Rod Sullivan, Supervisor, Johnson County, Iowa

Previous Posts

Archives


rodsullivan.org

SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

May 29, 2015

Sullivan’s Salvos     6/2/15




In this edition:


*Iowa City Council Procedures
*Representing Iowa City
*Quality of Life Event
*THINK Before You Speak!
*Did You Know?




*Iowa City Council Procedures
         I wrote a while ago about the Charter Review process happening right now in Iowa City. The Charter Review Commission recommended some changes to the structure of Iowa City government. But nothing earth shattering. (In the interest of full disclosure, I applied to serve on the Charter Review Commission in ’94, ’04, and ’14. I have received zero votes so far. I plan on applying in ’24 as well.)

That should not deter supporters of improved governance, however. There are several other ways of doing business that need a change, and do not require a commission. Following are just a few:

         1.) Hold informal meetings immediately after formal meetings. The way things work now, informal meetings are held immediately prior to formal meetings. Informal meetings are critical – this is where city staff make their recommendations, 99% of which are followed. So under the current system, items are introduced and voted upon on the same evening. If a council member wanted to do her own research, there is no opportunity. If the public wanted to weigh in, there is no opportunity. By reversing this order, the public gets two weeks to weigh in, and the council gets two weeks to hear from folks. This CAN be done; Johnson County does it now.

         2.) Broadcast informal meetings. We already noted that these meetings are really where information is shared and decisions are made. This process SHOULD be as public as possible. So why not put it on TV for all to see? The only reason I’ve ever been given is that councilors will not want to appear uninformed, so they won’t ask questions. That may be the single worst reason I have ever been given for any policy, but there you go. Again, this CAN be done; Johnson County does it now.

         3.) Allow public discussion at informal meetings. Contrary to what council members and staff would have you believe, there is no legal prohibition on public comment at these meetings. The council can set any parameters on public comment it wishes. The council can determine the number of speakers, length of time each speaks, total comment time – it can do anything it wishes. The law allows many different approaches. You CAN allow public comment. Again, this CAN be done; Johnson County does it now.

         There is no compelling reason for the way Iowa City currently handles these matters. All three of these procedures are the classic “that is the way we’ve always done it.” That is not a good enough reason for skirting democracy.

Each of these simple changes is cheap, efficient, and friendlier toward democracy. None would require anything beyond a vote of the council.

I am hoping to introduce these ideas into the 2015 Iowa City Council election; I hope you will assist me. Let’s get every candidate to pledge to make these changes, and open up Iowa City government.




*Representing Iowa City
         I have gotten a bit of feedback from folks who get indignant that I would comment on anything related to Iowa City government. “You don’t represent Iowa City,” I was told. Obviously, I disagree with this for several reasons:

         First, I can comment because our Constitution affords me freedom of speech. Secondly, I live in Iowa City. Thirdly, even if I didn’t live there, how Iowa City operates has a big impact on my job. Fourthly, I actually DO – literally - represent “Iowa City”.

         That got me thinking, so I did some quick research. I have run for office 6 times – 3 Democratic Primaries, and 3 General Elections. I added up the Iowa City vote totals for those elections, and it totals just a touch above 85,000.

         A heavy turnout election in an Iowa City Council Election will see the winner get 5,000 votes. In other words, the Iowa City officials who think I “don’t represent Iowa City” would need to run and win 17 elections to get the same number of votes from Iowa City residents.

         So while it is true I routinely get few votes from Iowa City Council members, the rest of the people of Iowa City seem to feel differently.




*Quality of Life Event
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors cordially invites you to its third annual event: “Enhancing Quality of Life in Johnson County: A Celebration of Community Partners” Monday, June 8 at the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building. A reception with light refreshments starts at 4:30 pm with a short program at 5:00.  

Please join the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in recognizing and thanking the organizations that receive a grant of county funds. The impact those organizations make on the people of Johnson County is a significant contributor to our community’s quality of life.

