SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

December 29, 2022

Sullivan’s Salvos 1/3/23

In this edition:

*Welcome to 2023!

*Serving as Vice Chair

*New Committee Assignments

*Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

*County Building Renovations and the Budget

*Did You Know?

*Welcome to 2023!

Happy New Year! Here’s to a better and brighter year ahead! I have never been big on New Year’s resolutions – you can see that by my weight! But I certainly welcome the “fresh start” feel of the New Year. I hope 2023 is good to you and yours!

*Serving as Vice Chair

I will be serving as the Vice Chair of the Board this year, while Supervisor Green Douglass serves as Chair. If things go according to plan, I will then become the Chair in 2024.

The Vice Chair assists the Chair in setting the meeting agendas, ands runs meetings in the absence of the Chair. It amounts to quite a bit of extra work, but it is an honor to serve.

*New Committee Assignments

The Board of Supervisors tries to rotate the committees upon which its’ members serve. We typically serve on any given committee for 2-4 years, then move on. This ensures that all members get a certain amount of exposure to everything we do. It also ensures that a fresh set of eyes gets involved every so often. Sometimes it is more complicated than this, but that is generally how things work.

This rotation takes place in January every year, so we are all taking on some new and different challenges. I will be serving in the following roles for 2023:

I will be returning to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County Board, the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board, and rejoining the East Central Mental Health Region. I am looking forward to working with each of those groups.

There are many, many other boards, committees, and commissions of which I am a part. But this gives you a sense of a few of my assignments.

*Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

Our Christmas Holiday was one we will not soon forget! We had never done anything like this before, but this year Melissa and I decided to spend Christmas in Orlando with our son Octavious (BJ). Our middle daughter Jordan, who lives in Memphis, decided to join us. So we were set for a fun and very different holiday.

We were flying direct from Cedar Rapids to Orlando, scheduled to leave Thursday morning December 22. Then on Wednesday the 21^st, the forecast looked dire. Our flight got cancelled. We were in jeopardy of missing a unique holiday experience.

So we looked at the weather map. Could we fly out of St. Louis? Didn’t look promising. Memphis? That might work. So Melissa cancelled our CR flight, and booked us on a flight the evening of the 22^nd from Memphis to Charlotte to Orlando.

But we had to leave immediately. So we through some stuff in a couple bags and started the 9 hour drive to Memphis. We got to Jordan’s just fine, though the drive was grueling. We got to the airport on Thursday in plenty of time. And then the storm hit. An ice storm forced us to sit on the tarmac for almost 4 hours. When we finally got to Charlotte at 2am, everything was cancelled. After two hours in line, we grabbed a couple hours of “sleep” on the airport floor.

Luckily, we got out early the next day, and arrived in Orlando at a decent hour. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for my luggage. I had to go most of the trip without it! Needless to say, I was looking good!

It was also crazy because Orlando was unseasonably cold. It was 84 right before we got there, and it is supposed to be in the 80s beginning again soon. But we had highs between 45 and 60 during our stay.

In the end, everything was great. We got what we wanted – time with our adult children who live far away. But it was quite an ordeal!

*County Building Renovations and the Budget

Johnson County has been planning to do some renovations to the Administration Building, built in 1986, and the Health and Human Services Building, built in 2010. A committee was formed to discuss what needed to be done. Unfortunately, the scope and cost of the project continued to balloon, and the price tag has risen to over $25 million.

The County Finance Director (Dana Aschenbrenner) recently urged the Supervisors to scrap the current project and go back to the drawing board, suggesting that coming up with even half that amount of money may be infeasible.

Unfortunately, we got this info late in the game. A great deal of planning had gone into the renovations, and it would have been nice to have had this data much earlier in the process. But the facts remain – we do not have the money.

While I understand the frustration and disappointment felt by many in the County, I do not see any other reasonable way forward. To fund the $25 million + project, we would need to spend down our reserves to precarious levels. This would violate our own reserve policies, and penalize us when it came time to borrow. (By affecting our bond rating.) I will not support this. Period.

What’s more, the $25 million + project would also necessitate a tax increase of over 23%, followed by an increase of 8% two years later. In all my years as a County Supervisor we have never even approached an 8% tax increase, let alone 23%. That is simply way too much, and I will not support it. Period.

What can be done? We have over $5 million set aside to get things started. Let’s dig into the plan and see what we feel is most important. Then let’s see what $5 million will get us. With a prioritized list, we can knock off a project or two every year until we have made significant improvements.

