SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
May 13, 2021
Sullivan’s Salvos 5/18/21
In this edition:
*Congratulations Jon!
*Elections Are Good!
*Calling All Democrats!
*GOP Success in Special Elections
*Questions for the Republican Candidate
*Congratulations Becci Reedus!
*One More Thing from CommUnity…
*Did You Know?
*Congratulations Jon!
Democrats have chosen their nominee for Supervisor, and the winner is Jon Green. Jon is a former Mayor of Lone Tree, former Press Secretary for the Governor of Wyoming, and currently an IT professional. He grew up in Nichols and Lone Tree, and is a graduate of Lone Tree High.
Jon won *LITERALLY* the closest possible election, defeating Meghann Foster of the Coralville Council 139-137. Talk about every vote counting!
I have known Jon for a while, and I am going to work like heck to get him elected. Jon is a very smart man, and genuinely committed to those who have less. I think he would bring some good ideas to the Board.
I don’t want to let this moment pass without thanking the other candidates. This was a truly exceptional group of people, each of whom could do the job of Supervisor very well. A huge thanks to Meghann Foster, Scott Finlayson, and Susan Vileta. I appreciate your willingness to throw your hats in the ring, and I look forward to helping you in your future endeavors.
The Nominating Convention was a well-run event; thanks to the party leadership and worker bees who made everything click. Now we move on to the main event!
*Elections Are Good!
I looked around the Democratic Convention Wednesday night, and saw almost 300 people. Those 300 people took great care in choosing between 4 very different but very qualified candidates. And I thought to myself, “People care about this. They want their voice to be heard.” I could not imagine 3 people going to that group and saying, “Here – we picked someone for you.”
So, whenever someone says the County should have just appointed someone for two years and saved the $20,000 election expense – I don’t think that reflects the will of the people. The people clearly want to vote on who is going to represent them.
*Calling All Democrats!
We have a nominee for County Supervisor. Now it is time to get to work and get them elected! Election day is June 8, so the election is basically happening now!
Make no mistake - Republican candidate Phil Hemingway is a strong candidate! He has served in elected office. He is well-known. Many Democrats like him. It will take a full-fledged campaign to keep this seat in Democratic hands!
Please spread the word, and encourage your friends to vote early! We need your help, and we need it now!
*GOP Success in Special Elections
There have only been two elections since 1960 where a Democrat did not win, and both were Special Elections. Interestingly, Sally Stutsman was involved on both ends.
On April 12, 1994, Don Sehr lost the vote at the Democratic Convention to Pat Gilroy, then ran as an Independent and defeated Democratic nominee Gilroy in the Special Election. (The GOP wisely did not field a candidate.) Sehr filled the unexpired term of Betty Ockenfels until 1996, when he was defeated by Sally Stutsman in the Democratic Primary.
On March 5, 2013, Republican John Etheridge defeated Democrat Terry Dahms by 193 votes in a Special Election that saw several inches of snow the night before, and all the county schools closed. Etheridge then filled the unexpired term of Sally Stutsman until the 2014 General Election, where he was defeated by Mike Carberry.
*Questions for the Republican Candidate
The June 8 election is set. And I think it is not only fair but important for Johnson County voters to ask the GOP candidate some very serious questions. Here are ten questions that I believe will tell you a lot:
1. Did Joe Biden win the 2020 Presidential election?
2. On January 6, 2021, an insurrection took place at the US Capitol. What are your thoughts on the events of that day? Should former President Trump be held accountable for inciting this insurrection?
3. For the first time since 1856, the GOP did not craft a platform. Instead, they adopted this statement: “The Republican Party has and will continue to enthusiastically support the President’s America-first agenda.” Does this statement reflect your views?
4. Do you support legal protections for trans individuals?
5. Do you believe it is a good idea to be vaccinated in general, and against COVID specifically?
6. Do you believe rich people should pay more in taxes?
7. What is the appropriate minimum wage in your opinion?
8. Does racism exist here in Johnson County?
9. Should it be harder or easier to vote?
10. Have you ever disagreed with your Party? On what issue? Were you public about it?
This is it. These questions should tell you most of what you need to know. I sincerely hope the League of Women Voters and every other organization that gets an opportunity to question Republican candidates will ask these questions. Voters, I hope you will do the same!
Then use these same questions when you are looking at candidates in 2022. These issues will only go away if we let them go away.
These are not “gotcha” questions. These are basic questions about how an individual views the world. They matter DEEPLY in terms of the way you would govern as a County Supervisor. And we need to know the answers!
*Congratulations Becci Reedus!
Congratulations to Becci Reedus, who is retiring after an eventful run as the Director of CommUnity Crisis Services (formerly the Crisis Center).
A native of NE Iowa, Becci came to CommUnity during the 2008 floods. Quite a welcome! Over the next 13 years, she proceeded to work long and hard to ensure that the neediest people in Johnson County got important help.
I have gotten to know Becci well during her time at CommUnity, and I really like and respect her. She is a very good person who has done very good work. Congratulations on your retirement, Becci!
*One More Thing from CommUnity…
CommUnity is pleased to announce the selection of Sarah Nelson as its new Executive Director.
Sarah grew up in Iowa City and left to go to Colorado after college. There she worked for a non-profit organization with a large breadth of services including a basic needs assistance program and food bank. After returning to Iowa City, she joined Foundation 2 in Cedar Rapids as their Chief Operating Officer. She has been instrumental in their growth and prides herself on creating a positive and constructive workplace culture.
I am particularly pleased, because Sarah is the granddaughter of two of the finest people I know, the Reverend Bob and Eunice Welsh of Iowa City. I am certain they are very proud!
Sarah's first day will be Monday, May 10. We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to the team and look forward to the wonderful work CommUnity will continue to do.
*DID YOU KNOW? Former State Representative and County Supervisor Sally Stutsman served more years as a Supervisor than anyone in the modern history of the office. Stutsman was first elected in 1995, and was subsequently elected 4 more times. She then resigned in 2013 after winning election to the Iowa House of Representatives. So Stutsman was elected as a Supervisor 5 times, serving 18 years.
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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---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 8:17 AM
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