Please contact Mickey Miller, grants and communications specialist, at 319-356-6000 or mmiller@co.johnson.ia.us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!




*THINK Before You Speak!
         I found the following on Facebook a while ago, and I really like it. I have reposted it there, and I thought I’d share it here:

         "Remember T.H.I.N.K. before you speak. Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind?"

Unfortunately, lots of people I deal with do not observe these rules. I cannot control what they do, but I promise to try to do better myself.




*DID YOU KNOW?  Johnson County contributes over $1.2 million in block grants each year.



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 22, 2015

Sullivan’s Salvos     5/26/15




In this edition:


*Bernie Sanders in Iowa City
*Cameras
*Juvenile Justice Youth Development
*Public Health Survey
*”Knowing What We Know Now”
*Did You Know?




*Bernie Sanders in Iowa City
         Vermont Senator and Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders will be making an appearance in Iowa City!

         Senator Sanders will appear at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in Iowa City on Saturday, May 30 at 10 AM. The event is free and open to the public, but seating will be limited.

         I am going to have the honor of introducing Senator Sanders. I am excited to hear what he has to say! I hope you are, too!




*Cameras
         The Board of Supervisors and Sheriff’s Office have had some discussions recently about the use of cameras. Some have advocated for speed cameras. Some Sups have advocated for cameras that monitor the Admin Building. Some want new cameras in the Courthouse and Jail. We have cameras that monitor ballots. We have dashboard cameras in squad cars, and cameras in SEATS busses. Personally, I am excited about the proposition of body cameras on our officers.

         So is one use of cameras good, and all others bad? That seems to be the opinion of some folks, but I tend to disagree. In each case, people out in the public are being filmed. One may argue that this is all good or all bad, but I fail to see how one set of cameras is morally superior to another. Everybody hates having the camera on them, and everybody loves the camera when it catches the person who harmed them. As a public, and often as individuals, we are pretty inconsistent in our feelings on surveillance.

         In my mind, the key to all of this is good policies. We need to take feedback from experts, users, privacy advocates, unions, the public, etc. and incorporate that feedback into our policies. And we need to be willing to revisit the policies if something is not working.

         Trust me, coming up with policies will not be easy. Say an officer gets video of a man sexually abusing a woman. Is that video now public record? Does the victim get any say?

         What if an officer does not turn the camera on? Should she be disciplined? How long must video be maintained? Who gets access to review it? Can it be copied? Who gets to edit it? And how much will all this cost? All these questions deserve careful consideration.

         Now is the time. Some cameras are already in use. Others are on the way. Let’s get this right.




*Juvenile Justice Youth Development
         Johnson County has a long tradition of supporting Juvenile Justice and Youth Development (JJYD). It all began roughly 20 years ago when Jim Swaim, then the Director of UAY, secured a large federal grant that required a local match of $200,000. Johnson County set up an advisory group, and provided the match for the duration of the grant. The federal money disappeared about ten years ago, but the advisory group lives on, and Johnson County has continued to provide $200,000 annually toward JJYD programming.

         I happen to believe this $200,000 investment makes a lot of sense. If a child ends up in detention services, the county is on the hook for about $275 per day. I would much rather spend money attempting to prevent a child from getting to detention.

         Additionally, there is quite a bit of evidence that shows these investments work. Johnson County has much lower rates of detention use than other counties our size, and juvenile crime rates are better as well. I believe at least part of this is our JJYD investment.

         Recently, local child service providers, community members, County staff, and County Supervisors came together to discuss the ways in which this $200,000 ought to be spent. Obviously, reasonable people can disagree.

         I just hope that we choose to go down a path that values the input of child service providers. These folks are our partners. They are also experts. If we need to make a decision on a car, we tend to ask mechanics for advice. If we need to make a decision on our health, we go to a doctor for advice. Legal question? Consult a lawyer. I would like to see our partner child service agencies viewed as possessing this same level of expertise. Because they do.

