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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
July 28, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/31/12
In this edition:
*More Drought!
*Homeless Children’s Trust
*Bad Board Behavior?
*The “Worthy” Poor?
*Swisher Fun Days
*Did You Know?
*More Drought!
Unfortunately, our hot and dry weather rolls on. Locally, we are in the midst of our worst drought since 1988. Nationally, nothing on this scale has occurred since 1956.
We have already witnessed the devastating effects of the drought in the Western US, with wildfires claiming lives and property at unprecedented rates.
Closer to home, crops are being ruined, and small farmers are under pressure. The 2012 growing season is basically lost; now the concerns turn to low groundwater levels. Food prices will certainly rise, probably sooner rather than later. Many poor people will struggle with outrageously high utility bills.
Ag Secretary and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is pushing to address these issues in the Farm Bill, but so far responses to his suggestions have been lukewarm.
I fear that these conditions are yet another manifestation of climate change. I really hope world and national leaders get serious about this issue before it is too late! I simply fail to understand what further evidence is necessary to get them to act!
*Homeless Children’s Trust
It is time for the annual Back to School Collection for the Homeless Children's Trust! The Homeless Children's Trust is a part of HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) and this is the 22nd anniversary of the project here in Johnson County.
The Trust provides little red schoolhouses at fourteen local sites where we ask for donations from the community. All items are then sorted and packed in backpacks for the children in need according to age and school.
Volunteers are needed to help assemble the backpacks on Friday, August 10th at 1:00 pm at the HACAP Family Service Center at 367 Southgate Ave. in Iowa City. My kids and I do this every year, and it is a rewarding experience! (Unfortunately, we cannot help this year.)
We typically provide around 130 backpacks; the children in need are designated by counselors from HACAP, MECCA, DVIP and the Shelter House. The program covers children from kindergarten through high school. The children are always happy to have all the necessary supplies when school starts.
Please spread the word about this wonderful program and our need for donations as well as volunteers. Any questions please call Mary Larew at 337-2264 (evenings) or 338-1212 (days).
*Bad Board Behavior?
I have heard from a few members of the public recently who feel that the Board of Supervisors has been exhibiting some bad behavior.
I think I can probably guess some of the incidents to which these folks are referring. As a matter of fact, I am likely involved in a couple of these incidents.
Look, I am not proud of Board meetings that get loud or rowdy. I would like to set a good example. But civility is low on the list of bad behaviors about which our citizens should be concerned.
How about failing to recuse yourself from a vote that would personally make you money? Is that bad behavior? Is it illegal?
What about voting against the adopted Land Use Plan in order to give an exception to a campaign donor? Is that bad behavior? Is it illegal?
How about voting for/against items based solely upon who is in the audience? Is that bad behavior?
How about saying you will laugh at the prospect of poor people whose trailers fail inspections? Is that bad behavior?
Let’s go one more step. Suppose you call out another Supervisor on a behavior listed above. Is that bad behavior? (I would argue that saying/doing nothing is bad behavior!)
I’ll take passion for issues over don’t-know-or-care civility any day. Hopefully, many of you feel the same way. Meanwhile, I hope we can work through the issues of the day without raised voices.
*The “Worthy” Poor?
Interestingly, I have been in a few discussions recently about begging. It must be contagious! Here are my thoughts:
I believe begging is free speech, and therefore protected by the First Amendment. There are already laws that protect people from harassment and intimidation. Panhandlers were already prohibited from physically stopping (or even touching) others.
I think Iowa City’s anti-panhandling law is clearly unconstitutional. It would be nice to see the ACLU of Iowa take on a real First Amendment challenge, and sue over this ordinance!
Though I firmly believe it should be legal, I rarely ever give to panhandlers. I try to give generously to charities; I prefer knowing that my contributions to the poor were used thoughtfully.
One interesting phenomenon in my recent discussions is the value judgments folks like to assign. I got a lot of comments like, “They can afford cigarettes!” and “Look how nice his shoes are!”
I understand where this comes from. We all want our charitable contributions to be used wisely. Our society honors hard work, and people who give to a panhandler only to see that person buy booze feel lied to and used.
