SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
April 21, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/24/12 In this edition: *Primary Election Thoughts, Part Two *NAMI Walk *Dems Hall of Fame *ACLU Annual Dinner *Did You Know? *Primary Election Thoughts, Part Two The race for Johnson County Auditor has stirred some controversy in Democratic Party circles. I am supporting Tiffin City Councilor Travis Weipert in that race. I have known Travis for a couple of years, though admittedly have gotten to know him much better over the past 5 months. I find him to be intelligent, progressive, honest, fair, and hard working. Party registration has been brought up as an issue in this race. Travis is a lifelong Democrat. Yes, he voted in the Branstad- VanderPlaats primary. So did lots of Democrats. Weipert switched back right away. This issue is a red herring being tossed your way. There is no doubt in my mind that Travis can handle the job of Auditor. His accounting background with Aegon is a great experience base. He has managed people in both the private and public sectors. Travis knows that the Auditor’s Office is full of skilled and knowledgeable employees who can get the job done. He will simply give them the opportunity to spread their wings and shine. Is Travis young? Yes. But basically the same age as the current Auditor when he was first elected. Is Travis sufficiently experienced? Yes, he is an outstanding Council member in a growing community. Weipert has much more experience than the current Auditor had when first elected back in 1976. The other side is drumming up the charge that Travis plans to cut back on early voting. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just ask him! In fact, Travis has called for increased outreach to underrepresented minorities – an area where we could really improve. It is true that the current Auditor has done a lot to expand voting opportunities. He deserves much credit for that. It was also largely accomplished by 1984. What does the current Auditor plan to accomplish in his tenth term that he hasn't gotten done in his first nine? Over the past 10 years, the primary goal of the office seems to be making things more difficult for other County departments. There is no question this will improve under Travis Weipert. I work for Johnson County, and I find cooperation woefully lacking. Mona Shaw and Hannah Gugliuzza made several accusations against the current Auditor during their campaigns. None of these accusations were ever addressed; people simply attacked the messengers. Why have other employees remained quiet through this? That is how it works when there is an imbalance of power. It is similar to the reasons that many abused women choose not to report their abuser; reporting may make it worse. Johnson County Democrats like to talk about women’s rights and union worker’s rights. But how do we react when actually presented with grievances from women and union members who dare to complain? Are they ALL lying? Always? Is that our only response? Are we really pro-woman and pro-union, or only when it is convenient? What about the County Treasurer and County Recorder? Both have stellar reputations as public servants. Both interact frequently with the Auditor. Neither has anything to gain by supporting Weipert. Why would they take the risk of supporting the challenger? I urge you to ask them. Why is it that former employees and others who work in County government are always discredited? Is it realistic that they are ALL lying, part of some massive conspiracy against the current Auditor? Why do so many people choose to believe the word of one man over hundreds of others? I urge you – talk to people who work (or have worked) for Johnson County. I find myself in a difficult situation. I am on the ballot in June and November. I have very little to gain by coming out publically for the challenger. It would be much safer and easier to remain quiet and avoid the slings and arrows that are already headed my way. But that would not make anything better. And the public deserves better. I wish things had not degenerated to this extent. It would have been nice if local Democrats would vote without accusing Dems who vote otherwise as being bad people. The current Auditor has had a long and distinguished career – I can understand why people who have traditionally supported him are reluctant to change their minds. I respect their right to vote as they see fit. Similarly, I hope those same people will respect my vote – a vote for a change. It is all very tiring. It cannot be overstated – the public deserves better! I support Travis Weipert for County Auditor; I hope you will, too. *NAMI Walk The 2012 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk for the Mind of America is Saturday, April 28 at 9 AM. The walk is 5K, and begins by the pond in Lower City Park. In 2011, 1,016 walkers raised over $113,000. All funds raised go toward raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness. I am a NAMI member, but I am unable to join the walkers this year, but my pledge has been made! I hope you will make yours, too. For more information, visit www.namijc.org. *Dems Hall of Fame The Johnson County Democrats are proud to announce the 2012 inductees into our Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees are Jeanette Carter, Mary Larew, Nick Johnson & Mary Vasey, and J. Patrick White. Honorees are chosen on the basis of their longstanding history of service to the county Democratic Party. The winners will be honored at our annual Hall of Fame Event, Saturday, May 5th at the Coralville Marriott. The evening will begin with a social hour at 7pm, followed by a dessert buffet and the award ceremony. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Tickets for the event are $25 ($15 for seniors and students), and sponsorships are available at $100, $250 and $500. For more information or to sponsor the event, please contact Johnson County Democrats Fundraising Chair Liz Etchells at 319-541-9672 or Elizabeth.Etchells@gmail.com. *ACLU Annual Dinner The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Iowa is holding its Annual Dinner Saturday, April 28 at The University Club in Iowa City. 6:00 p.m. Check in and reception; 7:00 p.m. Buffet dinner and program (vegetarian options available). Dinners are $45 per person in advance, $50 at the door. The featured speaker is ACLU national voting rights expert Nancy Abudu. Though I am literally a “card-carrying member” of the ACLU, I am unable to attend the event. I hope you’ll go in my place! *DID YOU KNOW? The current Auditor has been in office since 1976. 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
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 8:38 AM
1 Comments:
Paragraphs, Rod? Paragraphs would really help.
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