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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
April 23, 2011
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/26/11 In this edition: *May Day *Congressman Loebsack *Take Back the Night *Democratic Party Hall of Fame Event *Other Weekend Events *Did You Know? *May Day I celebrate May Day. You should, too! May Day continues to be a worldwide worker’s holiday; it used to be celebrated in the US, too, until McCarthyism. So feel free – celebrate May Day! *Congressman Loebsack As you may have heard, Iowa’s Second District US Congressman Dave Loebsack plans to move to Johnson County in an attempt to continue to represent SE Iowa in the US House of Representatives. I wholeheartedly support Congressman Loebsack, and it goes well beyond party politics. Please allow me to explain: First and foremost, and in the spirit of full disclosure, I have considered Dave a friend since the mid-90s. I was fairly heavily involved in the Johnson County Democratic Party at the time, and Loebsack was frequently in attendance at our meetings and events. I will admit, at first I wasn’t sure what to think of someone who gets that involved in a neighboring county. When I asked, it became clear – as a professor, he was always interested in observing and learning. From that day forward, I always smiled at his enthusiasm. The guy enjoys politics! Dave and I got to know each other well during the 1998 Osterberg for Senate campaign. I volunteered several days each week, while Loebsack took time away from teaching to run the campaign. We made a lot of phone calls, stuffed a lot of envelopes, and got to know each other much better. We have lots of mutual friends, we are both in AFT716, and we both love to visit Sutliff. OK. All that is personal, and we all have personal friends who would not make good Members of Congress. So let’s discuss Dave’s record. Do we agree on everything? Of course not. But Dave and his staff are willing to listen to our points of view. I think the best recommendation of our Congressman is his hard work on the Armed Services Committee. Congressman Loebsack has won awards for his dedication to veteran’s issues. Every veteran’s group gives him a 100% rating. He has completely won over hard core Republicans who care about this issue; they recognize his efforts. Does Dave care about veterans? Of course. But you would get the same results if it were education, labor, health care, agriculture, or any other topic. That is because Dave WORKS. The guy is a tireless worker, and he will pursue an issue with a doggedness that would amaze you! I have seen it, and it is real! Another example of Dave’s work is the aftermath of the flood. In addition to getting things done in DC, Dave worked shoulder to shoulder with our local victims. I must share a story that says it all: I spent a few days sandbagging at Thatcher Mobile Home Court in Iowa City. This location was not high profile like the UI buildings; it is a location full of poor and working class people. They were not flush with money nor volunteers. So, who showed up and joined us sandbagging? Dave. You should have heard the residents of Thatcher as word spread throughout the workers. “Our Congressman is here? And he’s actually working?” “You mean here’s here, even though there are no cameras?” It is safe to say that those folks all gained an appreciation for Dave’s genuineness that day. Most politicians were born with silver spoons in their mouths. Not Dave. Congressman Loebsack grew up in poverty, the son of a single mother who struggled with mental illness. Every Democrat claims to support the “least among us”, but few actually know what it is like. I can guarantee you that Dave will NEVER vote against Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and the like. Those programs kept his family afloat when he was a kid, and he has not forgotten his roots. Interestingly, many politicians are also born with POLITICAL silver spoons in their mouths. A remarkable number of Governors, Senators, and Representatives are the daughters and sons of political movers and shakers. Not Dave. You just read his background above. Look, I know a lot of people are jealous of Dave. Every one of them had the opportunity to run in 2006. Loebsack was no big name. Dave won the nomination by default. Any big shot could have had the nomination. I am certain that many people out there regret the fact that they chose not to run, but hindsight is 20/20. Dave had the courage, and Dave won. I could write more, but you get the idea. I wholeheartedly support Congressman Dave Loebsack as he runs for reelection to the US House of Representatives. *Take Back the Night April 28 at 7 PM is the annual Take Back the Night event. Join us for an empowering march supporting survivors and symbolically making the night safer. Meet at 7pm on the UI Pentacrest lawn. This event, part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is co-sponsored by the Women’s Resource and Action Center and RVAP. *Democratic Party Hall of Fame The Johnson County Democratic Party is holding a Hall of Fame awards ceremony on Saturday, May 7 at 7 PM at the Marriott in Coralville. Honorees are Ralph & Arlene Neuzil, Jae Retz & Roberta Till-Retz, and Dick & Doris Myers. Tickets to this event are $25; for more info, please send me an E-mail! *Other Weekend Events There is a very busy weekend ahead in Johnson County… the NAMI Walk and ACLU Banquet are two usual stops for me. Unfortunately, I will not be at either one, as my daughter Jordan is running at the Drake Relays. That is Johnson County for you – more cool things to attend than you can possibly grace with your presence! *DID YOU KNOW? Lost in the huge census gains of some other Johnson County cities was the solid growth of Lone Tree. Lone Tree grew 141 people (12.2%) from 1159 to 1300. 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
April 16, 2011
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/19/11
In this edition:
*Senators Bought and Sold
*Obama Reelection Campaign
*Clothesline Project
*Johnson County Women in Agriculture
*Ag Extension Building
*NL Food Pantry
*Kent Park
*Happy Passover
*Did You Know?
