Rod Sullivan, Supervisor, Johnson County, Iowa

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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-

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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!

---Rod