         Does this mean I feel we should do whatever the child service providers want? Of course not. Our job is to provide oversight, and I’ll do that. But I think it would be a huge mistake to ignore the expertise available in our community. These folks care deeply for our children – I want to know what they think!

         Most importantly, I am extremely pleased that we decided to not only maintain but increase the $200,000 commitment going forward. As Supervisor Rettig pointed out, we can demonstrate that the program is saving money. Why not roll some of those savings into a larger investment? I think JJYD has been a positive investment on your behalf, and I think a larger investment will be even better.




*Public Health Survey
         Johnson County Public Health is involved in a Community Health Needs Assessment. This information will be used to help Johnson County Public Health to identify and address the health needs of our community.

         Please take a moment to fill out the online questionnaire, and please feel free to forward it to others. The link is below:

http://tinyurl.com/JoCoEspanolEcuesta




*”Knowing What We Know Now”
         As GOP Presidential candidates discuss the Iraq War, we continue to hear the phrase, “Knowing what we know now…”

         Let me be clear – a LOT of us – MILLIONS of us – knew the Iraq War was a bad idea AT THAT TIME. There is no need for revisionist history. Many, many people disagreed with President Bush at that time, including President Obama.

         We should have NEVER gone into Iraq. And we knew that at the time. GOP Presidential candidates will never acknowledge this fact, but those of us who opposed the war were right.




*DID YOU KNOW?  The first elected office Bernie Sanders held was Mayor of Burlington, Vermont. Sanders won that first race by ten votes.



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 14, 2015

Sullivan’s Salvos     5/19/15




In this edition:


*Congratulations, BJ!
*Teachers
*ICCSD Issues
*RIP Betty Sedlacek
*Did You Know?




*Congratulations, BJ!
         My son BJ graduates from City High on Memorial Day weekend.

All graduations are special occasions. And I am a big softie – Pomp and Circumstance alone can bring a tear to my eye! But I am particularly moved by this event. Please allow me to take a moment to explain why this moment means so much to me.

         In case you did not know, BJ was adopted. He first came to our house when he had just turned 3 – but those first 3 years were eventful. He dealt with problems that most of us can never dream of.

         Our time together has not always been easy. BJ has had to work, and work hard. We have been through a lot. He has become a very sensitive, caring, kind, hard working young man! He really cares about those who are less fortunate. He is outspoken – maybe too much! But at his core, he is a really good human being.

BJ has had a great career at City High. He has served as a manager for Show Choir; President of the Interact Club; yearbook staff; and he has done publicity for various City High events. He spent some time in track, cross country, choir, and show choir. He also works three jobs!

Next year he will move on to DMACC in Des Moines, where he will study nursing and perhaps mortuary science.

         We fight – sometimes loud and long! But I cannot imagine loving someone more. And I admire him – so deeply. I am so very proud. I really don’t have the words.

It is really neat to be able to say that the person I admire the most is my own son. I am a very lucky man!

         Congratulations on your graduation, Buddy! I love you!




*Teachers
         BJ is our baby. Within a few months, we will be empty nesters. It has not sunk in yet, but we are almost finished with our long run in the ICCSD.

         I cannot allow this milestone to pass without acknowledging the amazing, AMAZING teachers that have helped our children along the way!

         I estimate that the kids probably had ~ 100 teachers between the three of them. Then there are the teachers we met throughout the District through serving as foster parents. So we saw a little bit of things everywhere, and a LOT at Hoover, SEJH, and City High.

Not EVERY teacher was excellent – over the years, there were probably 2-3 people who needed to leave the profession. But oh, the other 98%! You were smart, patient, kind, firm, fair, hard working, and you really, truly cared for my kids.

