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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
October 30, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/5/19
In this edition:
*Happy Birthday Rachel!
*Fear
*Warren Question
*ADA Audit
*Local Labor Update
*Boards and Commissions
*Did You Know?
*Happy Birthday Rachel!
Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter Rachel, who turns 28 on the 6th! I am SO proud of Rachel! She challenged us a LOT when she was a kid, but she has grown into a wonderful young woman.
*Fear
I have had a number of people approach me recently saying something along the lines of, “I love Elizabeth Warren, and I think she would make the best President. But I am afraid she can’t win.”
My response is simple: vote your hopes, and not your fears. If you vote your fears, the other side has already won. We need to steel our spines and do the right thing.
My favorite President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, said it many years ago: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!” That was true in 1933, and it is true today!
*Warren Question
Senator Warren took some heat for her response on a question at the most recent debate. The issue was Medicare for All. Studies are all clear – Medicare for all as described by Bernie Sanders (he wrote the damn bill!) would raise taxes on some upper-middle-class families. But those same families would save overall once their insurance costs, deductibles, copays, etc. go away.
The question (paraphrased) to Senator Warren was, “Are you going to raise taxes on middle class people to pay for it?” Her response was that “overall costs will go down.”
So what happened here? This is a "gotcha" question. It is the equivalent of "when did you stop beating your wife?" And it disappoints me to see Democrats fall into this trap.
I DO agree that perhaps Warren could answer the question better. But here is how I would LIKE to see her respond:
"I am simply not going to play your juvenile games. I told you that costs will go down for middle income families, and I mean that. I think the real question is, with tens of millions of Americans uninsured and tens of millions of Americans underinsured, why do you insist on writing Donald Trump's campaign commercials? Whose side are you on? Trump or the uninsured? That is a question with only two answers, by the way!"
This issue is not going away! Warren is the frontrunner, and the other candidates are trying to find a way to slow her roll. We will see how things evolve!
*ADA Audit
Johnson County recently completed a countywide audit on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.
As you probably know, the ADA was the baby of Iowa Senator Tom Harkin. Signed in 1990, it prohibits discrimination against employees (and job applicants) who have physical or mental impairments that substantially limit "major life activities." Major life activities include walking, sitting, reading, seeing, and communicating.
There are three components to ADA law: Title I – employment law; Title II – public entities; and Title III – public accommodations.
Unfortunately, many local and state governments have not fully followed the ADA law. Johnson County did not want to be one of those counties, so we preemptively requested an audit.
The results are now back, and in many ways, they are unsurprising. We have about 2,000 deficiencies, but many of those are incredibly minor. For example, move a chair further from the door. As a matter of fact, almost 800 of the deficiencies will cost nothing to fix.
Most of the deficiencies are in Conservation, which again comes as no surprise. One example we saw was a pit toilet. The toilet itself is the wrong height by a couple of inches. The stall is not wide enough. There is no paved path from the parking lot to the restroom. Again, not necessarily surprising results.
The total cost to make every required update/improvement will be about $2.5 million over the next 11-12 years. To address areas that are in compliance but could still be improved could run another $900,000 over the same time frame.
All in all, I am glad we did the audit and I am pleased with the results. Now we get to work at improving accessibility for the people of Johnson County.
*Local Labor Update
Local labor issues often go unreported. I think there are several things happening now that are worthy of your attention:
First, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2547 represents over 1000 employees of the Iowa City Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Health System. These federal employees are working without a contract, as the President looks to privatize VA services and cut worker benefits. To stand with AFGE, join them in a picket at the VA on the third Wednesday of each month at 4pm.
Secondly, members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 183 are working with the City of Iowa City to reverse the trend toward part time, temporary, no-benefit employees. It has been pretty frustrating to watch an elected Council with 6/7 members labor-endorsed struggle through this process. Yes, there is much room for negotiation. But they are making this way too hard!
