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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 28, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 12/4/18
In this edition:
*Happy Hanukah!
*Special Election
*November Snows
*Black Friday
*Holiday Shopping and Events?
*Changing Email Addresses
*Did You Know?
*Happy Hanukah!
Happy Hanukah to all my Jewish friends! I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday! Chag Urim Sameach!
*Special Election
If you are a Democrat and/or a progressive, I need your help. We have a Special Election on Tuesday, December 18 to fill the office of Supervisor. This election is no gimme!
There were Special Elections for the office of County Supervisor in 1994 (won by Don Sehr), 2010 (won by Janelle Rettig), 2014 (won by John Etheredge), and 2016 (won by Lisa Green Douglass). So as you can see, Democrats have not exactly set the world on fire in these instances!
GOP voters tend to turn out in these cases; Democratic Party voters do not. Please do your part, and spread the word about this important election! Every little bit helps! Get on the phone. Get on Facebook. Spread the word!
Early voting will begin no later than 10th, and will be available 7:45 am -5:30 pm from December 10-14th and December 17 at the Auditor’s Office. There will be a satellite December 14 at UIHC, and December 15 at the IC Public Library.
We need people who are willing to knock doors and make phone calls. Please email me if you are able to help.
*November Snows
Winter weather arrived in Iowa before we could even rake all the leaves, and it appears it is here to stay! Many kudos to the public employees who cleared our roads at the end of a holiday weekend!
I simply cannot help but think about this in relationship to the raging wildfires in California; why can’t they get some of this moisture? Climate Change is real, folks… and we see it every day both subtly and in extreme weather events.
The talking heads on Fox will now be smirking and denouncing global warming, as they do during every big snow. Unfortunately, they fiddle while Rome burns. I sure wish I could go back in time and make them use “Climate Change” rather than “Global Warming”.
Meanwhile, I hope you all stay warm and safe! Be careful out there!
*Black Friday
I am proud to say that I have NEVER gone shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. Never. And I do not expect to ever do so.
When I do get around to shopping, it will be at a local brick and mortar store that pays property and sales taxes, and at a store that pays its employees well. I have less choices than I used to, but I’ll find something.
*Holiday Shopping and Events?
Planning your Holiday events? Starting your Holiday shopping? If so, please remember to look for the little blue sign that says, “We support the Johnson County Minimum Wage - $10.10.”
Obviously, Republicans in the Iowa Legislature took away Johnson County’s ability to set a minimum wage. But a coalition of local individuals, led by the Center for Worker Justice, have gone door-to-door to local businesses, asking them to pledge to pay at least $10.10.
And the campaign has been very successful! Already over 150 local businesses have made the pledge, with more businesses pledging every day.
I am going to spend my dollars in a way that does some social good. I am going to spend my dollars in a way that reflects the teachings of the season. I am going to support businesses that pay $10.10 this Holiday season. I hope you will do the same!
*Changing Email Addresses
I have been having some email difficulties recently, and I have had a few scares. I was forced to switch to a new mail system, and it has not been easy!
I had to have professional help to recover my contacts, and they still don’t work the way I feel they should. I am going to require additional help to recover my saved email folders. The idea of moving forward without either was (and is) truly daunting!
But the REALLY scary thing? At one point, I had a tech guy on the phone, and he offhandedly and cavalierly said, “Maybe you’ll just need to get a new email address.”
I was shocked. I got a sick feeling in my stomach. I had not even contemplated such a thing! Rodsullivan@mchsi.comis the only email address I have ever used. (I do have a Gmail account, but don’t really use it for anything.) Every friend I have has that address. All my business connections have that address. Every membership to anything I have ever joined has that address. My credit cards, my bank, my work, my insurance, my magazine subscriptions, social media, my dog’s vet, my plumber… I cannot even imagine changing my email address at this point in my life!
Luckily, it looks as though I will keep this address. (Even though maintaining everything has been an expensive pain in the ass!) So, Salvos readers – I need you to reassure me. Have you changed email addresses? Was it better/easier than I imagine? Of what pitfalls should a person be aware?
*DID YOU KNOW? Clarion (Wright County) is the only Iowa county seat in the exact center of the 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 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 21, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/27/18
In this edition:
*Party Conventions
*Our Nominee!
*The Election
*Are You “Represented”?
*Homeless Children’s Trust Xmas Party
*Did You Know?
*Party Conventions
These conventions were necessitated by the untimely death of Supervisor Kurt Friese. The GOP Convention will be held Saturday, November 24th; the expectation is that they will nominate Phil Hemingway, who just ran in the general election.
The Johnson County Democratic Party held its’ Special Convention on Tuesday, November 20that Clear Creek Amana High School. The evening began with Mike Carberry being nominated from the floor; Mike graciously declined.
