival is September 16-18 at several venues around Iowa City. Some shows charge a small fee, but most of the entertainment is free!
This is a great event; one of those that makes me proud of our community. For more info, visit: http://www.prairievoices.net.
*Iowa Peace Initiative
The Iowa Peace Initiative Conference (IPIC) is September 18th from 10-5 at Loras College in Dubuque. Over twenty peace & justice groups in Iowa and the region are partnering in this conference, aimed at injecting cooperation, enthusiasm, and substantive action into the quests for peace.
This conference is free, and piggybacks on another major event, Dubuque Day of Peace (www.dbqdayofpeace.org), held the following day, so some people may wish to stay overnight.
Visit Iowa Peace Initiative Conference on Facebook or visit www.dbqdayofpeace.org. Iowa City area groups PEACE Iowa, Veterans for Peace Iowa Chapter, Iowa United Nations Association, and Physicians for Social Responsibility, are involved in organizing this event and coordinating rides from the Iowa City area.
Carpooling from Iowa City: If you need a ride or can offer a ride to the conference, please contact Paul Deaton at 331-0899 or paul.deaton@gmail.com.
*Fiddler’s Picnic
The 40th annual Fiddler’s Picnic is Sunday, September 19 from 12-6 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Admission is $5, with kids 12 and under free.
This is a wonderful event, with some of the best bluegrass, celtic, country, and folk musicians the Midwest has to offer. There is a continuous stage show, parking lot jams, a trade show, and clinics.
For more info, please see: http://www.fiddlerspicnic.org.
*Tapped
Is access to clean drinking water a basic right, or a commodity that should be bought and sold like any other article of commerce? Join your neighbors for a free film screening on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 PM in the Iowa City Public Library! Food & Water Watch is teaming up with the Iowa United Nations Association and Environmental Films Iowa City to bring you the eye-opening film Tapped, followed by a panel discussion.
Tapped examines the impact of the bottled water industry on our health, climate change, pollution, and our reliance on oil. From the production of plastic bottles, to the growing amount of waste in the ocean, this film follows the path of the bottled water industry into the communities that are caught at the intersection of big business and the public right to water.
*DID YOU KNOW? The Crisis Center Food Bank served 4600 Johnson County households in 2009.
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 9/7/10
In this edition:
*Mosques and more
*Field to Family
*I-JOBS at Work in Johnson County
*Another Argument for Government!
*Iowa Shares
*Did You Know?
*Mosques and more
I have been extremely disheartened by all the negativity surrounding the mosque proposed for lower Manhattan.
Some have argued that this is too close to a “hallowed” site. It is actually about two blocks. If one assumes the proposed mosque is too close… then how close can it be? There is already a mosque four blocks away. It was there prior to 9/11/2001. Must it now move? What about churches and synagogues in the area? What, exactly, is OK? More importantly, who gets to decide?
So long as the proposed mosque meets the local zoning rules, the property owners have the same right to be there as anyone else.
There is a big push in the US right now to be “true” to the “intent” of our “founders”. I use quotation marks because there are significant differences of opinion as to exactly who qualifies as a “founder”; what their “intents” were; and what it means to be “true” to this vision.
One thing that has always been very clear to me is that the founders felt strongly about freedom of religion. The irony here is almost too much to bear. Some Christians cite their religion as a reason to oppose the mosque, ignoring how they would feel if they were denied the right to worship where they chose.
It is also ironic to see these “Christians” now defending NYC. Prior to 9/11, NYC was viewed by many of those same “Christians” as a godless place, full of Jews and nonbelievers. The first responders that became their heroes were hated union members on 9/10. NYC was “liberal”, “blue”, and not part of “real America”. That all changed on 9/11, when NYC could be co-opted for political purposes.
When people from Kentucky call this building a “slap in the face”… a slap to whom? As a Christian, I try to treat everyone the way I want to be treated. That includes respecting religious freedom.
About 3,000 people were murdered on 9/11… that includes scores of Muslims. The Muslims who died were mostly (but not all) American citizens. These folks share the same rights as you and I.
Let’s call this what it is. It is xenophobia – a fear of foreigners. Fear of Muslims, stirred by the media, is leading many Americans to act in opposition to one of our most dearly held beliefs.
