SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
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
Monday, September 24th, 7:00 pm @ Englert Theatre
Dan Lerner, speaker, author, and educator.
Dan co-teaches “The Science of Happiness”, one of the most popular undergraduate courses at New York University.
Featured nonprofit: Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
Facebook event link to share: https://www.facebook.com/events/2509745435905111/<https://www.facebook.com/events/2509745435905111/>
Dan Lerner, speaker, author, and educator.
Dan co-teaches “The Science of Happiness”, one of the most popular undergraduate courses at New York University.
Featured nonprofit: Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
Facebook event link to share: https://www.facebook.com/events/2509745435905111/<https://www.facebook.com/events/2509745435905111/>
*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-
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---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 9:03 AM
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