Rod Sullivan, Supervisor, Johnson County, Iowa

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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