rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
December 26, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 12/31/13
In this edition:
*Happy New Year!
*Salvos Salutes!
*Did You Know?
*Happy New Year!
Happy
New Year to all Salvos readers! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a
wonderful 2014!
*Salvos Salutes!
2013 is coming to a close, and it is time for honoring a few
select Johnson County residents with that most treasured of honors, the Salvos
Salute. A few observations:
* This is the eighth annual set of awards, and there are always
more people who deserve awards than there are awards to give. We live in a
great County!
* The focus is on Johnson County. It is certainly worth noting the
heroism of someone like Nelson Mandela or Karen Lewis of the Chicago Teacher’s Union. But we have everyday
heroes right here in Johnson County that deserve a shout out.
* There are some people out there that could win every year. I am
trying to honor different folks, but repeat winners are not out of the question.
* Salvos Salutes do not have specific criteria, but you can bet
that in general, most of the winners are courageous, advocate for peace and
justice, have good ideas, speak truth to power, avoid hypocrisy, and look out
for the less fortunate.
Without
further adieu, your 2013 Salvos Salutes go to:
Betty Sass: We will honor a big group of folks who retired this year, led by our
Deputy Johnson County Treasurer. Betty Sass spent over 60 – that is correct,
60- years working for the people of Johnson County. She told me the best
improvements over her tenure were: 1.) Typewriters; 2.) Air conditioning; 3.)
The indoor smoking ban. Longevity offers very interesting perspective. And
while the quantity of her years is amazing, the quality is even better!
Don Saxton: Four generations of Oxford residents know Don as Mr. Mayor. He did it
all – from stray dogs to natural disasters and everything in between. No Mayor
volunteered more time on Boards and Commissions. Don decided to hang it up
after 44 years, and he leaves a small city as well managed as any in the
County.
Jim Swaim:
Retiring after over 40 years of service, Jim was the ONLY Director United
Action for Youth had ever employed. Literally thousands of Johnson County kids
have had better lives as a result of his work. What could possibly be a better
legacy?
Mike Quinlan: Another retiree, Mike spent years running an innovative program of
the 6th Judicial District. Rather than locking offenders away, they
joined Mike in providing thousands of hours of valuable community service. Not
only have nonprofits and governments benefitted from his work, but so have the
offenders, who learn both job skills and empathy unavailable behind bars.
Harry Graves: The environment lost its best friend with the retirement of Johnson
County Conservation Director Harry Graves. As current Director Larry Gullett
put it, “Harry is a legend in the conservation field. He is a first-ballot Hall
of Famer!” Amen!
Dick Schwab: I am a longtime fan of Dick Schwab. Few people give more of their
time, talent, and resources. It is easy to talk about doing good; Dick walks
the walk. Dick is quietly behind many of the philanthropies that make Johnson
County great.
Jim Walters: A longtime friend, I simply appreciate the fact that Jim lives out
his convictions. Peace, justice, labor, the environment, education… he cares
about the things that matter. We don’t always agree, but I never have to doubt
that Jim came to his opinion thoughtfully. He will not only fight for what he
believes is right, but also delivers his time and money to the same causes.
Chip Hardesty: City High is a great school. What makes a great school? Great faculty
and staff. And no one does more to make City High a special place than Chip,
who has a great relationship with virtually every kid in the building.
Kingsley Botchway II: A coalition of young people, progressives, people
of color, and more came together to elect Kingsley as the youngest member of
the Iowa City Council in 40 years. Botchway had something to do with this too,
of course – he demonstrated a sharp mind and a willingness to listen too often
absent on the City Council.
Orville Townsend: The last few years have been extremely difficult for the local
African American community. Out of the difficulties, longtime resident Orville
Townsend has emerged as the elder statesman and tactical leader of a community
pushing for greater racial equity. You can lead through word or deed, and
Orville does both.
Kent Smith: Better known as the Englert Doorman, Kent makes every patron feel
special. And don’t we all deserve to feel special once in awhile? Routine provision
of courtesy and kindness have earned Mr. Smith a big Salute!
Coralville Voters: Americans For Prosperity thought they could use
Koch Brothers money to buy the local election in Coralville. Wrong! Voters in
Coralville soundly rejected AFP. Nice work, Coralville folk! And while we’re at
it, SHAME on Governor Branstad for his role in this effort! He loves to
micromanage local government from Des Moines, but this level of interference
with a local election is beyond the pale.
