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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
May 19, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 5/22/12
In this edition:
*Memorial Day
*Primary Elections
*Sue Freeman Trial
*Issues of Race
*North Liberty Blues & BBQ
*Solon Fire Pancake Breakfast
*Conservation Board Opening
*No Salvos Next Week!
*Did You Know?
*Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day! Let’s hope that this is the Memorial Day when we can actually begin to achieve peace around the world. Meanwhile, thanks to all the men and women who serve in our armed forces!
*Primary Elections
I have written at some length about the upcoming Primary Elections. One thing I have not done is formally request your vote.
So, dear readers – if you will do me the honor, I would be proud to serve another term as Johnson County Supervisor. I would sincerely appreciate your vote on June 5 or before.
If reelected, my goals are:
1. Work with cities for sensible TIF usage;
2. Improve rural housing conditions;
3. Increase support for Human Services;
4. Improve Affirmative Action results.
I am grateful for your past support, and thank you for your future consideration. I promise to never take this position for granted!
*Sue Freeman Trial
In a high-profile local case, Broadway Neighborhood Center Director Sue Freeman was found innocent of all charges. I was honored to serve as a character witness on Sue’s behalf.
I have admired Sue Freeman for 15 years. Few people in Johnson County fight harder for those with less. I know firsthand her good daycare work – my own son attended the center she runs. Obviously, I was thrilled to see her acquitted.
But the damage is done. NCJC lost contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. One of the most important nonprofits in our county is now struggling. Johnson County NEEDS a strong NCJC.
This whole situation was wrong. It was about racism, plain and simple. Sue called out racist behavior where she saw it. Then the powers that be decided Sue needed to pay a price. As a community, we need to have the guts to stand up to this type of bullying. I say to whatever elected officials will listen – NOT IN MY NAME!
Meanwhile, it would be nice to see some apologies. DHS and Empowerment? Apologize for piling on. Acknowledge that NCJC did nothing wrong. Head Start? Renew your contract! Acknowledge that NCJC did nothing wrong. County Attorney’s Office? Acknowledge that NCJC did nothing wrong. ICPD? Apologize, then acknowledge that NCJC did nothing wrong. IC Council? Apologize for your police, then acknowledge that NCJC did nothing wrong.
These actions will not repair the damage that has been done. But the above steps are the least these entities should do. Please ask these entities to take some responsibility, and own their actions (or inactions) that have damaged NCJC.
Then, repeat after me – NOT IN MY NAME!
*Issues of Race
The Freeman trial once again points to the issues we have with race in this community.
I have been working with a group called The Coalition for Racial Justice, an offshoot of the Consultation of Religious Communities. The group is committed to addressing issues of race in our community.
I recognize that not everyone is religious, but personally, I love the religious approach to this topic.
Each Sunday when I walk into church, we start with confession. All of us admit we are sinners. Once that has been acknowledged, we can work on improving things.
The problem with discussions of race is that walls go up automatically. Anyone who is presented with problems related to race reflexively responds with, “I am NOT a racist!” Then the discussion goes nowhere.
I prefer the church model. We come in and admit we are ALL sinners. We are ALL racists. Once that has been acknowledged, we can work on improving things.
The Iowa City Council was recently presented with a watered-down, impotent excuse for a resolution on race. And they could not support it without weakening it further.
My advice to the Council? We are ALL sinners. Acknowledge that, and it opens up the possibility of some interesting conversations.
The Council needs some churchin’ on this issue. We all do.
*North Liberty Blues & BBQ
The 2012 North Liberty Blues and BBQ festival is Saturday, May 26 with a rain date of May 27. Party time is 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This festival has great food, great music, arts, kiddie games, fireworks, and much more! There is way too much happening for me to list it all here. Instead, visit http://northlibertyiowa.org/bluesandbbq/ for all the information.
*Solon Fire Pancake Breakfast
The Solon Firefighters' Annual Breakfast will be held Sunday, May 27, serving from 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Solon Fire Station. All-you-can-eat cakes, eggs, etc. is just $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.
*Conservation Board Opening
Johnson County has an opening on the Conservation Board. This is a great opportunity for anyone who cares about the environment! You can apply online at www.johnson-county.com.
*No Salvos Next Week!
Since my daughter Jordan graduates this weekend, Salvos will be taking the weekend off. Look for your next edition (dated 6-5-12) around Saturday, June 2nd, give or take a day.
*DID YOU KNOW? Memorial day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868. It was observed by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers during the first national celebration. Gen. James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which around 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
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
May 12, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 5/15/12
In this edition:
*Jordan’s High School Graduation
*Commencement
*Good Job Mr. President!
*Bike to Work Week
*Steel Drum Concert
*Free CPR Course
*Did You Know?
*Jordan’s High School Graduation
My daughter Jordan graduates from City High on Memorial Day weekend.
