SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
January 23, 2015
Sullivan’s
Salvos 1/27/15
In this edition:
*Local Food Event
*Penn State
*Income Tax Cuts
*Project Prom
*Did You Know?
*Local Food Event
Join us for the second annual
public forum on local food hosted by the Johnson County Food Policy Council, a
volunteer council created by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.
"Past, Present and Future:
Local Foods at the County Farm” will be held on Saturday, February 7th, from 10
AM to 3 PM in Montgomery Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds— the same
location as last year.
The event includes informative
speakers, a locally-sourced lunch and a community visioning activity.
Our Keynote is Karen von Huene,
the executive director of Community GroundWorks, a Madison, Wisconsin-based
organization that connects individuals to urban agricultural and natural lands
within a diverse learning community. Community GroundWorks grows wholesome and
organic food for local tables, stewards urban natural areas, inspires healthful
eating, and offers hands-on learning opportunities. By teaching what they
practice, Community GroundWorks passes on the skills to build enduring
communities.
Details are still
coming together for this event. An update will be sent out once the agenda is
finalized. Registration required to ensure a place at the table for lunch:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/past-present-and-future-local-foods-at-the-county-farm-tickets-15033635007?utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb_email&utm_term=eventurl_text
*Penn State
You
all recall the sordid story of systemic child abuse that occurred at Penn State
University. Assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky had been sexually abusing
underage boys for decades, and using his position and Penn State facilities to
assist in perpetrating the crimes.
The
fallout was tremendous. Sandusky is in jail. The University President,
University Vice President, and Athletic Director all lost their jobs; each
faces criminal charges for covering up complaints. Former Coach Joe Paterno,
who was probably THE most popular figure in all of college athletics, was
fired, and died soon afterwards. Penn State is paying restitutions, plus over
$60 million to abuse prevention services.
On
the football field, Penn State was banned from bowl games for several years,
faced scholarship reductions, and had 112 victories wiped from the record
books.
None
of this can undo the damage that was done to all those young men. And now, Penn
State has successfully litigated away all the athletic penalties. They are bowl
eligible. The scholarships have been returned. The wins have been reinstated.
And the Penn State faithful are partying as though they have won, well, won an
athletic contest.
But
for Penn State to “win”, someone else had to lose. The victims cannot win. They
lose, then lose again. Who remembers them?
I
think I am even more disgusted by this whole sordid affair now than when it
first hit the news. At least then the University seemed a bit embarrassed. Now
they are flaunting these decisions as “victories”. God help them. And may God
be with the victims.
*Income Tax Cuts
Less than a year after selling out local governments by supporting
the biggest property tax cut in Iowa history, Senate Majority Leader Mike
Gronstal has told the Iowa Taxpayers Association that he favors cuts to Iowa’s
income taxes.
This man MUST go! Democrats statewide heard a lot about the
importance of keeping the Senate in Democratic hands. Why? So Gronstal can gut
state government?
K-12 schools need money. The court system needs money. Medicaid
needs money. Human Services needs money. Our universities and community
colleges need money. Public safety needs money. Public health needs money. The
mental health system needs money. State government is in jeopardy of failing
its citizens – particularly its most vulnerable citizens. Iowa cannot afford
greater disinvestment in government!
As commodity prices have slipped, farm incomes are down. The state
is not going to meet its projected income targets. And if you make this cut, it
WILL BE PERMANENT! No future Legislature will ever be able to raise taxes to
make it up.
There is no way to support this cut AND support our schools. There
is no way to support this cut AND support the UI. There is no way to support
this cut AND support AFSCME. There is no way to support this cut AND support
better mental health care. This proposal HURTS IOWANS!
Mike Gronstal has chosen to put his personal love of “deal making”
ahead of the needs of Iowans. He has forgotten that government is not the
enemy. He has forgotten about the most vulnerable Iowans. It is time for new
leadership! Gronstal must go!
*Project Prom
Project Prom encourages area
residents to donate prom wear for reuse, including dresses, shoes, handbags and
jewelry.
DONATE: Donations should be in
good to excellent condition, with no significant spots, tears or holes.
Donations can be dropped off at three locations between January 19 and February
13.
Stuff Etc Iowa City (1027 Highway 6): Monday - Friday,
9 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
Stuff Etc Coralville (2818 Commerce Drive): Monday -
Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore (2401 Scott
Blvd SE): 9 am to 5 pm Monday - Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday.
SHOP: High school students are invited to shop for
clothing and accessories on Friday, February 21 (5-8 pm) and Saturday, February
21 (9 am - 5 pm) at either Stuff Etc location. Dresses will be available for
$10 each on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will need to show their
high school ID. Organizers cannot offer guarantees on the availability, quality
or quantity of clothing.
The first 50 shoppers in the door
at either location will receive a $10 coupon off prom-related accessories,
including shoes, handbags, jewelry and non-donated Stuff Etc. dresses.
Want to VOLUNTEER to help students shop on February 20
or 21? Sign up here:
*DID YOU KNOW?
The percentage of African Americans in Iowa City is just under 7%, but
African Americans are subject to 29% of all arrests.
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
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If you know
anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail
me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always,
feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to
serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 8:29 PM
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