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
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 5:11 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home