rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
March 23, 2017
Sullivan’s
Salvos 3/28/17
In this edition:
*No Salvos Next Week!
*Happy Birthday Marie!
*Happy Birthday Jordan!
*Mission Creek Festival
*Bobby Kauffmann, Part II
*Democratic Party Hall of Fame
*Did You Know?
*No Salvos Next Week!
There
will be no Salvos next week. Expect your next edition (dated 4/11/17) somewhere
around April 7 or 8.
*Happy Birthday Marie!
The
newest member of our clan turns 17 on April 6th! Marie has been with
us over a year now, and her bubbly personality has been a great addition! Happy
Birthday, Marie! I love you!
*Happy Birthday Jordan!
My
daughter Jordan turns 23 on April 8th. Jordan graduated last year
from Western Illinois University, and is working with youth in Memphis,
Tennessee. More importantly, she is a really good person. Man, am I ever proud!
Happy Birthday, Jordan! I love you!
*Mission Creek Festival
The
Mission Creek Festival runs April 4-9 in a variety of venues around Iowa City.
Because of the genius that is Englert Theatre Director Andre Perry, this weeklong
extravaganza has become an incredible package of art, music, comedy, film,
literature, food, technology, and much, much more!
For
tickets and a complete schedule of events, see: http://missioncreekfestival.com.
*Bobby Kauffmann, Part II
Three
weeks ago, I wrote the following:
Bobby Kauffmann is a Republican State
Representative who “represents” a portion of Johnson County – the City of
Solon, plus Big Grove, Cedar, Graham, East Lucas, Scott, and Newport Townships.
Representative
Kauffmann has helped Johnson County with a couple pieces of legislation over
the years. Don’t get me wrong; I am very glad he did so. But really, isn’t it a
pretty minimal expectation that you help the local Supervisors to help the
folks you both represent?
Meanwhile, I have had many differences
with Representative Kauffmann over the years. The differences between us were
never more stark than when he voted against teachers, cops, firefighters,
nurses, social workers, roads crews, correctional officers, ambulance staff,
and all the rest of our public employees.
That vote is a disqualifying vote.
There is no small bit of help he can offer on another bill that will atone for
his attack on public employees. He is not deserving of your support.
So quit giving it to him! Over the next
month, Representative Kauffmann is going to get a free pass from Representative
Upmeyer. He will join Democrats on several votes, attempting to appear
moderate. We saw this earlier with Representative Andy McKean, whose Anamosa
District contains a lot of correctional workers. McKean never actually fought
for public employees – he simply got a pass, and took a free vote.
Representative Kauffmann has already
been given his pass. He has been given permission to vote against a couple of
the craziest GOP bills that are yet to come; they will pass without his vote.
You need to remember a few things – the
attack on public employees, his voting for 1% for public education, etc. (More
bad votes are still to come as of this writing. He will get a pass on many, but
not all.) Small goodwill gestures do NOT make up for this!
He’s going to be looking for tiny ways
in which he can appear bipartisan. He’s going to want to take all kinds of
photos with Democrats. Please do not let this fool you. He has already cast his
disqualifying votes. He needs to go.
That
was three weeks ago. Since then, Representative Kauffmann has:
*Voted for
HF291, gutting collective bargaining (despite a promise not to vote for a
“Wisconsin-style” bill);
*Voted for
SF166, starving our schools with an unacceptable 1% funding increase;
*Voted for
HF517, adding the deadly and racist “stand your ground” to Iowa’s gun laws;
*Voted for
HF516, making voting harder by creating a voter ID requirement when we have
almost zero voter fraud;
*Voted for
HF518, shredding worker’s comp protections for injured workers;
*Voted for
HF134, stripping cities of local control;
*Voted for
SF376, absolving the wealthy from any liability they may have for exposing
others to asbestos.
Is
this what you want? He is NOT representing, you folks! We deserve better! Bobby
Kauffmann has got to go!
*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 6 at 7pm at Brown Deer Country Club in
Coralville.
Please
join us for coffee, desserts, and plenty of old war stories! A cash bar will be
available. Parking is free.
The
Hall of Fame inductees for 2017 are: Nancy Porter, Tom Larkin and Joyce Bernardy,
and Sally and Roger Stutsman. 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?
Johnson County is named for Colonel Richard Mentor Johnson, the 9th
Vice President of the US. Johnson had a bit of a scandalous life for the 1820s, including an interracial relationship
with Julia Chinn, a slave.
Unlike other upper class leaders who had African American mistresses but never mentioned
them, Johnson openly treated Chinn as his common law wife. He
acknowledged their two daughters as his children, giving them his surname, much
to the consternation of some of his constituents. The relationship is believed
to have led to the loss of his Senate seat in 1829, but his Congressional
district returned him to the House the next 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
March 16, 2017
Sullivan’s
Salvos 3/21/17
In this edition:
*Picking on the Poor
*GOP Attack on Local Control
*”Our” Road
*Family Vacation
*Did You Know?