Center for Worker Justice: Misty Rebik and her pals at the CWJ have done
incredible work organizing immigrant communities, fighting wage theft, and
advocating to make our county a more just place. Keep up the great work!
Coalition for Racial Justice: People in positions of power here
locally have traditionally either harmed or ignored the African American
community. Those days are coming to an end, and they are ending because of the
work of the Coalition for Racial Justice. The CRJ is just getting started… you
will hear much more about issues of racial equity in the very near future!
Congratulations
to all our winners! I look forward to all the great things you’ll accomplish in
2014!
*DID YOU KNOW?
102 individuals/groups have received a Salvos Salute since they were
started in 2006.
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
December 20, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 12/24/13
In this edition:
*Merry Christmas!
*Salvos Salutes Next Week!
*1105 Project
*Chamber of Commerce
*Did You Know?
*Merry Christmas!
Merry
Christmas to those of you who celebrate it. I hope you all have a safe and
happy holiday!
*Salvos Salutes Next Week!
We
live in a GREAT county! Why? Because of the great people that live here.
Unfortunately, we rarely do enough to acknowledge these wonderful people and
the wonderful things they do.
That
is why I really look forward to Salvos Salutes. It provides an opportunity to
mention just a few of these cool people and the good things they do. I hope you
look forward to it as well!
*1105 Project
Hopefully
all Salvos readers have heard of the 1105 Project. (See Salvos, 2/21/12.) This
cooperative effort between the Crisis Center, DVIP, Free Lunch, and NAMI came
about after Crisis Center Director Becci Reedus asked a couple County
Supervisors for a parking easement. A few meetings later, she had land and a
building valued at $600,000 for only $1.
Now
Coralville has joined the fray, with a generous donation of $10,000 per year
for 5 years. It is great to see Coralville step up; I hope other municipalities
will do the same. Special thanks to Coralville Councilors Mitch Gross and Jill
Dodds, who led the charge.
You
can do your part as an individual donor, too! See http://the1105project.com for
more information.
*Chamber of Commerce
Because
of the huge commercial tax cuts that went into effect last year, Johnson County
is looking for ways to cut the budget. I have a great idea – I think we should
drop our Chamber of Commerce membership.
On
a national level, the US Chamber of Commerce has become one of the most right
wing, anti-tax, anti-worker organizations on the planet. Local leaders
recognized this some time ago, and chose not to “affiliate” with the national
group. The argument has always been that since the local Chamber of Commerce is
not affiliated with the national Chamber of Commerce, we are not like them. But
I fail to see any meaningful differences in the positions they are taking.
The
local Chamber is anti-tax, anti-government, anti-regulation, anti-union,
anti-health care, anti-environment, and anti-poor people. Just like their big
brothers in DC, they are parroting every right wing line. Heck, they even take
stands that hurt businesses when ideology gets in the way!
I
can already hear the response: they will claim I am “spreading lies” about the
Chamber. They need to consult one of their members that is a corporate attorney.
Truth is an absolute defense for slander and libel.
They
will claim they are not anti-poor. Let’s examine the facts. The Chamber takes
credit for fighting inclusionary zoning, which would lead to more affordable
housing. They take credit for fighting “regulations” that would give sick leave
and health insurance to low income workers. They fight an increased minimum
wage. They support local union busting efforts. They want “entitlement reform”.
Oh,
but that is not all. The local Chamber takes FULL credit for last years’
commercial tax cuts, the largest in Iowa’s history. What do these commercial
tax cuts mean?
The
commercial tax cuts mean people that own apartment buildings pay half the taxes
they used to. Has this led to the promised reduction in rents? Of course not –
just like I GUARANTEED you last year! The commercial tax cuts mean people that
own mobile home courts pay half the taxes they used to. Has this led to the
promised reduction in lot rents? Of course not – just like I GUARANTEED you
last year! The commercial tax cuts mean people that own nursing homes pay half
the taxes they used to. Has this led to the promised reduction in fees? Of
course not – just like I GUARANTEED you last year!
The
commercial tax cuts have even deeper effects on the poor. Because the
commercial tax cuts are negatively affecting governmental revenues, local
governments have to cut programs that assist the poor. Recent examples – Iowa
City just cut two housing workers. SEATS services have been cut.
