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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 23, 2016
Sullivan’s
Salvos 11/29/16
In this edition:
*A Bit Early This Week…
*ISAC
*Term Limits
*Refugees and the Christmas Story
*Did You Know?
*A Bit Early This Week…
The
Holidays are here, and so is your latest edition of Salvos – just a bit early.
Happy Holidays!
*ISAC
I will be joining several of my fellow Johnson County employees at
the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) meetings in Des Moines Wednesday
through Friday of the upcoming week.
In
light of the recent elections, I think ISAC can serve as a model for the State
and Federal levels of government.
I
had the pleasure and privilege of serving on the ISAC Supervisors’ Legislative
Committee. It consisted of about eight Supervisors from around the State. As it
happened, I was the only Democrat, and the only Supervisor from an urban
county. Most of them hail from very rural counties west of I-35.
So
the ISAC Legislative priorities must read like a right wing wish list, right?
Nope. Nothing could be further from the truth!
I
am very proud of the ISAC Legislative priorities. They are common sense
suggestions that will serve Iowans well, and we arrived at them in a bipartisan
fashion. Yes, we had some debates. Maybe even an argument. But we found plenty
of areas of agreement.
By
the way – those priorities include mental health, food inspections, distracted
driving, water quality, and local governmental control. A common sense agenda
for all Iowans!
*Term Limits
Regardless of who wins, the public is not well served by our
current system. Self-preservation becomes the first order of business.
Lobbyists and moneyed interests are second. Party considerations are third. All
too often, the needs of the public fall to a distant fourth.
I think the time has come for all US citizens – left, center, and
right – to call for term limits.
I
used to oppose term limits. I dislike limiting the selections of the voters.
But as I have grown older and more cynical, I see no other way to really affect
change.
Term limits might artificially create some courage where currently
little exists. Term limits do not seem to have diminished the Presidency nor
the many Governorships that are subject to them.
First,
I propose changing term for US Representative from 2 years to 4. (Those folks
are literally running for office ALL THE TIME!) Give them time to actually
learn and do the job – a four-year term.
Next, I would limit time of service to 4 terms (16 years) in the
US House, and 2 terms (12 years) in the US Senate. That would allow a given
individual to potentially serve for 28 years. 28 years! That is a long time –
plenty long for any one person to serve.
I know many folks claim that term limits would shift power away
from elected Reps to staff people and lobbyists. My response? There is no
possible way lobbyists could get more power. Under term limits, Reps might do
the right thing on the way out the door.
Do I propose the same system for the Iowa House and Senate? Not
yet. I am not yet convinced that the Iowa Legislature is as completely under
corporate control as the US Legislature. But it appears we are headed that way.
The day where we need term limits at the State level may come, and soon. And
when it does, term limits will probably make sense.
So,
what do you think? Are term limits a part of the solution? If not, what
suggestions do you have?
*Refugees and The Christmas Story
Thanksgiving
is (unfortunately, in many cases) the kickoff to the Christmas Holiday. People
will be shopping until they drop. But how does that relate to the actual
origins of Christmas? And how does it relate to the news in our world today? I
understand that not everyone who reads Salvos is a Christian. But if you are, you
need to give this some thought.
Most readers are going to be familiar with “The Christmas Story”.
Just in case you are not, I will give a quick synopsis:
Due
to events beyond their control, a group of people are forced to leave their
homes. (In this case, to be counted in a census.) They travel to a different
place, where the people turn their backs. No one will accept these refugees, so
they are forced to take shelter in a manger, among the animals.
You
may recall the rest of the story – a woman gives birth to Jesus Christ, Our
Lord and Savior, the King of Kings. Yes - Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were Middle
Eastern refugees.
Young
Jesus grows up, and tells several stories illustrating the Commandment – one of
the two Greatest Commandments - that we love our neighbors as ourselves. The
Parable of the Good Samaritan comes to mind.
Even
before the Christmas Story, there were many Biblical stories encouraging us to
care for refugees: Deuteronomy 10:18-19 fits the
present case: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves
the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to
love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
Substitute the USA for Egypt, and we have something!