All graduations are special occasions. And I am a big softie – Pomp and Circumstance alone can bring a tear to my eye! But I am particularly moved by this event. Please allow me to take a moment to explain why this moment means so much to me.
In case you did not know, Jordan was adopted. She first came to our house as a 5-year-old little girl – but those first 5 years were eventful. She dealt with problems that most of us can never dream of.
Her bravery in the face of danger inspired me. At age 5, Jordan took it upon herself to protect her brother and herself. She demonstrated more courage as a little girl than most adults I have ever met.
Our time together has not always been easy. Jordan has had to work, and work hard. We have been through a lot. She has done what she needed to do, and the results are fantastic!
As time went on, Jordan grew into a wonderful young lady. She is bright, hard working, and believes strongly in fairness and justice. She is honest, trustworthy, and follows the rules. She really cares about those who are less fortunate. She is a good girl!
Jordan has had a great career at City High. She has served as a mentor for CCIA; she has participated in basketball and track; she has been a member of the Spirit Club; she works two jobs; she attends church and church youth groups; and her grades are solid.
Next year she will move on to Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, where she earned a scholarship to study psychology and participate in Division I track.
We fight – sometimes loud and long! But I cannot imagine loving someone more. And I admire her – so deeply. I am so very proud. I really don’t have the words.
It is really neat to be able to say that the person I admire the most is my own daughter. I am a very lucky man!
Congratulations on your graduation, Honey! I love you!
*Commencement
As I stated earlier, all graduations are special occasions! Congratulations to everyone who has a personal connection this graduation season!
Upon further reflection, I actually prefer the term “commencement”. While acknowledging that a big segment of our lives have been completed, the event symbolizes a move forward in the continuum of life. The word “commencement” really sums up the event.
Congratulations again to all the graduates, their friends, and families!
*Good Job Mr. President!
I was extremely pleased to see President Obama come out in favor of gay marriage. I only wish he had done so several years earlier!
The big question has been political – does this help or hurt the President in the 2012 election? Frankly, I think there is a much more important question: do you want to be on the right side of history?
Barack Obama (and every politician) wants to be compared to Abe Lincoln. Yet until last week, he was pursuing the course of Steven Douglass. Now his legacy is set, win or lose.
Politics are politics. Sometimes, you have to refer to the old Grantland Rice quote: “Ask not whether he won or lost, but how he played the game.” Barack Obama can sleep at night knowing he chose to help a group of people rather than vilify them. That should be worth more than any election victory.
*Bike to Work Week
May 14-18 is Bike to Work Week in Johnson County, and there are numerous special events designed to get you on your bike.
I am particularly excited about two events: first, I am once again participating in the Bike/Bus/Car Race, sponsored by the MPO of Johnson County. I have done this a couple times previously, and it is always fun.
This year’s race begins at 11:33 a.m. at the Coralville Public Library and ends at the Iowa City Public Library. This year’s race features Councilor Gerry Kuhl of North Liberty on the bus, Councilor Rosanne Hopson from University Heights on the bike, and me driving the car.
Another exciting event is the Bike Commuter Breakfast, sponsored by Johnson County and the Johnson County Trails Foundation. This free breakfast will be provided at the Johnson County Administration Building, 913 South Dubuque Street, in Iowa City.
It is truly amazing how many things are going on around biking in May! For a complete list, please see: http://www.thinkbicycles.org/bike-to-work-week/
*Steel Drum Concert
The Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) will welcome the Pan American Steel Drum Band for an energizing outdoor concert at F.W. Kent Park’s Whip-Poor-Will Shelter Thursday, May 17th at 6:30 p.m.
The Pan American Steel Drum Band takes audiences on a delightful tour of percussion-based music with instruments from around the world. From Africa, Trinidad, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico and the US, this performance gives valuable insight and appreciation of music from other cultures.
Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and come to Whip-Poor-Will Shelter for an outdoor band concert you are sure to enjoy. A great free, fun, family event!
For more information about this event, please contact the Johnson County Conservation Department office at 645-2315.
*Free CPR Course
In honor of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week, May 20-26, the Johnson County Ambulance Service is offering free CPR training for the public.
If you give a person CPR right away they are much more likely to survive. Most cardiac arrests happen at home with family members. You can help a loved one survive by learning CPR.
The American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR course will be offered on Sunday, May 20th at 12:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 23rd at 12:00 p.m. Call the Johnson County Ambulance Service at 356-6013 to register for the free course.
*DID YOU KNOW? The design of the graduation headgear, or mortarboard, was inspired by headgear worn by church dignitaries in the 16th century. The caps are called mortarboards because of their resemblance to a masonry tool of the same name. The tassel was added in the 19th century. Protocol requires the tassel to be worn on the right side of the mortarboard until the candidate receives his/her degree, then it's moved to the left.