The Crisis Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Free Med, Domestic
Violence Intervention Program, Neighborhood Centers, UAY, and many other
nonprofits now face funding cuts. Brought to you by the local Chamber of
Commerce. (Ironically, I’ll bet a number of those organizations are dues-paying
Chamber members.)
So
yes, the local Chamber has aligned itself squarely against the poor people of
this community. This is not arguable – it is simply fact.
I
understand that the local Chamber is probably struggling to find its niche. The
Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) does a great job of economic
development. The Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau does
a great job with all things tourism and promotion. The Corridor Business
Journal has filled the small window of opportunity open to the Chamber. (Which
is a bit ironic. It is almost as if the CBJ has privatized the Chamber’s role
as cheerleader for business in the community!)
There are still other reasons to oppose the direction the local
Chamber has taken. Take our primary economic engine, for example. The
University of Iowa drives our local economy. Nothing else comes even close. The
UI is a GOVERNMENTAL institution. The UI is TAX SUPPORTED. That does not stop
this Chamber. They will lobby for positions that harm our economic engine. They
informally recruit and support the candidates who vote AGAINST the UI at every
turn. (I wish the UI would pull their support, but that is just wishful
thinking.)
Sure, the Chamber is going to reply that they do not
endorse/support candidates for elective office. Right. EVERY election you can
identify the “Chamber candidates”. They are typically referred to in the
community as the “Chamber candidates”. They often refer to themselves as
“Chamber candidates”. But they will be shocked – SHOCKED! – that I would say
such a thing!
Similarly,
the local Chamber has an education committee. Why? All the policies and
politicians they support vote against public education. Ask the Chamber how they
feel about helping the ICEA (teacher’s union) do some lobbying for increased
teacher pay. Ain’t gonna happen. Because the local Chamber has decided to
become the enemy of everything that is progressive.
It did not used to be this way. The Chamber has always represented
business interests, but they also represented the community in which they are
located. We used to be able to find areas of agreement, and things we could
work on together. Those days are gone. You now have a local version of the US
Chamber of Commerce hiding behind a train. They are hurting this community, and
they need to look in a mirror. They need to stop.
Despite the archconservative stances being taken by the local
Chamber, I know that very few elected Democrats will publicly agree with me.
This is easily explained – the Chamber staff is friendly, charming, and
intelligent. They are very easy to like. In addition, the Chamber is perceived
as quite powerful, and no one wants to cross them. So the odds are quite good
that I’ll go this one alone. That does not mean I’m wrong.
Similarly, I guarantee you I’ll take more grief over writing this
than the Chamber will for actually DOING the things I about which I write. Most
people would prefer to shoot the messenger than confront the facts. Those folks
simply need to think back to the old United Mine Worker’s anthem, and remember “Which
Side Are You On?”
I cannot in good consciousness support an organization that is so
philosophically opposed to everything I believe. If you happen to share my
feelings, I hope you will join me. And let’s hope that this organization comes
to its’ senses.
*DID YOU KNOW?
93% of Americans say they exchange gifts on Christmas. This occurs
despite the fact that only 75% of Americans describe themselves as Christian.
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
December 13, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 12/17/13
In this edition:
*ICCSD Issues
*Free Tax Help!
*Did You Know?
*ICCSD Issues
There
were several issues on recent ICCSD agendas that deserve comment. Before I
start in, I’ll state the obvious: School Board positions are tough. They get
zero pay to make very important and difficult decisions. And they are going to
get an earful no matter what direction they choose.
That
said, we have to let our elected officials know how we feel. If you care about
any of the issues I discuss here, you should write the School Board. They need
your feedback in order to make those decisions in an informed manner.
MLK Day: After several years of acknowledging
the Holiday with a day off, the ICCSD decided to instead hold school and make
it a “Day of Service”. This decision was met with much indignation from a
number of African American (and other) families who have always recognized the
Holiday at other community events.
I think the ICCSD was attempting to do a good thing here, but
their results point out a huge structural problem. The ICCSD does what most
bureaucracies do – the administration makes these decisions, then brings them
to the Board, where they often fail to get the proper scrutiny.
Now if the ICCSD Equity Committee was functioning as it should,
and if administrators and Board members spoke to a broader representation of
community members – perhaps this would not have been an issue. Hopefully this
will demonstrate to the Board the need to include many diverse voices in
decision-making.
The thing that REALLY upsets me about this is when I hear white
people comment, “Those kids were just going to play video games all day,
anyway.” I find this SO insulting!