This story is one of two fundamental underpinnings of the whole
Christian religion. This is what it is all about, folks. Taking in refugees.
You may have a litany of reasons for refusing to help refugees. But Christianity
is not among them! Refusing refugees is the very antithesis of the Christmas
Story!
*DID YOU KNOW?
Presently, 15
states have term limits for legislators. In all 21 states have passed
legislative term limits at one time or another, but the limits have been
repealed or declared unconstitutional in six of those states.
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
November 17, 2016
Sullivan’s
Salvos 11/22/16
In this edition:
*Happy Thanksgiving!
*Thank You!
*A Prescription for the Iowa Democratic Party
*Alternative to Tom Miller
*Did You Know?
*Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all Salvos readers! I hope you and yours
have a wonderful holiday!
I
love Thanksgiving! It truly is one of my top couple holidays! That is likely in
large part due to the fact that I have many things for which I am thankful.
Family, friends, health, relative wealth… I am a pretty lucky guy!
One thing that I do not acknowledge enough, however, is the Salvos
audience! I really appreciate the fact that you take the time to hear what I
have to say. It is humbling, and I truly am honored to have this soapbox.
So
thanks for reading, and have a great holiday!
*Thank You!
I
have spent so much time working on other races the past 5 months, I actually
forgot my own!
Lost
among the many other results last Tuesday, I was reelected with 45,811 votes. I
am taken aback when I really stop and think about that number.
Trust
me, the last thing I want to do is take the people of Johnson County for
granted! It is an honor and a privilege to represent these people and this
place. I promise to do my best to continue to earn your trust. My sincere
thanks for your support!
I
am always willing to listen to your comments and concerns. Please feel free to
contact me at this e-mail address, or by phone at the Board Office (356-6000)
or home (354-7199).
*A Prescription for the Iowa Democratic
Party
The
2016 election is over, and Iowa Democrats are looking around at something that
metaphorically resembles a barren, dystopian Hellscape. This is the Hunger
Games, and Iowa is District 12. I am fired up to play the role of Haymitch. Now
who wants to be Katniss?
So
where do we go from here? I have a plan. First, the IDP needs to have a 99
county strategy. The IDP should begin by granting $500 to the Democratic Party
Central Committee in every Iowa county. As a condition of the grant, the CC
agrees to a couple strategic planning/listening sessions with IDP staff. This
is a commitment of only $50,000, plus perhaps 600-800 hours of staff time. (Perhaps
teams of State Central Committee members could assist, reducing the time
commitment of IDP staff.) This would be time and money well spent. It may only
result in an updated website, an additional newsletter, or a county potluck.
But it is an investment at the most grassroots of levels.
We also must contest every legislative race. Every. Single. One.
To put $500 into every House District and $1000 into every Senate District
would cost $100,000. That, too, would be money well spent.
Sure,
that is a baseline. You still need to target particular races for greater
investment. But we need to make some basic, minimal investments at every level.
It is tempting to say, “She will never win in Sioux County. Send her $500 to
suburban Des Moines.” That would be a major mistake.
And
it is not just money. Statehouse candidates need advice. Arrange for former
elected officials (thinking Dick Myers) to serve as free mentors for these
candidates.
More
importantly, we need to look further down the food chain. We need to be
actively recruiting candidates for Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, Attorney,
Sheriff, and Supervisor. We should have Democratic candidates for all those
offices in all 99 counties. Just look at the backgrounds of Joni Ernst and Kim
Reynolds! This will work!
Democratic
Party activists in Adams County can raise $500 and ship it to Des Moines to
help Hilary Clinton, or they can put that $500 into a County Recorder race,
where it may make all the difference. Which serves us better in the long run?
I’d
actually suggest the new IDP leadership should go even further down the
electoral ladder, and recruit candidates for city councils and school boards.
Yes, these offices are nonpartisan. But they are potential springboards to
higher office.
I
think the new IDP Chair also needs to stand up to the moneyed interests in Des
Moines. I am tired of millionaires picking our candidates. (These are the folks
who would disapprove of “wasting” money in the way I described earlier.) I’d
rather lose a campaign based on $25 contributions from average Iowans than win
a “New Democrat” campaign run by the millionaires. Don’t get me wrong – I want
the millionaires to be part of the Party. But I am tired of them functionally
owning it.