Look, I get it - it is much easier and cheaper to do everything at once. I do not dispute that. But the only way you can do that is if you have the money. We do not. So arguing for the project is a moot point.

I have been warning for some time that the Board needs to tighten its belt. That has gone over like a lead balloon. There are more needs in Johnson County than we could ever hope to address. We have to make some hard choices. Frankly, I don’t even see this choice as that hard.

Things will not be getting easier, either. The Iowa Legislature has already said their number one priority is cutting property taxes. And they have the votes to do anything they want. The people of Johnson County need the Board of Supervisors to go into this budget very clear-eyed. We will have to find several areas in which we can save money. Nobody wants to discuss it, but it is a fact.

*DID YOU KNOW? Over the past seven fiscal years, the tax rate in Johnson County has dropped about 16%. That does NOT necessarily mean your taxes went down; the primary driver of your tax bill is the assessed valuation of the property.

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

December 21, 2022

Happy New Year to all Salvos readers! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful 2023!

I was sad to hear of the passing of Claudine Harris, 96, of Iowa City. Originally from France, Claudine had witnessed what happened in Europe in the middle of the 20^th century, and was committed to ensuring it never happened again. To that end, she was a dedicated member of the League of Women Voters and Johnson County Democratic Party.

Claudine was best known, perhaps, as a formidable advocate for better mental health care in Iowa. Claudine was the most focused, informed, dogged, persistent advocate I have ever met – and I have known many!

She served on numerous county and state commissions, and she absolutely made the world a better place for people with mental health issues and their families. RIP, Claudine!

2022 is coming to a close, and it is time for honoring a few select Johnson County residents with that most treasured of honors, the Salvos Salute. A few observations:

* This is the seventeenth annual set of awards, and there are always more people who deserve awards than there are awards to give. We live in a great County!

* The focus is on Johnson County. It is certainly worth noting the daily heroism of someone like our firefighters, police, and paramedics. There are also examples that garner international attention. But we have everyday heroes right here in Johnson County that deserve a shout out.

* There are some people out there that could win every year. I am trying to honor different folks, but repeat winners are not out of the question.

* Salvos Salutes do not have specific criteria, but you can bet that in general, most of the winners are courageous, advocate for peace and justice, have good ideas, speak truth to power, avoid hypocrisy, and look out for the less fortunate.

Joe Bolkcom (second honor): Joe Bolkcom, my State Senator since 1998, is retiring. Joe Bolkcom is my friend, a mentor, a fantastic public servant, and a great guy. Joe was also a Supervisor - almost certainly the most transformative Supervisor in the modern history of the Board. I have written before about how I sit in the same seat Joe occupied. Every single day I try to live up to his standard. I rarely achieve that standard, but I am honored to have the opportunity to try. Meanwhile, thanks again, Joe. You have been a great State Senator, and I truly appreciate all your work.

Mary Mascher: State Representative Mary Mascher is retiring after 28 years in the Iowa House. I remember talking to some elected officials from western Iowa at a statewide conference. They said that at all the big fundraising events, speakers would say, “Do you want to turn over control of the State to radicals like MARY MASCHER?” They would really over-emphasize her name, like the deep-voiced radio announcers. And the crowd would vociferously boo at the sound of Mary’s name. You know why that is? Because Mary has guts! She challenges those guys (they are almost all guys) and calls them out. If they dare debate her, she crushes them. Understand – not every State Rep does this. Many avoid conflict. Others aren’t rhetorically capable. Many don’t care deeply enough. Not Mary! Mary fights the fight and she wins the fight! This is a huge loss for the people of Johnson County. But I am happy for her, and wish her all the best. Thanks, Mary, for an amazing, triumphant Legislative career!

Pat Heiden: Supervisor Pat Heiden is retiring after serving one term on the Board. Pat has a great temperament for being an elected official. Far too many elected officials take every disagreement personally. Others make disagreements personal when they need not be. Not Pat. Pat is always professional, calm, and cool. I have really grown to like and admire Pat. I now consider her a good friend. I will miss her both personally and professionally. Thank you for your service, Pat! Congratulations on your retirement!

I have tremendous respect for Tom Kriz. He has been an innovator, but Tom is also old school. Work hard, be honest, and treat people right. It is a formula that still works! Thank you for your service, Tom! You are a good man! Congratulations on your retirement!