So
WHAT if they DO play video games all day? It is a HOLIDAY! Who are you to judge
how they are spending the day? I know I don’t want anyone checking up to see if
I gave enough thanks on Thanksgiving, or if I was Christian enough on Christmas!
Since when do we police how people spend their Holidays? Oh, right
– we began when black people started enjoying MLK Day.
School IDs: The ICCSD decided to create a system
that requires parents to scan an ID every time they enter a school building.
This has led to many, many questions and concerns.
1. For one, you have the cost. This system costs a lot of money –
is there any proof that it actually makes anyone safer? Or will this be our
generations’ version of air raid drills?
2.
The ICCSD is sending mixed messages as to what information will be gathered
once an ID is scanned. One group says it will only check to see if a person is
a sex offender. Another says it will provide a full background check. Which is
it, and why? And doesn’t either answer present problems?
3.
The ID requirements can be very onerous for immigrants, seniors, and people of
color. Just as we are beginning to talk about embracing diversity in our
schools, we create obstacles for a diverse population.
4.
This system causes a huge headache and inconvenience for parents who are
already overly stressed. Hurry up so you can pick up Jimmy for his dental
appointment – whoops! Forgot your ID!
5. The biggest issue for me is that this is going to be
arbitrarily enforced. I know, I know … they assure us that EVERYONE will have
her/his ID checked every time. But they won’t. That is a fact. And that is the
problem.
You’ll
never convince me that the Principal’s husband is going to get his ID scanned.
The Superintendent is not getting his scanned. Those Moms that volunteer every
single day? They will not be scanned. This policy is going to be enforced
arbitrarily, and it is going to be enforced much more frequently when you are a
person of color.
Yes,
this is an accusation on my part. But it is based in history and statistics.
Take a look at the ICCSD record on disproportionate minority contact. Look at
how frequently black kids are cited for being “disorderly” or “insubordinate”.
In charges where there is little discretion – such as assault – black kids are
overrepresented, but the numbers are much lower. Look at charges where
discretion is involved – such as being “disorderly” or “insubordinate”- and
disproportionate contact is even more prevalent. Discretion ALWAYS means people
of color get a raw deal.
Bottom
line? We just don’t need this damned ID system. It is a solution in search of a
problem.
Facilities Plan: I am glad this passed!
Thanks to the 6 Board Members who voted to move our District forward!
Fencing: I see this as very similar to
the ID system. We simply cannot ensure that nothing will ever happen to any
child. We can’t. And personally, I do not want our families living in fear
every day, just waiting for the next abduction or school massacre. We have to live
our lives.
My
kids used to go to Hoover. It is fenced alongside Court Street and First
Avenue; this makes sense, as those are two very busy streets. But now the ICCSD
has added another 100’ or so of fence, ruining what was once a great sledding
hill. Why? Is anyone really safer because of this? Sorry, but that move was
just STUPID!
Each
building has unique characteristics. Each building should have a committee of
neighbors, teachers, parents, and students make recommendations to the
Principal, who takes the recommendations to the ICCSD Board for approval. Let
each building decide what is best for them.
Those are my thoughts. I’m sure you have others. Don’t tell me – tell
the School Board! They need to hear from you!
*Free Tax Help!
Starting
in February, Johnson County will once again be offering Free Tax Help. Johnson County Social
Services collaborates with the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business to
provide these VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Tax Clinics. This program is one of my proudest
accomplishments as a Supervisor. Here is a look at the positive results from
last year alone:
We held 35 Clinics at 5 locations for 123 scheduled
hours. Over 100 volunteers contributed more than 3,300 hours of volunteer time.
1,101 returns were filed; a 774% increase since 2006 (our first year) when 126
returns were filed. Tax filers through the VITA clinics received $1,382,428 in
federal returns and $470,969 in Earned Income Tax Credit. That is $1.3 million
right back in our local economy!
PLEASE spread the word about this fantastic program! More details
will be available soon.
*DID YOU KNOW?
The large conference room in the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
offices is the “Quad Cities International Airport Conference Room”. As a guy
who believes in local businesses, that has always pissed me off.
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
December 7, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 12/10/13
In this edition:
*Justice Center - Next Steps
*Marijuana
*Did You Know?
