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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
April 29, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 5/1/12
In this edition:
*May Day
*Cinco de Mayo
*Dems Hall of Fame
*Farmer’s Markets
*Project Green
*City of Literature News
*Burg Book
*Did You Know?
*May Day
In much of the world, May Day is a worker’s holiday. It used to be a holiday here, too, until an unreasonable fear of communism clouded our collective national judgment.
May Day used to commemorate the Haymarket Incident. For those of you unfamiliar, the following is lifted largely from Wikipedia:
The Haymarket affair occurred during the course of a three-day strike that involved common laborers, artisans, merchants, and immigrants. Following an incident in which police opened fire and killed four strikers at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Co. plant, a rally was called for the following day at Haymarket Square. The event remained peaceful, yet towards the end of the rally, as police moved in to disperse the event, an unknown assailant threw a bomb into the crowd of police. The bomb and resulting police riot left at least a dozen people dead, including seven policemen.
A sensational show trial ensued in which eight defendants were openly tried for their political beliefs, and not necessarily for any involvement in the bombing. The trial led to the eventual public hanging of four anarchists. In the following years, memory of the "Haymarket martyrs" was remembered with various May Day job actions and demonstrations.
So, on this May Day, I plan on tipping back a cold beverage in honor of the people who gave us the weekend!
*Cinco De Mayo
Happy Cinco de Mayo! The US is rapidly growing browner and speaking more Spanish. I welcome this diversity, and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating it all year long!
*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.
*Farmer’s Markets
Area farmer’s markets are opening for the year. A list is below; please let me know if I have missed any.
Iowa City: Downtown-
May 2-Oct. 31, Wed. 5-7 pm, and Sat. 7:30-Noon. Chauncey Swan Ramp on East Washington St.
www.icgov.org/farmersmarket
Iowa City: Sycamore Mall-
May 4-Oct 26, Tuesdays 3-6:30 pm. Hwy 6 & Sycamore St., West end of parking lot.
Coralville: May 3 –October 7, Mon. & Thursdays 5-8 pm,
Aquatic Center Parking Lot 1513 5th St.
North Liberty: May 9-October 24, Sundays 1 to 4PM
North Parking lot, North Liberty Recreation Center.
*Project Green
The 43rd annual Project Green Garden Fair is Saturday, May 5, from
9 am to 11:30 am at Carver Hawkeye Arena.
Project GREEN was organized in 1968 with the goal of enhancing and beautifying green spaces, parks, major entryways, roadsides, riverfronts, and median parkways on state, county, and city properties within the boundaries of Iowa City, and including all public school grounds within the Iowa City Community School District.
Project GREEN also supports Johnson County's efforts to educate its citizens about native prairie restoration and offers assistance in reestablishing areas of native Iowa prairie.
The plant sale funds most of Project Green’s work; please support this sale!
*City of Literature News
The City of Literature has a new leader! John Kenyon steps in as Interim Executive Director beginning May 14, replacing Jeanette Pilak, who resigned in late April.
John has most recently served as Editor of the Corridor Business Journal. He is a longtime Johnson County resident, a member of the Iowa City Public Library Board of Directors, and a darn good guy.
John has a lot of work ahead of him, but I am confident that he is up to the task. If you have comments, questions, or concerns regarding the City of Literature, please give John a call.
*Burg Book
I just purchased “The Burg: A Writer’s Diner” by Marybeth Slonneger. It hit the spot like a Goosetown Omelet! Dozens of local authors and celebrities take turns telling stories of Iowa City’s most storied restaurant.
In case you did not know, the Burg is one of my favorite haunts. The place really is special, and deserved a book years ago – this was long overdue! A reading featuring several of the authors will take place at Prairie Lights at 7pm on Tuesday, May 8.
Marybeth pulls together decades worth of photos and stories; I absolutely loved it! Pick yours up at the Burg or Prairie Lights.
*DID YOU KNOW? Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico—which is actually celebrated on September 16.
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 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
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/17/12
In this edition:
*RIP Dick Fath
*Earth Day
*World Book and Copyright Day
*Hospice Walk
*PATV Public Hearing
*Gov Doesn’t Get EITC
*Did You Know?
*RIP Dick Fath
Melissa's Dad passed away late on Easter. It was actually a good ending in several ways: he was aware of the fact that he was surrounded by his family. He received a final communion, which was extremely important to him. And he suffered through a tough 9th to see the Cubs win for the first time this year. Dick was a really good man; I was lucky to have him as a father-in-law. Thanks to everyone for the prayers.
*Earth Day
The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County recently voted to drop their Climate Change Advisory Committee.
I wrote the following piece in 2009. THREE YEARS AGO! Unfortunately, it is even truer today. This is SO disappointing! Here is the piece:
One year ago, Johnson County signed on to the Sierra Club “Cool Counties” program. At roughly the same time, Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty signed on as Sierra Club “Cool Cities”.