*Senators Bought and Sold
SF252 was a piece of legislation designed to give much-needed additional protections to residents of mobile home parks.
Unfortunately, Senators Wally Horn of Cedar Rapids, Swati Dandekar of Marion, and Dennis Black of Grinnell scuttled this important piece of legislation. (Senator Dandekar was mysteriously absent for the vote. Senators Horn and Black voted no.)
When asked, Senator Horn said it was “not an issue for people in my District.” First, Horn is incorrect. There are hundreds of residents of mobile homes in Horn’s District. They deserve the same protections as other citizens. Secondly, consider Senator Horn’s logic. Many Senators had no flooding in their Districts; should these Senators spite Eastern Iowa because flooding was “not an issue for people in their District”?
Perhaps we should follow the money. Senator Dandekar received $250 from the Iowa Manufactured Home Association in 2008, and $500 in 2009. Senator Horn received $500 in 2010. Senator Black received $250 in 2006, $500 in 2008, and $250 in 2010. There may be more donations of this sort; this list was the result of quick research.
The issue is black and white – support poor and middle class Iowans, or support a few millionaire donors. The question is really quite simple: Whose side is your Senator on? The answer, unfortunately for many Eastern Iowans, is the wrong side.
Thanks to the many courageous members of the Iowa Senate who stood up for mobile home residents. Shame on those who did not.
*Obama Reelection Campaign
To the surprise of no one, President Obama has announced his reelection campaign. The new battle cry is “I’m in”.
As many of you know, I was an early Obama supporter in 2007. I worked extremely hard, and frankly, I think I made a difference.
So am I in? Not yet. Not until the power-brokers are shown the door, and I am assured that the middle class and poor are truly represented.
Some like to claim Obama is a Muslim (as if that were a bad thing). His campaign responds that he is a Christian. Frankly, I’d say he is not living up to either religion, both of which speak at great length about caring for the sick and poor.
We need to end all three wars. We need to reclaim the moral high ground as it relates to Gitmo, torture, rendition, etc. We need to REALLY regulate Wall Street. We need to REALLY regulate oil drilling. We need a real commitment to LGBT equality. We need a real commitment to Social Security.
Hey, I know that these things are not easy to accomplish. And I know some very good things HAVE been accomplished. I like President Obama, and I respect President Obama. But my vote is precious. I do not just give it away. It must be earned.
Do I owe Obama? Hell no! He doesn’t owe me anything, either. But he does owe something to the poor and middle class. To those who much is given, much is expected. If Obama cannot represent the people, he should step aside.
Yes, the President gave an excellent speech last Wednesday. He spoke eloquently about the need to repeal the Bush tax cuts, the need to support governmental regulation, and the importance of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. And you know what? I’ve heard it ALL before. It is time to show me real results.
So am I in? Not yet. Not until the money-changers leave the temple, and I am assured that the middle class and poor are truly represented. Then we can talk.
*Clothesline Project
The internationally renowned Clothesline Project will be in Iowa City on April 26 from 10 am-3 pm. View a display of t-shirts created by sexual assault and domestic violence survivors on the UI Pentacrest lawn.
This event, part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is co-sponsored by the Epidemiology Student Association, the American Medical Women’s Association and RVAP.
*Johnson County Women in Agriculture
Women have always played an integral role on the farm, although it was often behind the scenes. Join the Johnson County Historical Society for a panel discussion on the life of a woman on the farm through the eyes of women who lived it.
The discussion is April 28 at 7 PM at the Johnson County Historical Society. Joining the panel will be several Johnson County women who lived and worked on the farm in the 20th century.
Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary. To top it all off in true farm fashion, pie will be served! Call 351-5738 for more info.
*Ag Extension Building
The Johnson County Extension Office will soon be moving into their new building at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Meanwhile, they are looking to rent their former offices (also at the Fairgrounds).
The building is 4500 square feet, with lots of parking. Extension would prefer a nonprofit tenant, but is open to offers. If you are interested in learning more, contact Extension at 337-5865.
*NL Food Pantry
The North Liberty Food Pantry is undertaking an aggressive fundraising campaign to build a new facility. They hope to raise $250,000 to build a 2400 square foot space that will better serve their clientele. (The current location doesn’t even have a restroom!)
