rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
May 29, 2014
Sullivan’s
Salvos 6/3/14
In this edition:
*Election Day!
*Pride Proclamation Drama
*Arts Fest
*Local Government Class
*Affordable Housing
*Farmer’s Markets
*Correction
*Did You Know?
*Election Day!
Tuesday,
June 3rd is Election Day in Johnson County! I hope you will get out
and vote!
If
you are a Republican, you have primaries for US Senate, US House, Governor, and
State Senate District 39 (western Johnson County). Those are some very
important decisions! It is quite rare to have all those items on a single
primary ballot!
If
you are a Democrat, there is the same State Senate District 39 race, plus House
District 73 (Solon area) and high profile races for County Attorney and County
Supervisor.
If
you are not a member of either party, you have two choices: register as one
party or the other and vote, or wait until November. That is a decision you
have to make.
Whatever
your political leanings, I hope you will participate in the electoral process.
To find out where you vote, contact the Johnson County Auditor’s Office at
356-6004.
*Pride Proclamation Drama
The
Board of Supervisors often passes proclamations. You have probably seen it – we
honor National Adoption Month or Bike to Work Week. The Board Chair reads a
proclamation, presents it to a citizen or group of citizens, and they get a
couple minutes to talk about their cause. Good clean fun, right?
These
aren’t usually controversial; I can only recall one “no” vote on a proclamation
until very recently. But since the election of Supervisor John Etheredge,
proclamations have become controversial.
This
was the case once again at our May 29th meeting, when Supervisor Etheredge
voted against a proclamation honoring June as Pride Month in Johnson County.
(The measure passed 4-1.) John stated that this was not because of the “Pride”,
but because of the “Month” – he felt a month was too long.
Where
to begin? First, I don’t really understand how it being “too long”
matters. It is not as though the County puts more resources into declaring
Pride Month than we would Pride Day. The whole thing is 15 minutes of work,
either way. This argument seems like a red herring to me.
Secondly,
John has voted FOR month long recognitions previously: National Adoption Month
and County Government Month, just to name two. Where was this concern then? There
is simply no way to view this as anything other than hypocrisy.
The
person who came to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Pride Committee was
a trooper. (I did not get permission to use her name, so I’m leaving her
anonymous for the purpose of this story.) She told John that she respected his
right to hold his opinion. Then she teared up, recalling some of the times in
her past when she was bullied.
It
was so sad. This was to be a celebration of Johnson County as a place open to
diversity. It was an opportunity to thank the Pride Committee for all their
work; more importantly, it was an opportunity to tell a big group of our
citizens that we love them and care about them. Instead, we made the recipient
of the proclamation feel lousy – on a day we were supposed to make her feel
good. It was the governmental equivalent of bullying.
I
like Supervisor Etheredge. He has always been kind to me. I consider him a
friend. But this was a crappy move. Johnson County is better than this.
*Arts Fest
One
of the best things about living in Johnson County is the Summer of the Arts
(SOTA). This organization brings SO much life to our cities – I really
appreciate the folks who run this organization!
SOTA
kicks off the summer season with the Iowa Arts Festival, June 6-8 in downtown
Iowa City. I hope you can make it to this and other SOTA events.
For more info, visit: http://www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/arts-festival/about.aspx
*Local Government Class
I
recently had the honor of joining City High teacher Carrie Watson for a couple
of sections of her State and Local Government class.
Iowa
City Councilor Kingsley Botchway and I were peppered by questions from the
kids, and we had some great discussions.
I
simply love doing this type of thing! Thanks to Ms. Watson for allowing us to
join her class!
*Affordable Housing
The
City High students asked a very important question – “What is the biggest issue
you face in Iowa City and Johnson County?”
Kingsley
and I both agreed that the biggest issue is affordable housing. It is pretty
much impossible to make it in Johnson County on $8 per hour; even at $20/hour,
a person is one mishap away from losing everything. We have a crisis, and it is
getting worse.
