rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
August 29, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 9/3/13
In this edition:
*United Way Campaign
*School Board Elections
*Film Scene
*Did You Know?
*United Way Campaign
The
2013-14 United Way campaign is underway. I mention it frequently, and I’ll say
it again: I’m a huge supporter of the United Way!
The
United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties has been using a three-word call
to action. It is simple, and I love it!
Give.
Advocate. Volunteer.
Short,
simple, and yet SO poignant! Far too many people do none of these three things.
Others do one, or even two. But it is a three-legged stool. To truly affect
change, we need to do all three.
Give.
Advocate. Volunteer.
*School Board Elections
School
Board elections are September 10 across Johnson County, and there are some
exciting races on the ballot!
I
have to be honest. Endorsing candidates in school board races gives me
heartburn. It is one heck of a lot easier to just stay out of this. There is
nothing to gain by doing endorsements. I just make people mad. I lose votes
myself!
So
why do it? Well, I wasn’t going to. I swore I wasn’t. Then I said as much to a
friend.
“But
you HAVE to!” he exclaimed. “I don’t follow this stuff that closely. I just
vote for the people you vote for. I COUNT on you! And so do other people!”
I
was not completely sure what to say. I have actually heard this from others,
but they always said it in a joking manner. Do people really vote based upon my
recommendations? I honestly don’t know.
I
debated and debated. A friend said, “Only endorse two people. Then all the rest
can just think you supported them, too.” That is a crafty approach, and maybe
even wise. But I kept coming back to the idea that at least a few people were
counting on me.
I decided to do it. So here are my endorsements. Please note that I
am only touching on the 4 public school districts based in Johnson County. I
recognize that hundreds of Johnson County kids attend College Community,
Mid-Prairie, Highland, West Branch, and other nearby districts. My apologies,
but I have no endorsements in those races.
Solon: 6 people are running for 3 seats. I have two endorsements –
Rick Jedlicka and Dick Schwab. I have been friends with Rick Jedlicka for over
30 years. He is as good as it gets! Rick proved this in his twelve years as
Mayor of Solon. As for Dick Schwab – he is one of the smartest, kindest, most
giving individuals with whom I have ever had the privilege of working. He has
proven himself on the Solon Board, and deserves reelection.
Clear
Creek: There is an at-large race and three district races. Interestingly, I
know every person running for the Clear Creek Board. (Since I grew up closer to
Solon and have lived in IC for 30 years, I am typically more familiar with
them.) And while this might seem like a cop out, I think all the candidates are
great! Eileen Schmidt, Lisa Beckmann, Steve Swenka, Mindy Lamb, and Jim Seelman
are all excellent candidates. All have made major contributions to Johnson
County. The people of the CCA District are lucky!
Lone
Tree: 3 candidates for 3 seats. Sorry, but I do not believe I know any of these
folks. I do know they are all incumbents. I also know that Lone Tree has a
history of electing write in candidates, so watch for that here.
ICCSD:
9 candidates for 3 seats. Wow, was this tough! Just like the folks in CCA,
people in the ICCSD are lucky! There are some excellent candidates here. As a
matter of fact, I am going to go out on a limb, and say that this is the BEST
group of candidates I have EVER seen in a Johnson County election! Lots of very
qualified people!
When
the dust settled, I decided to support Karla Cook, Sara Barron, and Jim Tate.
Karla is an incumbent, and has taken the tough votes to move the
ICCSD forward. The late Senator Everett Dirksen once said, “Any jackass can
tear down a barn. But it takes a carpenter to build one.” That sums up my
feelings about the ICCSD Board of the past two years. It is easy to oppose
things. But what are you for? We spent a decade doing virtually nothing, paralyzed
by fear. The current Board has been willing to take the tough votes. Even if
things aren’t perfect, they are moving forward. I salute them. And because of
her willingness to take a stand, I wholeheartedly support Karla Cook.
I have known Sara Barron for several years through her work at Big
Brothers Big Sisters. BBBS is a FANTASTIC organization, and that reflects well
on Sara. Sara is ridiculously intelligent, and comes from the Grant Wood
neighborhood. The Chair of the local Republican Party criticized Sara for her
sexual orientation, but I happen to believe such diversity serves us well.
Jim
Tate is a union brother, an employee at United Natural Foods and a steward for
Teamsters Local 238. Governor Branstad spends lots of time telling us that
teacher’s unions are the problem. I disagree. Want to make our schools better?