OK, now I am tearing up. It seems almost unfair to name anyone, because I will be leaving others out. But I just cannot help it. So, with apologies to all those wonderful people who also deserve to be mentioned, my greatest appreciation to:

*Ann Allaire: They were so little, so hurt, and so scared. You taught them that school was safe and fun.

*Lorraine Whittington: It is amazing what a young person can do if you challenge them!

*Jeff Kosier: The bark was always worse than the bite!  J

*Pete Muir: Nobody does it better, my friend. You are a legend!

*Jill Harper: My daughter graduated because of you, plain and simple. You made such a monumental difference in her life. Thanks.

*Terry Coleman and Bill McTaggart: Great coaches and better men. What more could a parent want? It was a fun ride!

*Ali Borger-German and Robin Fields: The kids know you care, and they appreciate it. They don’t always show it, but they appreciate it! Keep pushing!

*Carrie Watson: The Pete Muir “Force” lives on, and it lives on in you. Carry that torch!  J

And it was not just teachers. We had great custodians, support staff, and food service workers. We even had Bob Cowell, the legendary hugging crossing guard.

Administrators? Principals Marilyn Wirtz, Deb Wretman, and John Bacon make up ¾ of a Mount Rushmore of Principals. It simply does not get better!

I should not have named people. Because I could have named so many more. But my goodness, you folks have helped my family! How does a person adequately say “thank you” for that? I feel as though I should break into “To Sir With Love”! But I will spare you that.

         I simply do not have the words to express the gratitude I owe these people. It is a debt that can never be repaid. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love you all! And I love the ICCSD!




*ICCSD Issues
         I have been pretty involved in ICCSD issues over the years. And I’ll be honest – I am growing tired. The political machinations in this District are wearing me out.

         So, a final plea – as I depart my role as ICCSD parent and become just an ICCSD taxpayer:

         Let the poor families win a few. It is just that simple. Let the poor families win a few. Just once, inconvenience the wealthy families. Look at the data, and see what helps poor kids the most. Then do that. Just a couple times.

         It may not be the easiest thing to do, but it is the right thing. You WILL get criticized. So what? You get criticized now. Let the poor families win a few.




*RIP Betty Sedlacek
         BETTY SEDLACEK OF RURAL IOWA CITY PASSED AWAY EARLIER THIS WEEK. WE GOT TO KNOW EACH OTHER DURING THE DEBATES OVER NEWPORT ROAD. BETTY HAD EMAILED ME FAITHFULLY ONCE A WEEK FOR OVER 11 YEARS. EVERY EMAIL WAS IN ALL CAPS. AND IF YOU KNEW BETTY, YOU KNOW SHE WAS A BOLD AND OPINIONATED PERSON. SHE PRETTY MUCH LIVED HER LIFE IN ALL CAPS. SO I SALUTE YOU TODAY, BETTY – IN ALL CAPS. RIP, MY FRIEND.




*DID YOU KNOW?  Iowa City West is the 4th largest school in Iowa. City High is #20, Clear Creek Amana #70, and Solon #98.



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 8, 2015

Sullivan’s Salvos     5/12/15




In this edition:


*Dane County
*Politicians?
*The American Electorate
*Democratic Party Hall of Fame
*Did You Know?




*Dane County
         A large group of Johnson County representatives traveled to Dane County, Wisconsin on May 4 and 5 for a series of tours and discussions. Our entourage included 14 Johnson County employees, 3 Iowa City employees, and two citizens who paid their own expenses. I will write about this in greater detail later. For now, here are a few thoughts:

*The governments of Dane County and City of Madison were wonderful hosts. They were all very helpful and personable.

*We have EXACTLY the same problems! I read their equivalents of the local paper, the University paper, and the alternative weekly. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was reading the papers from home.

*Dane County and Madison do not have all the answers, but there are certainly things we can learn from visiting with them.

*Troy Gardens is a fabulous model for the future development of the County Poor Farm!