“What is the biggest issue you face in Iowa City and Johnson
County?” It is a simple question. Yet elected bodies rarely ask it of
themselves! Isn’t it ironic? The kids get it, but we do not. If it is your
biggest issue, shouldn’t you be doing more to address it?
*Farmer’s Markets
The
Farmer’s Market season has begun. I have probably said it before, but I’ll say
it again – I am an avid fan of farmer’s markets!
I
urge you to go to your local market. Hang out. Buy some veggies, but buy a
treat, too. Talk to the farmers. Listen to music. It is absolutely wonderful!
*Correction
I
have great respect for Jim Throgmorton, and I consider him a friend. I also
know that he is frustrated in his role as a member of the Iowa City Council.
Jim
contacted me about last week’s edition of Salvos, and requested that I clear
something up. He wrote:
“Might you be willing to
submit a clarification to your statement that, "The City of Iowa City
recently sent a letter to the ICCSD Board requesting that the ICCSD consider “walkability”
as part of their criteria for redistricting."
"The
City" did not send a letter requesting the School Board to insert a "walkability
clause" into the Diversity Policy. The idea of sending a letter came out
of an informal meeting of the P&Z Commission and a memo submitted to the
Council by the Chair of the commission. There was some misunderstanding about
what was agreed during that meeting. While one might legitimately disagree with
the IC City Council's actions concerning affordable housing, the Council
explicitly decided not, not, to prescribe what the ICCSD should do.”
Notice
how we are back to the issue of affordable housing policy? It is important,
folks! Thanks for the clarification, Jim. More importantly, thanks for all your
good work!
*DID YOU KNOW?
Democratic Primaries for the office of County Attorney used to be rare
occurrences. Incumbent Janet Lyness has been part of two – this year, and when
she first ran for office in 2006. Before that, the last contested Democratic
Party County Attorney Primary was 1978.
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
Sullivan’s
Salvos 5/27/14
In this edition:
*RIP Tom Salm
*Phone Problems
*ICCSD, Part I
*ICCSD, Part II
*ICCSD, Part III
*Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC)
*Safe Summer Kick Off Carnival
*Did You Know?
*RIP Tom Salm
RIP Tom Salm. He did a fine job as Mayor of North Liberty, and
was an all-around great guy.
People often forget
that Salm arrived on the scene and basically rescued North Liberty from itself.
The place went from 100% unbridled development, including some corruption, to a
“holier-than-thou” regime. Things changed every day. Huge political fights went
on. The place was ready to fall apart. Tom Salm came in, applied hard work, a
calm demeanor, and common sense, and put things on track. He kept the growth
going, but learned from the folks who put on the brakes. He made the right call
almost all the time.
Tom Salm will be
missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends, and to all the people of
North Liberty.
*Phone Problems!
I recently had major
phone problems, including the total loss of my calendar. If you had an
appointment with me in the next month, please message me the details as I
attempt to re-create my calendar. I apologize for any inconveniences. The
wonders of technology…
*ICCSD, Part I
It
has been some time since I have written about the redistricting efforts at the
ICCSD. So here I go, losing future votes…
The
whole redistricting/Diversity Policy issue reminds me exactly of Obamacare. We
have serious problems. After years of neglect, we get elected officials who are
finally willing to address the problems. The elected officials address the
issues awkwardly. The opposition attacks the imperfect plan, but offer no
suggestions for addressing our serious problems.
We
need not look to Washington, D.C. for bad politics. We have it on display right
here!
Don’t
get me wrong – the redistricting/Diversity Policy process has left much to be
desired. But doing nothing is no longer an option. If you oppose these efforts,
it is incumbent upon you to come up with a workable plan.
*ICCSD, Part II
I
have had plenty of disagreements with ICCSD Board Member Tuyet Dorau
(see the previous segment), but I want to
applaud her motion at the last Board Meeting. Director Dorau moved that all
Administrators in the ICCSD have a pay freeze next year.
The
motion was defeated 4-3, which boggles my mind! When facing cuts, the people
who earn the most should be asked to sacrifice along with kids who enjoy
German, choir, and football.