Delegates then heard from the two announced candidates: Retired Supervisor Pat Harney, and Activist Royceann Porter. Porter won by a 109-42 margin, becoming the first African American nominee for countywide office in Johnson County history.
*Our Nominee!
Royceann Porter is the Democratic Party nominee for Supervisor in the December 18thelection. Royceann becomes the first ever African American nominee for countywide office.
I know there are some people out there who do not like her. Fact is, you cannot step up and become a public figure without making some people angry. Royceann has embraced her leadership role, and there are some people who do not like her because of that.
I have known Royceann since our daughters became friends over 15 years ago. This is one strong, determined woman! She has been asked to do a lot, and she has answered the call. I admire her, and I wholeheartedly support her candidacy. I hope you do, too.
*The Election
The Special Election for County Supervisor will be Tuesday, December 18th. I will admit; that date scares me. A lot of voters will be out of town. Others will have the holidays on their minds. Others are still exhausted from our recent round of elections. Democrats are going to need to suck it up and pull it together once again!
If you want to know how you can help, just send me an email and I’ll put you in touch with the correct people.
*Are You “Represented”?
I am SO tired of hearing candidates say that the people they speak with are “unrepresented.” What does that mean? I think when people say it, they are usually talking about geography.
Geography is but one thing that binds people together. Despite the immigration of the past two decades, we remain a small community in many ways. Frankly, most elections are won because of who your Mom and Dad are/were. There are old friendships to take into account. Every election has issues of gender, race, religion, occupation, education, political party, and income level, just to name a few.
These issues aren't usually well publicized, but it is clear that many farmers vote for farmers, many UI folks vote for UI folks, many Catholics vote for Catholics, and so forth. This does not even take into account the actual issues of the day - public safety, roads, social services, taxes, and the like. Does geography matter? Yes, but not nearly as much as people think.
One high-profile example – Former Supervisor Harney lives in Newport Township, yet disagreed with the vast majority of Newport residents over the road.
Personally, I voted to vacate a road that is home to one of my friends, very near where I grew up. That was not fun, but I felt I needed to ignore the geography.
I generally dislike identity politics. I am more interested in policy. I frequently hear, “We need a couple rural folks on the Board.” I understand the reasoning, but I disagree. Look at all the flaws in this argument:
1. We have that already. Supervisor Friese lived southeast of North Liberty; Supervisor Green Douglas lives northwest of North Liberty. As recently as 2000, ALL Board members lived in the rural areas.
2. Not all rural folks think alike, and not all rural folks will vote alike. Remember – rural does not necessarily equate to farmer!
3. Johnson County has about 4,000 on-farm residents. (That amounts to 2.5% of overall county residents, and a little less than one in 5 rural residents.) Johnson County has many more teachers than farmers; why don’t we need a teacher on the Board?
4. In continuing the identity politics, Johnson County is home to 8,500 Latinos; 10,500 African Americans; 13,000 people with disabilities; 8,000 gays and lesbians; 20,000 seniors; 25,000 people with Master’s Degrees or higher. Must we ensure that each of these groups is represented? If so, how do we accomplish this on a 5-person Board?
5. What does it mean “to be represented?” While not African American, I am sensitive to issues of race through having three African American children. While not a farmer, I grew up on a farm, and we still have several in the family. While I do not have a disability, I used to work at The Arc. Each Supervisor could go on similarly as to why she/he represents everyone well.
Once again we hear the refrain that certain groups are “unrepresented.” Who? I can promise you, if you make your case to me, I’ll hear you out. And if you convince me, I’ll bust my butt to make sure County government works for you.
Feel unrepresented? Give me a call, and we’ll work on that.
*Homeless Children’s Trust Xmas Party
The 28thAnnual Homeless Children’s Trust Christmas Party is coming up on December 1stfrom 9-12 at the River Community Church in Iowa City. This party will serve over 150 of Johnson County’s neediest children and their families.
The Homeless Children’s Trust is a subsidiary of the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), a local nonprofit that provides 55 transitional housing units, LiHeap heating assistance, and Head Start preschool for 260 children in Johnson County.
The Christmas Party offers games, treats, and entertainment to children while their parents receive a gift card to shop for them. Presents get wrapped, and everyone gathers back together for lunch.
Volunteers are needed to play with the children. Volunteers can contact Mary Larew at 338-1212 (days) or 337-2264 (evenings).
*DID YOU KNOW? About 16% of Iowans smoke, a bit higher than the national average of 14%.
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 15, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/20/18
In this edition:
*Happy Thanksgiving!
*Putting Things Off
*Supervisor Special Election
*Budget
*Did You Know?
*Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to Salvos readers! In many ways, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. (Imagine that coming from a fat guy, huh?)
