Rod Sullivan, Supervisor, Johnson County, Iowa

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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

January 29, 2016

Sullivan’s Salvos     2/2/16




In this edition:


*Caucus Night!
*Representing “ALL” the People
*Free Tax Help!
*Local Foods Event
*DVIP Souper Bowl
*Did You Know?




*Caucus Night!
         I hope you participate in this year’s caucuses. Whether you do so or not, please consider: No matter who wins the Iowa Caucuses, life will go on. I support Bernie Sanders; Melissa supports Hillary Clinton. When this is over, we are going to give each other a couple minutes, then give each other a kiss, and go to the unity party at the First Avenue Club in Iowa City. I hope you can act similarly in your own life.

         Be kind to each other. We all need human kindness. We need each other. Please do your part! And see you at the First Avenue Club!




*Representing “ALL” the People
         You know how sometimes phrases get used that mean exactly the opposite of what is said?

*Like when a person who is warm says, “I am literally burning up!”
*Or when a pre-recorded message says, “Your call is important to us.” *Or when someone brags, “I don’t mean to boast, but…”

         All of these are examples of something being said that is completely disingenuous. The phrase means the exact opposite of what is said. Another example just reared its’ ugly head in our recent Supervisor election.

         In this case, the line is, “My job is to represent ALL the people.” The implication, of course, is that the current Board of Supervisors does NOT represent all the people. What the phrase REALLY means is, “The Board did something that makes me mad.”

         I’ve heard lots of candidates over the years use the phrase, “represent ALL the people.” Yet I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local LGBTQ population. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local senior population. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local African American population. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local Hispanic population. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local Asian populations. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local population of people with disabilities. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local Amish population. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local population of foster children. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the people of Lone Tree. I have never known any of those folks to go out of her/his way to represent the people of Cosgrove. And I have sure as Hell never known any of these folks to go out of her/his way to represent the local POOR population!

         No, what “I intend to represent ALL the people” really means is, “I am mad at this elected body.” It does not have ANYTHING to do with representing “All” the people. In fact, it means very much the opposite.

         The phrase is very reminiscent of Richard Nixon’s “Silent Majority”, who were neither silent nor a majority, but felt aggrieved. I hope future candidates will choose to avoid comparisons to Richard Nixon. That really would be good for us “ALL”.




*Free Tax Help!
Don’t pay a fee to get your refund! The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides trained volunteers that will help you file your taxes. This service is available FOR FREE to people who earned less than $55,000 in 2015. E-filing is available, and interpretation services are available at many sites or by appointment.
“You Earned It. Now Claim It!”

Sites are the Iowa City Public Library, SEJH in Iowa City, NWJH in Coralville, and Garner Elementary in North Liberty. Services are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday – see http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_soc_ser.aspx?id=275
For the complete schedule.

Spanish interpreters are available; interpreters for other languages can be scheduled by calling 356-6090.




*Local Foods Event
Alliances—Rediscovering our Food System
Thursday, February 4th, Montgomery Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds.
5:00-6:45 pm: Networking & Organization Expo: Meet the agencies, organizations, and businesses working within the Johnson County food system.
7:00-8:30 pm: Panel and discussion: Alliances—Rediscovering our Food System

The food system is a complex network made up of the processes that keep us fed. Each link of the food system is vital, yet as a culture we are often removed from many of the components that make the food system whole. How can we, through our alliances in the community, rediscover our food system, reassert our individual roles, and build together toward a common vision?

Join us Thursday, February 4th, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. for Alliances—Rediscovering our Food System, a public forum where we will discuss six identified sectors of the food system—land stewardship, food production, distribution, retail, the eater, and the waste stream in Johnson County—and how they all come together to create a vibrant, intact, community-based food system in which each and every one of us can participate. This event is free and open to the public. Food and refreshments will be provided.




*DVIP Souper Bowl
Thursday, February 11 marks the 19th Annual Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) Souper Bowl! The event is 5:30-7:30 PM at the Sheraton in downtown Iowa City.

For $25 guests can enjoy all you care to eat soup and the bowl of your choice to take home! This is DVIP’s biggest community event of the year! Be sure to mark your calendars!




*DID YOU KNOW?  Democrats Caucused in 1,681 sites across Iowa.