A
quick look at ICCSD salaries shows 44 Administrators earning at least $95,000
per year. If they get just a 2% raise next year, it would cost over $100,000.
That is the equivalent of 1.5 classroom teachers. Which do you choose?
How
could this motion fail? The Administrators should have proposed this in the
first place. When they failed, it was incumbent upon the Board to demand it.
They voted to comfort the comfortable. It is simply not OK.
A
salary freeze for Administrators is a no-brainer. I'm really disappointed that
this motion failed, and I appreciate that 3 Directors supported it.
*ICCSD, Part III
The
City of Iowa City recently sent a letter to the ICCSD Board requesting that the
ICCSD consider “walkability” as part of their criteria for redistricting.
I’m
not on the ICCSD Board. But if I were, I know EXACTLY what I’d say: “You pass
inclusionary zoning, and we’ll include walkability standards.”
You
see, the School Board is attempting to clean up a mess created by past City
Councils. Had Iowa City passed inclusionary zoning when it was on the table in
’94, we would not be in this situation. Iowa City could have passed it any
other time in those twenty years. But every time, they caved to the developers.
EVERY time. (In fairness, Coralville faces the same issues.)
Iowa
City should not be able to pretend it had no role. They CAUSED the tremendous
disparity we see from one census tract to the next. It is unfair to put fixing
things solely on the back of the ICCSD.
*Disproportionate Minority Contact
(DMC)
If
you have never heard the term “Disproportionate Minority Contact” (DMC), you
will be hearing it soon. Unfortunately, DMC is ubiquitous in Johnson County.
What
does DMC really mean? Johnson County is about 80% Caucasian, 6% African
American, 6% Hispanic, and 6% Asian. So, in theory, if you have 100 people in
jail, 80 should be white, 6 black, 6 Hispanic, and 6 Asian. In reality, we see African
Americans making up over 30% of the jail population, with Hispanics over 15%.
This is an example of Disproportionate Minority Contact.
Unfortunately,
we see DMC in many of our institutions. In the ICCSD, students of color are
overrepresented in special ed and behavioral programs. Students of color are
suspended and disciplined more frequently than their white peers, and are
overrepresented at Tate High and the TREC program.
In
the world of children’s services, children of color are reported to DHS more
frequently, and end up in foster care at a much higher rate than white peers.
Once in the “system”, children of color have a harder time getting placed, and
families of color have a harder time getting out.
I
already touched on the jail, but that is but one of the examples of DMC in the
criminal justice system. People of color get stopped more by police, searched
more by police, arrested more by police, and jailed more.
Obviously,
DMC is wrong. We know it is wrong. We are working to change things, but we are
not doing nearly enough.
You
have an opportunity to learn more on Thursday, May 29 at 2pm at the Johnson
County Health and Human Services Building. There the Johnson County DMC
committee will report the results of DMC work in the juvenile justice system.
The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns.
DMC
matters. And fixing it requires all of us. I hope you can join us on May 29!
*Safe Summer Kick Off Carnival
The
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC) is holding a Summer Kick Off
Carnival Thursday, May 29 from 3-7pm at Wetherby Park in Iowa City.
There
will be food, drink, games, and prizes for the whole family! This is also an
opportunity to learn about the summer programs that will be available in
Johnson County this year.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Garner Elementary in North Liberty is named for Buford Garner, who
served as Superintendent of the ICCSD from 1952-69. During that time,
Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights, and Hills joined Iowa City to
form the consolidated ICCSD.
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
May 15, 2014
Sullivan’s
Salvos 5/20/14
In this edition:
*Congratulations, Lolo!
*Memorial Day
*Solon Volunteer Fire Breakfast
*Where Are These Liberals When I Need Them?
*Property Tax Rates
*Did You Know?
*Congratulations, Lolo!
Congratulations
to Loshika Embry on her graduation from City High this weekend. Loshika (also
known as Lolo) has been living with us since the start of the school year.