If you are not aware of the NL Food Pantry’s work, you may be surprised. In 2010, the Pantry averaged between 400 and 500 visits per month. Over 136,000 pounds of food were distributed, along with 7000 pieces of clothing. More than 100 volunteers provided 4000 hours of service in 2010.
As the statistics demonstrate, North Liberty is not a small town. There are great needs in the community, along with great volunteerism. If you would like to help financially or otherwise, they would love to hear from you!
For more info, call Tina at 626-2711, or visit www.nlmethodist.org/pantry.
*Kent Park
The F.W. Kent Park Campground opens for the season on Friday, April 29. Daily fees for electric sites are $15.00; non-electric sites are $10.00. Kent Park is located 12 miles west of Iowa City on Highway 6.
*Happy Passover
Happy Passover to my Semitic friends!
*DID YOU KNOW? Lost in the huge census gains of some other Johnson County cities was the solid growth of Oxford. Oxford grew 102 people (14.5%) from 703 to 805.
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
April 9, 2011
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/12/11
In this edition:
*Taxpayers Deserve Better!
*Tax Day
*Your Favorite Books
*Hospice Walk for Dignity
*Did You Know?
*Taxpayers Deserve Better!
The recent battle between Governor Branstad and CR Mayor Ron Corbett strikes home with me. Consider me strongly in Mayor Corbett’s camp!
I happen to believe that current state bidding laws unduly tie the hands of local governments. Our current laws give us a worse product, at a higher cost, built by outsiders! Taxpayers deserve better!
Unfortunately, we have our own local example. Tricon, Inc. from Dubuque was the low bidder on our Health and Human Services Building. While our new building is definitely an improvement over the spaces we were previously renting, there are several things that have not gone well.
Tricon has basically walked away from Johnson County, even though several things remain undone. (Johnson County is still holding a sizable final payment as a type of retainer.) Some subcontractors were shady; others are owed money. Tricon is still required to pave a parking lot that remains undone. All of the doors in the building needed to be redone; several are still problematic. The drywall was not done well, and had to be redone. Now, cracks are beginning to show in some areas. The HVAC system has not worked as advertised.
Obviously, none of these problems is life or death. All in all, we have an acceptable building. But it is NOT what we asked for, NOT what we were promised, and NOT what we paid for. Doesn’t it seem as though we ought to have some recourse?
I believe state law needs to offer more local control. Local governments should be able to give preference to local workers. Local governments deserve a better legal means for getting damages from a contractor who simply does not fulfill a contract. Local governments should be free to pay a bit extra for better quality work.
Local taxpayers deserve better. Please ask your State Legislators to allow greater local control in building projects.
*Tax Day
April 15th marks “Tax Day” in the US. There will undoubtedly be tax protests that day. I hope you will join me in acknowledging all the good things that happen because we pay taxes.
Look – each of us has several things in the federal budget we would cut. Each of us has several things in the federal budget we would increase. We need to continue having those discussions.
Personally, I am not going to allow those differences of opinion to sour my feelings toward the US. We live in a GREAT country! That greatness is in part due to the important things that have been accomplished by our government. Tax Day is not a day to protest – it is a day to celebrate!
*Your Favorite Books
Last week in Salvos, I asked about your favorite books. Well, the responses are in, and I am amazed! Dozens of Salvos readers took the time to share their favorites. The response was too great to mention every book, but here are a few highlights:
Della McGrath wrote a great deal about her Pilot Club Book Club, which has been reading a book per month for several years. Della has the complete list! She recommended about a dozen books, and offered fairly detailed critiques! Della, you are an overachiever!
Sheriff Pulkrabek’s favorite book is a mystery by retired Iowa Deputy Sheriff Donald Harstad titled "Eleven Days". It even mentions coming to Iowa City and Johnson County during an investigation.
Sticking with the local theme, noted Iowa City author Larry Baker joked that he could not decide which of his books was his all time favorite. On a more serious note, Larry recommends Andrew Sean Greer's “Path of Minor Planets”.
It was not long until Larry’s name came up again. Another Salvos reader listed Baker’s “The Flamingo Rising” as her favorite book ever. Interestingly, Larry has been working on a fascinating documentary film that traces the writing of his recent novel, “A Good Man”. Check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOYvVr6TGUE
Dr. Maureen McCue has varied tastes: “Life of Pi” and “Middlesex’. I loved her selections of children's lit – “Charlotte's Web” for little ones, and for preteens the Madeleine L’Engle works.
Non-fiction got a few mentions, too – my pal Jenny Britton recommends “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman.
There were too many other books to possibly mention here. Sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. Very worthy of a City of Literature!
*Hospice Walk For Dignity
The Hospice Walk for Dignity is Sunday, April 17 at 1:00 pm at Willow Creek Park in Iowa City.
Join the family of John and Erma Alberhasky, this year’s Honorary Family, to celebrate the lives and honor the memories of loved ones, and show support for Iowa City Hospice.