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




January 21, 2016

Sullivan’s Salvos     1/26/16




In this edition:


*Election Results
*Elections Still Matter!
*San Antonio
*Congratulations Delaine Petersen!
*Bernie Sanders
*Did You Know?




*Election Results
         Congratulations to Lisa Green Douglass, who won last Tuesday’s special election for the office of County Supervisor with 61% of the vote. I look forward to having a full Board, and I look forward to working with Lisa!




*Elections Still Matter!
         The election is over, turnout was low, and the armchair quarterbacks are out in force. Some folks out there claim the Auditor, Recorder, and Treasurer should have appointed someone rather than holding an election.

         Personally, I am a strong believer in voting. We live in a democracy, for God’s sake! I don’t want anyone taking away my right to vote. I also find it amazingly ironic that most of the folks calling for an appointment are on the left; aren’t you supposed to be for more voting, not less?

         Besides voting being a right, it is the fairest way to select our leaders. Anyone and everyone had the opportunity to run. Look back just a couple years – there is no way John Etheredge would have been appointed. His only opportunity was through direct democracy.

I fail to see how anyone could argue that ANY process is more "small d" democratic than an election! To imply otherwise is just disingenuous. If you actually know of such a process, pass it on, and we'll implement it! It just doesn't get more democratic than holding an election.

         Anyway, the election is over. I’m just glad I live in a country that offers me the opportunity to vote!




*San Antonio
         I will be spending a couple of days in San Antonio this week as part of a delegation of Johnson County folks who are learning about the successes of the criminal justice system in Bexar County, Texas.

         Bexar County is acknowledged nationwide as a leader in jail alternatives. I look forward to learning what they have accomplished, and how we can duplicate it here in Johnson County.




*Congratulations Delaine Petersen!
One of my mentors and heroes is retiring. Delaine Petersen has called it quits after serving more than 27 years as the Executive Director of the Arc of East Central Iowa. 

         Delaine’s retirement is hitting me particularly hard in light of Governor Branstad’s horrible plan to privatize Medicaid. When I first heard of this terrible idea, the first person I thought of was Delaine. I know that even in retirement, Delaine will continue to serve as a voice for our most vulnerable citizens.

I really have no words. Delaine has been a friend, advisor, mentor, role model, and yes, hero to me. I owe her a lot. And I know I am not alone.

         Congratulations, Delaine! You have earned it!




*Free Tax Help!
Don’t pay a fee to get your refund! The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides trained volunteers that will help you file your taxes. This service is available FOR FREE to people who earned less than $55,000 in 2015. E-filing is available, and interpretation services are available at many sites or by appointment.
“You Earned It. Now Claim It!”

Sites are the Iowa City Public Library, SEJH in Iowa City, NWJH in Coralville, and Garner Elementary in North Liberty. Services are available Monda, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday – see http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_soc_ser.aspx?id=275
for the complete schedule.

Spanish interpreters are available; interpreters for other languages can be scheduled by calling 356-6090.




*Bernie Sanders
As you may know, I have been a supporter of Bernie Sanders for a long time. As a matter of fact, I am told that I was the first elected official in the whole country to endorse the Senator! (I heard that from the Sanders Campaign, and no one has challenged it.)

         I have had the opportunity to speak with him privately. I convinced his staff that he should attend the 2014 Johnson County Democratic Party Fall BBQ. (He attended in 2015 as well.) So I feel very comfortable talking about why I support Bernie.

         It is true that on many important issues, there is little difference between Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. They actually agree on many things. In my opinion, both would be far superior to any of the candidates put forth by the Republican Party.

         That said, there are 4 key issues that I feel make the case for Bernie Sanders. These are topics that are critical to the future of the US and the world. And they are topics that Sanders addresses better than Clinton.

         1.) Income inequality: If we do not address this issue, the US economy is certain to collapse. When greed and low regulation capitalism meet, the economy loses. We desperately need to create some demand in our economy, and we cannot do that in a country where the majority of the people are poor.

         But those are just the economic arguments. The more important arguments are moral. How can we sit back and allow so many of our fellow citizens to struggle so deeply?

         Other candidates may give this lip service, but only Bernie Sanders has an actual plan for meaningfully addressing income inequality.