Finally, another round of recertifications is coming up soon. You will recall that this is just one of the many pieces of anti-union policy that came from Governor Reynolds, Bobby Kaufmann, and the rest of the GOP. They made it incredibly undemocratic, too! Unlike every other election (including the ones in which they were elected), the GOP created a system where choosing not to vote counts as a “no” vote in union elections. Despite these obstacles, over 90% of union recertification efforts have succeeded so far! Please do your part to help keep that going! Spread the word to friends and family that unions are the number one tool of the middle class!
Please remember to support your union sisters and brothers! An injury to one is an injury to all!
*Boards and Commissions
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is seeking volunteers to serve on various County boards and commissions. Board and commission members serve in an advisory role to help direct policy by making suggestions and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and County staff.
Vacancies are available on the following Johnson County boards and commissions:
- Board of Health (one vacancy for a three-year term) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Building Code Board of Appeals (two vacancies for four-year terms) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Compensation Commission (28 vacancies for one-year terms) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Conservation Board (one vacancy for a five-year term) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Food Policy Council (one vacancy for an unexpired term ending June 30, 2021) – Application deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 5
- Historic Preservation Commission (three vacancies for three-year terms) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Juvenile Justice and Youth Development Policy Board (three vacancies for three-year terms, one vacancy for an unexpired term ending Sept. 30, 2020) – Application deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 5
- Medical Examiner (one vacancy for a two-year term) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Planning and Zoning Commission (one vacancy for a five-year term) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
- SEATS Paratransit Advisory Committee (one vacancy for a two-year term) – Application deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 27
- Zoning Board of Adjustment (one vacancy for a five-year term) – Application deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
Information about specific boards and commissions, vacancies and application forms are available on the Committee/Board Openings webpage of the Johnson County website atwww.johnson-county.com/vacancies and in the office of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, second floor of the Johnson County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City. Questions can be directed to the Board of Supervisors Office at 319-356-6000 or applications@co.johnson.ia.us.
Completed applications must be returned to the Board of Supervisors Office by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the stated deadline.
*DID YOU KNOW? Iowa’s Herbert Hoover was the first US President born west of the Mississippi.
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
October 24, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/29/19
In this edition:
*RIP June Braverman
*Happy Halloween!
*Local Elections
*Remembering November 1, 1991
*Poor Farm Update
*Solon Political Event
*Did You Know?
*RIP June Braverman
I was incredibly sad to hear of the passing of June Braverman. June was very involved in Senior issues, and we used to speak regularly to discuss her ideas.
June was involved in many charitable efforts, and was an outstanding musician. The many shows she organized raised money for many important community efforts.
Most importantly, June was a person who was unafraid to speak up. She told me when she thought things were going well, and she told me when she felt things could be improved. We need more citizens like her. RIP, June.
*Happy Halloween!
Halloween is right around the corner. That does not mean the same things to me it used to, as my kids are too old to trick or treat by about 15 years.
It does, however, mean we all need to be extra careful as we drive around our neighborhoods. I hope your Halloween is safe and happy!
*Local Elections
Please do not forget to vote in local elections on or before November 5th! This year marks the first ever combined city-school elections; please study up for both races!
Both School Board and City Council are absolutely critical to your quality of life! Please take the time to weigh in!
*Remembering November 1st, 1991
28 years ago on November 1st, a UI post-graduate student named Gang Liu killed four faculty members, a student, and himself.
Faculty members Christoph Goertz, Dwight Nicholson, Robert Smith, T. Anne Cleary, and Linhua Shan were all slain. Student Miya Rodolfo-Sioson was shot and survived but was left paralyzed from the neck down.
If you ask longtime residents of Johnson County, most can tell you where they were that fateful day. (I was working my second job - a Friday night shift in a Systems Unlimited group home.)
I wish I could say that in the decades that passed, something good had come from this horror. Frankly, I simply do not see it. Even bigger mass killings have occurred on other campuses across the nation. Our mental health system is no better, and our gun laws are even worse. The killings make no more sense today than they did 28 years ago.
I hope you will take a moment to reflect upon one of the saddest days in Johnson County history, and pray for the many survivors whose lives were touched by the people we lost that day.