It is not easy to just jump into a new family. Many kids do not
deal with it well. I cannot imagine having to go live with people I had never
met for my Senior year. It would be easy to feel sorry for oneself. Lolo has
been a real trooper, and deserves a lot of credit for maintaining a good
attitude.
Lolo has stayed plenty busy with basketball and track, plus GLOW
Club and a few more activities. She has made the most of her time at City High.
Lolo
will be with us through the summer, then moves to Cedar Rapids to begin at
Kirkwood in August. I am sure she will be successful! Congratulations, Lolo! We
are proud of you!
*Memorial Day
Monday,
May 26 is Memorial Day. I hope you
have a wonderful holiday, and I hope you spend at least a part of it
remembering those who have served our Country. Happy Memorial Day to all!
*Solon Volunteer Fire Breakfast
The
Solon Firefighters will host the 51st Annual Solon Firefighter's Breakfast from
6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 25 at the Solon Fire Station, 131 N. Iowa
St.
The
breakfast is all you can eat and the menu includes: pancakes, scrambled eggs,
fried eggs, patty sausage, sliced ham, milk and coffee. Cost is free for
preschool children, $4 for children 12 and younger and $6 for adults. For more
information, call 624-2386.
*Where Are These Liberals When I Need
Them?
You
already know where I stand in terms of the race for County Attorney. I support
incumbent County Attorney Janet Lyness. I won’t belabor the point. But I have a
sincere question for the folks who want Janet out of office.
The
question is: where have you been? The list of progressive changes I’d like to
see is LONG!
We
need a huge investment in affordable housing. That is unlikely to happen
currently. We need a real commitment to diversity. That is unlikely to happen
currently. We need a bigger commitment to human services. That is unlikely to
happen currently. We need a complete overhaul of the way we do economic
development and municipal finance. That is unlikely to happen currently. We
could be much more progressive in terms of the way we tax. That is unlikely to
happen currently. We need a greater commitment to open government. That is
unlikely to happen currently. We could change police priorities once and for
all. That is unlikely to happen currently.
If
the group that supports Mr. Zimmerman really got focused, they could easily tip
the balance in local races. In a typical year, 3,000 votes will get a person a
seat on the Iowa City Council. 2,000 votes used to get you a seat on the ICCSD
Board; it might require 3,000 now. 800 votes will usually get it done in
Coralville. Only 500 votes are necessary in North Liberty.
Let’s
say you are concerned about racial disparity in the criminal justice system.
Let’s say you want to change the way police deal with small amounts of pot.
Does it make more sense to take on the most liberal County Attorney in Iowa, in
a Democratic Party primary, or to try to win a couple Council seats?
I
am not trying to tell anyone to quit the current campaign. Each of us should
follow our passions. I simply want to see this progressive activism carry over
into more races.
Many
people bragged about the turnout in the last round of school elections. Almost
broke their arms patting themselves on the back. You know what turnout was? 7%
in Clear Creek Amana. 12% in the ICCSD. 19% in Solon. We are happy about this?
And
activism does not simply mean elections. Why is it that I am on the losing end
of so many 3-2 votes? Why is it such a struggle to fund human services, to get
better environmental policies, and to be generally more progressive?
The
Board of Supervisors has had three or four CRITICAL environmental votes in the
past 2 years. And these votes are NOT the ones that the so-called
“environmentalists” showed up for. We won a couple, and we lost a couple. But
the environmental community was NOWHERE to be found! Where are these
progressives when I need them?
Why
is it such a struggle? I can answer my own question. Because people don’t get
involved. The big question is WHY? Why so much focus on County Attorney, and so
little on everything else? Why can’t we connect the dots?
We
can do some very progressive things here, but only if people get involved when
and where it matters.
*Property Tax Rates
It
is campaign season in Johnson County. That means you are going to hear many half-truths.
For example, lots of people like to lie about property tax rates in Johnson
County, claiming, “they are some of the highest in the country!”
Wrong!
Here are the facts - 43 Iowa Counties have higher property tax rates than
Johnson County, ranking Johnson 44 out of the 99 counties. (Source: Iowa State
Association of Counties.)
