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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
February 28, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/5/19
In this edition:
*Happy Mardis Gras!
*My Friend Sandy
*Local Food Event
*Iowa Caucus Changes
*Did You Know?
*Happy Mardis Gras!
March 5 is Fat Tuesday, the 6this Ash Wednesday, and Easter is 40 days away. Sounds like a reason to celebrate! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
*My Friend Sandy
I stopped by Big Grove Brewery in Solon last Friday evening, and I ran into my friend Sandy Hanson. And my whole day was better because of it!
As usual, Sandy was telling me all the things she was planning to do to make Solon a better place to live. As usual, she challenged me to help. And as usual, I felt great about it!
There are certain people in our lives who just simply spark joy. People who care deeply about others. People who live their lives fully and for all the right reasons.
If you know Sandy Hanson – or a person like Sandy Hanson – consider yourself lucky. Then give them a big hug, and get to work on their next project!
*Local Food Event
Whether you are an avid supporter of local food and agriculture or a curious eater wanting to learn more, the Johnson County Food Policy Council invites you (and your friends, co-workers and/or family) to hear from local food producers about the work they are doing to support a community based food system at our 5th annual public forum, Farm Connection: Farmers, the Community & You.
The 2019 forum provides opportunities to get to know farmers and their products, learn about policy challenges facing our community food system, and provide input or ideas for policy and program-based solutions.
2019 Johnson County Food Policy Council Forum
Farm Connection: Farmers, the Community & You
Saturday, March 9
Johnson County Fairgrounds, Montgomery Hall
3109 Old Hwy 218 S, Iowa City, IA 52240.
Registration encouraged, but walk-in registration is welcome!
8:30 AM Event Check-in (and Local Food Expo)
9:00 AM- 11:30 AM Community Food System Updates & Farmer panelists discuss their local farm products and current challenges facing direct to consumer farms
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM Networking, Local Food Expo, and *free* Local Food Lunch
The Local Food Expo will showcase farmers, nonprofits, and other organizations engaged in creating a more community-based food system. Participants will be able to network, learn more ways to purchase locally grown food, and provide input on policy recommendations proposed by the Johnson County Food Policy Council. During the Expo, a locally sourced, light lunch will be available for free to all attendees.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
*Iowa Caucus Changes
You may have seen the changes that the Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) made to the Caucus process. I am very pleased with these changes, with one exception.
A little background: There have long been complaints that the Iowa Caucuses are undemocratic (small “d”) by nature. And I would have to agree.
Why are caucuses undemocratic? There has never been an absentee system. If you cannot attend your caucus that night, your voice is not heard. This has always been a barrier to people who work second shift, single parents, people who rely upon public transit, etc.
Under the new system, there will be several “absentee caucuses” leading up to the regular caucus. This will allow you to call in, register your top 5 choices, and be done with it.
This solves the issue of small “d” democracy, and for this I tip my cap. But there is another issue lurking, and we really need to address it.
These “absentee caucus” votes are only going to count as 10% of the delegate count. In other words, your vote may be “worth more” if you show up in person. That really seems to defeat the purpose of the absentee caucus!
I would like to see the IDP weight these votes equally. One, because it seems fair. But two, it would go a long way toward solving our real problem- we have no space!
As the Iowa Caucuses have gained in popularity, we have simply outgrown all the public spaces that exist in our community. We have several caucus sites where 40 people attended in 2000, and 400 attended in 2008. In Johnson County, several caucus sites topped 750 people. The only rooms big enough for that type of crowd are high school gymnasiums. And we have more precincts with big caucus turnouts that we have gymnasiums!
The turnout at the caucuses is great, but we are being crushed beneath our own weight. We simply do not have adequate public spaces to continue.
The absentee caucus would be a perfect solution! People can simply vote at their convenience, and leave the party building activities to those who are interested in that piece. I just fear that the failure to weight those votes as equal will cause people to feel they must attend in person. And I honestly don’t know how we address that. It is NOT up to the Legislature!