You may note, however, that Jesus, Mohammed, Budha, and others are unanimous in asking us to share what we have. They are also unanimous in warning us not to judge others.
Look, I get it. I occasionally see folks panhandling and wish they made different choices. But rather than spend a lot of time and effort judging them, I prefer to focus my efforts on helping those folks who are “playing by the rules” if you will.
Does this make me guilty of “judging” others? Probably so. We all have work to do when it comes to accepting others.
*Swisher Fun Days
It is Fun Days in Swisher August 4 & 5! For a complete list of all the weekend’s events, see: http://www.swisheria.org/
*DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County averages about 38 inches of precipitation per year. We are about ten inches low at this point. (Source: NOAA.)
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
July 21, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/24/12
In this edition:
*Colorado Horror
*RIP Pam Stewart
*RIP Marylou Henley
*Policy vs. Politics
*Work? Campaign? Personal?
*Did You Know?
*Colorado Horror
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the folks affected by the horrific mass murder in Aurora, CO.
*RIP Pam Stewart
Johnson County lost another great volunteer with the recent passing of Pam Stewart.
Pam was instrumental in the building of the Ronald McDonald House, served as board member and chair of her professional association, and cared for many, many children with heart problems.
In retirement Pam volunteered with Project Green, the League of Women Voters, as a library book binder, and as a radio reader. She was also a staunch Democrat who was very willing to share her opinions.
I know I am but one of the many Johnson County residents who will truly miss Pam Stewart. RIP, Pam.
*RIP Marylou Henley
Also passing away this week was Marylou Henley, mother of local do-gooder Robin Butler and mother-in-law of my fellow Supervisor Janelle Rettig.
(I couldn’t come up with any title for Robin better than “do-gooder”. I know – it sounds like I’m a complaining villain! But Robin just does so much good work on so many good causes. A do-gooder! But I digress!)
Marylou was a relative newcomer to Iowa City, but her wit and charm had allowed her to develop many friends during her time here. I am proud to count myself among them.
The past couple of months have been very difficult for the Butler/Rettig family. I wish them all the best. RIP, Marylou.
*Policy vs. Politics
There is a lot of national coverage of politics. Polling data, campaign stops… the media dissects every word the candidates say in search of a faux pas.
Meanwhile, there is much less national coverage of policy. Policies are only seen as political tools.
While I love politics, I adore policy! And I think much of the voting populace feels the same way. I hope the old adage, “good policy equals good politics” holds up! Unfortunately, I’m not so sure this is true locally.
I know many local voters who have no idea how any Supervisors have voted on any issue. They do not see what one Supervisor promotes and another opposes. The public seems to view us as all the same, despite some deep policy differences.
I would love to see more people pay more attention to the actual policy positions of our local elected officials. The differences MATTER! But the message to elected officials is: choose the easiest, least courageous route possible. Because voters do not care about policy.
Unfortunately, locally as nationally, politics trumps policy. (Look at the JECC. No citizens hold any individual on that Board accountable for any of their votes.) Sad but true. If you wish to see that change… it starts with you!
*Work? Campaign? Personal?
We just discussed policy versus politics. Supervisors deal with a similar issue when they engage in certain activities in the community.
An example: about seven weeks ago, I volunteered at the ICARE Pancake Breakfast. I have volunteered for this breakfast for quite some time – longer than I have served as a Supervisor.
So, was I working? It hardly strikes me as work – it is a volunteer gig. Yet I know some Supervisors would consider it work.
Was I campaigning? I suppose a cynic would say that every public appearance by a Supervisor is campaigning. But it did not feel like campaigning to me.
I feel as though I was volunteering. (I also bought a ticket, even though volunteers ate free.) That makes it my personal time. I think that is the way the public would want it. But it is not always so clear.
Let’s use another example: I attended the Solon Firefighters Pancake Breakfast. While I did not volunteer, I did purchase a ticket, which helps the cause.
Working? That would be a tough case to make! Volunteering? Only if you consider eating volunteer work! Campaigning? I would say yes.
Another scenario: while at Hy-Vee, three different people each stop a Sup and take ten minutes discussing work-related items. Is that work? If not, what is it? Volunteering? Can you volunteer at your job? (Union rules often strictly prohibit this so no abuses can take place.)
