SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
July 18, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/23/19
In this edition:
*Salvos is Back!
*Beware the Heat!
*Foxhoven and Tupac
*Remember – It Is Child Abuse!
*RIP John Paul Stevens
*380 Express
*ADA Celebration
*Did You Know?
*Salvos is Back!
Welcome back, faithful readers! I am back in Iowa after a brief trip to a conference. I hope you are ready to get back into the swing!
*Beware the Heat!
It is going to be dangerously hot the next few days! Please drink more water than you think you should, and be extra careful!
*Foxhoven and Tupac
People across the US are laughing over the fact that the 66 year old white Director of the Department of Human Services loved Tupac, and that Iowa’s Governor has no idea who Tupac was.
This may all be funny in a vacuum. But in reality, Reynolds and Foxhoven orchestrated an attack on the poorest, sickest Iowans. They took services from these folks (several of them died as a result) in order to give handouts to big healthcare corporations. I don’t give a damn what music either one of them likes. And forgive me if I am not in the mood to laugh about these people.
Here is what I wrote just a month ago when Foxhoven left office:
Jerry Foxhoven, Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, was asked to resign on June 17. No reasons were given.
I have had some longtime Polk County residents tell me to temper my criticism of Foxhoven. They say he has a “good heart”. I disagree. No one with a “good heart” runs DHS for Kim Reynolds – knowing full well that they are being asked to hurt our most vulnerable citizens. He does NOT have a “good heart”. Period.
Before you shed any tears for Foxhoven, know that he was the ONLY department head in State Government that did not request an increase in funding for his department. He told Kim Reynolds that he had enough resources. This is just additional evidence that there is no “good heart” there.
Foxhoven is gone. Good riddance. You lay down with dogs, you get fleas. I will pray for his soul.
*Remember – It Is Child Abuse!
I know I may be getting repetitive, but we should all still be outraged! The US Government is committing child abuse on a massive scale on our southern border! Have you called your member of Congress yet?
The vast majority of child development experts agree – even a brief separation from parents can lead to lifelong psychological consequences. Our government is doing much worse than that, and they are doing so in our name! Hell yes we should be outraged!
*RIP John Paul Stevens
Though most people have no idea who he is, former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens is one of the most significant political figures of the past 50 years.
Throughout his career, he tended to reign in governmental power while expanding individual rights. We need more like him. RIP, Justice Stevens.
*380 Express
I sit on the Board of the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG). I mentioned ECICOG in Salvos a couple of weeks ago, but I recognize that it probably deserves another explanation.
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is an intergovernmental council established in 1973. Governed by a board of directors comprised of elected officials and private citizens, ECICOG was created to promote regional cooperation and to provide professional planning services to local governments in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Tama, and Washington Counties (all services are not offered in all counties). A portion of the operations are supported by a per capita assessment paid by these counties.
One recent undertaking of ECICOG is the 380 Express. This is regular, fixed route bus service between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Stops include the Ground Transportation Center in downtown CR; Kirkwood; the Coralville Intermodal facility at the Iowa River Landing; University Hospitals; and Iowa City’s Court Street Transportation Center.
A one-way ride costs $3.50. Children under 6 are free, and Seniors (60+) and people with disabilities ride for $1.75. Ten-punch passes sell for $32.50, and a monthly unlimited pass is available for $125. All tickets can be purchased online.
The busses are full of amenities: All coaches in the 380 Express service are equipped with free WIFI, 110V power outlets and USB ports, restroom, and reclining seats with 3-point seat belts. There is also a wheelchair lift with two wheelchair securement areas on each coach.
380 Express provided about 4,000 rides per month in the first 8 months of its’ existence. 74% of the rides originated in Cedar Rapids and ended in Iowa City. 66% of the riders were travelling for work and 12% for education. Interestingly, 67% of the riders have been female.
I have not yet ridden the 380 Express, but I plan on doing so sometime soon. I hope you will do it, too. More importantly, spread the word! This is an important step in the fight against climate change!
*ADA Celebration
The 2019 Johnson County Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 27th from 10am-noon in the Ped Mall in downtown Iowa City. The rain location will be held at MERGE (136 S Dubuque St. in Iowa City). This year marks the 29th Anniversary of the signing of the ADA!
*DID YOU KNOW? The Department of Human Services (DHS) -- which has a $6.5 billion annual budget and a workforce of about 4,600 -- annually serves more than one million Iowans, many of the state's most vulnerable children, elderly and disabled. DHS administers services that include food assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, mental health and disability services.
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 @ 11:58 AM
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