Janet Lyness: We have been very lucky to have Janet Lyness as our County Attorney. Janet is unbelievably kind, caring, and thoughtful. Janet has led the way in many important areas, from jail diversion, to drug court, to mental health court, to marijuana diversion, to creating GuideLink, to working with victims of domestic violence, to helping people get their driver’s licenses reinstated, to investigating racial disparities in the system… Janet has made Johnson County a better, safer, more just, more decent place to live. Thank you for your service, Janet! Congratulations on your retirement!

Ron Scheiffer: My friend Ron founded Reach For Your Potential (RFYP), an agency dedicated to serving people with disabilities, way back in 1990. Ron wanted to create an environment of the sort to which he could send his own children and be proud to do so. He accomplished all that and more. Now he has retired, and left a lasting legacy of compassion, kindness, and care. Thanks, Ron!

The Mill: There was no place quite like the Mill. Unfortunately, 2022 saw the final demise as the wrecking ball took down this Iowa City icon. Many fantastic musical acts played the Mill stage. Many people filled up on all-you-can-eat spaghetti. Lots of people stopped in for a drink, and that moment in some way changed their lives. Poetry, politics, pizza… the Mill was legendary. RIP.

Brian Loring (second honor): A tip of the cap to Brian Loring, who retired after a long career as the Executive Director of Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC). Brian led NCJC through lots of growth, innovation, and some turbulent times. Bottom line? His work has improved the lives of thousands of Johnson County residents – including my own children. Brian is truly one of the good people in Johnson County. I am proud to call him a friend. Congratulations, Brian – you deserve it!

Diane Dingbaum: Diane worked right alongside Brian at NCJC, spending a lifetime serving needy kids and their families. Diane also retired this year, and deserves a big shout out for her years of good works. Congratulations, Diane!

David Osterberg: Thinking back upon my years as a Supervisor, I feel as though we have won some important victories that have greatly improved the quality of life in Johnson County. These include our Sensitive Areas Ordinance, Conservation Bond, fighting for better TIFs, and raising the minimum wage, just to name a few. And in pretty much every case, the Iowa Policy Project was an important ally in these victories. David founded the Iowa Policy Project in 2001 precisely because well-intentioned elected officials needed help. His background in all things environmental plus his service in the Iowa Legislature gave the organization instant credibility. Congratulations, David! Enjoy your retirement!

Peter Fisher: Peter also retired from the Iowa Policy Project (now Common Good Iowa). I cannot count the number of times I called him, flustered by a talking point from the other side, only to have Peter calmly talk me down. I truly spent hundreds of hours in my career going through materials Peter provided. Peter helped teach me how to think about the policy issues that affect Johnson County. He made me, and many others, better public servants. If you like the policy direction of your local elected officials, you can probably thank Peter Fisher.Congratulations, Peter! Enjoy your retirement!

Randy Hausler: Congratulations to Randy Hausler upon retiring after over 37 years as the Youth Ministries Director at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church. During that time, Randy has joked and played around, but also accomplished the very serious work of trying to help generations of young people to get on the path of leading a moral life. The Hauslers were very welcoming to our family when we arrived at St. Andrew over 20 years ago, and have maintained that warm, welcoming attitude ever since. With sincere gratitude and appreciation, thank you Randy for your service!

Jill Foens: Imagine spending all day, every day, working with the neediest families and children in our community. Could you do it really, really well for 35 years? Could you do it in such a way that everyone you have ever met has deep respect for you? Jill Foens has done exactly that. Jill is retiring after a long career with the Iowa Department of Human Services. Kids always connected with her and always respected her – including kids who really didn’t respect anyone. The woman was just damn good at a very difficult job, and I respect the hell out of her. Congratulations, Jill, on your retirement! You earned it! Thank you for your many years of service to our most vulnerable families and children. You made a difference!

Anji Jordan (second honor): South District SSMID, baby! If you do not know what that means, you will! Iowa City native and South District resident Angie Jordan has things cooking in her neighborhood, and you are invited! Expect more big things from Iowa City’s South District in 2023!

Todd Dorman: Gazette columnist Dorman hits all the right notes. He calls out lies, he points out hypocrisies, and he calls it as he sees it. Meanwhile, he punches up, not down, and defends those with little voice in our decision making. Things are bleak, but there is still some excellent journalism out there. If you are not reading Todd Dorman’s columns in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, you are missing out!