2.) Holding Wall Street Accountable: We must restore Glass Stegall, and put an end to banks speculating with our money. Wealthy Wall Street financiers pay the lowest tax rates in the country, when they need to pay the highest. Loopholes must be closed. When people break the law, they need to go to jail. Most importantly, we need to break up the big banks. If they are too big to fail, they are too big to exist.

So – whom do you trust to follow through on this? Candidates who collect millions in campaign contributions from these same bad actors, or the man they hate - Bernie Sanders?


         3.) Peace: My oldest daughter just turned 24. The United States has been bombing people literally her whole life. Has any of it made us any safer? I would argue it has all made us less safe.

         Look at the voting records. Secretary Clinton has often felt the need to show she is tough, so she almost always chooses the hawkish path. Senator Sanders has routinely made the tougher, less politically popular votes to avoid military conflict.

         Wars cost us thousands of lives and trillions of dollars. They leave our soldiers injured and leave foreign populations hating America. War is no good. And if you want to avoid needless wars, you need to vote Sanders.


         4.) Climate Change: In 100 years, future generations will look back upon us and see complete moral failure. The way we look at witch burners and slave owners? That is how future generations will see us.

         Why? Because we knew climate change was real, knew it was manmade, and did nothing to stop it. We are long past half measures. We need serious government intervention on behalf of our environment before it is too late. Bernie gets this.


         These are not the only issues in this campaign. But they are huge issues in this campaign. These issues REALLY matter! If you care about these issues, you really need to consider caucusing for Bernie Sanders!

         I am attending the Iowa Caucuses on February 1, and I will proudly caucus for Bernie Sanders. I hope you will join me!




*DID YOU KNOW?  Bernie Sanders’ life before politics featured surprising forays into both freelance writing and carpentry, according to a 2007 New York Times profile on the Senator. He even spent time on an Israeli kibbutz, or communal living collective, in 1964.



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






January 14, 2016

Sullivan’s Salvos     1/19/16




In this edition:


*Election Day!
*Press Citizen Person of the Year
*What A Great Quote!
*My Caucus History
*Politics And Marriage
*Did You Know?




*Election Day!
         Tuesday, January 19 is the date of our Special Election for the Office of County Supervisor. PLEASE get out and vote!

         As I have noted previously, I wholeheartedly endorse Lisa Green Douglass for the office of Johnson County Supervisor! I hope she will have your support, too!




*Press Citizen Person of the Year
         I was a bit shocked to see myself listed among the finalists for the Press Citizen Person of the Year. It is quite humbling, and I am honored that a few people saw fit to submit my name.

But I must say, the paper has said multiple times that I am the person “most responsible” for the increase in the minimum wage. Frankly, I am not sure that is fair. Nothing gets done on the Board of Supervisors without three votes.

More importantly, this was a case of the people standing up and taking control. The minimum wage was increased because low-income workers and their allies demanded it. I sincerely hope this is the lesson of our minimum wage fight; the people can accomplish anything they want if they organize!




*What A Great Quote!
         A friend of mine recently posted the following quote on a Facebook page, and it really struck me!

"Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted."

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

         This is good advice. Darn good advice. Our whole country could benefit from following this lead. Personally, I am going to try to take it to heart in 2016!




*My Caucus History
         I was thinking about the upcoming Iowa Caucuses, and began to reminisce about Caucuses past. Below is my personal Caucus history:

1968: No one can recall if I attended or not. I have no memory.
1972: Went with my Dad; he supported McGovern.
1976: Went with my Dad; he supported Ted Kennedy.
1980: Skipped Caucus to chase a girl. Should have caucused.
1984: Jesse Jackson
1988: Jesse Jackson
1992: Tom Harkin
1996: Undecided
2000: Bill Bradley
2004: Howard Dean
2008: Barack Obama
2012: Barack Obama
2016: Bernie Sanders

         It is interesting, looking back over the years. 1984 marked the first time I was actually eligible to caucus myself. Since that time, I have only supported two winners – that being Barack Obama both times.

         One of the more interesting marks on my record is the “undecided” vote in 1996. As you may recall, President Bill Clinton was running for reelection that year. I was thoroughly disappointed by President Clinton’s first term.