Elections
do not give people license to lie about the facts. When somebody tells you your
property tax rates are high, I hope you will set them straight.
*DID YOU KNOW?
On May 30, 1868,
President Ulysses S. Grant presided over the first Memorial Day ceremony at
Arlington National Cemetery -- which, until 1864, was Confederate Gen. Robert
E. Lee's plantation.
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
May 9, 2014
Sullivan’s
Salvos 5/13/14
In this edition:
*RIP Arlene Neuzil
*Johnson County Democratic Party Hall of Fame
*Hypocrisy
*Cannabis Oil
*Congrats Mike Hensch!
*Housing Trust Fund
*Project Green Garden Fair
*Bike To Work Week
*Did You Know?
*RIP Arlene Neuzil
Arlene
Neuzil, Democratic Party Hall of Famer and mother of Supervisor Terrence
Neuzil, passed away on Wednesday, May 7. Mrs. Neuzil was a nice lady and the
Board of Supervisors’ biggest fan – she watched every meeting! My thoughts and
prayers go out to the whole Neuzil family.
*Johnson County Democratic Party Hall
of Fame
The
Johnson County Democratic Party is holding its Annual Hall of Fame Awards on
Saturday, May 17 at 7pm at the Coralville Marriott.
Please
join us for coffee, desserts, and plenty of old war stories! A cash bar will be
available. Parking is available for a small fee on either end of the building.
The
Hall of Fame inductees for 2014 are: Patrick Hughes, Joe Johnston, Carol
Thompson, Dennis Ryan, David Osterberg, and Pat Cancilla. We hope you can join
us in recognizing this remarkable group!
Tickets
are available for a $25 suggested donation. People who cannot afford that
amount should still feel welcome to attend.
We
hope you will join us for a fun evening, and lend your voice to those who are
honoring these very deserving people. We look forward to seeing you!
*Hypocrisy
I
hate hypocrisy. I try to avoid being a hypocrite. I try to teach my children to
avoid hypocrisy. I rail against it when I see it. I often write about hypocrisy
in these weekly missives.
But
you know what? I am a hypocrite. And so are you. Try as we might, we are ALL
guilty of some level of hypocrisy.
I
was recently thinking about all the areas in which I am hypocritical, and I
think I have identified the area in which I am worst. That would be eating fast
food.
I
am an environmentalist. I know that the monoculture of corn and soybeans, too
often grown with supplemental nitrogen and foregoing best practices, is ruining
our soil and water. I know that this grain is then fed to animals that are too
often confined, mistreated, and over medicated. Trees get cut down so the
animals can graze. Too much fresh water is diverted to their needs. Those
animals then end up as fast food. The cycle is taking a toll on the planet. In
addition, fast food plays into the car culture that makes us all less healthy.
I
am a labor guy. I know that fast food workers are underpaid. They lack health
care insurance, sick leave, family leave, vacation time, holidays, full time
hours, pensions, and more. Their workplaces are often unsafe and unclean. They
cannot unionize. Meanwhile, fast food franchisees make millions.
Given
this, I should never eat fast food. But I do. Because in this area of my life,
I am a hypocrite. (Imagine ME having a food problem! Who woulda thunk it?)
I
am going to try to cut down on the fast food. I know I will not cut it out
100%. But I am going to cut down. We’ll see how I do.
I’d
like to think that the hypocrisy in my personal life does not seep in to my
voting record. We all know people in politics who behave hypocritically.
Unfortunately, it is all too common.
Meanwhile, how about you? Where are you most hypocritical? I’d
like to hear your thoughts!
*Cannabis Oil
You
may have heard that a few forceful Moms managed to get the Iowa Legislature to
approve the very limited use of cannabis oil to address epilepsy.
Wow!
Who are these moms? Can we get them to lobby on issues of economic and
environmental justice?
In
all sincerity, good for them. But what if…
*Congrats Mike Hensch!