That’s right! The Caucuses are NOT put on by County government, like elections. Instead, the Iowa Caucuses are PARTY events. So there has always been a bit less accountability; people will complain to the County Auditor, but most won’t take the effort to find the State Party Chair.
I hope it is not too late for the IDP to build upon this success, and re-weight the absentee caucuses. We need it!
*DID YOU KNOW? I have attended all but one Iowa Caucus since they were first constituted in 1972. I went with my Dad in ’72, ’76, and ‘80. I missed in 1984 – chasing a girl. I have caucused in Iowa City every year (including off years) since 1988.
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
February 21, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 2/26/19
In this edition:
*Bizarre Threats From Bobby Kaufmann
*Prairie Preview
*DVIP Souper Bowl
*County Chair
*Did You Know?
*Bizarre Threats From Bobby Kaufmann
Below is a series of three emails. The first goes from me to 6 members of the Iowa House. I wrote them regarding HF216, which would force more populous counties into districts. The second is the response I got from Representative Kaufmann. Which seems to be a threat. The third is my follow up to his response.
Dear Representative Fisher:
I was hoping you could explain to me why you introduced HF216? What problem do see that this bill would address? I am trying to understand why voters in my county should lose local control. And why only counties over 60,000 population?
I have taken the liberty of copying Representatives Kaufmann, Jacoby, Nielsen, Mascher, and Lensing on this email. Each of them represents my County.
I look forward to your responses. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Rod Sullivan
Johnson County
Board of Supervisors
Rod,
You are probably wondering why you have sent this email multiple times and not received a response. Rep. Fisher hasn’t asked me my thoughts regarding you but when he does I will let him know that I think you are one of the most ineffective and bitterly partisan elected officials in the entire State. You haven’t earned the right to be relevant enough to demand answers from other legislators not residing in your county. I know you thrive on the back and forth, posting on social media, and challenging people to debates etc, but I do not plan on sending you a follow-up to this email. I am certain it will elicit a long response but this is a one-time deal. You are very good at being a keyboard cowboy and taking pot-shots at me and others behind your computer screen but when you have to talk to someone face to face just act like a regular aw-shucks guy. You don’t get to be a partisan hack nonstop and then when you want to talk like an adult, like in the email below, expect to get taken seriously.
Why do bills like HF-219 keep appearing? They keep appearing because the only people you and most of the Board represent are the far-left in Johnson County. Hundreds and hundreds of independents, Republicans, and even Democrats view me as their only representation because of the Boards near-obsession with far-left policies.
So long as rural Johnson County continues to feel under-represented myself and others are going to stand with them in Des Moines .
Ps. I want to include one warning in this email since I have your attention. I have noticed the Board has felt particularly emboldened lately as evidenced with the asinine proposal to eliminate or drastically reduce agriculture education spending. If you or the Board ever choose to revisit your blatant attacks on Newport Road – you will receive the swiftest and most complete legislative response in Des Moines that you have ever seen.
Bobby
Bobby:
There is a lot to unpack here… but I have no idea what you are referring to in a couple of your comments.
You refer to an “asinine proposal to eliminate or drastically reduce agriculture education spending.” Johnson County has no such proposal. We have supported the creation of new FFA programs. I just simply do not understand what you are talking about.
As for “blatant attacks on Newport Road”; what does this mean? If I am going to be threatened, I’d like to at least know why!
I would appreciate your response.
Sincerely,
Rod Sullivan
So there you have it. A bizarre threat over something – I don’t even know what. All in all, a pretty disjointed and disappointing email.
Representative Kaufmann lost the Johnson County portion of his District by 8 points in 2018. So those “hundreds and hundreds” of people who he claims see him as their only representation are far from a majority.
I also find his use of the label “partisan” as a pejorative to be a bit ironic. His father is the Chair of the Iowa Republican Party – by definition, the most “partisan” office one can hold in Iowa!
I would think the rest of the GOP Representatives in the Statehouse would be concerned by this behavior. First, because threats are just wrong. Secondly, because he is basically promising that they will join him on his personal crusades.