         We spent time on jail overcrowding, disproportionate minority contact, racial equity, affordable housing, tiny houses, local foods, and more. All in all, this was probably the best trip I have ever taken as a Johnson County Supervisor.

         Thanks to the staff and elected officials in Dane County for the fine hospitality, and thanks to our own Andy Johnson for all his hard work in arranging this wonderful trip!




*Politicians?
         I am not offended by being called a “politician”. In my book, anyone who chooses to run for elective office is a politician by definition. According to Merriam Webster, I am pretty close. They define politician as: a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office.

         Yet many elected officials are very put off by the term “politician”. They prefer “elected official”, “”public official”, “public servant”, etc.

         Three things: First, when did the word politician become a dirty word? If you don’t like being called that, don’t run for office! Secondly, you will never get to control what folks call you. Like George Costanza, you cannot pick your own nickname! Finally, I get called many worse things! If it gets no worse than “politician”, I’ll take it!




*The American Electorate
         We are reaching the time of year where pundits spend a lot of time describing voters and voter behavior. I happen to believe they are usually wrong. Here, then, is my take on the American Electorate:

         I think the American Electorate breaks into 7 groups: Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Other Parties, Average Folks, Don’t Care, and People with Barriers. Let’s take a look at all 7 groups:

         About 20% of the US electorate are Republicans. These folks are going to vote virtually 100% of the time, and will almost never cross party lines.

         About 18% of the US electorate are Democrats. These folks are very likely to vote (though not quite as likely as Republicans) and will almost never cross party lines (though they are slightly more likely to do so than Republicans).

         Those two groups are pretty easy to understand. The press seems to misunderstand the others.

         About 10% of the US electorate are Independents. (No Party is the actual registration status in Iowa.) This group watches the news, and votes regularly, though not in the percentages as those affiliated with political parties. These are the folks who vote for Barack Obama and a conservative City Council. They routinely voted for both Karen Kubby and Jim Leach. They might lean a bit left of center on more issues than not, but will never admit it. They HATE talking politics; the topic is uncomfortable. The majority (but not all) of these folks supported the GOP in ’68, ’72, ’80, ’84, and ’00. The majority (but not all) of these folks supported Democrats in ’64, ’76, ’92, ’96, ’08, and ’12. This is essentially the group over which hundreds of millions of dollars are spent every two years.

         About 2% of the US electorate belong to Other Parties, or pretend they do. This group includes Libertarians, Greens, Socialists, etc. This group spends a lot of time complaining (and rightfully so) about our two party system. In exchange for their frustration, they like to drive the two major parties crazy. They know that every percentage point matters, so this small group is able to punch well above its’ weight.

         The group I am calling Average Folks makes up about 30% of the electorate. These people do not follow politics much, and are unlikely to vote except in a Presidential election, if then. While it might be fair to characterize this group as low information voters, they are not stupid. They are just busy. They are working longer and harder for less. They are likely to have second jobs. They have kids and elderly parents for whom they need to care. It is a struggle to maintain housing and transportation. Life is hard, and these folks are fighting the good fight. With the possible exception of Obamacare, they have not seen either party do much for them since 1964. They have not completely said “screw it” like our next group, but they see little reason to vote.

         The sixth group I am calling Don’t Care, and they make up about 10% of the electorate. This group has decided to throw in the towel. This group believes all politicians are crooks. They see no reason to vote, and mentions of politics bring out hostility. These are the people who slam doors in the faces of canvassers.

The final group I am calling People with Barriers. This amounts to about 10% of the electorate. These folks have not necessarily thrown in the towel, but voting just ain’t happening. This includes people in prison and jail; people who have criminal records; very elderly people; people with disabilities; eligible immigrants; basically people for whom the barriers to voting are just too high.

         What do you think? Have I characterized things correctly, or not?




*Democratic Party Hall of Fame
Save the date! The Johnson County Democratic Party is holding our Annual Hall of Fame Awards event on Saturday, May 16 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 2015 are: Gary Sanders, Ro Foege, Pat Ikan, and Dennis and Robin Roseman. 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, but please call 354-7199 so we can get a count.