It
is worth noting – these are long-term solutions. It will take 2 years to see
any results at all, and much of this work will not fully pay dividends for
twenty years. But it will be worth the wait.
I
have other ideas; I hope the new IDP Chair will give me a ring! I really
believe we can rebuild this thing!
*Alternative to Tom Miller
I
hear Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is planning on running for another term
in office. I am hereby announcing my support for anyone who will oppose him.
Look, I have no major beef with Miller’s performance as AG. Nor am
I a huge fan. But he has spent at least 20 + years blocking up-and-coming Iowa
Democrats from getting the exposure and experience they need to serve as
Governor, US Rep, and US Senator. Seriously – look around nationally and see where
the people who hold those offices have served. Several were the AGs of their
states.
Miller has been in office for 36 of the past 40 years, the only
blip being a brief period where he ran for Governor and lost.
44
years? That is ridiculous! He would be 78 years old when that term expires.
That is absurd! Yes, a person of that age is certainly capable of doing the job
– that is not the point. The point is what is the cost of this stagnation to
the Party? It is time Mr. Miller took one for the team. He is apparently
unwilling to do so on his own accord, so I say we push him out.
2018
candidates for the Democratic Party nominee for Attorney General – let me know
how I can assist you!
Other elected officials who call the Democratic Party home? Let’s
elect some of these Milennials. If you are an elected official age 64 or over,
you should spend the next 4 years either A) preparing to run for higher office;
B) identifying and supporting your successor; or C) both.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Democrats had carried Iowa in 5 of the last 6 Presidential elections.
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
November 10, 2016
Sullivan’s
Salvos 11/15/16
In this edition:
*Election Recap
*Election Thoughts
*Monday Morning Quarterbacks
*Did You Know?
*Election Recap
This is going to be one of the toughest posts I have ever written!
Here it goes, race by race:
President: Despite
losing the popular vote (don’t get me started on the Electoral College!) Donald
Trump won it all. He won the State of Iowa comfortably, by 8 points. Clinton
won Iowa’s 5 most populous counties (Polk, Linn, Scott, Johnson, Black Hawk)
plus Story; everything else on the map is red. I must admit, I did not see this
one coming!
US Senate:
Senator Grassley won big, 60-36. I wish the DC folks had kept their noses out
of this race, and allowed Rob Hogg to offer a real contrast to Iowa voters. In
the end, Johnson County was the only county Judge won.
Nationally,
Democrats picked up one seat, but Republicans have a 51-47-2 advantage.
US House:
Congressman Loebsack cruised to victory over Iowa City physician Christopher
Peters, 54-46, but the race was closer than I expected.
In Iowa, the
GOP held the other 3 seats, with Rod Blum and David Young each receiving about
54% of the vote, and Steve King about 61%. Nationally, Democrats picked up 7
seats, but the GOP still holds a 236-191 lead.
Iowa Senate:
We started the night ahead 25-23-1. Now Republicans have at least 29 seats in
the Iowa Senate. Basically, the GOP won every swing district. They even knocked
off Senate Leader Mike Gronstal, who has been in office since 1983. Now the GOP
controls all three Chambers in Iowa for the first time since 1998.
Iowa House: We
started the night behind 57-43. Republicans picked up two seats to go ahead
59-41. Locally, Amy Nielsen won House District 77 by a comfortable 58-42
margin.
Measure C: All
the “powers that be” opposed this effort. Yet the public voted for it, 58-42.
While this shouldn’t really change things much, it is a tiny victory for small
“d” democracy.
Linn County
Conservation: Congratulations to Linn County voters, who passed a $40 million
Conservation Bond initiative, much like what Johnson County did in 2008.
Linn County #
of Supervisors: Shaking my head as those same Linn County voters decided to
drop the number of Supervisors from 5 to 3. Stupid, stupid mistake.
*Election Thoughts
Let
me begin by acknowledging – Donald Trump is my President. I am not happy about
it, but I am an American. I honor and respect his victory, and I am starting
today working to defeat him in 2020.