         He passed NAFTA, which led to millions of American jobs flooding into Mexico and China. He deregulated the banking industry, which created our current “Too Big To Fail” behemoths. He cut welfare benefits, and made it more difficult for poor women to maintain custody of their children. He greatly increased the taxes poor people paid on Social Security benefits. He passed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, which codified discrimination against gays in the military. He took LGBT money in the campaign, then refused to support those issues. He increased the use of the death penalty. He ushered in a series of “tough on crime” policies that were racist at their core, and led to the imprisonment of millions of African Americans. His drug policies only exacerbated things. It was not exactly the type of record of which liberals would be proud.

         So I joined scores of my fellow caucus goers in choosing “undecided”. The Iowa Democratic Party did not like that; they instead reported that Clinton had received 100% of the delegates. But that was blatantly untrue. Many undecided delegates (including most of our black and LGBT delegates) showed up at the County Convention that year, contrary to what had been reported.

         Obviously, 2008 stands out as my favorite. I mean, it was my first ever win! But in all seriousness, being a VERY early part of the movement that elected our first black President was indescribably cool!

         My friend Dave Redlawsk studies the caucuses as an academic. I was sharing my list with him, and he was a bit perplexed. While I have never backed a Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) candidate, neither have I always supported the most liberal candidate. What gives?

         I thought about Dave’s question, and I believe I have the answer. I have always supported the “movement” candidate. I recognize that we have serious problems, and a “movement” is necessary to really fix the things that ail us. I have always wanted to be a part of that movement. I still do!




*Politics And Marriage
         I just read a very interesting piece on Vox.com about marriage and political parties. For several years, Gallup has asked the question, “Would you be upset if your son or daughter married someone of the opposing political party?”

         In 1960, 4% of Democrats and 5% of Republicans agreed with this statement. By 2008, those numbers had grown to 20 and 27. Just two years later, in 2010, 33% of Democrats and 49% of Republicans would be upset about their son or daughter marrying someone from the opposing party.

         Frankly, I find this trend disturbing on a couple of fronts. First, politics should not be the most important factor in terms of evaluating character. The more extreme our politics get, the more likely that is true, but we should recognize that typically personal politics are not that important.

         Secondly, the poll results would lead one to believe that the people with whom we disagree are not good people. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are good and bad people in every political party. We need to spend more time discussing the areas in which we agree.

         Finally, we are more polarized than ever. It seems that we are being urged to divide and separate rather than to unite and combine. There is a whole industry that exists solely to keep us divided. Consultants, pollsters, pundits, lobbyists, etc. – they do not profit if we are civil to each other and work together. They NEED us to hate each other; I think we should resist that impulse.




*DID YOU KNOW?  The significance of the Iowa Caucuses stems directly from the turmoil at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. In order to address criticism of the process, the DNC asked states to put in new safeguards. Because the Iowa process was a long one, it needed to start quite early. That, coupled with the availability of the space for the State Convention, led Iowa to hold the first in the nation contest in 1972. Iowa liked the attention this created, and has stayed first ever since.



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






January 8, 2016

Sullivan’s Salvos     1/12/16




In this edition:


*MLK
*Vote Lisa Green Douglass!
*About That Last Special Election…
*Local Foods Event
*Did You Know?




*MLK
Next Monday marks the federal holiday celebrating the birthday of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior. I am so pleased that our country has chosen to honor this great man, and I hope you enjoy the holiday in his name. As usual, the Board of Supervisors will be doing a proclamation in his honor; this year, that will be Thursday, January 14 at 5:30 PM.

         We often hear about Christians who feel that Christmas has lost its meaning, and workers who feel the same about Labor Day. I fear that this could be happening to MLK Day as well.

         America has come a long way since the 60s, and overt racism is now typically (but certainly not always) frowned upon. We still have a long way to go, but some things have certainly improved. I think many Americans see MLK as the embodiment of this change, and rightfully so.

         But look at America today. Black Lives Matter is a response to the epidemic of black men being killed by police. The US Supreme Court killed much of the Voting Rights Act, and they are likely to kill Affirmative Action. Black men are more likely to go to prison than college. The list goes on and on. Our society still has a deep racial divide.