Is a Sup working when reading work related materials at home? Is it work to attend a Chamber luncheon? Is it work to just drive some gravel roads?
While this might be an interesting exercise for an elected official, it is only important to the public in one way: does the elected official put in enough work? Does she/he get results? Do they accomplish what needs to be accomplished? If you work enough, then it really does not matter if some of your time is spent campaigning and volunteering.
Much gets made of the fact that Supervisor is considered a ¾ time position. I have done my own time studies, and while there is no such thing as a “regular” week, I almost always work right around 80 hours every two weeks.
While this is more than ¾ time, there are other factors that should be taken into consideration. Supervisors do not punch a clock, so the hours get worked largely when each Sup wants. Some hours are at the office, some are in the community, and some are at home. The flexibility is amazing, and that is worth something.
As we all know, there are people who can work 80 hours every two weeks and get nothing done. There are folks who can work less and accomplish more. There are folks who you WISH would work less, because they tend to screw things up. There are those who just go through the motions.
Personally, I think anyone who complains about the hours and or the pay should quit whining and take another job. Nobody forces you to run for office.
So, what are your thoughts? Maintain the status quo? Make Sups full time and pay them more? Reduce the expectations of time spent for the office? Or do you have another suggestion altogether?
*DID YOU KNOW? RAGBRAI has an economic impact of almost $17 million annually. (Source: Iowa Bicycle Coalition.)
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
July 14, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/17/12
In this edition:
*Drought!
*Operation Fast and Furious
*Solon Beef Days
*Johnson County Fair
*Good Bye CJ and Jae Jae!
*Did You Know?
*Drought!
The drought continues to get worse and worse in Johnson County; a burn ban just went into effect, and it appears that a disaster declaration is imminent.
It has been several years since we have seen a drought of this extent, though the lack of precipitation really began late last summer and ran throughout our mild winter. I recall a bad drought in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s; this is certainly the worst since then!
While those of us in the cities carp about our dormant lawns, it is serious business in the agricultural sector. The lack of rain can cost the Iowa economy literally billions of dollars!
So – keep doing what you have been doing – pray for rain!
*Operation Fast and Furious
Perhaps you have been following the news of the Justice Department scandal regarding a program known as “Operation Fast and Furious”. I find plenty upon which to comment here.
First, I believe the government needs to dramatically curtail all covert operations. If the people cannot know what is going on, the government does not need to be doing it. Covert operations fly in the face of a representative democratic government. This is not unique to the Obama Administration; it needs to change, period.
Even if you assume that covert operations are OK, this plan was pretty stupid on its face. (Recent reports are demonstrating that perhaps the program is not as bad as it first sounded.) But the CIA under George W. Bush ran an identical program. We can do better by Mexico, and we can do better as Americans.
I will note here that I am no fan of Attorney General Eric Holder. I feel that he should lose his job, but not for this. He should lose his job because people are held in secret locations, held without charge, held without counsel, subject to illegal rendition, etc. This is America. Those things are not supposed to occur, yet they are ubiquitous. The Constitution is not being followed. (Before my Republican friends get too excited, this was even worse under Bush.)
In addition, the Attorney General’s Office under Holder has ignored the Voting Rights Act violations that are happening in pretty much every GOP-controlled state. They continue a deadly and costly war on drugs. They have been iron-fisted with undocumented immigrants simply looking for a better life.
Should Eric Holder lose his job? Yes. He should probably go to jail. (As should Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and other war criminals.) Holder should go to jail - but not for the reasons Darrell Issa and the GOP House put forth.
Now let’s pick on the Republicans awhile. Let me get this straight – you are upset because an American gun was used to kill a Border Patrol Agent? I thought the GOP was against EVERY restriction on guns! If you really believe every human being is entitled by God to an assault rifle, then complaints about trafficking in guns are red herrings. The gun didn’t kill the agent; people killed the agent.
How could he have been killed, anyway? Shouldn’t his own gun have served as a deterrent? Why isn’t Mexico the safest place on Earth with all these guns in private hands?
Plus, the GOP is the party of free trade, right? So why can’t American “job creators” sell guns in Mexico? Isn’t that the free market at work?