Temple Hiatt: Unfortunately, the State of Iowa passed a terrible Constitutional Amendment this past November. Known as the “gun issue,” it will make the regulation of firearms next to impossible. There were many great people who did all they could to stop this misguided vote. Chief among them was Temple Hiatt from Moms Demand Action. An Army vet, Temple went from group to group, explaining the dangers of this passing. Though the measure passed statewide, it lost 67-33 in Johnson County, largely due to Temple’s efforts. Thanks, Temple!

V Fixmer Oraiz: V won election to the Board of Supervisors, and will be the first trans person to serve in elected county office. I really enjoy working with V, and I think they will do a great job for the people of Johnson County.

*DID YOU KNOW? 242 individuals/groups have received a Salvos Salute since they were started in 2006.

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!

December 14, 2022

The community just lost a giant with the passing of Willard “Sandy” Boyd. You would be hard pressed to ever find ANYONE who contributed as much to this place and these people.

I would go out on a limb and say Sandy was the most influential Johnson County resident of the 20^th century. And I would add that we are a much better place because of that!

I recently joined a couple hundred other community members at a protest sponsored by United Electrical Workers Campaign to Organize Graduate Students (UE COGS).

As is clear from the name, UE COGS is the union that represents graduate students at the UI. It was formed in 1993, and has won some significant victories over time, including winning health care coverage for grad students.

But alas, the fight is never over. Despite the fact that grad students teach over 50% of all the classes taught at the UI, they are woefully underpaid. One of the rally’s organizers told me that he began pursuing a Master’s at the UI in 2017. At that time, his academic year pay was $19,000. As he finishes his Ph.D. six years later, his salary is $20,598. That is an increase of 8% over six years. $20,000 was not livable 6 years ago, and it is certainly not livable now!

To make things even worse, the recent raises given to UI administration are embarrassingly generous. Many got 8-12% raises on top of very high salaries. Scores of UI administrators earn over $200,000, many earning twice that. What might $400,000 spread across 200 teachers mean? If you are making $20,000, that $2000 means a lot!

I am a union guy. I grew up in a union home, I am a member of AFT 716, a delegate to the Iowa City Federation of Labor, and a lifelong believer in the benefit of unions. I have known a number of COGS members over the years. As a matter of fact, Melissa was a COGS steward way back when we met, while she was pursuing a Ph.D. in Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry. So I have a strong inclination toward my brothers and sisters in UE COGS.

All that said, this is really pretty simple. The UI has the money to pay some enormous salaries. If they can do that, they should also pay better than poverty wages to the folks who make the place run. The gap between the highest paid person at Johnson County and the lowest paid is about 4.5 to one. At the UI, the gap between the highest paid administrators (not coaches or doctors, mind you, but administrators) is about 30 to one.

As an alumnus of the UI, I am EMBARRASSED that they are paying full time teachers $20,000 per year! What would Sandy Boyd do? Do better, UI!

I am tremendously frustrated by Senators Joe Manchin and Kirsten Sinema when it comes to the debt ceiling. They could join other Democrats right now and take the issue off the table for years, if not permanently. Instead, they are going to pass up the opportunity because it is “not bipartisan.”

Fast forward to 2023, and Republicans in the House will begin holding the country hostage. The refrain will be, “Cut Social Security and Medicare or we will shut down the government.” Nothing bipartisan there!

Nothing good can happen from this. Americans will get hurt. And Manchin and Sinema could stop it. But they refuse. I guess that is all you need to know!

The Board recently did a proclamation recognizing December as Human Rights Month, and it got me thinking about the history of human rights efforts in our county.

The people who accepted the proclamation were 4 members of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission (ICHRC), and all people I like very much. It is appropriate that members of the ICHRC be involved, as Iowa City was at the very forefront nationwide when it comes to human rights.

The Iowa City Human Rights Commission started in 1963. Redlining was a common practice at the time, as was discrimination against people of color when it comes to rental housing. Several wonderful Iowa Citians, including Gene and Carol Spaziani, were determined to make sure that discrimination stopped.

I wish someone would do some good research on this. I’d like to know who helped to make Iowa City a fairer, more just place for people of color. It does not surprise me at all that the Spazianis were involved; I wish I knew who else to thank.

As I have been told, this group of people had been advocating for change for quite some time, but it was a high-profile case of discrimination against a high profile African American man (Phil Hubbard) with an important job at the UI that finally shamed the City Council into creating the Commission. I’d like to know more about this, too.

In the 70s, the Council became one of the first in the nation to adopt protections for lesbians and gays. Carol deProsse was on the Council then, and shared the story with me once. I hope someone will take the time to interview her and save that bit of history. It is remarkable!