Of course, all but one ofthe Democrats on the email neither said anything to Kaufmann nor replied to me in any way. So maybe they are OK with standing by while a fellow Legislator threatens to target their constituents.
Threatening someone used to be something that was frowned upon. I guess that was back in the good old days. Again, just disappointing behavior from someone who should know better.
*Prairie Preview
Bur Oak Land Trust's Prairie Preview is annually the first sign of spring! Join us March 5, 2019 for our 36th annual event.
This year's event will focus on connecting young people to nature with free exhibits and speakers. University of Iowa Outdoor Recreation & Education Associate Director, Dave Conrads, will present "UI Wild: Connecting Iowans with the Wild for a Generation."
Before the presentation, local environmental groups and agencies will have exhibits open to share information about their organizations. After the presentation, University of Iowa Wildlife Camps and Macbride Nature Recreation Area speakers will host a panel Q&A session.
Dates: March 5, 2019
Address: 2525 N Dodge St
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Price: Free
*DVIP Souper Bowl
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is holding its 22nd Annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser to support victim/survivors of intimate partner violence.
The event is Thursday, March 7 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Clarion Highlander Inn. Tickets are $15 for an individual and $25 for a family.
*County Chair
The Johnson County Democratic Party is holding elections at their Off Year Caucus and Organizational Meeting at 6:30 PM on March 7that the Iowa City Public Library.
I mention this because I am a big fan of the current Chair, Christopher Taylor. So I was very pleased to see that Chris has chosen to seek reelection. He is a very good dude!
I was elected to two terms as Chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party back in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. I know what a pain the job can be; unfortunately, that shows up in the turnover. If elected, Chris will be the first person since me to serve two terms!
If you are a delegate and have a vote, I strongly urge you to show up and vote for Christopher Taylor!
*DID YOU KNOW? Reynolds Vs. Sims is a 1964 US Supreme Court decision that required state legislatures to move to a format of “one person, one vote.” Prior to 1964, the Iowa Legislature was heavily weighted toward rural interests. In 1960, a Polk County State Senator represented 225,000 people, while an Adams County State Senator represented 13,000.
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
February 14, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 2/19/19
In this edition:
*North Liberty Special Election
*Bad Tax Idea
*Bowl For Kid’s Sake
*Shelter House Book Sale
*Did You Know?
*North Liberty Special Election
Councilor Jim Sayre left North Liberty to take a job in Arizona, and opened up a partial term on the North Liberty City Council.
I typically do not get involved in City Council elections outside of Iowa City. IC is where I live, and sometimes getting involved elsewhere is not viewed favorably.
But I decided to act otherwise in this case. In the upcoming (March 12) Special Election there is a FANTASTIC candidate for North Liberty Council who really deserves your support. That candidate is RaQuishia Harrington. An 11 year resident of North Liberty, RaQuishia lives with her husband Willie and three children.
I have known RaQuishia for over a decade, and have always had great admiration for her work. RaQuisha did outstanding work at Neighborhood Centers, overseeing childcare programs and developing programs for school aged children. Both of these are big issues right now in North Liberty!
RaQuishia then went to the City of Iowa City, where she has done an outstanding job overseeing and developing programs for youth and diverse populations. Again, important experience that would be beneficial for North Liberty!
RaQuishia is smart, caring, dedicated, and knows city government. I hope all Salvos readers will reach out to their friends and family in North Liberty, and encourage them to support this outstanding candidate!
*Bad Tax Idea
The Iowa Legislature is in session, so I am used to opposing bad tax ideas. Unfortunately, the one I am about to describe comes from a Democrat – my friend Dave Jacoby.
The Bill in question is HF234, which would freeze property taxes for senior citizens. The idea sounds great on its face; reducing property taxes for seniors. Who could possibly oppose tax cuts for seniors, right? As usual, the devil is in the details. Here are nine reasons I oppose this suggestion:
*By focusing on property taxes, we are by definition focusing on the wealthiest seniors – those who own property. The poorest 25% of seniors do not own property, and would see no benefit whatsoever.
