SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
January 24, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 1/29/19
In this edition:
*RIP Betsy Riesz
*Congratulations Shirley!
*Diversity and the Fair
*Downtown Benches
*LT Grocery
*Bowl For Kid’s Sake
*Did You Know?
*RIP Betsy Riesz
RIP Betsy Riesz – a strong, smart, and kind woman. When Betsy saw something left undone, she stepped up and did it. I have the utmost respect for Betsy Riesz, and my prayers go out to her family and friends.
*Congratulations Shirley!
Shirley Barker is retiring from Johnson County after many years of service as a Programmer/Analyst in our Information Technology Department.
Shirley is a neat person; very intelligent with a great deal of insight. I have always wanted to pick her brain about spending a long career in IT as a woman; Shirley was really quite a pioneer!
And the work is important! County government is almost completely digital. Without quality IT professionals, we can’t do much of anything!
Congratulations, Shirley, and thank you for all of your hard work over the years!
*Diversity and the Fair
Supervisor Royceann Porter does not need me to defend her. And she may not want me to defend her. But I have HAD it with people complaining about her recent comments regarding the Johnson County Fair.
First, supporters of the Fair got exactly what they have always gotten from Johnson County – a huge commitment of funding and other support. All 5 Supervisors - including Royceann – voted for the funding. Take yes for an answer!
Secondly, people are upset about something that was written in the Press Citizen that Royceann DID NOT SAY. The writer of the article said the Fair served a “mostly white slice” of Johnson County. One – Royceann did not say that. Two – it is true!
Thirdly, Royceann DID say, “I don’t see many African American, or Sudanese, or Latino kids out there.” One – this is true. Two – IMMEDIATELY following that, she said, “And I’d like to help you with that.” Conveniently, everyone has ignored her saying, “And I’d like to help you with that.”
I have had dozens of people contacting me, “outraged” at what she said. And you know what? Most of these comments come from a place of ignorance. Unfortunately, some comments come from a place of straight up racism!
If you are complaining, you either A) did not actually hear how the vote went and what was said, or B) you bought into a bunch of racist bullshit. Neither one is good.
We have a GREAT Fair! Could it be better? Sure! Would it be better if a more diverse crowd attended and learned about agriculture? Of course! Why on earth would anyone be offended by someone who offered to help with that?
Like I said, we know the answer. Either you did not actually hear it, or you bought into a bunch of racist bullshit. Come on, people! We can do better!
A lot of people now seem to think we need a lot of information on 4H. Nobody ever threatened 4H, but OK. At least the vast majority of the people I have heard from about 4H have been polite and seem to be informed. I just hope they all clearly understand that no one is coming for 4H! Janet, Melissa, and everyone at our local 4H organization do incredible work! That has never been in question.
Watch. A certain group will turn this into “Sullivan says the Fair is racist!” I have not said that, and I do not believe that. I have received a number of reasonable responses to the issue. I have also gotten racist replies on this issue. A few additional replies remind me of something my Grandpa used to say out on the farm: “Does it cross the line? No. But it walks up to the line and pisses over it!”
The Ag Association is fully funded. 4H is in no trouble. Remind me what we are mad about? Again, we can do better! We must do better!
*Downtown Benches
The recent kerfuffle over Iowa City’s downtown benches is interesting. The design of our public spaces IS important, and governments should always consider this. The design of the benches IS important, but it should not take away from the tremendous investments this Council has made to address homelessness in our community.
The Iowa City Council has funded support for Shelter House; support for the Cross Park Place Housing First project; training every police officer in Crisis Intervention; millions of dollars toward affordable housing; millions of dollars toward the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center; support for additional officers downtown; and more. The current Iowa City Council has walked the walk like none before them!
The benches may be an issue, but they are a drop of water in the ocean when it comes to fighting homelessness. Let’s get the benches right, but focus on what really matters!
*LT’s Fine Grocery
I was very sad to see that the LT’s Fine Grocery store closed in Lone Tree. The closing was a long time coming – owner Ed Eden announced it back in August. But to see the building empty was still sad.
So what can we learn from this? Well, shopping habits have been changing for decades now. Major retailers like Sears are hanging by a thread. And that is in the big cities! What in the world can the small towns do?
I think the answer is simple… we need to buy local! Yes, hours of operation might not be as good. Prices might not be as good. Selection might not be as good. There are always trade-offs. But if you want local businesses to succeed, you have to patronize them!
*Bowl For Kid’s Sake
The Sullivan for Supervisor team is once again raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County by Bowling For Kids’ Sake on Saturday, February 23.
Bowl for Kids' Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest national fundraiser, raising over $20 million annually for children in need across the country. Because of Bowl for Kids' Sake, more Bigs and Littles can be paired up, more friendships can be created and improved outlooks on life can be started.
To donate, see: https://e-activist.com/page/12455/donate/1
*DID YOU KNOW? The Johnson County Fairgrounds are not owned by the County; they are owned by a nonprofit group called the Johnson County Ag Association. The Ag Association is responsible for putting on the Fair each year. Johnson County provides over $100,000 in funding to this group each year.
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 @ 1:31 PM
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