SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
December 20, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 12/25/18
In this edition:
*Election Results!
*Happy New Year!
*Salvos Salutes!
*Did You Know?
*Election Results!
Democrat Royceann Porter defeated Republican Phil Hemingway 56-43 to win the open seat on the Board of Supervisors. Porter replaces the late Kurt Friese, and becomes the first African American ever to hold countywide office in Johnson County.
I want to take a moment to thank Phil for the positive way in which he ran his campaign. He stated multiple times that he liked and respected Royceann, and true to his word, he behaved accordingly.
Royceann can be seated as soon as the Canvass of votes is completed on December 26th. Congratulations!
*Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all Salvos readers! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful 2019!
*Salvos Salutes!
2018 is coming to a close, and it is time for honoring a few select Johnson County residents with that most treasured of honors, the Salvos Salute. A few observations:
* This is the twelfth annual set of awards, and there are always more people who deserve awards than there are awards to give. We live in a great County!
* The focus is on Johnson County. It is certainly worth noting the daily heroism of someone like our firefighters, police, and paramedics. There are also examples that garner international attention. But we have everyday heroes right here in Johnson County that deserve a shout out.
* There are some people out there that could win every year. I am trying to honor different folks, but repeat winners are not out of the question.
* Salvos Salutes do not have specific criteria, but you can bet that in general, most of the winners are courageous, advocate for peace and justice, have good ideas, speak truth to power, avoid hypocrisy, and look out for the less fortunate.
Without further adieu, your 2018 Salvos Salutes go to:
Bob Dvorsky (again):A rare repeat winner! Senator Dvorsky is retiring from the Iowa Senate after 38 years in public office.Congratulations on your retirement, Senator. Thank you for all you have done over the years. You have been a friend and a role model. I have learned a lot from you, and you have my never-ending respect and admiration. To Sir With Love. Best wishes.
Dick Schwab and Katherine Burford (again):Another couple repeat winners! I listed their accomplishments once in Salvos; it took the whole edition! They have been the premier philanthropists in Johnson County for 30 years. Nobody else is close. And as they moved away, in a final act of charitable kindness, they make a $1 million donation to the Johnson County Conservation Department! They are truly good people, and I will really miss Dick and Katherine!
Christopher Taylor (again):What was that I said about repeat winners? The Mayor of Swisher and Chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party, Mr. Taylor is a fantastic young leader and a damned good guy. I expect big things from him in the future! And why not? He is doing big things now!
Royceann Porter (again):This is the year of repeat winners! When she was honored in 2014, I wrote: “No matter the issue, Royceann Porter has become the “go-to” person for the local African American community. The community is too large and diverse to have a single spokesperson, but Royceann is widely respected as a problem solver. Understand – this is a tremendous weight to place on one woman’s shoulders! But Royceann has proven herself to be up to the task.”
Fast forward to 2018, and Royceann has taken the next step – becoming the first African American ever elected to Countywide office!
Cheryl Stowe:Since I am breaking all the rules anyway – Sherry was not from Johnson County. We used to work together, and during that time, she became one of my best friends. Sherry was absolutely one of a kind. Funny, smart, and caring. Unfortunately, she was brutally murdered earlier this year near her home in Western Iowa. RIP, Sherry. I will never forget you!
Bob Burns:Nobody in Johnson County knows more about affordable housing than local architect Bob Burns. He did the first tax credit project in the State of Iowa, and he has been developing affordable housing ever since. Many of the affordable housing units in existence in Johnson County today were done by Bob Burns. He is scaling back his work this year, and deserves our thanks!
Kevin “BF” Burt:The Board recognized Kevin “BF” Burt this year after he won the 34thAnnual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. We could have just as easily honored him for being a damned good guy who freely gives of his time and talent. Johnson County is so blessed to be the adopted home of this musical legend!
Jeff Edberg:Not only is he the best commercial real estate broker in Johnson County – Jeff Edberg is a wonderful human being who has been a strong advocate for fixing the Iowa Medicaid program. In addition, Jeff helped Johnson County and our partner cities to locate the best possible site for the new Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (BHUCC). Thanks, Jeff! We couldn’t have done it without you!
Stephen Trefz: Personally, professionally, politically… Stephen Trefz is truly one of the good guys. Stephen recently retired from Abbe Health after a long career serving those with mental health needs in Johnson County.I have known Stephen since the 80s when he was a therapist at Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health, an organization he later led. He has always been a force for good in our community, and I wish him all the best in his retirement. Thanks, Stephen, for all your great work!
Flip It Iowa: This group of Johnson County residents worked their tails off to elect Democrats in neighboring House and Senate Districts. It is easy to say they weren’t that successful, but that would be wrong! Every time we stand up and speak out, we chip away at the wall. Thanks to all the Flip It folks!
Susan Craig:All she did was run the greatest place on earth for a quarter century! Top that! Congratulations on your retirement after 43 years of service to the Iowa City Public Library, including the last 24 as Director!
Eastside Democrats:The Iowa Democratic Party doesn’t need to staff Johnson County as thoroughly as it used to. Why? Because the Eastside Democrats kick butt! This group of (primarily) women decided to take on electoral politics a couple of cycles ago, and they have changed the game!
Sharon Lake:The leader of the aforementioned Eastside Democrats, Sharon is an indefatigable worker and a dynamic leader. Democrats throughout the State owe her for her remarkable volunteer work!
Little Village:Johnson County has really suffered from a lack of news coverage. Democracy depends upon an informed public; unfortunately, that has become difficult in our current environment. This is why Little Village shines like a beacon in the night! Not only do they cover important topics that others ignore, but they ask tough questions. They also write the things others are thinking but will not put in print. Bravo, Little Village!
Jim Pregon:A Deputy Treasurer for the past 28 years, Jim is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. He comes in early, stays late, and works until the job is finished and finished correctly. When you see a guy on his knees in the parking lot, changing license plates for a little old lady? That was Jim. And that is an everyday occurrence. While I congratulate him on his retirement, I know Johnson County will really miss Jim Pregon!
Kurt Friese:Oh, Kurt. My heart hurts. You were quite a character. Gone far too young, my colleague Kurt Friese made a huge impact in a short time as a member of the Board of Supervisors. I will always remember his flair, his wit, and his deep concern for those who are less fortunate. RIP, my friend.
Congratulations to all our winners!
*DID YOU KNOW? 175 individuals/groups have received a Salvos Salute since they were started in 2006.
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.
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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 @ 12:15 PM
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