I say empower the teachers! I know that Jim Tate will be a voice for the
employees of the ICCSD.
Did
I leave out some good candidates? Yep. Perhaps even some great ones! As I said,
this is the best field of candidates I have ever seen!
Whoever wins, I promise to reach out and offer to help them
succeed. The public deserves nothing less.
*Film Scene
I
was recently treated to a nice introduction to the Film Scene project in downtown
Iowa City. I have gone from a major skeptic to a supporter. Please allow me to
explain why.
First
and foremost, my objection stemmed from the issue of TIF. I am SO tired of
cities taking future tax dollars from the County and the schools and using it
on their pet projects. I have written volumes as to why this is a bad practice.
But the TIF deal here is done. The TIF money went to the building owner, not
Film Scene. I needed to decide if I was going to punish Film Scene for the
transgressions of Iowa City. I decided not to do so.
My
second concern was whether or not the location would be permanent. Film Scene
Board Members educated me as to the landlord’s investment in the build out, and
his agreement with the City. It appears Film Scene has a home for some time.
My
third concern was the relationship to the Bijou. I knew the Bijou was closing;
I did not want to see the City taking on a responsibility (entertaining
students) that should lie with the UI. I was reassured to learn that the Bijou
donated most of its equipment (valued at about $100k). In addition, the UI will
continue to pay salaries for student jobs at the theater.
I have always felt that the closing of the Campus Theaters in Old
Capitol Mall left a huge void in downtown Iowa City. Even though they were big
and ugly, they filled an important niche. Downtown NEEDS a movie house! I’m not
alone in feeling that way; a recent poll rated “movie theater” as the number
one need of downtown Iowa City.
So,
reassured, I have become a supporter of this new nonprofit organization. I plan
to continue to hold their feet to the fire; meanwhile, I’m going to enjoy some
flicks!
I
went online and made a donation. I hope you will, too. To donate or just learn
more, see: http://www.icfilmscene.org.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Iowa law prohibits school elections from being consolidated with any
other type of election.
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"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
August 24, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 8/27/13
In this edition:
*A Personal Labor Day Story
*Labor Day
*Labor Day Picnic
*Sutliff Street Dance
*Other Weekend Events
*Did You Know?
*A Personal Labor Day Story
I have had several requests to reprint the following piece, which
first appeared in Salvos in 2007. As a side note, Marian Sullivan passed away
in 2009. Once again, I dedicate this piece in her memory.
Monday marks Labor Day. Every year, I write the same piece, noting
the good that organized labor has done for this country.
This year, I have decided to go a different route. I would like to
explain what organized labor has done for me personally. I give you – my family
story. This is the story of Tom and Marian (Pint) Sullivan. It is also the
story of the American Dream.
Tom Sullivan grew up near the small Iowa town of Elma, one of many
children. They were very poor. Tom was forced to go to work very young, and
quit school around the 4th grade. He had tremendous familial
responsibilities for a ten year old. Like most Americans of the day, he worked
on the farm. But the times were very challenging. As he aged, Tom had any
number of odd jobs in order to supplement his income; hired man, ditch digger,
bouncer, bartender – just about any work would do. A huge man for his day, Tom
even entered tough man competitions, wrestling or fighting a passing
barnstormer in the hopes of making a buck.
Marian Pint had a big family, too. They might have been even
poorer than the Sullivans. Marian always got something for Christmas, but to
say the gifts were modest is an understatement. One year she received a doll
handmade from cornhusks; another year it was a piece of citrus fruit. After
high school, Marian went to work. Marian made a ridiculously low wage; I seem
to recall her mentioning making less than a dollar a day. She was working in a
general store when she met Tom, who had a second job cutting and delivering
ice.
Tom and Marian were married, and tried to begin a life on the
farm. Farming during the Depression was simply not working out; Tom and Marian
could not afford to buy any land, so rents ate up all their income. When their
first child (my father) was born, they had a dirt floor and neither electricity
nor running water. Life was hard for the Sullivans, but not any more difficult
than it was for tens of millions of Americans of the day.
Finally, they had had enough. A couple hours to the south, Cedar
Rapids offered a new beginning. World War II had just begun, and industry was
taking off in Cedar Rapids. Anybody who was willing to work, regardless of race
or gender, could join a labor union. Tom joined Carpenter’s Local 308; Marian
united with many other women in the workforce and joined the United Food and
Commercial Worker’s Local at Wilson’s Meatpacking.