When you get clobbered, you need to take a step back and reassess
things. What went well, and what went wrong?
Misogyny? It is very real, and it mattered in this election.
Racism? It is very real, and it mattered in this election. That said, when you
look at some of the Iowa House and Iowa Senate results, we have to acknowledge
that there are some other things going on.
Democrats
need to figure out how to reach white working class voters. Some Democrats are
going to say this requires a move to the right. Others will claim it requires a
move to the left. Frankly, I think it needs to be more strategic than that. I
have ideas – I hope whoever is in charge is willing to listen!
I
see an opportunity. Democrats have little to lose. So let’s be bold! Let’s
really reach for things that seem hard to grasp. Let’s set an agenda of which
we can be proud!
In
general? If you are an elected Democrat and you are 62 years old or older –
please start grooming a successor or successors. The Party is very gray, yet
the future is just sitting there in a great group of young people. Let’s get
them in meaningful jobs before they leave us, too!
A parting thought from Salon: “When George W. Bush
became president in 2001, it marked the first time in 70 years that
conservative Republicans controlled all three branches of government. By the
time Bush left office, we were all reminded why. The financial crisis and
resulting global economic meltdown Bush left us with were eerily reminiscent of
the Great Depression, but there was also 9/11, the Iraq War and Katrina—a
multifaceted record of spectacular failure so stunning that it should have disqualified
conservative Republicans from holding power for at least another seven
decades. Yet, the Democrats’ political response to the many messes Bush left behind has been so
spectacularly inept that they’ve not only lost both houses of Congress, they’ve
also lost more state legislative seats than any time since before the Great
Recession.”
*Monday Morning Quarterbacks
You
know how this phrase got started…. It is easy to sit in judgment after the
fact, and complain about what a quarterback (or coach) SHOULD have done. I am
sometimes guilty of this; we all are.
But I see a big difference between a loyal fan questioning her
team and a person who did nothing to support the cause. I may question
something the Hawkeyes do, but my love of the Hawkeyes runs deep. I support
them emotionally, financially, etc. In my mind, I have paid my dues, and
therefore earned the right to comment.
The elections are over, and it is time for the Monday Morning
Quarterbacks of the political world to rear their ugly heads. Like the football
variety, they seem to know what should have happened after the fact.
Both Republicans and Democrats have plenty of these folks. They
can tell you exactly what any given campaign SHOULD have done.
So, my question to the MMQs: Did you make any calls? Did you knock
any doors? Did you contribute any money? Did you write any letters? Did you pay
your dues in any way?
The people who suffer most from the slings and arrows are the
local political parties themselves. Apart from several temporary college-aged
staff people, local political parties are made up of local people. They are
volunteers. And yes, often they do not operate as well as they could. But you
know what? Half the battle is showing up! Don’t like how your local party
operates? Join it, and try to make some changes.
There is an old saying: “If you don’t vote, don’t complain”. Personally,
I would amend that to, “If you don’t volunteer, don’t complain.” But in
reality, neither saying is the law. As Americans, we are free to say just about
anything we want. So get ready to listen to a whole bunch of people who should
be quarterbacks and Presidents.
*DID YOU KNOW?
The Associated Press shows Clinton with 59.2 million
votes nationally, compared to Trump's 59 million votes.
That mimics the 2000 results, where Democrat Al Gore
narrowly won the popular vote, but George W. Bush won the White House. It is
the 5th time in American history this has occurred.
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
November 3, 2016
Sullivan’s
Salvos 11/8/16
In this edition:
*VOTE!
*Election Work
*Dakota Access Versus the Bundys
*National Adoption Month
*Veteran’s Day
*Did You Know?
*VOTE!
Election
Day is upon us! Vote, and make certain everyone you know votes! There is a lot
at stake here!
If
you have a ballot, do NOT mail it in! Please take it to your polling place! But
you must have it with you! If you have other voting questions, call the
Auditor’s Office at 319-354-6004.
I
will admit; I am scared. I have never been more worried for my State and my
Country. All I can do is try my damndest to get as many people as possible to
get out and vote!