That is great, right? We are all green here! Regrettably, very little has happened since these agreements were signed.
One of the key components of becoming a Cool County or Cool City is the creation of a citizen advisory committee. I was one of many folks who thought it made sense to make this advisory committee regional, rather than having 4 separate committees. Most elected officials felt similarly, so it was decided that the advisory committee would be a committee of the Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG).
The JCCOG committee finally met in very late March. Better late than never, obviously. One would think that applying green principles to flood recovery would have made a lot of sense. What’s more, much of the Federal Stimulus Plan had a green focus. We may have really missed out by delaying so long!
Meanwhile, no big initiatives have come from Johnson County or our cities. Discussion of green ideas keeps getting pushed to the back burner.
The people assigned to this committee are great people. They can advise all they want, but at some point, elected officials need to get moving.
So, next time you hear something from Johnson County, North Liberty, Iowa City or Coralville touting how “green” they are, hold them accountable. Make sure they are doing more than lip service. What actual steps have been taken? Earth Day is coming up. Hold your local elected officials accountable when they show up for their photo ops. Let’s demand some real progress! (END.)
That was written in 2009. Earth Day is upon us once again. Local governments have done some good things. But have they worked together? No. Have they engaged the expertise of the community? No. But we sure are good at posing for pictures!
*World Book and Copyright Day
By celebrating World Book Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. The idea for this celebration originated in Catalonia where on 23 April, Saint George's Day, a rose is traditionally given as a gift for each book sold.
How can you celebrate World Book and Copyright Day? By joining us at 12PM for COMMUNITY BOOK TALKS in the Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. The program features community and business leaders from around the Iowa City area discussing a favorite or meaningful book, with time after each presentation for a few questions.
Nancy Willis, a City of Literature board member who is with Willis & Willis and Security Abstract Co., will moderate. Our Book Talkers are: Charlie Funk, president of MidWestOne Bank; Nate Kaeding, former Hawkeye football player and current San Diego Charger; Mary Ferentz, community volunteer; Terry Dickens, co-owner Herteen & Stocker and Iowa City Council; Kembrew McLeod, UI associate professor of communications studies; Nancy Quellhorst, president of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce; and Paul Ingram, buyer with Prairie Lights Books. A great line up!
Attendees are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided thanks to sponsorship from Willis & Willis.
In addition to the Community Book Talks, more than a dozen area businesses, public libraries, florists, independent bookstores, artists, poets and scholars will celebrate in honor of UNESCO World Book & Copyright Day.
Visit your area public library and receive an Iowa Wild Rose stamp when you check out a book. Bring your stamp to Capana Coffee Company in downtown Iowa City for free artisan rose gelato (while supplies last).
Shop your area independent book shops and boutiques for in-store specials. Iowa City's Every Blooming Thing is partnering with Prairie Lights Books to provide beautiful live roses to enhance the celebration. Purchase a book from Iowa Book and receive a St. George's Day memento. At The Haunted Book Shop you will receive a rose photo postcard on which you can make a book recommendation to a friend. Finally, stop by Murphy Brookfield Books and receive a live tea rose with every purchase.
All events and activities are open to the public.
*Hospice Walk
The Iowa City Hospice 13th Annual Walk for Dignity is Sunday, April 22 at 1:00 pm at Willow Creek Park in Iowa City.
Donation drop-off starts at 11:00 am; fun activities begin at noon.
The Walk for Dignity is a community event that gives friends and families an opportunity to celebrate the lives and honor the memories of their loved ones, and show support for Iowa City Hospice. The best part is that 100% of the donations support Iowa City Hospice.
We’re encouraging everyone to walk individually or form teams and join us to walk in support of Iowa City Hospice. Choose the more challenging 3-mile course or the less hilly 1-mile course. Call 319-688-4213 to get more information.
*PATV Public Hearing
From my friends at PATV:
Have you, your organization, band, team, festival, charity, non-profit, special event, etc, etc, etc, ever been featured on any of the many great PATV shows dedicated to covering the Iowa City community?
Do you enjoy the programming (and ability to create programming) that PATV provides?
Public Access Television is renewing our contract with Iowa City, and we need your help! At 5:30 PM on April 23, we need a large group of our supporters standing with us in Harvat Hall (Council Chamber) at 410 E. Washington Street in Iowa City.
If you can’t make it, we’d appreciate short notes in support of PATV, which will be read aloud that Monday evening. Please email us at contact@patv.tv with your remarks.
OK – now my own thoughts: Iowa City has been slowly giving away public goods to private corporations. I am certain their inclination is to “give back” a few of these “unimportant” channels to Mediacom. And I’ll bet Mediacom promises lower rates in exchange.
How to put this gently… screw Mediacom! They are an unresponsive monopoly, bent on squeezing every last penny out of the people of this community. It would be really nice to see the Council stand up for their citizens, and against Mediacom. But I’m not holding my breath.
