SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
December 26, 2014
Sullivan’s
Salvos 12/30/14
In this edition:
*Happy New Year!
*RIP Don Saxton
*No Room At The Inn?
*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 2015!
*RIP Don Saxton
Former
Oxford Mayor Don Saxton recently passed away after a sudden illness.
Don
was honored with a Salvos Salute in 2013, at which time I wrote the following:
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.
Don
Saxton was truly a wonderful man. My condolences to his family and friends.
*No Room At The Inn?
This
past Tuesday Johnson County voted 5-0 to approve $16,000 toward the new Shelter
House-led effort to create a temporary "wet shelter" in Iowa City.
I
am very proud of this long-overdue effort. We have needed such a space for
decades. Now we need to ensure the long-term existence of such a shelter into
the future.
While
I certainly recognize that not all who read this are Christians, I cannot help
but find a parallel between those objecting to this shelter and the folks who
told Joseph and Mary there was no room at the inn.
"That
which you do to the least among us, you do to me. " - Matthew 25.
*Salvos Salutes!
2014 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 ninth 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 Malala Yousafzai, or Ebola healthcare providers. 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 2014 Salvos Salutes go to:
Karla Miller: The retired Director of the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP),
Karla has spent a lifetime serving victims. Her calm demeanor can fool you;
Karla is a fierce advocate! Public understanding of rape has come a long way
since the 1980s, and while we have a long way to go, pioneers like Karla have
led the change.
Robin Hepker: Look at the brochures, logos, and other materials for any local
nonprofit. Odds are good the work was done at no or low cost by Robyn Hepker.
As the principal in an award-winning local design firm, Robyn could earn a lot
more for her valuable time. But she chooses to donate this huge amount of work
because she cares deeply about our community.
Joyce Berg: Johnson County has a magnificent partnership with the UI Tippe
College of Business that enlists students as volunteers to do taxes for
low-income residents. The program brings over $1.5 million to our poorest
residents each year, but it would not happen without the commitment of Joyce
Berg. Each year obstacles crop up, and each year Joyce sees to it that those
obstacles are overcome.
Bob Downer: Iowa City attorney Bob Downer achieves the rarest of honors, earning
his second Salvos Salute. This award is specifically for Bob’s work on the Iowa
Board of Regents. In an environment that has become very reactive, Bob
continues to advocate for calm, well-reasoned, data driven decisions. The next
couple decades of the UI are at stake, and we need leaders to get us through
the storm! We are very fortunate to have Bob on the Board at this time!
Royceann Porter: A black kid got in trouble at West High? Call Royceann. A black woman
had a problem with a store in Coralville? Call Royceann. No matter the issue,
Royceann Porter has become the “go-to” person for the local African American
community. The community is too large and diverse to have a single
spokesperson, but Royceann is widely respected as a problem solver. Understand
– this is a tremendous weight to place on one woman’s shoulders! But Royceann
has proven herself to be up to the task.
Tracy Mulcahey: North Liberty is bursting at the seams with children, many of whom
are poor and lack transportation. As people fretted over how these kids would
spend the summer, Assistant City Manager Tracy Mulcahey simply took the bull by
the horns and created a free summer lunch program. At virtually zero cost to
local taxpayers, hundreds of meals got served. And Tracy did it all, from
securing donations to cooking chicken to washing dishes.
Ginny Naso: After retiring from United Action for Youth (UAY) after many years,
Scoop should have some time on her hands. My guess is that she spends much of
it the same way she always has - advocating for children in need. Thanks for
all your good work, Ginny!
Chris Buresh: UIHC Physician and Coralville resident Chris Buresh cofounded
Community Health Initiatives (CHI) Haiti, and has led dozens of trips to the
country. Dr. Buresh combines public health best practices with dogged
determination to accomplish amazing things. Even more importantly, he leads CHI
with deep respect and compassion for the Haitian people. This is NOT “charity”
as you know it; this is an organization actually empowering the poorest people
in the Western Hemisphere. Chris – there are no words. You, sir, are a true
hero!
Warren McKenna: Where would you find THE leader in solar energy in the Midwest? Look
no farther than Farmers Rural Electric Coop in Frytown, Iowa! General Manager
Warren McKenna has added Iowa’s largest solar array to go with all kinds of
wind and conservation efforts. We have seen the future of energy, and it is in
Frytown!
Amy Nielsen: The former Mayor of North Liberty insulted Amy by telling her she was
“completely unqualified” to serve on the City Council. So she ran for Mayor and
beat him. North Liberty is full of young families, who now have a voice on the
city council. And make no mistake – Amy is not only qualified; she is good!
Chris Taylor: Another new Mayor, the young Mr. Taylor took the reigns in Swisher
after both the Mayor and Clerk resigned. Chris stepped in and righted the ship,
and never looked back. He has demonstrated a sharp mind and a caring heart, and
it appears Swisher is in good hands for years to come.
Sally Scott: There is greater momentum for affordable housing than at any time in
my memory, and much of the credit for this is due to Sally Scott. She led the
charge in creating the Affordable Homes Coalition, which is appropriately
asking elected officials to step up in our most critical area of need. A calm
and thoughtful leader, I expect big things in the future from Ms. Scott!
John Etheredge: See last week’s Salvos for a longer write up on my friend and
colleague John.
Tom Larkin: While Senator Harkin has rightfully received many accolades for his
years of service, kudos are also due to his loyal staff person Tom Larkin. Coralville
resident Larkin has been the local face of the Senator for years, assisting
Johnson County residents with federal issues. Tom is a great guy, and he will
be missed!
BJ Sullivan: This one is my favorite ever! Like every high school senior, his
relationship with his Dad can be strained at times. No time for family dinners,
lots of eye rolling – you know the drill. But BJ has had to overcome a lot in a
short life – more than most of us can even dream about. He is a survivor and a
champion. And when I see my son in the community - working multiple jobs,
standing up for the rights of others, volunteering at local nonprofits,
organizing fundraisers, taking mission trips, working with elementary students,
caring for senior citizens…damn, I’m proud! I love you, BJ! Now clean your
room!
Congratulations
to all our winners! I look forward to all the great things you’ll accomplish in
2015!
*DID YOU KNOW?
117 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.
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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
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 9:59 AM
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