*Justice Center – Next Steps
In
case you missed it, the Board continues to discuss and debate the future of the
jail and courthouse. Here is the latest:
Supervisors,
the County Attorney, and the Sheriff met once again last Wednesday. This was
the third long meeting of its type – all in an attempt to reach a consensus as
to how to proceed.
Supervisors
have been in different camps. Here is a quick synopsis of where opinions have
been:
The
preference of Supervisor Etheredge is to move everything to the County Farm.
Supervisor Harney wants to move some pieces around, but put forth essentially
the same plan that has already been defeated twice. Supervisors Neuzil, Rettig,
and I want to focus on a courthouse addition first, while continuing to work on
the jail issues that do not require a new facility.
We
COULD move forward with the votes of just three Supervisors, but we are trying
very hard to come up with a proposal that can garner the support of all 5 Supervisors,
the Sheriff, and the County Attorney. At our last meeting, we got much closer –
it seemed that most folks agreed on moving forward with a courthouse annex
first.
I
disagree with many jail opponents. I happen to believe a new jail facility
makes sense. I think employees and prisoners deserve a safer, more efficient,
more humane facility, located in their home community. That is why I supported
the last two initiatives. I felt they were the best proposals we could put
forward.
That said, I am not stupid. I saw how the last two votes turned
out. The public has spoken, and they do not seem to want a new jail. I
disagree, but it is not my decision to make.
I
say the county should focus upon what is possible. Not what I think is best,
but what can pass. Personally, I heard very little opposition to the courthouse
piece of the Justice Center. Most of the opposition was to an expansion of the
jail. Plus, the cost will be much lower, which may win over a few more voters.
So,
let’s take care of the courthouse needs first. Solve that part of the equation.
Then continue to work on issues like disproportionate minority contact,
marijuana diversion, mental health diversion, etc.
I
told you where I am. How about you? What do you think we ought to do? I look
forward to your feedback.
*Marijuana
Each
year, the Board of Supervisors comes up with a list of Legislative objectives
that we will push with our local Legislative delegation. There are typically
issues dealing with local control; beyond that, the issues can vary wildly.
I
was excited going into this process, because I was looking forward to pushing
for marijuana legalization. We have talked about it over the years, but we have
never made it a priority.
It
really is time to support this. Far too many people in Johnson County go
through life dogged by marijuana convictions. And for what? Who is hurt by
marijuana use?
This
topic is particularly timely, because it would send a message to the voting
public. The public needs to know we are serious about keeping our justice system
focused on the things that are truly important.
Here was the brief justification I wrote in support of the
legalization of marijuana. Obviously, I could have gone into greater detail,
but this was intended to be short.
1. Marijuana has medical
benefits. The drug is less harmful than either alcohol or tobacco.
2. Legalization would lower
the cost, reducing associated crimes. Police and court resources would be freed
up for more serious crimes. Finally, small time marijuana offenses often sully
the records of young people, causing long term difficulties with school,
housing, employment, etc.
3. Legalized marijuana
would be a source of additional tax revenues.
4. Aside from recreational
drug use, Cannabis has several industrial and commercial uses, as over 25,000
products can be made from the crop.
This
language was voted down by a 3-2 vote, with Supervisor Rettig and I in favor. I
was REALLY disappointed by this vote.
But frankly, the vote is not what makes me mad. I have been on the
losing end of MANY 3-2 votes; I expect there will be more in my future. What
makes me angry is the complete lack of political courage demonstrated by my
colleagues.
One
Supervisor said he “needed more time to study the issue.” I think that is a
pretty lousy justification. Unfortunately, it was the best justification of the
three.
Another
Supervisor was opposed because, “hemp is an invasive species.” While it is true
that around ten states list hemp as a “noxious weed”, this is strictly due to
its illegal status. A quick review of the literature shows that countries where
hemp is legal have no problems with it being invasive.
The
final Supervisor refused to support it unless our County Attorney and Sheriff
went on record supporting it first. Sorry, but that move is completely lacking
in political courage.
Look, if you are against this, fine. Say so. Take a stand. Take
your vote and explain your reasoning. But do not patronize me. I do not
appreciate it, nor does the public.
Supervisors are elected to lead. This was a missed opportunity.
Legal marijuana is an idea whose time has come. Johnson County is not on the
leading edge of this issue, but some day we’ll get there.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Johnson County ranks second in Iowa (to Polk County) in terms of the
number of rural residents. Polk has 28,000; Johnson has 22,000. (Source: ISAC.)
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
|
