SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

September 29, 2021

Sullivan’s Salvos 10/5/21

In this edition:

*Harvest

*Women’s Wrestling

*Debt Ceiling

*Guns Versus Butter

*Volunteer for a Board or Commission!

*Did You Know?

*Harvest

Fall in Iowa means the harvesting of crops, and that means large machinery is out in the roadways. Please exercise caution as you navigate our roads!

*Women’s Wrestling

I was excited to see that the University of Iowa is adding women’s wrestling as a sport. That will be great for the many young Iowa women who have begun competing in the sport.

But we must not lose sight of why this is happening. The UI settled a lawsuit over Title IX, which forced them to add a sport for women. So yes, the addition is wonderful. But if you are going to thank someone for it, thank the courageous young women who sued the UI.

*Debt Ceiling

If you have been listening to the news, you know that the Federal government is in yet another fight over the debt ceiling. I think this topic gets horrible coverage from the local and national media. It is really a matter of one party acting responsibly and paying the bills, while the other threatens to do great harm by refusing to pay the bills. (Unless you give them something.) It is unbelievably irresponsible, but the media just treats it like a minor disagreement with “two sides”.

Republicans used to act responsibly around this issue. Then we elected a black President, and suddenly votes over the debt ceiling were no longer perfunctory. The GOP went so far as to close down the government, hurting the US economy in the process. Once Trump became President, Republicans decided the debt ceiling was no longer an issue. Democrats, being the only party concerned with responsibly governing the country, stayed consistent and voted to pay the bills through both administrations.

To my Republican friends: don’t give me the line about Republicans being fiscally responsible. As noted above, the hypocrisy is unbelievable. This is akin to giving your kid a credit card, letting them go crazy, then refusing to pay the bill. That is not fiscal responsibility. When the GOP has pushed for a shutdown, it has always harmed the US economy. For what purpose? Republicans continue to add more to the debt and deficit than do Democrats. So quit pretending this is anything other than a blunt political weapon.

We have a similar process in county government. We pass a budget each year, but we also approve claims weekly. It is very unusual for a claim to be denied. As a matter of fact, I think it has only happened two or three times in my whole time at Johnson County. In each case, there were very extenuating circumstances. In each case, one single payment (out of about a thousand) was singled out and voted down separately. The remaining 999 claims were all approved.

Imagine for a moment that Royceann and Jon wanted to pay the bills as we usually would. But Pat, Lisa, and I refused to pay the bills unless they let the three of us choose the best 3 offices. Then the next week, we demanded three special parking spots. The week after that, yet another demand. Royceann and Jon give in, because if they do not, County Government shuts down. None of it is related to paying the bills; it is simply hostage taking.

If that actually happened at the local level, I would hope those three Supervisors would be voted out immediately. That behavior – I hope – would be seen as completely inappropriate. Because it IS completely inappropriate! Yet we allow Republicans to do it at the federal level a couple times each year without consequence.

Because the GOP has proven to be so irresponsible in these votes, I believe Democrats should seize this opportunity and eliminate votes on the debt ceiling. It is my understanding that they would still need to vote at some point, but could kick the process years down the road. I think they should do this, and quit giving Republicans a chance to do harm.

It is like having a flare gun in your camping stuff. Mom and Dad are responsible; they will never use it. But if the kids get a chance, they will shoot it off. What is the solution? Take the flare gun away.

Republicans in the Congress have proven to be less trustworthy than little kids out camping. Democrats, being the adults in the room, cannot afford to keep leaving the flare gun out. They should act now to do away with votes on the Debt Ceiling until after 2024, if not 2028.

*Guns Versus Butter

The recent discussion of President Biden’s Build Back Better (BBB) Plan is driving me crazy. Here are some points I think everyone should understand:

1. The BBB costs $3.5 trillion over 10 years. Not in one year, mind you. Over ten years. It is $350 million per year.

2. The $3.5 billion is fully paid for, and not by you! It will not add one penny to the debt or deficit. Increased taxes on the wealthiest corporations and wealthiest people in the US pay for the whole thing!

3. The $3.5 billion price tag is BEFORE savings are figured in. Economists predict that many of the projects included in the BBB will pay for themselves and then some. Childcare improvements alone could pay for half of this investment in just a few years.

4. We need to look at the BBB in comparison to the annual US Military budget.

The US Military budget is almost $8 trillion over 10 years. That is more than double the BBB. It has doubled since late ‘90s.

Half of the Pentagon budget is paid to contractors. The US has 800 military bases across the globe; no other country has more than 20. Must we police the whole world?

There is an old debate – guns versus butter. Frankly, the answer has pretty much always been the same. We have more than enough guns. It is time to take care of Americans!

*Volunteer for a Board or Commission!

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 (two vacancies)

·Compensation Commission (28 vacancies)

·Conservation Board (one vacancy)

·Historic Preservation Commission (three vacancies)

·Swisher Library (one vacancy)

·Medical Examiner (one vacancy)

·County Case Management Advisory Board (three vacancies)

·Zoning Board of Adjustment (one vacancy)

Information about specific boards and commissions, vacancies and application forms are available on the Committee/Board Openings webpage of the Johnson County website at: www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/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@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Completed applications must be returned to the Board Office by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021.