There are over 2.5 million US citizens that are Muslims. That is close to the population of Iowa! These are American citizens being denied their rights. If you allow it to happen to them, you make it more likely to happen to yourself. What’s more, WE are THEM – and THEY are US!
Shameful – absolutely shameful! Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg for his courageous stand for the rights of our fellow citizens.
*Field to Family
The Johnson County Local Food Alliance’s annual Field to Family Celebration runs for the next five or six weeks. JCLFA has some great things planned this year that you should definitely check out. All proceeds will benefit the great work of JCLFA. Complete details are here: http://www.iacorridor-localfood.org/apps/blog/show/4618112-field-to-family-local-foods-festival.
*I-JOBS at Work in Johnson County
In Johnson County, I-JOBS projects total $154,668,799 and investment in disaster recovery projects total $317,842,365. The bonding funds used to finance these projects are paid for primarily with gambling revenues. No general taxpayer funds will be used and Iowa’s state tax rates have not been increased during a period of unprecedented infrastructure investment.
This includes $2.3 million for the new IC Fire Station; $27 million for flood control in Coralville; $900,000 to remove the Old Armory; $3.5 million for the new wastewater treatment facility in Iowa City; $1.3 million for roads projects; and $2.6 million for the new Shelter House facility.
All of that does not even count $100 million to help rebuild the UI campus!
*Another Argument for Government!
Johnson County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. That is a GOVERNMENT program, and a damn good government program. (No pun intended!) It allows residents of Johnson County to access flood insurance. Again, this is an excellent government program that has paid for itself many times over.
Well, Supervisors in Delaware County are still trying to defend their decision to forego participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Flooded homeowners there are rightfully angry because they couldn’t buy flood insurance.
The justifications I have heard for nonparticipation would make me laugh if the situation were not so tragic. Hatred of anything “Gubmint” in Delaware County has cost people millions of dollars.
*Iowa Shares
Iowa Shares is a statewide coalition of social change, environmental and cultural nonprofit organizations. Iowa Shares makes a direct impact on our communities through research, education, advocacy and direct service.
You can be a part of supporting Iowa Shares through workplace giving and direct support. Your gifts, no matter what size, will make it possible for Iowa Shares member organizations to provide meals to children, support the arts within our community, educate the public on threats to our air and water, provide housing for low-income families, and so much more.
For more info, see: http://iowashares.wordpress.com.
*DID YOU KNOW? Kirkwood Community College will have 77,000 students this year; 18,000 in credit programs! 6,000 of those students will attend the Iowa City campus.
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 8/31/10
In this edition:
*Happy Labor Day!
*Fry Fest
*Go Hawks!
*Did You Know?
*Happy Labor Day!
I have had several requests to reprint the following piece, which first appeared in Salvos in 2007. As a side note, Marian Sullivan passed away last Christmas. Once again, I dedicate this piece in her memory.
Monday marks Labor Day. Every year, I write the same piece, noting the good that organized labor has done for this country.
This year, I have decided to go a different route. I would like to explain what organized labor has done for me personally. I give you – my family story. This is the story of Tom and Marian (Pint) Sullivan. It is also the story of the American Dream.
Tom Sullivan grew up near the small Iowa town of Elma, one of 13 children, not counting the half-dozen children his mother lost. They were very poor. Tom was forced to go to work very young, and quit school around the 4th grade. He had tremendous familial responsibilities for a ten year old. Like most Americans of the day, he worked on the farm. But the times were very challenging. As he aged, Tom had any number of odd jobs in order to supplement his income; hired man, ditch digger, bouncer, bartender – just about any work would do. A huge man for his day, Tom even entered tough man competitions, wrestling or fighting a passing barnstormer in the hopes of making a buck.
Marian Pint had a big family, too. They might have been even poorer than the Sullivans. Marian always got something for Christmas, but to say the gifts were modest is an understatement. One year she received a doll handmade from cornhusks; another year it was a piece of citrus fruit. After high school, Marian went to work. Marian made a ridiculously low wage; I seem to recall her mentioning making less than a dollar a day. She was working in a general store when she met Tom, who had a second job cutting and delivering ice.
Tom and Marian were married, and tried to begin a life on the farm. Farming during the Depression was simply not working out; Tom and Marian could not afford to buy any land, so rents ate up all their income. When their first child (my father) was born, they had neither electricity nor running water. Life was hard for the Sullivans, but not any more difficult than it was for tens of millions of Americans of the day.