*Picking on the Poor
Talk
about sleeping with the enemy... the Iowa Association of Community Providers is
fighting to lower the minimum wages in Polk, Linn, Johnson, and Wapello
Counties.
The
IACP includes human services agencies that serve people with mental illnesses
and intellectual disabilities. Johnson County has often fought side by side
with them when it comes to greater funding for services.
In
fairness to these providers, Medicaid caps how much they are paid. It is tough
to raise wages without a corresponding increase in income. We have spoken about
this at length. I spent several hours with local providers before the first
Johnson County increase went into effect. We still have the Business Manager
from Systems Unlimited on our Minimum Wage Advisory Committee. More
importantly, Johnson County actively argues for greater Medicaid reimbursement
for provider agencies.
But
despite our decades-long record of working with these agencies, they chose to
help the GOP maintain lower wages. Instead of working with the progressive
counties that had always had their backs, the providers sided with their good
friend Branstad. (Yes, he of Medicaid privatization.)
This
is what is truly amazing. Governor Branstad has NEVER been a friend to these
agencies. That was never clearer than when he chose to privatize Medicaid. But
there was IACP, at his side in the fight for lower wages. It is a sell-out of
epic proportions!
I
spoke to Executive Director Shelly Chandler, and she confirmed that they oppose
HF295. (Which also disallows protections for people with disabilities in local
human rights ordinances!) The IACP is in a race to the bottom. While counties
have fought for higher wages for people who provide this important care, the
IACP has chosen to sleep with the enemy.
Management
(in this case, those represented by the IACP) always tries to convince working
people that the enemy is the person earning slightly more than you. The real
enemy is organizations that use Medicaid money to pay lobbyists to advocate for
lower wages for the people who serve our most vulnerable citizens!
Think
about this for just a moment. The people served by IACP members are our
brothers and sisters. Do we really want the people caring for them to be paid
$7.25? It is shameful! IACP has chosen to use our brothers and sisters as pawns
in a play against their caretakers. Unbelievable!
I
hope SEIU, the Teamsters, and others look at IACP members as targets for future
union organizing campaigns. Their employees should be ripe, knowing that
management has conspired to keep statewide wages low.
Shelly
– there is a special place in hell for those who would pit the very poorest among
us (Medicaid recipients) against those who earn poverty-level wages caring for
them. I have no words to describe how vile your stance is on this issue.
My
advice to agencies that are members of the Iowa Association of Community
Providers? Drop your memberships. You are on the wrong side of this argument,
and the wrong side of history.
*GOP Attack on Local Control
Ankeny State Senator Jack
Whitver, writing in the Des Moines Register: “Senate Republicans want to make
sure Iowa’s state and local governments have the tools necessary to provide
services while executing their responsibilities effectively and efficiently for
the Iowa taxpayer. It is imperative we are always looking at ways to make the
public sector more nimble, economically sound and responsive to the needs of
Iowans throughout the state.”
What a load of crap! If
Whitver REALLY wanted us to have “tools” and be “nimble”, there is NO WAY he
would support HF295, which guts local control.
There are plenty
of lies being told by Republicans in the Iowa Legislature, but this statement
is so mendacious that it deserves to be called out separately for being such a
bold lie.
HF295
not only removes our minimum wage legislation, but also our Human Rights
Ordinance! This is shameful, cruel, and petty.
*”Our” Road
I
grew up on a farm, way out in the country, on a gravel road. And I still refer
to that gravel road as, “our” road. Why wouldn’t I? That road was the only way
out, and the only way home. It was our personal lifeline. It was “our” road.
In
reality, however, the road I grew up on was not “our” road; it belonged to all
the people of the County. Almost every road in Johnson County is publically
owned, and therefore the property of all of us.
Even
though almost every road is a public good, the people who live on certain roads
assume an extra level of ownership. Oftentimes, this can result in unrealistic
expectations.
For
example, I sometimes get calls asking me to, “Keep those outsiders off our
road.” Sorry, but that is not how it works with public roadways. Any driver can
travel the road, any time she pleases.
I get it; I have done the exact same thing my whole life. But we
need to remember – the road belongs to ALL of us.
*Family Vacation
With
state and federal politics going to hell, we all need family now more than
ever. That has been particularly hard for me as of late, as two of my kids have
moved far away.
That
is why Spring Break this past week was wonderful! We drove to Memphis to pick
up our daughter Jordan, who works with at-risk children in the Memphis area.
Then
we continued on to Disney World in Orlando, where our son BJ works. We took
full advantage of his connections, and had a great time staying and playing at
the parks. Honestly, I am not much into that type of stuff. But it was just so
good to see BJ in his element!
So,
the vacation was great! Both kids live in fun and exciting places, and are
doing things they enjoy. They are responsible young adults. I am immensely
proud of both of them.
But I have to be honest – I would give up absolutely anything just
to have them closer. Yes, I know it is selfish. I am just being honest here.
*DID YOU KNOW? Disney
World is larger than Manhattan! Yet Walt Disney purchased the 48
square miles of Florida swampland now home to Disney World for just $5 million
dollars.
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
March 3, 2017
Sullivan’s
Salvos 3/7/17
In this edition:
*No Salvos Next Week!