*DID YOU KNOW? “Americans make more trash than anyone else on the planet, throwing away about 7.1 pounds per person per day, 365 days per year. Each of our bodies may only occupy one cemetery plot when we’re done with this world, but a single person’s 102 ton trash legacy will require the equivalent of 1100 graves. Much of that trash will outlast any grave marker, pharaoh’s pyramid, or modern skyscraper.” Source: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church bulletin 9/26/21.

Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-

www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

"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 rodsullivan29@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.

As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan29@gmail.com. I look forward to serving you!

---Rod

September 23, 2021

I was sad to hear about the passing of Chuck deProsse. Chuck joined the faculty at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1972 and remained there until retiring in April 1996.

At Iowa, Dr. deProsse worked with the Rape Victim Advocacy Program to develop a protocol for care of female victims of sexual assault. He also served as director of the UIHC pregnancy termination service. He helped establish the Uro-Gynecologic division of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, served on the national Board of Directors of the American Uro-gynecologic Society, and was elected its president in 1993.

For many years Chuck served on the Johnson County Department of Public Health Board of Directors and participated in various capacities with the United Way of Johnson County. He served as medical director for the Emma Goldman Clinic for Women in Iowa City from its earliest inception, and volunteered his services at the Cedar Rapids Clinic for Women and Planned Parenthood of Iowa City.

There will be no viewing or service. In his memory, please consider a contribution to the Emma Goldman Clinic for Women, c/o the deProsse Access Fund, 227 N. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52245

Another notable loss is that of Larry Lynch. A local boy who became an attorney, Lynch did a great deal of civil law for the cities in Johnson County. He often appeared in front of the Board of Supervisors, and was always prepared and professional. He also served one term on the Iowa City Council. RIP, Larry.

The United Way and Iowa Shares campaigns are underway. I hope you will choose to be a supporter. My friend and colleague Janet Lyness is one of the Campaign Chairs this year, and I know she will do a great job!

Melissa and I are big supporters of the United Way and the United Way affiliated agencies. We give generously, I think. We also volunteer when and where we can.

So United Way is in our blood. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be in the blood of enough Johnson County residents.

I just heard a statistic that only 4% of all adults in Johnson County contribute to the United Way. Only 4%! And I’m sure it isn’t any better for Iowa Shares! That is simply too low, folks.

One in three families in Johnson County uses a United Way service. Let’s get at least one in three contributing to the United Way and/or Iowa Shares!

The dictionary defines expertise as, “Having knowledge or skill in a particular field.” In the early days of the US, most people were jacks of all trades. They knew how to farm, cook, read, and probably had some carpentry and other skills. People were quite self-sufficient. Trade in goods and services was somewhat limited, so you needed to be able to do most things yourself. But most people were not generally “experts” in any field.

Then the US became more specialized. You had people who gained expertise in certain fields. And Americans used them. There was a day when we valued expertise. We went to doctors with the idea that they knew medicine better than we did. We hired electricians because they could fix an electrical problem without burning down the house. We took our electronics to professionals for repairs because we didn’t know how to fix them.

Now we find ourselves in the worst of both worlds. Society has become very specialized. You can no longer just fix your own car. Many people cannot do their own taxes. Most things are connected to the internet, leaving many of us behind. Meanwhile, people trust experts less than ever. We will not do what our doctor advises. We don’t trust teachers. We don’t trust the HR Department.

Meanwhile, completely unqualified people go on the internet, find things that are deliberately created to mislead, and fall for it hook, line, and sinker. Then they spread the lies far and wide, creating even more distrust of experts.

It simply blows my mind how many people say, “I have done the research on COVID,” meaning they have spent hours on the internet. You know who has *REALLY* done the research on COVID? People like of Dr. Stanley Perlman, a University of Iowa researcher and one of the world's leading coronavirus experts. Scientists around the globe racing to find treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 are building upon his work.

Until recently, Perlman was one of only 10 full-time coronavirus virologists in the world. Perlman is quoted regularly on a range of COVID-19-related subjects by national media outlets such as The New York Times and ABC News. He also serves on the advisory committees for the FDA and CDC that give recommendations on the approval, distribution, and use of vaccines against the disease.

You know who else has *REALLY* done the research on COVID? People like Dr. Pat Winokur, Executive Dean of the UI's Carver College of Medicine and the principal investigator for the UI portion of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trials, which found the vaccine to be 95 percent effective.

We are SO blessed to have individuals with this type of expertise at the University of Iowa. I mentioned two particularly expert health care providers… but UIHC literally has THOUSANDS. And 99% of them agree! I hope more people will quit listening to their buddies from work and instead recognize real expertise.

So what are we to do? I see the problem here as being the age-old story of the pendulum. The pendulum has swung much too far in terms of mistrusting expertise. It needs to swing back. No, it does not need to swing back to blind trust. A healthy dose of skepticism is fine. But we need to get back to trusting our experts.