*Tax plans should be progressive. In other words, they should offer the most help to those who need it most. This does the exact opposite. Should Warren Buffet get a tax cut just because he is a senior? Or to use an Iowa example, Kirk Ferentz?
*Similarly, tax plans should always be based upon ability to pay, not demographic factors. Should we cut taxes for women only? African Americans only? Blondes only? Teachers only? Of course not! Cutting taxes for seniors only is just as absurd!
*Iowa’s schools are already starved for money. Property taxes fund about 35% of our schools. How will we get our education system where it needs to be when we reduce our property tax revenues? How will our teachers get the raises they deserve? How will we reduce class sizes? Is this property tax scheme worth hurting our schools?
*There is yet another relationship between property taxes and schools. Property near well-maintained schools tends to be valued higher. That, in return, leads to a bigger tax base for the schools.
*It is not just schools that will be hurt. Property taxes also fund city and county governments. You know – the local governments who actually provide services to low income seniors! So we cut taxes on wealthy seniors and have to cut services for poor seniors. Does this make sense?
*We hear that seniors are on “fixed incomes’, and this is often true. But the assumption that all working people get raises is simply not true. Many working people will earn LESS year to year. Meanwhile, many of the seniors on “fixed” incomes have pensions that increase a generous amount each year.
*Property DOES reflect wealth. My grandmother was born and raised on the family farm. She never held a job off the farm. When she was 95 and living alone on the farm, her income was minimal. Did she deserve a property tax cut? No! Because she owned 500 acres of prime Iowa farmland! She sold just a few acres, and was set for the rest of her life.
*Programs already exist to abate property taxes for seniors who need it. County Supervisors approve these requests; I think I have voted on about 20 in my time on the Board. We already have a process!
Cutting the property taxes of seniors might sound good, but it is bad public policy! I hope this bill goes nowhere!
*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
*Shelter House Book Sale
The annual Shelter House Book Sale will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30, and from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 31 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Building C.
Gently used books plus music, movies, art, and vintage tees will be for sale. Dedicated book worms can purchase Early Entry passes to shop before the general public does. Passes are $10, and early entry begins at 10 a.m. on March 30.
Sales will benefit Shelter House programs and support services, including housing, employment, and mental health, that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year.
If you have books you’d like to donate, drop them off at Building B at the Fairgrounds starting Sunday, Feb. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. through the week of the sale. Please direct any questions to Kaily Hoard at kaily@shelterhouseiowa.org.
*DID YOU KNOW? If elected, RaQuishia Harrington would be the first person of color to serve on the North Liberty City Council.
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
February 7, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 2/12/19
In this edition:
*Time To Legalize Marijuana!
*Did You Know?
*Time To Legalize Marijuana!
This originally appeared in Salvos on 3-18-14. In light of Senator Bolkcom introducing legislation on the topic, I thought I would reprint it. The article appears below in its’ entirety.
It is time to legalize marijuana. This topic has gained traction over the past year, as Colorado and Washington legalized recreational use. We have even been talking about it here in Johnson County, which is quite a change!
First, a disclaimer: I have never smoked pot. That may come as a surprise to folks who have known me a long time, as in my younger days I never shied away from a party. But the fact is, I have never used marijuana. I’ve been around it plenty; I just never indulged. So I speak as a person who has seen the effects of pot from up close, but never actually used the stuff personally.
I also do not advocate anybody using mind-altering substances. If you choose not to use them, you are undoubtedly better off. More power to you. At the same time, I do not condemn folks who use responsibly. I feel that should be a choice individuals have.
Even my disclaimer demonstrates the change in societal attitudes. In 1992, Bill Clinton felt the need to claim he “had never inhaled.” Since that time, people in public life have felt more comfortable admitting to marijuana use. This makes sense; studies show that between 35-45% of American adults have tried marijuana.
I should also be clear as to what I am discussing. I am fine with the legalization of marijuana for medical use; I simply feel that is setting the bar too low. Same goes for “decriminalization”; I see that as a good step, but it does not go far enough. I believe strongly that hemp should be legalized, as it has huge industrial, economic and environmental benefits. But what I am really discussing here is making pot legal – period.
