SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
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.
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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 @ 11:22 AM
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