The Carpenter’s Union struggled during the Depression. Even
afterward, some carpenters felt they had a better chance of getting work being
non-union. But Tom knew it was more important to join his peers, and compete on
a level playing field. Alone, carpenters could be gouged or cheated. Together,
they would be treated fairly.
Soon the War ended, and prosperity arrived. Hard work was paying
off. The Sullivans were able to buy a house, a car, and put their kids through
Catholic school. They didn’t get a television right away, but because Tom was
willing to put an antenna on the roof next door, he got to go to the neighbors
to watch pro wrestling.
Despite decades of newfound wealth, not everything was perfect.
Years of hard work caused Tom’s body to break down. His last years were spent
using a wheelchair. Marian suffered from repetitive motion injuries. The UFCW
union was busted at Wilson’s, and Marian’s pension and health insurance never
quite lived up to their promises.
So, what is their legacy? Tom and Marian pulled their family from poverty
to the middle class. They lived the American Dream. Every one of their
grandkids had healthcare coverage. Every one of their grandkids had the
opportunity to get a college education. Every one of their grandkids had the
kinds of opportunities many Americans have come to expect, but much of the
world can only dream about.
So how did Tom & Marian Sullivan pull this off? Yes, they
worked hard. But so did most Americans. Tom and Marian made this all happen
because they joined the organized labor movement.
They never did anything alone; they did it through solidarity.
They were special people, but not unique. There are millions of stories just
like theirs, and none of the characters are unique. You did not need to be the
best or the brightest; you simply needed to join up and work hard. If you did,
the rewards were there.
There have always been the rich and the poor. But a large middle
class is a relatively new phenomenon. Organized labor created the middle class,
not just in Iowa, but all across this nation. Organized labor gave me the life
I enjoy today. That is why my Grandparents were union. That is why my Dad was
union. That is why I am union.
Nobody ever does it alone. We all do it together. United we stand,
divided we fall. Today, and on Labor Day, I honor my Grandma and Grandpa
Sullivan. And I honor their brothers and sisters in the labor movement.
Thank you Grandma & Grandpa. And thank you all. Happy Labor
Day!
*Labor Day
Happy
Labor Day next Monday! I love Labor Day. Every Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day
we set aside time to recall the folks whose service has given us our freedom. I
have long felt we need to treat Labor Day in a similar fashion.
Please take a moment this Labor Day to remember the people who
fought (and often died) to give us child labor laws, 40 hour weeks, weekends,
overtime, vacations, the minimum wage, sick leave, parental leave, OSHA,
employment nondiscrimination, pensions, Social Security, health insurance, and
so much more.
Do not be fooled! These benefits were not GIVEN to workers by
benevolent corporations! They were earned by workers who sacrificed! It is a
shame that so many average Joes have chosen to support our corporate masters
versus supporting those whose efforts really benefit the masses.
Unions continue to provide the best protections working people can
have. I feel as though I have accomplished some good things as a member of the
Board of Supervisors. One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud is
starting an employee appreciation lunch every year the week of Labor Day.
Johnson County employees deserve much more, but this is one extra opportunity
to say thank you.
Trust me – the average person has nothing to fear from unions. We
all benefit when folks have safe and healthy workplaces. We all benefit when
workers get adequate rest. We all benefit when workers receive good training.
We all benefit when folks earn a living wage and have health insurance. Unions
help improve the quality of life for all of us.
One example of a way in which unions benefit everyone: much is
made of the automobile industry expanding into the southern US. While these are
not union plants, workers still have good wages and benefits. Some see this as
an indictment of unions. It is precisely the opposite.
Do not think for a minute that these companies pay $22 per hour
because they WANT to. They would be much happier to pay $4 per hour. And, when
China’s workforce improves in quality to the point that they can do automotive
work, the companies will move there.
Understand – big companies exists for one reason, and that is to
earn a profit. If the laws allowed slavery, some companies would use it.
Because it is cheaper.
So why do they pay $22 in the southern US? Because of the threat
of the United Auto Workers (UAW). If the wages or benefits ever sink too low,
UAW could unionize those workers. The car companies don’t want that, so they
pay the lowest possible acceptable wage.
See? The UAW does not represent the workers at those plants. But
they have driven up the wages and benefits for the workers there all the same.
I am proud to be a member of Local 716 of the American Federation
of Teachers, an affiliate of the Iowa City Federation of Labor. Happy Labor
Day!