*Election Work
Melissa
and I have been door knocking every weekend since mid-September; 8 straight
weeks, I believe. Yet lately, you have not seen us in Johnson County. What
gives?
We
have been working in Muscatine County. Why? Our work there still helps Hilary
Clinton, Patty Judge, and Dave Loebsack. But where as our State Senator (Joe
Bolkcom) is unopposed, State Senator Chris Brase is in a pitched battle for his
seat in Senate District 46. The fate of the Iowa Senate may well hang on this
race!
Yes, this is counterproductive for me. I am on the ballot. I benefit
from going to the doors of voters who can cast a ballot for me. But I am
unopposed, and there are more important things at stake.
Senator
Brase is a Muscatine Firefighter, a union man, and a very nice guy. So I am
happy to work on his behalf. But this is self-serving, too! As I said, we MUST
maintain the Iowa Senate!
Why
is the Iowa Senate important? Democrats hold a 26-24 lead. Lose the Iowa
Senate, and Governor Branstad and radical Republicans in the Iowa House can do
whatever they want. What would they do?
Public
education will suffer huge cuts. Water quality will get worse. Medicaid will be
further cut and further privatized. Public money will pour into private
companies, while union employees go away. Women’s rights will be under assault.
There will be an attempt at an anti-gay change to the Iowa Constitution. Voting
rights will be restricted. And that is just a start!
The
Iowa Senate matters… oh, does it ever matter! That is why you’ll find me doing my
political work in Muscatine.
*Dakota Access Versus the Bundys
You
have all heard about the Sioux Tribes who are protesting the Dakota Access
Pipeline. This pipeline would run through tribal land that was guaranteed to
the Sioux by treaty. Private security firms, local police, and National Guard
members are using paramilitary equipment and tactics to keep the Sioux away
from the area.
You have all heard about the Bundys and the rest of their group –
an armed militia that took over the Malhuer Wildlife Area in rural Oregon. The
occupiers were just exonerated by an Oregon jury.
When juxtaposed against each other, there may not be a more
troubling set of events in my memory. Heavily armed white people take over federal land so their cattle can graze for free. They
threaten violence. The government does next to nothing. On the other hand, we
have people of color trying to protect sacred burial grounds and drinking water
from a big oil company, and doing so peaceably. In that case, the government
brings in the military and makes hundreds of arrests.
Seriously,
I cannot recall a more troubling series of events. Armed white men get treated
with kid gloves. People of color are taken down. The injustice is almost more
than I can take.
President
Obama and Secretary Clinton – you need to act! It is time to step in and do
what is right!
*National Adoption Month
November has been named National
Adoption Month and November 20th National Adoption Day.
The
need out there is tremendous. In Johnson County alone, there are between 100
and 150 kids in foster care every day. There are nowhere near enough foster and
adoptive homes to meet the need.
As many of you know, Melissa and I are the parents of three
adopted children. We also continue to serve as foster parents.
It has been a life full of tragedies and triumphs. It has not
always been easy, but it has been indescribably fulfilling. Along with marrying
my wife, it is the best decision I ever made.
If
you or someone you know is interested in foster care and/or adoption, please
let me know. I am always happy to speak with prospective parents.
*Veteran’s Day
Happy Veteran’s Day on November 11. Thanks to
all the men and women who have served our country. I appreciate your service,
and wish you peace.
Veterans For Peace
Chapter #161 is sponsoring an Armistice Day Observance to be held on Friday,
November 11th at the Clinton St. entrance to Old Capitol, Iowa City. Gather @ 10:45AM. Bells will be rung @
11:00 AM, as they were rung around the world at the end of WWI in 1918 and on
each November 11th for decades thereafter. Armistice Day is a day to promote
peace and to remember the victims of war, both veterans and civilians.
The event will feature Veterans for Peace from throughout the state of Iowa.
The event is free, and the public is welcome.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Barack Obama got the highest Johnson County Presidential vote total ever
– 51,027 in 2008. The highest Johnson County vote total ever for any candidate
is 53,440 by Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek in 2012.
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
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