*Poor Farm Update
The growing season is rapidly coming to a close, so I thought it might be a good time to give an update on the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.
For those who do not know, the Historic Poor Farm lies on the far western edge of Iowa City, where Melrose Avenue becomes IWV Road. It opened in 1855 to care for the indigent, the developmentally disabled and the mentally ill. The concept of the Poor Farm reflected the prevailing attitude that fresh air and work would be good for the “poor unfortunates.” The farm was to be self-supporting and residents were expected to do farm chores to the extent of their abilities. This structure made sense, as many residents had previous farm experience and their labor helped compensate the County for their care.
Johnson County began planning for this area a few years ago, and now the plans are well underway. A few highlights:
Facilities: The West Barn is almost completely restored. It is no longer in jeopardy of falling down; in fact, it has been returned to historic shape, but with a new foundation and modern electrical service. The barn is still a barn – there are no restrooms, and it is not heated. Still, this will be a fantastic space for any number of community events. Expect a grand opening sometime next spring! The asylum is in need of some repairs just to stabilize it; those will be taking place right away. Expect a full restoration sometime next summer. This will include preservation of the writing and etchings on the interior walls that were scrawled by patients (prisoners?) over 100 years ago. The Dairy Barn is full of peeling lead paint, which will be removed. After that, the building will undergo a restoration of its own.
Farming: Several activities are taking place. Grow Johnson County continues to produce tens of thousands of pounds of vegetables for local food banks, shelters, and the like. The Global Food Initiative brings farmers from all over the world together to grow the food their communities want and need. The Land Access program rented two slightly larger plots to two beginning farm operations. Both had great years, and will be using additional land next year! Other producers may join them, as the County is taking applications. All farming activities use sustainable practices.
Other: A beautiful large sign now welcomes visitors to the area. Interpretive signage is on the way. Public restrooms are on site. A parking plan has been approved, and given the weather, will likely be completed next spring. Some historic farm implements are being prepared for display. A trail has already been laid out, and should be paved in the next year or two. A pollinator meadow has been planted, and is going strong. Astig Planning and Iowa Valley RC&D continue to work with a huge variety of groups that have ideas for the area.
These are only a few of the wonderful things taking place at the Historic Poor Farm! I hope you will all take the opportunity to visit next spring!
*Solon Political Event
Solon Senior Advocates is holding an exciting political event on Saturday, November 2nd at the Community Center Auditorium.
It begins with a “Meet the Candidates” event from 3-4pm, which will allow participants to chat with candidates or their representatives. Then from 4-5pm, there will be a “mock caucus” that will allow participants to see how caucuses work.
The event is free and open to the public. There will also be a bake sale to benefit Solon Senior Advocates and Old Gold Dining! If you are interested in volunteering for this event or are a candidate who wishes to host a (free) table, please contact Solon Senior Advocates President Sandy Hanson at sandrahanson@southslope.net or 319-624-2710.
*DID YOU KNOW? Despite over 30,000 students living there, Iowa City has not elected a student to the City Council since David Perret in 1979. And Perret was an Iowa City native at that!
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
October 17, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/22/19
In this edition:
*Technology Woes
*My Cup Runneth Over
*UI Power Plant
*Warren for President!
*P&Z and Seven Deadly Sins
*Beating/Fighting Cancer
*Did You Know?
*Technology Woes
I have had my fill of technology lately. We recently bought a 2017 Prius; I can drive it but I cannot use all the fancy technology upgrades. Worse, I updated our Mac operating system to Catalina. Our hard drive disappeared. It brought along the replacement for iTunes; then my iPod wouldn’t work.
So just because I “upgraded” – I use that term loosely – it could cost me time and money just get someone to help me get back to where I was pre-“upgrade.” What a scam!
I am beyond frustrated. I REALLY hate being this dependent on technology. But in this day and age, what choices does one have?