Actually, I love the idea of giving thanks. It is a simple act that does not happen enough.
While I am at it – thanks to all of you who read Salvos each week. And a special thanks to those of you who follow up by sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it! Happy Thanksgiving!
*Putting Things Off
All the candidates – at every rally – urge us to “put everything off until after the election.” I took them literally. I did that this fall. And I have been paying for it ever since!
Don’t get me wrong; I have no regrets. I will do it again. But man, it takes a while to catch up!
*Supervisor Special Election
It seems a bit morbid, but County business must go on. So we need to discuss how we will replace my colleague Kurt Friese on the Board of Supervisors.
The death (or resignation) of a Supervisor triggers the meeting of a committee statutorily consisting of the Treasurer, Recorder, and Auditor. Supervisor Friese’s funeral was Saturday, November 3rd, and the committee met on Thursday, November 8th.
The committee had two options: appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term, or call for an election. The committee chose to go to election by a 2-1 vote.
You may recall that there have been appointments AND elections previous times there were openings on the Board. In 2010, the opening was created by the death of Supervisor Larry Meyers. Current Supervisor Janelle Rettig was already running for a spot, as the election was much closer than now. The committee appointed Rettig, but a petition drive resulted in enough signatures to force a special election. Rettig defeated Republican nominee Lori Cardella in that special election, then ran unopposed with Supervisor Stutsman in the general election.
I think it is safe to say that the experience they had in 2010 influenced the committee. They were all reluctant to spend the money – a countywide special election costs about $60,000. But there were good reasons for going to a vote. First, this is a full two years. As Recorder Painter pointed out, that is the length of a House term. The public expects to weigh in when someone represents them for that long. Secondly, if folks were going to force an election for a 10-month opening, they were likely to force one for a two-year long opening. So the committee opted to go straight to a special election.
The election will be held Tuesday, December 18. This means that the Republican and Democratic Parties will hold conventions to choose their candidates ASAP. Other individuals can be nominated by petition, and appear on the ballot without a “D” or “R” behind their names.
Democrats interested in the position will make their case at the Democratic Party Convention on 11-20; Republicans will do the same at theirs on 11-24. Then the two winners face off in the December 18 contest.
*Budget
Johnson County is beginning the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which will begin July 1stof 2019. Here are some ongoing budget issues, and my take on them:
General Fund versus Rural Fund: If you pay property taxes in Johnson County, you pay into the General Fund. All taxpayers do. If you live in the unincorporated area of the county, you also pay into the Rural Fund. The Rural Fund covers expenses specific to rural residents – mostly roads, but also libraries, landfill, and a couple smaller expenses. There are wide variations between counties as to what should be supported by the rural fund.
Any single individual can easily create a budget: It isn’t that hard to support the programs and services you like, then cut the ones you don’t. It is much more difficult to do this for 155,000 people. Similarly, it isn’t that hard to decide how much you think you ought to pay in taxes, then apply that County wide. It is more difficult when you then recognize how many valuable services would need to be cut. Creating a budget that works for 155,000 people is challenging.
Taxes versus services: I had a man complain to me about his taxes. The next day, his wife complained about the condition of their road. They simply can’t have it both ways! Yes, this is an anecdote, but it sums up the fundamental budgetary difficulty- people want to pay less in taxes, but get more services. It cannot be done.
Mandated versus optional services: Some services are required by law. For example, Johnson County is obligated to hold elections. Other services are optional. For example, Johnson County has no legal obligation to fund DVIP. I take issue with things being portrayed this simply. Let’s go back to elections. While elections are mandated, there is no mandate as to the amount of elections staff, computer equipment, or other expenses. The law says we must do it, but it does not specify the amount we must spend. Funding DVIP may, in fact, be a very productive way to work toward Johnson County’s mission.
Conservative budgeting versus low taxes: It is important for folks to recognize that the lowest possible tax rate does not equate to the most conservative budgeting. For example – the most conservative budgeting includes money for maintenance. You need to spend money on upkeep, whether roads, buildings, or vehicles – or you’ll spend more in the long run. And I REFUSE to buy into the idea that taxes are inherently evil! Taxes are the price of supporting a civilized society.
Want to know a government’s priorities? Look at the budget. With that said, I encourage citizens to join us at our budget meetings. (The calendar is on the website.) Meanwhile, what are your priorities? Now is the time to let us know!
*DID YOU KNOW? County Recorder Kim Painter and County Treasurer Tom Kriz have served on five of these committees since they were first elected in 1998: to replace Joe Bolkcom when he won election to the Iowa Senate; to replace Larry Meyers following his death; to replace Sally Stutsman when she won election to the Iowa House; to replace Terrence Neuzil following his resignation; and to replace Kurt Friese following his death.