Iowa City Pride returns next week Friday, October 1st, and Saturday, October 2nd. Join us downtown to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Iowa City Pride. The full line-up and schedule have just been announced and can be seen here. This year, the festival will be doing things differently by hosting a Unity March in place of the Pride Parade. The Unity March will be on Saturday, October 2nd beginning at noon. More information about the festival and Unity March route can be seen on the festival's website.

Road Closures - Friday, October 1st at 3:00pm

Show your Pride! Pride Progress Flags can be purchased at the Downtown Iowa City Market website. Purchase one for $10 and arrange for free pick up or delivery.

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 rodsullivan29@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.

As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan29@gmail.com. I look forward to serving you!

September 16, 2021

The pandemic has not gone away. And neither has Johnson County Public Health! It is not easy going to work every day knowing you will be mocked, mistreated, and perhaps even threatened. Especially when all you are trying to do is to keep people healthy.

But the folks at Johnson County Public Health come in every day with smiles on their faces. Then they work long, hard days trying to ensure that we all stay healthy. You have heard it before, but it is true: these are heroes! Thank you all!

I got sued a few weeks ago. That is not necessarily unusual for a County Supervisor; it has occurred several times during my time on the Board. Getting sued does, however, impact what I am able to do in certain circumstances.

In this case, some of the same folks who sued me continue to want to speak with me. I have chosen to follow the advice of legal counsel, and avoid those conversations until the legal complaint is resolved.

I will typically speak to most anyone. But if you sue me, then want to speak with me? You are going to need to wait until the legal issue is behind us.

I am sure you will hear several different versions of what a terrible person I am. But this is what is up. Thanks for understanding.

By the time you read this, voting will be finished in the California Gubernatorial Recall Election. I think it is worth noting just how much bad policy is at play here:

First, recall elections are a bad idea. The winner of a duly contested election should maintain that office until the next scheduled election. Having some type of impeachment process makes sense, and perhaps even an automatic disqualifier if convicted of a felony. But failing that, the person should remain in office. To do otherwise rejects the voice of the people.

Second, far too few signatures are required. Granted, I oppose recall elections even if EVERY voter signs a petition. But if you are going to have a recall, the bar should be high.

Third, ballot access is too easy. There are 47 candidates appearing on the recall ballot. That tells me that it is too easy to get on the ballot.

Fourth, in California’s method, if the Governor is recalled, you simply move to question 2 – who should replace them? This means that the new Governor might get 10 or 20% of the vote, yet become Governor! In fact, the incumbent could “lose” with 49%, and be replaced by someone who got 10%. Crazy.

Fifth, the recall system can be bought by a billionaire. Just hire canvassers to get the signatures, and the Governor faces a recall election. Then the billionaire can spend billions on attack ads. It is all a very bad process!

I was glad to see Governor Newsome retained, and I hope California fixes this very bad set of laws.

I serve on a number of Boards and Commissions that include people from other counties. I am always amazed when they mention that they are afraid Linn and Johnson Counties will “dominate” said group. For the life of me, I do not see where this comes from.

Where does the idea come from that rural Iowa is ignored? I just reviewed the most recent Census data. Iowa has about 3,150,000 residents. 54% of Iowans (1,700,000) live in just ten counties. So one might expect Iowa to be a place where rural and urban interests both matter. Nothing could be further from the truth.

On pretty much all of these Boards and Commissions, we operate under a system of one county, one vote. So let’s just say, hypothetically, you have a region that represents Linn, Johnson, Cedar, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, Iowa, Benton, Buchanan, Delaware, and Jones Counties. You have Linn and Johnson and all the counties surrounding them. If all those counties vote together, they outvote Linn and Johnson 9-2. Yet Linn and Johnson Counties have around 390,000 total residents. The other 9 counties have about 150,000 residents – far less than half of the two most populous.

Versions of this exist in every regional initiative of which we are a part. And honestly, it works OK. But not because the system is good. It works because for the most part, County Supervisors regardless of county have been fair-minded, decent people who want to make things work for everyone. If that ever changes, it could get ugly.

The ten counties that house over half the population have pretty much zero political power. Farm Bureau sets the agenda in Des Moines. The Governor and her staff will take calls from more rural counties; no such luck for the rest of us.

The Iowa Legislature is constantly spinning out new rules for local governments that ONLY apply to the ten most populous counties. Why? Because Iowa has government of, by, and for rural people. Urban dwellers can expect to be targeted, burdened, and punished.

So this idea that somehow the more populous county is going to “dominate” the group you are in? I think we may need to question this assertion.

Our apple tree is no longer, a victim of derecho, disease, and benign neglect. So while I can no longer offer you apples, I’d like to encourage you to visit my friend Paul Rasch at Wilson’s Orchard. Paul is a great guy doing great things with a great place!

Located just a few miles north of Iowa City, just off Highway 1, Wilson’s Orchard has been around a long time. If you have never been there, go! There are 120 types of apples, but much, much more. It really is a local treasure, and people of all ages should visit! It is particularly a “must-do” for the kids and grandkids!

*DID YOU KNOW? 68 of Iowa’s 99 counties lost population per the 2020 census. None of the ten most populous counties lost population.

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 rodsullivan29@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.

As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan29@gmail.com. I look forward to serving you!

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