Every side of this issue is fraught with hypocrisy. The actions that the Republicans in the House of Representatives have taken against Attorney General Holder are a total sham.
Let’s put a stop to all this foolishness from our federal government! The American people deserve to know what is done in their name!
*Solon Beef Days
The 41st annual Solon Beef Days runs this Friday and Saturday in Solon. Steaks, rides, entertainment, a parade, and the now-legendary hay bale toss are just a few of the items on tap.
I say this every year, and it is because it comes from a place of pride: I can honestly say that I have been to roughly 38 of the 41 Beef Days. I wear it like a badge of honor! This is the year to start your own streak!
For all the details, including a full schedule of events, see: http://beefdays.com/
*Johnson County Fair
The Johnson County Fair begins on Monday, July 23 and runs that whole week.
If you have never been – go. This really truly is a bit of Americana. I love the fair! And I’m not alone – over 70,000 people visited last year! The fair has free admission and free parking, so the price is right!
There are lots of cool things go on at the fair! I sincerely urge everyone to come out and take a look at the many things being offered.
Two interesting tidbits – we decided to move our regular Thursday Board meeting to the fairgrounds stage last year. It went so well that we are back again on Thursday, July 26 at 9am.
Also, elected officials are just a few of the folks you can shoot for at the newly added dunk tank! All proceeds go toward the operation of our great FREE fair!
For more information, including a full schedule of events, see: http://www.johnsoncofair.com/
*Good Bye CJ and Jae Jae!
Johnson County lost a great couple recently with the departure of CJ Voci and Jae Jae Spoon. CJ and Jae Jae were involved in many community events and causes, and really epitomize the kind of people that make Johnson County special.
Good luck to CJ & Jae Jae as they settle into their new home of Denton, Texas. They will be missed!
*DID YOU KNOW? Solon is named for the classical Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and lyric poet Solon. Ironically, the local high school's mascot is the Spartans; Sparta was famously an enemy of Solon's home, Athens.
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
July 7, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/10/12
In this edition:
*Juvenile Crime Up in Iowa City?
*Tiffin Fest
*River Junction Tractor Ride
*Iowa City Book Festival
*Congratulations Mike Van Heel!
*Did You Know?
*Juvenile Crime Up in Iowa City?
The Gazette recently ran a headline stating “Juvenile Crime Dips in State, Eastern Iowa”. The article then explains the successes of the Sixth Judicial District and the Cedar Rapids Police at reducing juvenile arrests.
Read just a bit further, and you see that the headline should have addressed CR only, as numbers are up considerably in Iowa City.
Sergeant Denise Brotherton, speaking for the ICPD, disputed the statistics, even though the numbers show a clear growth from 467 to 533. That is an increase of over 14% - an increase I would call significant!
How is it that CR can see a decrease, while IC sees a 14% increase? Are kids somehow “worse” in Iowa City? Don’t we, the public, deserve an explanation? These are our children! Do we WANT them arrested? Why can’t we do what CR has done?
The other – uglier - piece of the story is that black youth are being stopped and arrested many times more frequently than white youth in Iowa City. That was not mentioned in the Gazette article.
When asked about racial disparities, the ICPD falls back on their usual statement: most arrests come from officers responding to a call. I do not dispute this, but I think it is a red herring, and needs much further review.
First, what does “most” mean? Is “most” 51%, 99%, or something in between? Because the fact is, few white kids get stopped for walking in the street. White kids rarely get stopped for having their trunks ajar. White kids are not typically asked for ID 7-8 times PER YEAR. But black youth in Iowa City simply deal with this as a part of life.
Whether the public is calling in reports or not, officers have discretion once they arrive on site. Why do one set of kids routinely get questioned, ID’ed and searched, while others do not?
If you had a ratio of one officer for every car, and simply stopped and searched every vehicle, you would find that white, black, and Latino families commit crimes in pretty similar numbers. But when you stop black youth many times more frequently, you find evidence of misbehavior many times more frequently.
Sergeant Brotherton says in the article, “It’s not about punishment.” That would be true, IF Iowa City had improved in the same way CR has. The best practices in this field are clear – just ask the Juvenile Court Administrators! They do not WANT referrals for minor infractions. So the approach described by Brotherton is simply WRONG. We should, and must, change!