Finally, they had had enough. A couple hours to the south, Cedar Rapids offered a new beginning. World War II had just begun, and industry was taking off in Cedar Rapids. Anybody who was willing to work, regardless of race or gender, could join a labor union. Tom joined Carpenter’s Local 308; Marian united with many other women in the workforce and joined the United Food and Commercial Worker’s Local at Wilson’s Meatpacking.
The Carpenter’s Union struggled during the Depression. Even afterward, some carpenters felt they had a better chance of getting work being non-union. But Tom knew it was more important to join his peers, and compete on a level playing field. Alone, carpenters could be gouged or cheated. Together, they would be treated fairly.
Soon the War ended, and prosperity arrived. Hard work was paying off. The Sullivans were able to buy a house, a car, and put their kids through Catholic school. They didn’t get a television right away, but because Tom was willing to put an antenna on the roof next door, he got to go to the neighbors to watch pro wrestling.
By the 70s, they had even saved enough to make a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii. While the trip was nice, it was bittersweet. Tom had saved for years so he could visit the gravesite of his younger brother (and Best Man) George. George Sullivan, US Navy, perished aboard the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941.
Despite decades of newfound wealth, not everything was perfect. Years of hard work caused Tom’s body to break down. His last years were spent using a wheelchair. Marian still suffers from repetitive motion injuries. The UFCW union was busted at Wilson’s, and Marian’s pension and health insurance never quite lived up to their promises.
So, what is their legacy? Tom and Marian pulled their family from poverty to the middle class. They lived the American Dream. Every one of their grandkids had healthcare coverage. Every one of their grandkids had the opportunity to get a college education. Every one of their grandkids had the kinds of opportunities many Americans have come to expect, but much of the world can only dream about.
So how did Tom & Marian Sullivan pull this off? Yes, they worked hard. But so did most Americans. Tom and Marian made this all happen because they joined the organized labor movement.
They never did anything alone; they did it through solidarity. They were special people, but not unique. There are millions of stories just like theirs, and none of the characters are unique. You did not need to be the best or the brightest; you simply needed to join up and work hard. If you did, the rewards were there.
There have always been the rich and the poor. But a large middle class is a relatively new phenomenon. Organized labor created the middle class, not just in Iowa, but all across this nation. Organized labor gave me the life I enjoy today. That is why my Grandparents were union. That is why my Dad was union. That is why I am union.
Nobody ever does it alone. We all do it together. United we stand, divided we fall. Today, and on Labor Day, I honor my Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan. And I honor their brothers and sisters in the labor movement.
Thank you Grandma & Grandpa. And thank you all. Happy Labor Day!
*Fry Fest
Celebrate the successful 2009-2010 seasons and immerse yourself in a sea of black and gold at the World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow and Tailgate Party. Come meet many of the honored 1960 and 1985 Big Ten Champion teams, both of whom will be celebrating important anniversaries. Become a part of history and “shake it all about” when we attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest organized Hokey Pokey Dance! The current world record was set in 2003 in Toronto, Canada with 4,431 participants and we are challenging YOU to beat it!
Last but certainly not least…as we gear up for the start of the 2010 Hawkeye football season, finish your FRYday off with an outdoor concert with Iowa favorites, The Nadas, and national headliner, Three Dog Night!
See http://www.fryfest.com/ for more info! Go Hawks!
*Go Hawks!
The Iowa Hawkeye football team kicks the season off this Saturday as they play host to Eastern Illinois.
I have noted before how much I love Hawkeye athletics. I don’t write much about it, because I figure folks can read about it many other places.
That said, allow me to offer just a few thoughts:
1. For those of you who are NOT fans… Hawkeye football really helps the local economy! What’s more, a successful season improves the whole mood countywide! Please bear with us, non-fans!
2. For those of you who ARE fans… careful with those expectations! The line between 11-2 and 7-6 is a thin one, indeed. Last year was special; it may not happen every year. Please support the Hawks regardless of the outcome.
3. For all of us… football season adds traffic, drunks, spirit, visitors, and many other things to the Iowa City stew. Some things are great, others are not. Please be as tolerant as you can, and be considerate of others.
There is only one thing left to say! GO HAWKS!
*DID YOU KNOW? The wealthiest 1% of the US population controls 43% of all US wealth. The poorest 80% controls only 7% of all wealth. (Source: epi.org) Editorial comment - What would Jesus say?
