SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
October 26, 2017
Sullivan’s
Salvos 10/31/17
In this edition:
*Recert Elections
*Commercial Property Tax Backfill
*The Local Agenda
*Senator Corker and “Courage”
*Trust in Trump?
*Solar Award
*Did You Know?
*Recert Elections
Republicans
in the Iowa Legislature tried to kill organized labor last session. Instead,
they awoke a sleeping giant!
New
laws required all public sector bargaining units to hold recertification
elections. In this
round of voting, 28,448 people voted to maintain their union affiliations, 624 people
voted against it and 137 ballots were voided. That is a 98% approval rate!
Keep
up the great work, my sisters and brothers!
*Commercial Property Tax Backfill
I
was recently at a City Council Candidate forum hosted by the Iowa City Area
Chamber of Commerce. One of the Chamber’s questions asked candidates how they
would deal with the Iowa Legislature’s expressed interest in eliminating the
Commercial Property Tax Backfill.
You
mean the Commercial Property Tax cut that went primarily to out of state
businesses? You mean the Commercial Property Tax cut that took millions from
local governments? You mean the Commercial Property Tax cut that dramatically
shifted the cost of government to homeowners? You mean the Commercial Property
Tax cut that you said would reduce rents, yet exactly the opposite has
occurred?
More
importantly, you mean the Commercial Property Tax cut that you FORCEFULLY
ADVOCATED FOR, over the objection of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and
Johnson County? The Commercial Property Tax cut that, while you were gloating
over its’ passage, you called, “too modest”?
Is
irony dead? Have you really forgotten your stance that quickly? I know the former
Chamber President remembers, because I let her know in no uncertain terms how
truly horrible this legislation was (is). You do not get to walk away from
this. You need to own it. Please excuse me while I vomit.
*The Local Agenda
I
am very pleased that local governments are discussing important topics. But it
was not that long ago that these topics were off limits.
In
2010, we had some brief conversations about mental illness, homelessness, and
how we address people in need. The Council then decided that the important
thing was getting “those people” out of downtown. Now, 7 years later, everyone
is in favor of a behavioral health/sobering/detox facility.
In
2010, Iowa City could not afford to take steps toward sustainability. The
Council then saw any requirements as untenable “burdens” on developers. Now, 7
years later, every Iowa City project is built with an eye to sustainability.
In 2014, before the
Core Four began running for office, we had some brief conversations about
minimum wage. Cities refused to even discuss it. Now, 3 years later, everyone
is disappointed the minimum wage was lowered by the Governor and Republicans in
the Legislature.
In
2014, before the Core Four began running for office, there was lip service paid
to affordable housing. Now, 3 years later, over a million dollars is flowing
into affordable housing projects.
In
2014, we were happy to spend tax dollars helping rich people, but loathe to
spend money on poor people. Now, 3 years later, we are questioning both sides of
this equation.
My personal favorite – the Iowa City Council used to refuse to
meet with the Board of Supervisors. Now we meet jointly a couple times per year
in very productive fashion.
Don’t
get me wrong – I am REALLY happy with these changes! The Iowa City Council has
made some great strides! Those of us who have been pushing on these and other
issues have many reasons to be pleased.
My point is just ask yourself: how did these changes happen? I’ll
give you a hint: elections matter!
*Senator Corker and “Courage”
I
am frustrated to hear media outlets talk about the “courage” demonstrated by
Tennessee Senator Bob Corker as he trades barbs with President Trump.
That
is NOT courage! Corker, who has already announced his retirement, has nothing
to lose. Courage requires some assumption of risk. That is not the case here.
This is why we need term limits at the Federal level. Imagine if 12
or so Senators were ALWAYS on the verge of retiring! We could have the most
courageous Congress ever!
I suggest that we limit it to two 6-year terms in the US Senate,
and three 4-year terms in the US House. (Switching from 2 to 4 year terms would
lessen the constant campaigning that goes on in the House.) In theory, the same
person might be able to serve 24 years, max.
Needless to say, I don’t expect this to happen anytime soon. Why?
Because the same “courageous” bunch that inhabit the seats currently would have
to enact it.
Meanwhile, spare me the fawning over Bob Corker. He never stood up
for anything other than that which his funders wanted – until he decided to
retire. That is not courage. Corker is a coward who now feels safe to throw
sucker punches.
Trust in Trump?
Are you wondering why more
Republican politicians refuse to follow Senator Corker’s lead and rebuke
President Trump? If so, look no further than this recent poll:
A HuffPost/YouGov poll from
last week turned up the following results:
Clinton voters who believe accusations against
Weinstein: 77%. Against Trump: 83%.
Trump voters who believe accusations against Weinstein:
66%. Against Trump: 8%.
We
do not even recognize the same reality. I honestly do not know how to move
forward when this is the case.
*Solar Award
Johnson County just
received the Sol Smart Gold Award. This award recognizes County efforts related
to solar use in the County’s unincorporated areas and solar used by the County
itself; we were also recognized for leadership in adopting solar-friendly
policies and creating efficient solar inspection and permitting processes.
This
is not only the only Gold award given in the State of Iowa, but the only Gold
award to any County in the Midwest.
Johnson County
now has over 330 KW projects powering County buildings, and last fiscal year there were 33 solar
projects in unincorporated Johnson County.
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
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These messages
come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the
whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
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As always,
feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to
serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 5:33 PM
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