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
May 4, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 5/8/12
In this edition:
*Happy Mother’s Day!
*Loebsack for Congress!
*MidWest One
*Police Citizens Review Board
*Farmer’s Markets - Correction
*Arc Awards
*Did You Know?
*Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, especially my wife Melissa Fath and mother Susan Sullivan Smith. I love you both!
Motherhood is not easy. I celebrate and honor you all. I hope you have a very enjoyable Mother’s Day!
*Loebsack for Congress!
I have discussed some other Democratic Party primary races recently – now it is time for the top of the ticket. I am a big backer of incumbent Democratic Congressman Dave Loebsack.
Full disclosure – I have known Dave since the early ‘90s, and known him pretty well since the mid-‘90s. That history actually helps to explain why I support Dave so strongly.
I did not meet Dave at some high dollar fundraiser. I did not meet him at an art gallery or winery. We met stuffing envelopes. In a public library.
You see, Dave Loebsack is a worker. He will get his hands dirty. He knows how average everyday folks live, and he knows what matters to them. Here is a short story to illustrate this point:
During the 2008 floods, I was sandbagging at Thatcher Mobile Home Park in southern Iowa City. I had a couple friends who lived there, and faced with disaster everywhere, I wanted to help the people with the greatest needs.
So, I am shoveling away, chatting with some new friends, when who should walk up but Dave Loebsack. There was no press there, and no campaign staff snapping photos. Dave just grabbed a shovel and went to work. He stayed for at least 90 minutes, maybe a couple hours. Never once did he say that he was in the US House of Representatives – he was just Dave, there to help.
When Dave left, one of the women smiled and said to the rest of us – “You know who that was, don’t you? That was our Congressman!” The rest of the folks were amazed! There were no cameras! He had worked HARD! They had a fairly negative stereotype of a Congressman – until they met Dave.
Dave takes this same type of approach to his work in Congress. He knows what the hard-working folks of Thatcher Mobile Home Park need, and he fights for them.
Dave knows that these folks need good schools. They need healthcare coverage. They need Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. They need jobs that pay a living wage. They need clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. If they have these things in place, their hard work can pay off.
How can I be so sure Dave understands this? Because he has lived it. Dave grew up in poverty, son of a single mother who struggled with mental illness. Life was not easy. But with the help of government programs, Dave grew up healthy and well fed. With the help of government programs, he went to college, even earning a Ph.D. With the help of government programs, Dave went from child poverty to the US Congress. He lived the American Dream! And he has not forgotten those government programs that helped make it possible.
I have been very proud of my friend’s work in Congress. Yes, sometimes lawmaking is akin to sausage making. But Dave has always shot straight, and told us what he thought. More importantly, I have seen him listen to constituents and change his own vote once they convinced him they were correct.
So, yes – I like Dave. He is a good person and a good Congressman, and he has my support in both June and November.
I have heard folks say that this election does not matter; challenger Joe Seng is not a credible. They will wait until November to support Dave. I disagree!
NEVER take ANY election for granted! You like Dave? Vote! You want a change? Vote! Whatever the case, VOTE!
I’ll be voting for Dave Loebsack. I hope you will, too.
*MidWest One
I periodically take time out to mention local businesses with whom I have had great experiences. Today I’d like to mention MidWest One, a local bank with whom I’ve enjoyed a honeymoon of almost 30 years!
My satisfaction with MidWest One comes largely from customer service. I am always amazed by the consistent, friendly, polite, helpful service I get, regardless of which branch I visit. Things rarely go wrong, but when they do, MidWest One makes it right.
Solid, friendly helpful service for almost 30 years. It doesn’t get much better than that! Thanks, MidWest One!
*Police Citizens Review Board
The Iowa City Police Citizens Review Board is holding a Community Forum on Wednesday, May 9 at 7 pm at the Iowa City Public Library.
This is an opportunity for members of the public to discuss the purview of the Board and the complaint review process. I’d like to stress - this is an opportunity! I hope you can attend.
*Farmer’s Markets- Correction
In last week’s Salvos, I listed the area farmer’s markets, then asked readers to let me know if I missed any. Well, reader Gretchen Fuller pointed out that I had missed one:
There is a new Farmer’s Market directly behind Blackstone's Restaurant off Scott Blvd. in Iowa City which will open on May 6.
Known as the Eastside Farmers Market, it will operate 3:30--6:00pm on Fridays and 10:00am--1:00pm on Sundays.
Thanks for the tip, Gretchen!
*Arc Awards
The Arc of SE Iowa celebrates 55 years with its annual Awards Ceremony at 6pm on Friday, May 11 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City.
55 years of advocating for people with disabilities and their families deserves a tip of the hat! Kudos!
*DID YOU KNOW? After first winning election with just under 60% of the vote in 2006, Representative Loebsack has received 65 and 62% of the vote, respectively.
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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