Sponsorships are available at the following levels:
$100         includes two tickets
$250         includes 4 tickets
$500         includes a whole table (8 tickets)

Checks can be mailed to:
Johnson County Democrats
PO Box 1773
Iowa City, IA 52244

If you have any questions, please contact Rod Sullivan at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. 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?  Voter turnout in US Presidential elections peaked at 82% in 1876. Since 1968, voter turnout has ranged between 49% and 59%.



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 1, 2015

Sullivan’s Salvos     5/5/15




In this edition:
        

*RIP Flash!
*Congrats BJ!
*Bike To Work Week
*Ready For Hillary?
*Some Punditry
*This Is My Brave
*Did You Know?




*RIP Flash!
         You may have read about the passing of Austin “Flash” Schroeder a few days ago. It is truly remarkable what an impact this 15 year old has made upon our community.

         I played softball with Austin’s Dad (Craig) from 3-4 years before Austin was born until Austin was about 6 or 7. As a matter of fact, Craig hung up his own spikes in order to coach Austin’s teams. We then sort of went our separate ways – my family on the east side and the Schroeders on the north.

Craig and his wife Stacy are great people, and they obviously raised a great son. Rather than being a victim, Austin served as an inspiration. It is a great legacy. RIP, Flash!




*Congrats BJ!
         Congratulations to my son BJ, who has been named a winner of an Iowa City Human Rights Youth Award for the second consecutive year!

         I know I’m biased, but you know what? He deserves it! BJ is an amazing young man, who is as kind as any kid I’ve ever met. I am very proud!

         Great job, BJ! I love you!




*Bike To Work Week
Whether you’re an old hand on two wheels or are looking to join a community of joyful cyclists, there’s something for everyone during Bike to Work Week 2015, celebrated from May 3-8.

The cities of Iowa City, Coralville, University Heights, Johnson County, Think Bicycles of Johnson County, the University of Iowa, and local businesses and organizations will host a series of meals, rides, and events to celebrate and encourage residents to park their cars and enjoy our towns on two wheels.

Sunday, May 3: Family Ride—No rider left behind!
10 am, Lower City Park start. Meeting at Riverside Shakespeare Theatre in Lower City Park, ride south along Riverside Drive, and pick up additional riders at the Johnson County Administration Parking lot by 10:30 am. Then it is on to Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. This is an 8 mile round trip—10 miles if you ride around Sand Lake. The County Building start is 4 miles round trip; 6 miles around the lake. Riders will cross at controlled intersections at Burlington and Benton streets, but are otherwise on trails and wide sidewalks. Children must be accompanied by an adult and riders must wear a helmet.

Monday, May 4: Bike Commuter Breakfast
7:30-10 a.m., 312 E. Prentiss St.

Bus/Bike/Car Race: Meet 11:15 am at Coralville Public Library. Participants Jim Throgmorton, City of Iowa City; Tom Gill, City of Coralville; and Virginia Miller, City of University Heights, drive, bus, and ride in a race to the Iowa City Public Library.

Wheely Fun Bike Basics: 6-7:30 pm, Iowa City Public Library, Room A
Sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library and Iowa City Bike Library. Learning the nuts and bolts of bike maintenance in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Full Moon Ride: 7:30 pm start Iowa City Public Library. Enjoy a group ride under the stars with the Iowa City Full Moon Cruisers.

Tuesday, May 5: Commuter breakfast, 630 Iowa Ave., 7:30-9:30 am.
Sponsored by RIDE Iowa City

Wednesday, May 6—Bike to Schools Day
Commuter Breakfast, 6:30-8:30 am, University Heights City Hall, 1004 Melrose Ave. Sponsored by City of University Heights and Geoff’s Bike and Ski

Old Pi to New Pi Family Ride: 5:30 pm start Chauncey Swan Park, Washington St. Ride together to Coralville New Pi Co-op.

