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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
September 27, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/2/18
In this edition:
*RIP Nancy and Jeff
*Harvest Driving
*Wilson’s Orchard
*Listen to the Board Meetings
*November Elections
*My Favorite Quote
*Green Room Event
*Did You Know?
*RIP Nancy and Jeff
I was sad to see that Nancy Anderson passed away. Nancy taught my son BJ at Hoover Elementary, and was a kind and caring individual. I knew Nancy was struggling with poor health; I hope she has found peace.
I was shocked and saddened to see that Jeff Kosier passed away. Jeff taught all three of my kids at Hoover, and he and I became friends during the process.
Jeff was a big guy with an icy stare, but a big heart and a great sense of humor. I will never forget - my daughter Rachel arrived at Hoover in 4thgrade in a blaze of glory! They had no idea what to do with her. No labels accurately described her, no tactics seemed to work, and she was giving her teachers fits. As they were assigning kids to 5th/6thgrade rooms, the Principal called me in. She said, “I think Rachel needs a dose of Kosier.” And she did! That meant tough love and accountability.
My kids were (and are) all very different. And though Jeff treated each as an individual, he always got the most out of them.
RIP, Jeff Kosier. A great teacher and great guy!
*Harvest Driving
It is harvest season, and that means you are going to encounter large farm implements on the road. Please be careful and polite to our farmers!
Tractors, wagons, combines, semis… there are lots of agricultural vehicles out there. In addition, it is a beautiful time of year, so many people are just taking fall drives. There is plenty of potential for conflict, so please be safe!
*Wilson’s Orchard
It would not be fall without a trip to Wilson’s Orchard! Just off Highway 1 between Iowa City and Solon, this beautiful orchard offers you-pick, tractor rides, and much more! And it really is beautiful! Some of the views are breathtaking!
What’s more, when you support local farms like Wilson’s, your dollars circulate through our economy many times over!
*Listen to the Board Meetings
People interested in County government should take the time to listen to and/or watch a meeting. The Thursday, September 20 meeting is a great example.
You can get there from the County homepage (www.johnson-county.com) or by following this link: http://johnsoncountyia.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2328. There are both formal and informal meetings; be sure to listen to formal.
The meeting is about 55 minutes long; the first 25 minutes are a series of three proclamations: Fall Prevention Awareness, Food Rescue Awareness, and International Day of Peace. Feel free to listen to those if you are interested in those topics. The rest of the meeting – 30 minutes – is more representative of a typical county meeting.
*November Elections
I wrote about this just two weeks ago. But frankly, it is the most important thing I can write. We need you to volunteer!
In Johnson County, there are offices in North Liberty and Iowa City. You can walk in seven days a week, grab a packet, and either door knock or make phone calls.
Neither is hard, but if you want to join a more experienced volunteer for your first time or two, the staff will make that happen.
Personally, I have been door knocking a couple times every week. So I would like to throw down this challenge… there are now about 6 weeks left until Election Day. Door knock at least 6 times between now and Election Day, and you are invited to a mid-November pizza party. (Exact details to follow.)
What are you waiting for? Call Conner Dane at 617-959-1428 to get started.
*My Favorite Quote
My all-time favorite quote comes from Saint Augustine (354-430), who said: “Charity is no substitute for Justice.”
This quote goes straight to one of the root problems of today’s neoliberal thought. Way too many people in this world think that because they give alms, they are doing their part. Perhaps a better analogy for today is, “I posted about it on Facebook, so I did something.” In fact, charity is easy. Justice is hard.
Here are some examples: You donate to the clothing drive at the local “poor school”, but you will not fight for redistricting and rezoning that eliminates the existence of the “poor school”. That is charity, not justice.
You volunteer at a food bank, but you will not support a higher minimum wage. That is charity, not justice.
You donate money to veteran’s groups, but you fail to speak out against unjust wars. That is charity, not justice.
Your City Council sponsors the local Juneteenth celebration, but refuses to take seriously issues of disproportionate minority contact. That is charity, not justice.
Charity is generally a good thing. It is critical for individuals in the moment. But we must not lose sight of the march toward justice. We must not allow charitable good works to clear our consciences and pretend we have somehow done our part. Not until justice is served.
*Green Room Event
Monday, October 8th @ Englert Theatre
Jesse Elliott, director at The Music District.
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*DID YOU KNOW? The US Military has $717 billion budgeted for FY19. Remember – wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not included in this budget! Over the past 17 years, the US has spent over $4 trillion on those wars. The US had Special Forces in 149 of the world’s 195 countries in 2017. (I apologize, as I am not 100% certain of the source for these statistics. My bet is that Ed Flaherty of Iowa City could provide a source if someone wants it.)
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
September 19, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 9/25/18
In this edition:
*Goodbye, Dick and Katherine!
*Supporting Pat Heiden
*Iowa City Book Festival
*Rights of Businesses
*Green Room Event
*Did You Know?
*Goodbye, Dick and Katherine!