*Labor Day Picnic
The Iowa City Federation of Labor,
AFL-CIO, will host its annual Labor Day picnic on Monday, September 2, starting
at noon at Upper City Park, shelter 2. Burgers, brats, veggie options and
beverages provided. Please bring a dish to share. Political speeches and a good
time guaranteed. Free to all Friends of Labor. For more information call
Patrick Hughes, President, Iowa City Federation of Labor, 319-828-4541.
*Sutliff Street Dance
The
Sutliff Bridge Authority is holding its 29th Annual Street Dance fundraiser on Sunday,
September 1 in beautiful downtown Sutliff.
Gates
open at 12:00 noon - $5 donation requested. Music by Between Monsters from 1-5
pm. Food provided by the Johnson County Pork Producers. Limited beverages
provided by Baxa’s Sutliff Store and Tavern. No coolers please.
*Other Weekend Events
Fry
Fest Friday night; High School football Friday night; Hawkeye Football
Saturday; Regina Fall Fun Festival all weekend long…. There is no shortage of
fun events this weekend! Enjoy!
*DID YOU KNOW? The first observance of Labor Day is believed to
have been a parade on September 5, 1882, in New York City, probably organized
by Peter J. McGuire, a Carpenters and Joiners Union secretary. By 1893, more
than half the states were observing a "Labor Day" on one day or
another, and a bill to establish a federal holiday was passed by Congress in
1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill soon afterward, designating
the first Monday in September as Labor Day.
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"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
August 16, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 8/20/13
In this edition:
*Happy Birthday BJ!
*Back To School
*Good Luck, Jordan!
*Cosgrove Pork Day
*War On Poor Downtown
*Did You Know?
*Happy Birthday BJ!
Happy
birthday to my son BJ, who turns 17 on August 22nd. For those of you
who do not know him, BJ is a smart, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, kind,
hard-working, and funny young man. I am very proud of him, and proud of the man
he is growing to become.
Happy
birthday, Buddy! I love you!
*Back To School
Schools
start across Johnson County over the next couple of weeks, and residents need
to remember to adjust!
Allow
yourself a little more time when driving, biking, or walking. Beware of
pedestrians. Expect the unexpected.
Most
importantly, enjoy the influence of our young people!
*Good Luck, Jordan!
This
has been a summer of adjustments for my family. Our daughter Jordan returned
home from her freshman year at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois,
and moved back into her old bedroom. Like many families in this situation, we
found we had some things to work out!
Now
Jordan has headed back to Western for her sophomore year. There is much less
squabbling in our home, but also much less joy.
Good
luck, Honey! I am proud of you! I love you!
*Cosgrove Pork Day
Need
I say anything else? Sunday, August 25! If you’ve never been – go!
*War On Poor Downtown
There
is a War on the Poor going on in Downtown Iowa City. We have these about every
five years. In every case to this point, these efforts have been misguided.
Look,
I know something about this. For one, I spend a lot of time downtown. I
understand that there are lots of people down there who are dressed badly,
smell badly, and are looking for money. They are not pleasant people to be
around. Their appearances are different, and can scare little kids and old
ladies. I’d prefer not to sit by them.
On the other hand, I spent twenty years working in human services.
I understand that many of these people have serious needs – mental illness,
disabilities, homelessness, hunger, unemployment, addiction, and more. They are
not getting the help they need.
I have seen former clients down there begging – people who are
smart and able-bodied, yet choose this lifestyle. I know they have homes. I’m
disappointed in them, and when I see them, I tell them so.
I also rarely give money to beggars. We DO give very generously to
health and human services agencies – Melissa and I give ten percent of our annual
income. We prefer to invest our money in attempts at systemic change.
(Meanwhile, how much giving comes from those advocating for “cleaning up”
downtown?)
If people break laws – littering, using drugs, assault, theft –
whatever – then by all means, enforce the law. My sense is that this is less
about laws being broken, and more about aesthetics.
Every previous approach has led to laws that take away civil
rights. These laws are then applied arbitrarily and capriciously. Do you look
scary to an old white lady? Sorry, buddy. You are coming with me!
This group of people is an easy one to pick on. They lack money
and influence. They are unlikely to speak out. Sometimes they are rude and
obnoxious. They do not look, sound, or behave like “we” do. Not many people
will stand up for them.
As a matter of fact, I am already being criticized for this stand.
I am now anti-family, anti-business, and anti-safety. All the influential
people in town “want something done.” This issue ain’t a political winner – trust
me! Local Libertarians? I’ve heard crickets. They are happy to let me fight
this fight alone. They are only concerned with their OWN liberties; not those
of the poor. I don’t even personally approve of the message the downtown street
folks send; I am simply defending their right to send it.