Thursday, May 7: Commuter Breakfast, 7-9 am, Johnson County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque St. Sponsored by Johnson County

Books and Bikes Brown Bag: Noon-1 pm, Iowa City Public Library, Room A. Bike on over, bring your lunch, and chat about books to take biking, maintaining your bike, bicycling authors, and more. Sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library.

Friday, May 8: Commuter Breakfast, 7-9 am, World of Bikes, 723 S. Gilbert St. Sponsored by World of Bikes.

End-of-Week Party from 5-8 pm, Iowa City Bike Library, 840 S. Capitol St. (east parking lot). Sponsored by Iowa City Bike Library and Think Bicycles.




*Ready For Hillary?
         In big news that comes as a surprise to no one, Hillary Rodham Clinton has entered the Presidential race.

         Let me be clear: I respect Secretary Clinton, and if she is the Democratic Party nominee, I will support her. But I am not yet ready to make an endorsement.

         Here are a few things I’ll be watching:

1.   Gender dynamics: I want to see the first female POTUS. But it is more important to me that we get progressive economic policies. So – will any and all decisions to support other Democrats be painted as acts of misogyny? If so, we are going to have serious inter-party problems.

2.   Economic populism: I am looking for someone to punch Larry Summers in the face. Literally. And if HRC won’t do that, she needs to demonstrate that her policies will be driven more by Elizabeth Warren than Goldman Sachs. This cannot be overstated – we need to make dramatic changes!

3.   Peace, not war: I think that as a female, HRC has always felt the need to demonstrate how “tough” she can be. That cost her the Presidency in ’08, and it could again. I don’t want that kind of tough. We need to spend less on the military, MUCH less on the CIA, and more on diplomacy. I want butter, not guns. HRC can accomplish this, too – she has incredible diplomatic experience!

4.   Race and corrections: No country has more people in jail and prison. Far too many of these folks are people of color. We need leadership on this from the very top.

While I care deeply about other issues, these are the issues that are going to motivate me when I choose a candidate. I sincerely hope Secretary Clinton takes similar positions on these important issues.




*Some Punditry
         Will HRC become our first female POTUS? I think that all depends upon the opposition.

         If HRC is the nominee, she will beat any candidate from the far right. No matter what the country feels about HRC, the country is not interested in the policies of Ted Cruz.

         You might think I’m too confident in this stance. After all, the same thing could have been said about the Ernst-Braley Senate race last year. And I would agree that you have a point.

         But while Iowans did not really know Bruce Braley, EVERYONE knows HRC. As a matter of fact, HRC is among the top 3-5 most well known people on planet Earth. She has been vetted. There will be no surprises.

         In addition, HRC will fight. Braley’s campaign focused far too much on the Koch Brothers, who were not running for anything. Experience shows us HRC will not sit back.

         I also believe HRC will beat Jeb Bush. The issue is really quite simple, and Barbara Bush (of all people) nailed it some time ago: “We don’t need another Bush.”

         If HRC is the nominee, she will be guaranteed 45% of the vote. The GOP nominee will also get 45% of the vote. But that final 10% that might be up for grabs? They don’t want another Bush.

         The people who scare me are folks like Scott Walker and John Kasich. They are not crazy, and they are not Bushes. That is the best formula for the GOP in’16.




*This Is My Brave
         Stories of mental health brought into the spotlight by the people who experience them.

         The show is 7pm on May 15 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available at thisismybrave.org.




*DID YOU KNOW?  According to national studies, 40 percent of errands are 2 miles or less. Of these, 68 percent are by car. On average, Americans take 10 trips a week of 2 miles or less by car. Taking just a few of those trips each week by bike, bus, or on foot will improve health, cut down on fossil fuel use and pollution, and improve the quality of life for everyone.



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