After 34 years in the Iowa City area, Dick Schwab and Katherine Burford are moving to Webster, Wisconsin - a very special place to Katherine and her family.
As you know, Dick Schwab has been a bit of a lightning rod for a decade or so. And frankly, I think most of it has been a bunch of crap. A small lynch mob with personal vendettas has done its best to damage the man’s reputation. Is Dick perfect? Of course not. Has he made a couple of mistakes in terms of County rules and regs? Yes, a few, in fact. We have certainly spent a few extra hours on Dick’s various projects. But that is OK!
Schwab is a businessperson, and he engages in a variety of creative businesses. Sometimes, his endeavors require a bit of extra work on both his and the County’s part. Yes, we have had a few headaches. But I would argue that everything Dick Schwab has done has ultimately improved the quality of life for most people in Johnson County. He has not taken from the people of Johnson County; instead, he has given them some great properties.
More importantly, look at the legacy he leaves behind. Here are just a few of the organizations Dick has been engaged with over the years:
· Founder of the Community Foundation of Johnson County.
· Founder of the Solon Dollars for Scholars.
· Founder of the Solon Education Association.
· Seventeen years on the Solon School Board.
· Built the Solon Nature Area round barn.
· Founder of the Eastern Iowa Angel Investors.
· Co-chair of the successful 2008 Conservation Bond.
· Board Member of Bur Oak Land Trust.
· Board Member of United Way of Johnson County.
· Board Member and Life Member of Goodwill of the Heartland.
· Board Member of Chamber of Commerce and ICAD.
· Board Member of Midwest One Bank.
· Board Member of the Entrepreneurial Development Center.
· Volunteer for Iowa City Hospice and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
· 2012 Democratic Party Candidate for House District 73.
Just take a moment and reread that list. Dick’s commitment of time, talent, and money is truly second to none!
This doesn’t even include the incredible donation Dick and Katherine made on their way out – donating over $1 million dollars worth of land to Johnson County Conservation!
The people of Johnson County were lucky to have Dick Schwab and Katherine Burford as a part of our community. Their wonderful legacy will last a long, long time. I want to personally thank them for all their good works. I wish them well in their future endeavors!
*Supporting Pat Heiden
Pat Heiden and I ran for Supervisor in the same 2016 cycle. Prior to that, we had only met once – we both manned a concession stand at City High one night in 2006 or 2007. We had been to some of the same community events, but we just didn’t know each other. We were not friends, and we certainly were not enemies – again, we simply did not know each other.
That was two and a half years ago. Since then, I HAVE gotten to know Pat. And I STRONGLY support her candidacy for Johnson County Supervisor!
Pat is kind and thoughtful. She is smart, and willing to work hard. I have really grown to like her! I also really appreciate the fact that she has a great deal of experience managing people. I am very much looking forward to working with her!
So, just in case you ever felt my support was in question – it is not! And I apologize to anyone for whom that was not clear. I want to encourage all of you to join me in voting Pat Heiden for Supervisor this fall!
*Iowa City Book Festival
The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organizationis proud to offer you several days of literary programming as part of the 2018 Iowa City Book Festival, October 1-7 at locations throughout Johnson County.
Iowa City is a City of Literature for many reasons: The wonderful writing programs at the University of Iowa, our small presses and magazines, our wonderful libraries, our bookstores, and amenities like the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk. While you are here, we encourage you to explore all of this and more, to fully immerse yourself in our rich literary culture.
The Iowa City Book Festival is organized by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, a nonprofit 501(c)3 that manages the Iowa City area’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. The City of Literature works to advance its mission of celebrating and supporting literature on a local, regional, national, and international level, connecting readers and writers through the power of story.
I served on the Board of the City of Literature at its’ inception, and for the first 3-4 years. I am very proud of the organization and this event! For the full schedule, see: http://www.iowacitybookfestival.org
*Rights of Businesses
The Republican Party has been virulently anti-regulation since the 1980s. We should not regulate industries that pollute our air and water. We should not regulate food and drugs. We should not regulate big banks or credit card companies. We should not regulate the nursing homes that care for our seniors. We should not regulate home schools. We should not regulate the internet carriers (Net Neutrality). We should not regulate land use through zoning. If you think it ought to be regulated, the GOP disagrees.
That is, unless you are Nike, Twitter, Facebook, and a few others. When companies criticize President Trump, we start to talk regulation. The hypocrisy knows no end.
Newsflash: we need regulations in every industry. We need to protect every American. Except perhaps the President and members of Congress who vote against such protections for others!
*Green Room Event
*DID YOU KNOW? Dick Schwab started the Community Foundation of Johnson County. Since its founding in 2000, CFJC has raised more than $20 million in endowed and charitable-giving assets, and nearly $6 million in bequests. Since its founding, CFJC has distributed more than $10.4 million in grants, serving more than 180 nonprofit organizations, individuals, and donor-advised funds.
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
September 13, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 9/18/18
In this edition:
*Follow Up to City Budgets
*Solarize Johnson County
*November Elections
*Stop the Insanity!