I am very pleased to announce that Johnson County’s
Medical Examiner Administrator Michael Hensch has achieved recertification as a
Board Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI). The American Board of
Medicolegal Death Investigators is the organization that enforces rigorous
requirements and examinations for Board Certification.
This is a substantial professional achievement in
that this is the highest level of professional recognition for Medicolegal
Death Investigators. There are only four Board Certified MDIs in Iowa and 175
nationwide. Mike is a member of a select group, and Johnson County is lucky to
have him. Congratulations, Mike!
*Housing Trust Fund
The
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County is celebrating its tenth anniversary on
Thursday, May 15 at the Lodge at Terry Trueblood Park from 4-6 pm with a short
program at 5.
I
have served on the HTFJC Board for three or four years, and I love the
organization! You have heard me say it before, and you will hear me say it
again: affordable housing is the number one concern facing Johnson County. I
urge you to learn more about the work of the HTFJC to address this concern.
*Project Green Garden Fair
The
2014 GREEN Garden Fair will be held May 10, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at
Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The
2013 Fair
The 2013 fair raised over $30,000, which will be used for the
beautification and landscaping of public spaces in our community. The plants
sold at the Garden Fair are all proven
performers for our climate. They have
all been nurtured and donated by local folks. Local experts will be available
to answer your garden questions. Experts from Master Gardeners, Iowa City
recycling and composting, Department of Natural Resources, and other wildlife
experts, biologists, and foresters will be on hand.
Refreshments
will be available for purchase - coffee, muffins, sweet rolls, sweet breads and
the like; plus tables and chairs where you can take a break from your shopping!
Also, plant-sitting stations will be available where you can stow your boxes of
plant treasures while you talk to the experts, enjoy refreshments, or shop for
more.
*Bike To Work Week
May
12-16 is Bike To Work Week in Johnson County, and there is an amazing list of
events taking place! For a complete list, see: http://www.thinkbicycles.org/bike-to-work-week/
Meanwhile,
please allow me to call your attention to one event in particular: First, a Bike Commuter Breakfast, Tuesday, May 13 from 7-9 a.m., sponsored by Johnson County. Located at Johnson County Administration Building, 913
South Dubuque Street, Iowa City (rain location at parking ramp north of Health
and Human Service Building, 855 S. Dubuque St.). Hope to see you there!
*DID YOU KNOW?
Supervisor Rettig was the first openly gay individual to win election to
the office of County Supervisor.
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
May 2, 2014
Sullivan’s
Salvos 5/6/14
In this edition:
*Mother’s Day
*Supervisor Primary
*City-County Relations
*Free Medical Clinic Fundraiser
*Johnson County Democratic Party Hall of Fame
*Did You Know?
*Mother’s Day
Mother’s
Day is Sunday, May 11. I want to wish a particularly Happy Mother’s Day to my
own Mom, and to my wife Melissa Fath. One is a birth mom, one is an adoptive
mom – both are amazing people who have touched many lives.
I
sometimes wish people could actually see how amazing Melissa is. We’ve had over
40 foster children over the years, and she has never missed a beat once. All
that parenting, while at the same time doing full time cancer research. Melissa
is truly incredible!
I hope all the moms out there have a wonderful day! You deserve
it! Thanks for all you do!
*Supervisor Primary
Voting
is underway for the June 3rd Democratic Primary. One of the offices for which
you can vote is County Supervisor, where 4 candidates are vying for two seats.
I
urge you to cast one of your votes for Janelle Rettig. I have worked alongside
Janelle for 4 years, and we have accomplished some very good things during that
time.
I
know the knocks on Janelle… and yes, she and I have had our disputes. We do not
always agree in style and in substance. But I would argue that many of her
critics simply don’t want to be confronted by the truth. Janelle does not pull
punches. She calls things as she sees them.
But
don’t you WANT that? I hate to say this, but many elected officials could be
replaced by potted plants. They don’t stand for anything. They do not reflect
your values, and they will not fight for those values.
I
think we need to ask ourselves – do we want to be represented by someone who
will just show up and smile, or do we want to be represented by someone who
will do the hard things that matter? Do you want style or substance? I choose
substance.