*Bobby Kauffmann
*Saint Patrick’s Day!
*Bob Sullivan
*Road Embargoes
*Did You Know?
*No Salvos Next Week!
There
will be no Salvos next week. Expect your next edition (dated 3/21/17) somewhere
around March 17 or 18.
*Bobby Kauffmann
Bobby
Kauffmann is a Republican State Representative who “represents” a portion of
Johnson County – the City of Solon, plus Big Grove, Cedar, Graham, East Lucas,
Scott, and Newport Townships.
Representative
Kauffmann has helped Johnson County with a couple pieces of legislation over
the years. Don’t get me wrong; I am very glad he did so. But really, isn’t it a
pretty minimal expectation that you help the local Supervisors to help the
folks you both represent?
Meanwhile, I have had many differences with Representative
Kauffmann over the years. The differences between us were never more stark than
when he voted against teachers, cops, firefighters, nurses, social workers,
roads crews, correctional officers, ambulance staff, and all the rest of our
public employees.
That vote is a disqualifying vote. There is no small bit of help
he can offer on another bill that will atone for his attack on public
employees. He is not deserving of your support.
So quit giving it to him! Over the next month, Representative
Kauffmann is going to get a free pass from Representative Upmeyer. He will join
Democrats on several votes, attempting to appear moderate. We saw this earlier
with Representative Andy McKean, whose Anamosa District contains a lot of
correctional workers. McKean never actually fought for public employees – he
simply got a pass, and took a free vote.
Representative Kauffmann has already been given his pass. He has
been given permission to vote against a couple of the craziest GOP bills that
are yet to come; they will pass without his vote.
You need to remember a few things – the attack on public
employees, his voting for 1% for public education, etc. (More bad votes are
still to come as of this writing. He will get a pass on many, but not all.) Small
goodwill gestures do NOT make up for this!
He’s going to be looking for tiny ways in which he can appear
bipartisan. He’s going to want to take all kinds of photos with Democrats.
Please do not let this fool you. He has already cast his disqualifying votes.
He needs to go.
*Saint Patrick’s Day!
Happy St. Patty’s Day on March 17! St. Patrick’s Day is one of my
favorite days of the year. While not an “official” holiday, this day has long
been celebrated heartily by my Irish family.
March
17 is a Friday this year, so I have plenty of time to celebrate correctly! J Meanwhile, I
hope each and every one of you is touched by a little luck o’ the Irish!
*Bob Sullivan
March
17 holds a special place in my heart that goes beyond St. Patrick’s Day. That
was also the birthday of my late father, Bob Sullivan.
Dad
was a proud union man, Hawkeye fan, and Irishman. We were father and son, but
also best friends. I can honestly say he was probably the most fun person I
have ever known.
Unfortunately,
he left this world much too soon, and never got the chance to meet any of his
grandchildren. I miss him every single day, but especially on St. Patty’s Day.
If
you knew my dad and you are reading this – send me an email some time. I could
really use a little time swapping stories and reminiscing.
And,
if you are looking for an extra toast on St. Patrick’s Day, allow me to suggest
that you raise a glass to Bob Sullivan.
Happy
birthday, Dad.
*Road Embargoes
One of the sure “signs of spring” in Iowa is the list of embargoed
roads! Winter weather – primarily cycles of freezing and thawing – can do
tremendous damage to roads. In order to allow counties to protect the taxpayer
investment in these roads, State law allows County Boards of Supervisors to
impose weight restrictions.
The chip seal/oil road systems are most susceptible to damage and
are most likely to be subjected to embargoes. Late February through early May
is a very common time for the county to post weight restrictions on county
roadways. Once posted, the restrictions may be in effect for a period of ninety
days. In the past, posted roadways have been limited to any vehicle less than 8
gross tons. Please check the county website for additional information
regarding Board approval and weight restrictions for the 2017 embargo season.
The County Engineer may issue a special permit to individuals who
demonstrate a need to move market farm produce of the type subject to rapid
spoilage or loss of value, or the need to move farm feeds or fuel for home
heating purposes. The issuance of a permit may allow certain vehicles exceeding
the weight limit to operate on embargoed roadways.
We get asked for exceptions all the
time, but please note - permits will not be issued for any other reason -
including transporting construction materials or equipment that exceeds the
posted weight limit. Operation of over-weight vehicles on restricted roads
without a permit will be at the risk of prosecution. Using alternate routes
where possible and breaking down loads into smaller units are methods
encouraged to minimize damage to these roads.
Permits for qualified participants will be issued at
the Johnson County Secondary Road Department at 4810 Melrose Avenue in Iowa
City. The following information will be needed to complete the permit: vehicle
license plate number(s), driver’s name(s), type of material being transported,
and planned route or roads you plan to travel.
Again,
for a list of embargoed roads, see the Secondary Roads page on the Johnson
County website: www.johnson-county.com.
*DID YOU KNOW?
There are 33.7 million U.S. residents who are of
Irish ancestry. That number is almost nine times the population of Ireland
itself.
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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