Our goal: The MOST SUCCESSFUL WALK YET! Let's break all records--1,300 walkers and $130,000 raised!
Visit http://www.IowaCityHospice.org/calendar/Walk.html or contact Judy Frits, at 688-4213
or judy.frits@iowacityhospice.org for more information.
*DID YOU KNOW? The impressive 17% growth posted by Johnson County between 2000-2010 is actually a very similar percentage to the growth between 1990-2000, 1980-1990, and 1970-1980.
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
April 2, 2011
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/5/11
In this edition:
*Happy Birthday, Jordan!
*Play Ball!
*Pancake Day
*Energy Usage
*Iowa Taxes Are Low!
*Your Favorite Book?
*Did You Know?
*Happy Birthday, Jordan!
Happy 17th birthday to my daughter Jordan. Jordan is a smart, beautiful, tough, resilient, responsible young lady with a good head on her shoulders. She has grown into a wonderful young lady, and I am awfully proud of her!
Happy birthday, Jordan! I love you!
*Play Ball!
Opening Day is upon us! Spring has arrived, and hope springs eternal. Yes, I am one of those folks who romanticize baseball!
*Pancake Day
Supporters of athletics at West & City Highs: Pancake Day is Saturday, April 9 from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM at West High School. Tickets are $5 each, with children 5 and under free. This is the second biggest fundraiser for athletics in the ICCSD. Please show your support!
*Energy Usage
I attended an interesting session on the environment recently, and the following statistics really stuck with me.
The total energy used in the world breaks down something like this: Oil 40%, Coal 23%, Natural Gas 21%, Nuclear 6%, Hydro 4%, Wind 2%, Solar 2%, Wood 2%.
There is so much here that is amazing! First, I was surprised to see oil so far ahead of coal. This really illustrates the amount of energy that goes into moving people and goods.
I was also surprised to see how much natural gas is used. This reflects the recent increases in the US, but is primarily a result of the huge usage in Russia, China, India, and the rest of Asia.
The most shocking and disappointing fact is that wind and solar – which are zero carbon and quickly renewable – are used in the same amounts as wood! Wood, for cryin’ out loud! Worldwide, we have a LONG way to go if we hope to reach any type of sustainability!
Iowa Taxes Are Low!
Iowa state and local taxes rank below the national average, Census data show.
Peter Fisher, research director of the Iowa Policy Project, said the findings confirm trends that have been building for several years. "We often note Iowa is in the middle of the pack on taxes, contrary to the claims of those who want to keep cutting taxes further. Iowa state and local taxes actually are below the national average for states and Iowa ranks in the bottom half of states,“ Fisher said.
Fisher said the best way to compare tax levels between states is to measure taxes collected as a percentage of personal income. On that measure, the study notes, total state and local taxes in Iowa in Fiscal Year 2008 (latest data available) were 10.4 percent of income — half a point below the national average — ranking Iowa 26th among all states. In the region, the report found all but two states had taxes higher than Iowa, with Wisconsin topping the nine-state region at 11.6 percent, followed by Minnesota (11.1), Kansas (10.9), Nebraska (10.7), Illinois (10.6) and Indiana (10.5). Iowa was next at 10.4 percent, followed by Missouri (9.3) and South Dakota (8.1).
The Iowa Fiscal Partnership is a joint public policy analysis initiative of two Iowa-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations: The Iowa Policy Project in Iowa City and the Child & Family Policy Center in Des Moines. IFP reports are at www.iowafiscal.org.
*Your Favorite Book?
I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of the UNESCO City Of Literature since its inception. One of the best parts of being on this Board is the opportunity to discuss what people enjoy reading.
The City of Literature designation is certainly due to the presence of the UI Writer’s Workshop and UI International Writing Program, but there are other factors that are less discussed but also important.
The fantastic libraries and booksellers we have are also a key component, as are the citizens who do all the reading. Our literate citizenry played a big part in the UNESCO designation.
So, citizens… I would like to run a short and decidedly unscientific poll of Salvos readers. What is your favorite book? If a few titles outpoll all the rest, I’ll let readers know.
Personally, I have to divide it into genres. I read a lot as a child. Add that to being a father of three and a foster parent, and I have to acknowledge children’s lit separately.
People who know me well know that I could be described as a softy, a hopeless romantic, a sap – choose your term. This side of me is demonstrated in my favorite children’s book – “I’ll Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. I can hardly get through it without tearing up!
My favorite work of fiction is “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole. I love a book that makes you laugh out loud!
So – how about you, Salvos readers? What are your favorites?
*DID YOU KNOW? 58 Iowa counties have a tax rate higher than Johnson County’s $9.96 per thousand in valuation; 40 counties are lower.
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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