You may think I am somehow rude or disrespectful to bring this up. That is probably because the odds are you are white. And the odds are that you are not humiliated by the very people who are supposed to protect and serve you.
A young man I know well recently told me that since he turned 16 (just over two years ago) he has been stopped by the ICPD 8 times. He has been asked to take a field sobriety test once, his car has been searched twice, and his ID taken every time. Yet he has never been charged with anything!
So, fellow white folks – have you ever been stopped 8 times in just over two years? Have your kids? Has ANY white person you know ever undergone such harassment?
To his credit, Chief Hargadine called me to discuss this. I don’t even know how he knew I was bothered by it, to tell you the truth, but I appreciated the call. I believe him when he says he is willing to review any/every incident to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
The problem is, the ICPD refuses to look at anything as part of a trend. Each instance is viewed as a separate instance to them. So, a kid gets stopped. Big deal. That is not harassment. Of course not – unless you add context. That is always going to be the response so long as we look at things through a single lens.
Remember, the young man I referred to earlier is not a career criminal. This is an 18-year-old kid – a good kid. Despite the 8 stops, he has never been charged! And the rest of the 18-year-old African Americans in this town can all tell you similar stories. Because collectively, they make up these statistics.
Think I’m exaggerating? Look at our numbers for disproportionate minority contact. (They are “our” numbers. You and I bear some responsibility for them!) These statistics are a matter of public record. They are appalling. They smack of apartheid! The explanations we are being fed simply do not hold up. I am tired of excuses. We must demand better from the City of Iowa City. I hope the Gazette will follow up on the real story here.
The ICPD is not a bad organization. They are the folks who protect us every day. The ICPD has been of service to my family and I in the past. I am certain they will do well by us in the future. But somehow, some way, things are broken in this area. I cannot explain why things aren’t working. But they aren’t working. I think we need to try to do better.
Trust me, nothing will happen until you care about this issue. You need to call the City Council. You need to call the City Manager. You can make a difference! You need to let them know you refuse to accept this being done in your name.
Because face it – if you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.
*Tiffin Fest
The booming town of Tiffin holds its 4th annual Tiffin Fest this Friday and Saturday night.
A parade and street dance will be held Friday night, and Saturday includes a 5k, pancake breakfast, games, rides, a talent show, and even a rodeo! Those are only a few of the many things to do in Tiffin this weekend!
For all the info on Tiffin Fest 2012, visit their website at: http://www.tiffinfest.org/
*River Junction Tractor Ride
The annual River Junction Tractor Ride, sponsored by the Lone Tree Lions Club, will be held Saturday, July 14, leaving River Junction at 8 AM. There will be a break at Stutsman’s in Hills at around 8:45; lunch at the Kalona United Methodist Church; an afternoon break at Fairview Mennonite Church; and back to River Junction.
On Friday, July 13 there will be a farmer’s supper and tractor show at 6PM at Walker Park in River Junction. The dinner is $12, and includes a variety show performed by the River Junction Theatre Group! (Not many villages of 20-25 people have theatre groups!)
This is a great annual event, and definitely worth a look. To register or for more information call 319-629-5387 or 319-629-5296.
*Iowa City Book Festival
The Iowa City Book Festival is coming up Friday-Sunday, July 13-15. This is a great event, befitting a UNESCO City of Literature! I hope you’ll get the opportunity to check it out!
For a full schedule of events, see: http://www.iowacitybookfestival.org/
*Congratulations Mike Van Heel!
Congratulations to Mike Van Heel of Iowa City, who is retiring after 30 years of service to Johnson County.
Mike works for facilities, so he has spent the past 30 years moving snow, mowing, planting, weeding, and dealing with clogged toilets, stuck windows, and other assorted issues. I am pretty proud of the facilities owned by Johnson County; they function well and look good. This is thanks to the hard work of Mike and his fellow Facilities workers.
In addition, Mike is simply one of the best guys you’ll ever meet. I’ll miss talking baseball with him. Congrats, Mike, and good luck on your retirement!
*DID YOU KNOW? Tiffin, Iowa was named for Tiffin, Ohio – original home to some of the area’s first settlers.
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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