*Kaufmann Update
*Green Room Event
*Did You Know?
*Follow Up to City Budgets
I wrote about City budgets last week, and I believe some follow up is merited.
First, a correction. Last week I said that one cent on the Iowa City levy generated about $60,000. Mayor Throgmorton emailed me to say that according to Iowa City Finance Director Dennis Bockenstedt, each penny increase in the City's tax levy brings approximately $36,000 to the City. Thanks, Jim, for that clarification!
Moving on - As we approach budget time, you are going to hear City Councilors from every city claim, “The budget is tight.” Yet those cities have levy rates that are dramatically different. What gives?
I think City Councilors and City Staff should be challenged every time they say the budget is “tight”. Because the only things that make a budget “tight” are their own decisions. (And the decisions of previous Councils.)
Look at a few local examples. North Liberty ranks #427 (out of over 900 Iowa cities) with a consolidated tax rate of $34.01. Coralville ranks 279 with a rate of $36.51. The two cities are very similar in size. If Coralville has something North Liberty lacks? It is probably because Coralville has made a conscious decision to fund those amenities.
It is not always that simple, however. Tiffin ranks #275 at $36.62; that number is very similar to the Coralville rate. But because of their differing sizes and histories, that tax money is being spent differently in the two communities.
Iowa City ranks #154 at $39.08. I am a 34-year Iowa City resident. I really like the amenities Iowa City provides. We can always quibble. And as a budget hawk, I can find several things I would do differently were I the King. But generally speaking, I like the way Iowa City is willing to invest. I do not mind paying the Iowa City portion of my tax bill. I am a proud resident.
So when a Councilperson tells you the budget is tight, ask them why they don’t just increase the levy. You will be met with stammering. A few may be honest, and say they just don’t want to raise taxes. Which is a perfectly acceptable response! Saying, “I choose lower taxes over more services” is a much more honest response than, “The budget is tight.”
The point is, Councils are making CHOICES. This is not something out of their control – they CHOOSE to make a budget tight, or not. As former Vice President Joe Biden once said, “Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.”
Bottom line? If you do not like the choices your city is making, run for Council. Or find someone else to do it and support her. You need not accept “The budget is tight” as an answer.
*Solarize Johnson County
The Solarize Johnson County program offering discounted residential solar to area residents wrapped up this week with an astounding 1.15 megawatt (1,153 kW) in secured solar projects, and a few more yet to be finalized. More than 180 households have taken advantage of the outright discount and maximized additional savings offered by the program.
The program surpassed the impressive 607 kW of solar added through the successful Solarize Cedar Rapids and Linn County program offered in 2017. That program had 104 participants.
North Liberty-based Moxie Solar, the competitively-selected installer for the program, followed up on more than 800 leads gained through Solar Power Hours hosted by the County and cities and through online sign-ups.
“We would especially like to thank Johnson County staff for their vision and commitment to supporting Solarize Johnson County this summer,” Hoffman added. “Their passion for doing well for the environment is unrivaled.”
*November Elections
I have had a number of folks ask me about the November elections. They are concerned about the direction of our state and country, and are wondering what they can do.
The answer is simple: volunteer! In Johnson County, there are offices in North Liberty and Iowa City. You can walk in seven days a week, grab a packet, and either doorknock or make phone calls.
Neither is hard, but if you want to join a more experienced volunteer for your first time or two, the staff will make that happen.
Personally, I have been doorknocking every Tuesday evening. So I would like to throw down this challenge… there are about 8 weeks left until Election Day. Doorknock at least 8 times between now and Election Day, and you are invited to a mid-November pizza party. (Exact details to follow.)
What are you waiting for? Call Conner Dane at 617-959-1428 to get started.
*Stop the Insanity!
Democrats – please listen up! We have simply GOT to stop the insanity!
If you post something on social media that is anti-Hilary Clinton? You are hurting Democrats! If you “like” something on social media that is anti-Hilary Clinton? You are hurting Democrats!
If you post something on social media that is anti-Bernie Sanders? You are hurting Democrats! If you post something on social media that is anti-Bernie Sanders? You are hurting Democrats!
This is exactly what the Russian algorithms are attempting to accomplish. Why help them? Please knock it off, and focus on November!
*Kaufmann Update
As you may recall, on March 21 I challenged State Representative Bobby Kaufmann to a debate on HF2372. (I texted him the challenge before it appeared in Salvos.)
The bill was later changed, and passed in a different form. But he still supported taking away even more local control. (Not from his Dad, mind you, but from Johnson County.) I still think this is a terrible vote, and an important topic to discuss. I still want the debate.
I have not yet received a response from Representative Kaufmann. I will keep you posted.
Meanwhile, I see that Bobby refuses to debate Jodi Clemens, his opponent in HD73. He even skipped the longstanding forum hosted by the Task Force on Aging. So I guess it is not just me he is afraid of!
*Green Room Event
*DID YOU KNOW? Iowa City only served as Iowa’s Capital City for 16 years.
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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