Yes, there would be some restrictions. Children with developing brains don’t need the stuff. You should not be able to drive if you are so high as to be impaired. Current rules regarding smoking in public places should apply to marijuana just as they do to tobacco. Producers, retailers, and products should be regulated, licensed, inspected and taxed. So we are talking about a system akin to the existing laws governing the production, sale, and use of alcohol.
People in the world of business are supposed to run ideas through a cost/benefit analysis. Many governments (including Johnson County) attempt to do the same. The legalization of marijuana comes out very favorably when viewed in terms of cost/benefit ratio.
It can be argued that marijuana use negatively impacts many lives. There are undoubtedly people who have underachieved because of an overuse of marijuana. Is this a problem? Certainly.
But weigh that versus the negative impacts on the lives of those who have been busted. Whereas simply using the stuff might make you a bit less productive, being caught tends to RUIN a person’s life!
Getting busted can cost a person thousands of dollars upfront. But the REAL costs are over the long haul. Having a criminal record dramatically impacts one’s ability to find a good job and/or to get into a program of higher education. It breaks families apart. It stays with them forever. Why? Why do we choose to be so punitive in this case? Why do we choose to cost these people tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars over the course of their lives?
In addition, these laws unfairly target the poor, the young, and people of color. There are many studies out there that show the percentage of teens and adults who use marijuana is virtually identical regardless of race. Yet people of color get busted at a rate EIGHT TIMES that of whites. Marijuana prohibition has done a lot to destroy black families. These draconian laws have set African Americans back generations.
The ultimate cost, of course, is in human lives. While there is scant evidence that marijuana use has directly cost many lives, we know that marijuana prohibition has cost tens of thousands of lives. Again, I must ask – why?
That is the personal cost, but there is also a huge societal cost. A group of over 500 top economists, including Milton Friedman, have estimated the cost of marijuana prohibition at $20 billion annually. $20 BILLION! That means it costs every man, woman, and child in the US $70 every year to maintain this silliness. That total is over three times the total annual budget for the State of Iowa. We’re talking real money here – money that could and should be put to better use.
It should be noted that these costs, at least in Johnson County, do NOT include jailing. Contrary to popular belief, most inmates in the local jail are not there on pot charges. I’ve worked with folks who review the jail log, and I’ve never seen more than two people on any given day. (That does not mean there have NEVER been more than two, but in reviewing a dozen days, I’ve never seen it.) So just to be clear, legalizing marijuana would NOT obviate our jail overcrowding. OK – back to my main point.
One of the arguments against legalization goes like this: “Then why not legalize every substance?” First, that is a red herring. Few folks are out there arguing to legalize everything. The push to legalize pot is based on the cost/benefit analysis. It is very favorable. Meth undoubtedly comes out much worse in a similar review.
A better argument, in my opinion, is that of the slippery slope. That reasoning claims that marijuana is a “gateway drug”, and its’ use will lead people to harder drugs. There is a great deal of literature on this, and there seem to be persuasive arguments on both sides. This is where I come back once again to the idea of cost/benefit. We know that alcohol would fit the definition of a “gateway drug”. But it is legal. Why? I think the US experience with Prohibition proved that banning alcohol was a bad deal from a cost/benefit analysis.
I’m tired of the timidity we see on this issue from our leaders. We know the laws are stupid. We know they unnecessarily cost us lives and money. There is no compelling reason to maintain the status quo. This is bad public policy, plain and simple.
I called for Johnson County to add legalization of marijuana to our State and Federal Legislative priorities this year. There were two votes for it; I needed three. I’ll try again next year. (Update: The Board agreed to this position 5-0 in 2019.)Meanwhile, I urge you to make this an issue with your elected officials at every level. The emperor has no clothes… it is time we said so!
*DID YOU KNOW? The first item sold over the Internet was a bag of marijuana over 40 years ago. Stanford students used Arapnet (an early form of the Internet) to buy weed from their counterparts at MIT.
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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