*My Cup Runneth Over
This may strike you as a silly story, but I am going to tell it anyway. I have a habit of using the same plastic cup over and over. It really isn’t a big deal, but I have always prided myself on reusing the same cup. Sometimes it is full of Diet Mountain Dew. Sometimes it is full of water. In either case, the cup gets used over and over. My most recent cup lasted around seven years, near as I can tell!
But alas, the cup is no more. And it died at the hand of my own dear mother! I was with my Mom, watching my nephew run cross country in Cedar Rapids. Next thing I knew, the cup was gone!
There is no use crying over a lost cup. So, I have started a new tradition. I bought a new cup, and again I reuse it every day. Let’s see how long I get this one to last!
Meanwhile, I hope you will join me in reusing plastic whenever possible! Reuse is preferable to recycling!
*UI Power Plant
Do not be deceived – the UI proposal to sell its’ power plant to a private company is a disaster! This will be horrible for the environment, horrible for our budget, horrible for workers – horrible in every way.
But like usual, Bruce Harreld is doing what he is told by the Governor’s funders. All we can do is vote for a better Legislature and Governor. Hopefully, before they pull the trigger on this debacle!
*Warren for President!
As I hope you know, I have endorsed Elizabeth Warren for President. I feel very strongly that she is what this country needs right now. No one is more courageous. No one is smarter. No one works harder. That is a great combo!
I would love to take some time to tell you why I support Senator Warren, and to answer any questions you might have. Just reply to this message and we will chat!
Meanwhile, if you can’t see yourself caucusing for anyone other than Elizabeth Warren on February 3rd, 2020, it may be time to commit to caucusing for her! Let our campaign know we can count on you in our corner on caucus night! Ready to commit? Let me know in a reply to this email, by stopping into our office or one of our events, or by filling out this online commit to caucus card!
*P&Z and Seven Deadly Sins
The Board of Supervisors has spent a great deal of time on Planning and Zoning matters of late, and it got me thinking… nowhere are the Seven Deadly Sins on display quite like a zoning discussion.
Sound a bit crazy? Perhaps so. But I have watched a lot of zoning discussions in my life. I have sat in on hundreds as a County Supervisor. I have watched scores in Iowa City, and a few each in University Heights, Coralville, and North Liberty. And I have witnessed bad behavior in each place. Consider:
Gluttony: Ok, not certain this fits.
Lust: Ok, not certain this fits.
Sloth: Did the “experts” do the proper research, or were they lazy about it? Did the members of the elected body read everything in the packet, or were they lazy about it? Did the neighbors do research, or rely on heresay?
Anger: This one is pretty self-explanatory. Do you call the members of the elected body “idiots” or “morons”? Does the elected body require law enforcement to be present to keep everyone safe?
Envy: Do people covet what their neighbors have (or propose to have)?
Greed: Does the application make more money at the expense of the environment? Does the application make more money at the expense of the neighbors? Does the application cut corners due to costs?
Pride: Viewed as the worst of the seven, Pride is on display at every zoning discussion. Neighbors who view themselves as better than poor people. Neighbors who view themselves as better than black and brown people. Neighbors who believe they deserve amenities like low traffic and quiet streets that others do not.
I hate to say it, but zoning discussions can definitely bring out the worst in folks!
*Beating/Fighting Cancer
Words can matter! With that in mind, I would like to urge all of you to consider changing the way we talk about cancer.
Cancer is not a contest. You don’t “beat it” and you don’t “Win the battle against it.” If you are lucky enough to survive, you survived due to the work of a whole team of doctors, nurses, researchers, caregivers, etc.
But the big problem with the idea of “losing your battle with” cancer is the idea that the victim had any control whatsoever. By framing things this way, it is easy to assign blame to the victim: “Had she only fought harder….” It creates an environment where people who die are seen as weak, lazy, or someone who gives up easily.
Similarly, there is no “brave” way to deal with cancer. We must not judge the victims of this terrible disease for the way they react.
Cancer is not a game, and it does not have winners and losers. It has victims and survivors.
*DID YOU KNOW? 600,000 Americans die every year from some sort of cancer.
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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