You
deserve a proven progressive voice. The people of Johnson County should not
have to struggle to get the Board to do the right thing environmentally. We
should not have to hold our breath every year waiting to see if human services
will be cut from the budget. The people of Johnson County deserve open,
transparent government.
It
is easy to talk about these things. Very few elected officials ACTUALLY DO IT!
Courage is in short supply amongst most elected officials. When you see it, you
should reward it.
You
have two fine choices for your second vote. I have known Mike Carberry for over
20 years. Mike is a committed environmentalist and a good guy who works hard.
Lisa Green-Douglass is a longtime Democratic Party activist, a Spanish
professor, a mental health advocate, and an active member of the Clear Creek
Amana school family. I am convinced that both people can do a great job as a
County Supervisor.
Whatever
you do, don’t sit this one out! Your vote counts! Please do your civic duty,
and vote on or before June 3.
*City-County Relations
Whenever
you hear about city and county relations, you expect bad news. This is
unfortunate, but it is the world that has been created by the Iowa Legislature.
Under Iowa law, cities get many perks that counties do not enjoy. And some of
those directly affect counties. For example, cities can simply take county land
and/or taxes and make them their own.
When
counties complain, cities get angry. Entities rarely give up power or advantage
willingly. County complaints about the status quo are viewed as threats by
cities.
On
top of that, counties often feel like the red headed stepchildren of
governments. Not only does the State of Iowa treat counties worse than cities,
so do citizens, businesses, and nonprofits. County government is a mystery to
most people. People “get” cities.
So
yes, tensions exist. But locally there are many examples of excellent
city-county relationships. I would cite the relationship between North Liberty
and Johnson County as a good illustration.
It
strikes me that our staffs get along, our electeds get along, and we have
scores of joint projects that serve the public well.
A
few examples: Dubuque Street Trail; Mehaffey Bridge Road and Trail; 965 north;
the big annexation east of town; a fully-formed fringe area agreement; updated
road agreements; sharing of equipment; an improved SEATS contract; cooperation
on housing issues; meetings to increase human services provision in the city; law
enforcement cooperation; library expansion and increased library funding;
Vision Iowa funding; innovations in voting; and regular meetings between the
elected bodies.
North
Liberty and Johnson County are really clicking! There is a great deal of
cooperation, and things are getting done. Why? I think the answer is pretty
simple: we sat down and talked. Then our staffs talked some more.
The
meeting was not a big deal. We just met. Same way we have met with 9 out of the
11 cities in Johnson County. Meeting helps to improve relationships, and it
helps to improve services to the public. It is not brain surgery.
Sure,
we are bound to have our disagreements in the future. But things are going
well. It does not make the papers, but I thought you ought to know.
*Free Medical Clinic Fundraiser
The
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic is hosting “Friday After Clinic” on Friday, May 9
from 5:30-7:30pm at the UI College of Public Health Atrium.
The
event will have food, drink, a silent auction, and music by the Dick Watson
Trio. Please call 337-4459 for more information.
*Johnson County Democratic Party Hall
of Fame
The
Johnson County Democratic Party is holding its Annual Hall of Fame Awards on
Saturday, May 17 at 7pm at the Coralville Marriott.
Please
join us for coffee, desserts, and plenty of old war stories! A cash bar will be
available. Parking is available for a small fee on either end of the building.
The
Hall of Fame inductees for 2014 are: Patrick Hughes, Joe Johnston, Carol
Thompson, Dennis Ryan, David Osterberg, and Pat Cancilla. We hope you can join
us in recognizing this remarkable group!
Tickets
are available for a $25 suggested donation. People who cannot afford that
amount should still feel welcome to attend.
We
hope you will join us for a fun evening, and lend your voice to those who are
honoring these very deserving people. We look forward to seeing you!
*DID YOU KNOW? In the vast majority of the world's
languages, the word for "mother" begins with the letter M. This is
likely a result of the sounds made while nursing.
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
|