There is also a move underway to privatize our public space. While
Iowa City has more and better public space than most, it is going away. A big
chunk is now being used as construction staging; interesting how that has
coincided with these perceived “problems”. Privatization means the
“undesirables” are on the way out; private property rights rule.
How about a more humane approach? If someone is doing something
you don’t like, try asking him/her to stop. Perhaps the DTA could invest in a
social worker rather than a cop. How about a rapid re-housing program? Those
have had significant success in other areas. How about a “wet” shelter? That is
a definite need. Are we really this lacking in creativity? Other cities have
tried many different approaches, while we default to one. The lack of
innovative thinking here is very, very sad.
Secondly,
let’s talk about this as it relates to my role as a County Supervisor. Some
have said I have no right to comment as to what goes on downtown. I beg to
differ. I’ve lived in Iowa City for 30 years. I am a resident, citizen, voter,
and taxpayer.
From
a County perspective – we don’t need people jailed for vagrancy. We just don’t.
We have no space, it costs too much, and it does not alter behavior. So this
“crackdown” that is being called for will cost the County dearly.
The County also spends a LOT of money on human services. Not as
much as we should, but many times more than all cities combined. Now, if cities
chose not to use TIF, thereby shutting the County out of any new taxes –
perhaps we could better address the needs that exist downtown. Or perhaps the
cities could use TIF money to house those without housing. Maybe the 10-15
people who cause the bulk of the problems downtown could live in the 14-story
tower next door?
Finally,
let’s look at this through the lens of morality. If Jesus Christ were to show
up in downtown Iowa City, would he hang out with jewelers, politicians and
sorority girls? Or would he hang out with people who were poor, hungry, and
mentally ill?
I
hope the Iowa City Downtown District and Iowa City Council address this issue
in a new and better way. But I expect that instead they’ll just tell their
friends about how out of touch I am.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Volunteers with the local Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) did
work equivalent to 38 FTEs last year. (Source: Elder Services, Inc.)
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"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
August 10, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 8/13/13
In this edition:
*Happy Birthday Melissa!
*Welcome Angela Laffey!
*Work? Campaign? Personal?
*Where Have You Been Lately?
*Landlocked Film Festival
*Did You Know?
*Happy Birthday Melissa!
Happy
Birthday to my wife Melissa. You know, in the age of Facebook, it is becoming
cliché to write a blurb praising your spouse. The compliments often sound
hollow. Yet I’m going to do the exact same thing!
I
have got to tell you – Melissa Fath is AMAZING! Her ability to balance research
with her roles as a wife, mother, and community member – I have no words to do
it justice! I guess I’ll just stick to: Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you!
*Welcome Angela Laffey!
For
the first time in 27 years, the Board office has a new secretary. Angela Laffey
of Oxford recently took the position, and has been a wonderful addition to the
team!
So,
if you stop in the Board office or call 356-6000, introduce yourself to Angela.
I’m sure you’ll find her to be very helpful!
*Work? Campaign? Personal?
I
wrote this article for Salvos last year, but the issue continues to be of
interest. I have edited last year’s article to incorporate new info.
Supervisors face choices when they engage in certain activities in
the community. Is the activity work, campaigning, or personal?
An
example: I used to volunteer at the ICARE Pancake Breakfast. I 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 always attend the Solon Firefighters Pancake Breakfast.
While I have not volunteered, I do 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 also 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. On the other hand,
the pay must be substantial enough to attract good candidates.
Meanwhile,
when one Supervisor works considerably less than the others, it has an effect.
Those who are in the office take more calls from the public. They respond to
more e-mail more quickly. They spend more time on employee concerns. They are
viewed as more accessible by Department Heads, meaning they are consulted more
frequently. That means some people work harder than others, though the pay is
the same.
So, what are your thoughts? Maintain the status quo? Make Sups
full time and pay them more? Reduce the expectations of time spent in the
office? Should individual Supervisors be held to account for the hours they spend?
Or do you have another suggestion altogether?
*Where Have You Been Lately?
In
a related matter… campaigns are heating up for school board and city council
seats. That means candidates will be showing up at all kinds of community
events. Sounds great, right? Listen to the people, right? Actually, my friends,
this is something you should question!
One thing that really irks me is the candidates who only check in
when they are running for reelection. You know the routine – your group meets
every month, year after year – and the candidates are there only the month
before the election. But they assure you that they care what you think all the
time, not just during the election! Right. Actions speak louder than words.