We also need to recognize that King was a radical. America grudgingly accepted racial reforms because they were less dangerous to the status quo than the other issues King championed. King took seriously the Biblical teachings that the love of money is a sin, and that rich men will not be welcomed into Heaven. (Yes, King was a Social Democrat!) He proposed seismic changes to the political and social structures that exist in America. In addition, King was adamantly anti-war. To the status quo, he was the most dangerous man in the world.

         Take some time this week to read some of the great books that are out there on Dr. King. More importantly, take some time to read the things he wrote himself.

And if you are so inclined, there are several worthwhile local celebrations. Here are just two:

The Consultation of Religious Communities is holding its annual MLK service on Sunday, 1/17 at 7 PM at First Mennonite Church. The theme this year is the King quote "Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy."

I would also urge you to attend the community celebration held Monday, January 18 at The Spot in Iowa City. From 9-11 and 2-4 will be a time of “giving back”; food and a ceremony begin at 11 AM. The event is co-sponsored by Johnson County.

We have SO much work to do. We cannot forget that. But we also need to take the time to celebrate our successes. Happy MLK Day!




*Vote Lisa Green Douglass!
Lisa Green Douglass of rural North Liberty is the Democratic Party nominee for County Supervisor.

Green Douglass has been involved in Democratic Party politics for a long time, serving 14 years on the Party’s Central Committee. Professionally, Lisa is a former Spanish professor who now teaches Spanish language/cultural competency to public safety workers, such as law enforcement, EMT, jails, etc. Lisa is the mother of five children, including triplets! As a result, she has been very involved as a volunteer in the Clear Creek Amana School District. Lisa has also volunteered as an interpreter at the Center for Worker Justice.

         I have known Lisa for quite some time; as a matter of fact, she received a Salvos Salute way back in 2006! At the time, Lisa was serving as Chair of the Clear Creek Amana drive toward a new high school, and the State of Iowa was cutting Johnson County a deal on local option sales taxes for schools. Lisa got the Salvos Salute for her efforts to make the LOST less regressive.

         That is the type of effort I really respect… it is easy to be against something. It is much more difficult to attempt to negotiate a solution that makes things better. Lisa has proven that she is willing to roll up her sleeves and work toward a solution.

         Folks, this is a smart, progressive, female Democratic candidate! This is EXACTLY the type of person you want in office! Do not let this opportunity pass us by!

         I wholeheartedly endorse Lisa Green Douglass for the office of Johnson County Supervisor! I hope she will have your support, too!

         You can vote early any weekday at the Auditor’s Office, plus three satellite sights: Thursday, 1/14 from 10-4 at UIHC; Friday, 1/15 from 10-4 at the ICPL; and Saturday, 1/16 from 10-2 at the Coralville Public Library.




*About That Last Special Election…
         The last time Johnson County had a special election for the office of County Supervisor, Republican John Etheredge defeated Democrat Terry Dahms. This was a huge upset, and Etheredge was defeated in the next general election.

         So why did it happen? Well, it was literally a perfect storm – a big snowstorm on election eve left all the schools closed. But that is not the sole reason. The big reason Democrats lost is because we were lazy and complacent.

         I sincerely hope that does not happen again. I hope Democrats will get out and go to work on behalf of our candidate.




*Local Foods Event
Alliances—Rediscovering our Food System
Thursday, February 4th, Montgomery Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds.
5:00-6:45 pm: Networking & Organization Expo: Meet the agencies, organizations, and businesses working within the Johnson County food system.
7:00-8:30 pm: Panel and discussion: Alliances—Rediscovering our Food System

The food system is a complex network made up of the processes that keep us fed. Each link of the food system is vital, yet as a culture we are often removed from many of the components that make the food system whole. How can we, through our alliances in the community, rediscover our food system, reassert our individual roles, and build together toward a common vision?

Join us Thursday, February 4th, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. for Alliances—Rediscovering our Food System, a public forum where we will discuss six identified sectors of the food system—land stewardship, food production, distribution, retail, the eater, and the waste stream in Johnson County—and how they all come together to create a vibrant, intact, community-based food system in which each and every one of us can participate. This event is free and open to the public. Food and refreshments will be provided.




*DID YOU KNOW?  There have been four special elections for County Supervisor since 1994. The winners of those elections were Don Sehr, Carol Thompson, Janelle Rettig, and John Etheredge.



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