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 7, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/13/18
In this edition:
*Election Recap
*Election Thoughts
*Linn County
*Monday Morning Quarterbacks
*Did You Know?
*Election Recap
Because you haven’t had enough politics yet (ha!) - let’s discuss the results from Tuesday!
Iowa Governor: Republican incumbent Kim Reynolds doubled down on her disastrous privatization of Iowa Medicaid, and yet somehow it did not cost her. Democrat Fred Hubbell came close, but Reynolds will be Iowa’s Governor for the next 4 years. I won’t lie – this one hurts.
Other Statewide offices: Democrats had a strong group here, pushing Deidra DeJear for Secretary of State, Rob Sand for State Auditor, and Tim Gannon for Secretary of Agriculture. All the races were close, but unfortunately, only Sand was able to pull out a victory.
Iowa’s US House seats: In Iowa’s First District, Abby Finkenour defeated incumbent Rod Blum 50-47. We knew Iowa’s Third District was going to be close, and it did not disappoint. Cindy Axne defeated incumbent David Young 49-48. In Iowa’s Fourth District, racist Steve King fought off a tough challenge from JD Schloten to win 51-47. In our own Second District – the least dramatic – incumbent Congressman Dave Loebsack defeated Dr. Chistopher Peters by a 56-42 count.
US House seats nationally: As expected, Democrats reclaimed the US house. Was it a “wave”? I guess we all have our own definitions. But Democrats are now decisively in charge of one house of Congress.
US Senate seats nationally: The map was bad for Democrats, and it would have taken some minor miracles for them to get to 51 seats. Unfortunately, Democrats suffered some heartbreakingly close losses, and lost a couple of seats overall.
Iowa Senate: This was always going to be a reach. Much like the US Senate, the map gets much better for Iowa Dems in 2020. Meanwhile, there were some gains, some losses, and Democrats end up pretty much where they were before. Locally, Kevin Kinney held his seat. Joe Bolkcom rolled to victory, as did newcomer Zach Wahls.
Iowa House: Woulda, coulda, shoulda… about 2000 more votes spread across various House races, and Dems control the House with 52 members. Instead, they will have to settle for a 46-54 deficit. (That is pending recounts.)
County offices: Democrats Pat Heiden and Janelle Rettig defeated Republican Phil Hemingway.
Other outcomes of note: Three red states voted to increase the minimum wage; it passed in all 3. Three red states voted to expand Medicaid; it passed in all 3. Three states voted on nonpartisan redistricting; it passed in two, with one too close to call. On a day where just a couple thousand votes decided the Florida Senate and Governor’s races, Floridians voted to return voting rights to 1.4 million felons (not including murderers and those convicted of sex crimes).
*Election Thoughts
I am not prone to hyperbole when it comes to politics. I avoid words like “never,” “always,” and “ever”. But this year was different. I have said it before and I will say it again; the elections of 2018 were the most important elections in my lifetime.
So how did we respond as Iowans and Americans? It was a mixed bag, I am afraid!
1. For starters, congratulations and thanks to the Johnson County Auditor’s Office! Auditor Travis Weipert, Elections Deputy Carrie Nierling, and all the permanent and temporary staff did tremendous work!
2. Same goes for the Eastside Dems organization! BRAVO!
3. Turnout was unreal! In Johnson County, turnout approached Presidential numbers.
4. Nationally and in Iowa, the number of close races was unbelievable! Race after race was decided by less than 2%. You have a lot of people elected without a strong “mandate”, if you will.
5. Nationally, winning the House was really important.
6. In Iowa, we needed to win either the House or the Governor, and we lost both. It will be interesting to see what institutions the Iowa GOP decides to attack the next two years.
7. How in the world do Dems win ¾ House seats – one convincingly – and lose the Governorship? I still don’t understand it.
8. Similarly, Democrats won nationally by over 9% - but lost Senate seats!
9. It was the Year of the Woman! Female candidates did very well, regardless of party!
10. I have heard some people say, “It doesn’t matter. Elections don’t change anything.” This is pure ignorance! More importantly, it is pure privilege! If you said this, odds are good you are an upper-middle-class white man.
*Linn County
Our neighbors to the north had a very interesting local election, and I am happy with the results.
Congratulations to Supervisors Ben Rogers, Stacey Walker, and Brent Oleson. I look forward to working with you all!
A sad note – because of the STUPID decision by Linn County voters to go from 5 Supervisors to 3, a really good man lost an important position.
Supervisor John Harris is a fine man, and a damn good Supervisor. He deserved better. Thanks for your service, John!
*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. and have my whole life. 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”. I hate that cliché. 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? Beginning in January, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors will have a female majority for the first time in its’ history.
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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