*Gov Doesn’t Get EITC
Governor Branstad said last week that an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) “does not create jobs.” The Governor is 100% incorrect!
Our economy struggles from a lack of demand. People are not purchasing goods and services. If you put more money in the hands of low-income workers, they will spend it!
The additional money they spend on food, clothing, autos, home repairs, and durable goods IS what drives our economy! An increase to the EITC is the very best medicine we can prescribe!
*DID YOU KNOW? Iowa City is one of only 5 Cities of Literature worldwide, and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.
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 4/10/12
In this edition:
*Lone Tree Council Meeting
*Passover
*Pancake Day
*Tiffin Fire Breakfast
*Polling
*Primary Election Thoughts, Part One
*Did You Know?
*Lone Tree Council Meeting – In Comparison
The Board of Supervisors recently held a joint meeting with the Lone Tree City Council. The meeting was wide-ranging, and I found it to be very productive. I think both elected bodies gained some perspective out of the evening.
More than anything else, I found the Lone Tree government refreshingly open. There was no City Manager serving as the gatekeeper; Council members were free to speak on any issue. And Councilors did speak up – a welcome contrast to meetings where elected councilors sit uncomfortably quiet, awaiting orders from their City Manager.
I know that local government in Lone Tree is not perfect. I am well aware of some of the challenges they have faced over the years. Still, given the choice between a committed group of citizens and a stiff local bureaucracy, I will take the committed citizens every time.
*Passover
A Kosher and happy Passover to all my Jewish friends. I am still brushing up on my Hebrew calendar; please know that I wish you all the best!
*Pancake Day
The Iowa City Athletic Booster Club is once again presenting Pancake Day, the single largest fundraiser for athletics at West and City High Schools.
The event is Saturday, April 14th, in the West High cafeteria, and runs 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door.
Please attend and do your part to fund athletics at the Iowa City high schools!
*Tiffin Pancake Breakfast
In case you don’t get enough cakes on Saturday, Sunday, April 15 is the Tiffin Firefighters Pancake Breakfast.
Breakfast is served 6 am -12 pm, and all proceeds go toward funding the volunteer department.
*Polling
The Des Moines Register has done several polls lately that I find extremely unhelpful. Here is why:
Imagine, for a moment, that the weather was based on polling. If I were to poll a significant sample of people and asked, “Would you like it to rain today?” most people would say no. I could repeat the poll week after week, and still get the same result. After a while, we would end up with severe drought.
During the drought, the percentage who wanted rain would rise, but only so much. First, most folks do not farm, so they do not see direct effects. Secondly, people would still have picnics and events that they did not want rained out. Finally, each participant would figure, “it can wait one more day.”
Obviously, the results of this would be catastrophic. And people would do it to themselves. Why? Because a complex issue was presented as a simple question.
The Register has been very guilty lately of oversimplifying complex issues for the purposes of polling. Do you want lower taxes? Do you want better roads? Both questions are easily answered with yes. But guess what? It is very unlikely that you can have both.
Do not get me wrong – I find Register polls interesting, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I simply want them to quit taking the easy road, and deal with complex issues in a complex manner.
*Primary Election Thoughts, Part One
The filing deadline has passed, and the three Supervisors who are up for reelection are unopposed in the June 5th Democratic Primary.
That means Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, and myself will automatically proceed as the Democratic nominees on the general election ballot in November.
I have mixed emotions about this. It is certainly easier not having to run. On the other hand, I find that elections offer us our best opportunity to share our hopes for Johnson County. More importantly, I think it is vitally important to hear what you folks want from your government. This interaction occurs more frequently during a contested election.
I hope editorial boards, radio shows, and other media will continue to take an interest in county government. I hope the League of Women Voters, AARP, NAMI, and other groups of constituents will continue to hold us accountable.
I went into this campaign – now on hold until the general election – with a few specific issues I hoped to champion.
My top four issues if elected to a third term are:
1. Work with cities for sensible TIF usage;
2. Improve rural housing conditions;
3. Increase support for Human Services;
4. Help to make Johnson County a welcoming place for all people.
I hope you agree that these are good goals. Please let me know what you think!
*Shelter House Gala
Shelter House is holding its 10th Annual Spring Gala Saturday, April 14 from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Iowa City.
5:30 pm — doors open • 6:30 pm — dinner • 7:30 pm — live auction, silent auction. Master of Ceremonies: Michael Lensing. Auction Services: Wears Auctioneering.
*DID YOU KNOW? Lone Tree derives its name from a giant elm that grew nearby. As the only tree between the Iowa and Cedar Rivers, it served as a prairie landmark. This elm stood on a slight hill south of town. Local legend has it that the tree was so large, buffalo grazed under its expansive branches. It escaped prairie fires because of the lack of grass around the tree. The tree succumbed to the Dutch Elm disease of the 1960s, although valiant efforts were made to save it. The wood from the tree was used to make a sign denoting the tree's home on the hill southeast of the city limits. (Source: Wikipedia.)
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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