I made a pledge to myself when I was first elected in 2004 that I
was not going to play that game. I have worked my tail off to make sure that I
do not behave differently during campaign season. I hope people recognize that,
but it might be wishful thinking.
Meanwhile,
during this campaign season, don’t hesitate to ask the candidates, “Where have
you been lately?”
*Landlocked Film Festival
The
Landlocked Film Festival hits downtown Iowa City August 16-18. I LOVE this
event! If you have never gone, you simply must!
For
a complete schedule and/or additional info, see: http://www.landlockedfilmfestival.org
*DID YOU KNOW?
There are over 3,000 vehicles bought/sold in Johnson County each month.
(Source: Johnson County Treasurer.)
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"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
August 2, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 8/6/13
In this edition:
*August Leases
*Coalition for Racial Justice
*ICCSD Board Candidates
*Policy Vs. Politics
*Rent and Property Taxes
*Did You Know?
*August Leases
The
August leases have begun, and people are pouring into our community. There are now
lots of drivers, bikers, and pedestrians who are not completely certain where
they are headed.
Please
allow a little more time and a little more space. The newbies will figure
things out in due time!
*Coalition for Racial Justice
The
Coalition for Racial Justice (CRJ) has been doing some great work of late, and
I thought it was worth giving that group a tip of the hat here.
The
CRJ was responsible for a nice event in downtown Iowa City in the wake of the
gutting of the Voting Rights Act and the George Zimmerman not guilty verdict.
The event stayed calm, but folks had a venue for singing, crying, and just
being together.
In addition, the CRJ recently released a report entitled “Racial
Equity in Iowa City and Johnson County”, which can be found at http://racialjusticecoalition.com. I strongly encourage everyone to read
this report! It does a great job of quantifying the racial disparities that
exist right here at home.
Most
importantly, the CRJ is bringing people together to discuss the ways we deal
with our differences. Keep up the great work, CRJ!
*ICCSD Board Candidates
The
filing deadline has passed, and the field is set for school board elections
across the state.
Things
are particularly interesting in the Iowa City Community School District, where NINE
candidates have filed for three seats.
I’ll
have more to say on this race later. But for now, my friend John Deeth gives a
quick list of the players at http://jdeeth.blogspot.com.
You
know it is a big election when 9 candidates are running. Tune in, and be sure
to vote on September 10!
*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. Sad
but true. If you wish to see that change… it starts with you! The September
school elections give you an opportunity.
*Rent and Property Taxes
I
have been battling this issue for almost 20 years now. Some argue that lower
taxes will lead to lower rents. I tell them landlords will always charge the
most the market will bear. Doubters refuse to listen to me because I am not an
acolyte of the Chamber of Commerce.
Unfortunately, I now have an opportunity to prove myself correct.
Last session, the Iowa Legislature passed the biggest commercial property tax
cut in Iowa history. Taxes were not only cut for businesses, but also for
owners of apartment buildings, mobile home parks, and nursing homes.
So
– if you believe, as I do, that rents are a function of supply and demand – you
would expect rents to rise despite these HUGE tax cuts. If you believe, like
the frustrating folks I’ve argued with for 20 years, that tax cuts lead to cuts
in rent – you should expect rents to go WAY down in the leases that begin this
August.
Mobile
home parks, apartment buildings, and nursing homes are all leasing as we speak.
What is the verdict? I’ve checked the papers closely, and spoken to three
different people who work in property management. Each says that apartment
rents have risen substantially this fall. (I know my daughter’s rent went up
7%.) Mobile home park lot rents seem to have risen a tiny bit. I have yet to
hear/see any that have gone down.
The
only place I have heard of that does NOT lump property taxes into rents is
Oaknoll, where each bill contains a line that specifically spells out the
property tax paid. It will be interesting to hear how they address this large
cut. Meanwhile, I have not been able to gather any further information on
nursing home rates.
The
verdict? Taxes went down, but rents went up anyway. That is EXACTLY what I’ve
been arguing. For years.
Look,
it is not that I’m so smart. I’m not. But I’m smart enough to listen to Peter
Fisher of the Iowa Policy Project, who has been saying this all along.
The
Iowa Legislature cut taxes where no tax cuts were warranted. The benefits did
NOT trickle down. Renters have NOT been helped in any way. Saying this may be
bad form, but I told you so!
*DID YOU KNOW?
The Johnson County Attorney’s Office brought in $239,868 in past due
fines in FY13.
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"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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