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 8/24/10
In this edition:
*United Way
*University Heights
*Landlocked Film Festival
*Cosgrove Pork Day
*Courage Ride
*Computer Sale
*Did You Know?
*United Way
The United Way of Johnson County kicks off its annual campaign on September 2 with an event at the Marriott.
Every year I write about the importance of the United Way. Tens of thousands of people in Johnson County rely on the services of United Way agencies. Your support is vital.
Our family tries to give 10% of our income to worthy causes. After doing lots of research to decide the best way to make an impact, we decided the United Way made the most sense. So much of our giving goes to the United Way. And we are very satisfied customers!
But I cannot say it nearly as well as they can. Please visit the website at http://www.unitedwayjc.org. And please give generously.
*University Heights
The city of University Heights is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary) on Sunday, August 29.
University Heights is an interesting place. Totally surrounded by Iowa City, U. Heights came into existence 75 years ago in response to huge arguments over the electric franchise in Iowa City.
University Heights is home to a little over 1,000 residents, and the city maintains its own police force. There are schools, churches, and a wide range of interesting people. Fire, library, water, transit, post office, and other services are provided through other cities.
Over the years, University Heights has suffered from a bit of an identity crisis. Many folks drive through without realizing they were ever in town. (That is fine with many of the residents, by the way!) If folks knew anything about U. Heights, it is the strict enforcement of the speed limit on Melrose Avenue.
Recently, University Heights has been struggling with a proposed change. Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church is proposing to move west to Camp Cardinal Boulevard. The church reached an agreement with developer Jeff Maxwell to purchase the land, contingent upon him getting approval for a new development on the site.
Maxwell has proposed a large residential/commercial building for the site. Several residents feel the structure is too large and will exacerbate traffic problems. Others feel the additional density and commercial space are vital to the city’s future.
Regardless of which side they are on, this proposal has led to an unprecedented interest in University Heights politics. 12 people ran for 6 spots in the last city council election, and another special election awaits this fall.
But enough politics - back to the celebration! There are several events scheduled for the 29th, including a parade and Chautauqua. It all sounds really cool! For more information, see: http://www.university-heights.org/jubilee/parade.html.
Meanwhile, Happy 75th, University Heights!
*Landlocked Film Festival
The 2010 Summer of the Arts is almost over, but we still have one major event left!
The Landlocked Film Festival runs Thursday, August 26 through Sunday, August 29. This is the 4th year for the festival, which brings scores of films from all over the world to Iowa City. Films of all lengths and genres play at several locations throughout downtown Iowa City. Most screenings are free, though a select few will cost $5.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite events! I have been amazed by the quality of films I have seen. In addition, there are workshops for amateur filmmakers, talks with directors, judging of the entries, and much more. For the whole schedule, visit: http://www.landlockedfilmfestival.org.
*Cosgrove Pork Day
St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Cosgrove will be hosting their annual Pork Day celebration on Sunday, August 29.
Join them for a great pork dinner, beer tent, entertainment, raffles, and much more.
*Courage Ride
The 2010 Courage Ride is Saturday, August 28 at Iowa Mennonite School in rural Johnson County. Melissa, BJ, and I will all be riding the short route as a part of “Team J”, led by BJ’s buddy Joe Britton.
The Courage Ride is a series of bike rides (19, 27, 53, 70, and 98 miles) through beautiful rural countryside that raise money for cancer research at the University of Iowa. The ride is held each year in honor of Seth Bailey, a former IMS student who lost his life to cancer.
The ride also features food, entertainment, prizes, and more. For more info, see: http://www.courageride.org.
Melissa is acutely aware of the need to raise money in this area, as she does cancer research at the UI Holden Center. Please sponsor us if you are able!
*Computer Sale
Johnson County will be holding a sale of used computer equipment on Saturday, August 28 in rooms 203B and 203C of the Heath and Human Services Building.
The sale begins at 10 AM and ends at noon, so get there early to find the equipment you need! For a list of the items for sale, see: http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_blank.aspx?id=7387.
*DID YOU KNOW? In 2009, the average American worker with at least a high school degree earned $626 per week before taxes. By comparison, the average Fortune 500 CEO took home over $138,000 per week. (Source: epi.org)
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
|
|