Johnson County got in on the act next. I competed in the June 2004 Democratic Primary. It was a crowded field – 7 people (including two incumbents) for 3 seats. I campaigned on the idea of a human rights ordinance. It was the right thing to do. And I think it made a difference in my securing one of the three nominations. I had campaigned on the issue; now I needed to follow through.

I enlisted several people to help – first and foremost, Johnson County Recorder Kim Painter, the first openly gay elected official in Iowa history. Robin Butler and Janelle Rettig did tremendous work, securing draft ordinances from around the country and organizing the LGBTQ+ community. It would never have gotten done without their work. Influential Legislators Mary Mascher and Joe Bolkcom, among others, vocally supported the ordinance.

We had a motivated team, but we kept running into roadblocks. First, I felt the easiest option would be to simply contract with Iowa City and use their existing infrastructure. But Iowa City City Manager Steve Atkins came back with a ridiculous proposal – IC would handle the County work for $100,000 plus a per case hourly fee. (Remember, that is in 2005 dollars!) I knew there was no support for that level of spending. I resisted the urge to tell him what I really thought, and said, “That’s OK. We’ll do it ourselves.”

There were several county staff who were lobbying against the ordinance. Not because they were anti-gay, but because they felt the ordinance would take time away from more important topics. As I wrote in Salvos a bit later, “People in Johnson County can be evicted because of who they love. They can be fired because of who they love. I don’t see what could be more urgent than fixing that problem!”

The Board at the time was actually very supportive of the ordinance. Supervisors Stutsman, Lehman, and Neuzil were all steadfast despite the fact that there was pushback from the community. We heard from several pastors and lots of conservative community members that this ordinance would be a boondoggle. All three of them stood strong, and deserve your thanks.

Janet Lyness, who was then an Assistant County Attorney, wrote the ordinance. It passed unanimously, 5-0, and Johnson County became the first county in Iowa to offer human rights protections. To this day, that remains perhaps my proudest day as a County Supervisor.

There were good ripple effects, too. Then-Legislators Mary Mascher and Joe Bolkcom took the topic to Des Moines. They used Johnson County as an example, pointing out that not only did nothing bad happen, but that Johnson County continued to grow and thrive.

So, a couple years later, with Democrats holding the Governor, Senate, and House, Iowa passed statewide human rights protections! I like to think that Johnson County played a key role in helping to get that done!

Another note – way back in 2005, Johnson County chose to cover trans rights in our ordinance. The state did not do so in 2007, and we are feeling the results!

Like I said, December is Human Rights Month. We have a proud history here in Johnson County – go ahead and celebrate it!

We live in a GREAT county! Why? Because of the great people that live here! Unfortunately, we rarely do enough to acknowledge these wonderful people and the wonderful things they do.

That is why I really look forward to Salvos Salutes. It provides an opportunity to mention just a few of these cool people and the good things they do. I hope you look forward to it as well!

*DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County has never had a violation of its Human Rights Ordinance, although the County Attorney’s Office has had to explain the ordinance on a few occasions where it appeared a violation could be imminent. It has been a good deterrent.

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!

December 7, 2022

Linda Severson of Iowa City passed away back in 2011. From her obituary: “She was a 1973 graduate of the School of Social Work at the University of Iowa. Linda was the Human Services coordinator for the Metropolitan Planning Organization with the City of Iowa City, previously employed by Johnson County Social Services and Systems Unlimited. Linda served on the numerous boards and committees including the ARC and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She was always organizing clothing drives, food drives and other community events. Linda was a tireless advocate for people in need.”

Linda and I began working together in the late 1980s when she was a social worker at Johnson County. I got to know her pretty well, and we were friends until she passed in 2011.

Upon Linda’s death, the folks at MPO started the Severson Challenge. This pitted employees of University Heights, Tiffin, North Liberty, Coralville, Iowa City, and Johnson County against each other in a fundraising competition, with all the proceeds going to local charities. In its 11 years, the Severson Challenge has raised nearly $90,000 in donations for local charities. It has been fun and helped people in need. Linda would approve!

Unfortunately, as time has passed, interest has waned. Less and less people involved in local government actually knew Linda. Donations have fallen off. So the MPO has decided to do one final round of the Severson Challenge. This time, the challenge is to raise $9,000 to be split between the three food pantries that serve residents of Johnson County.

In addition, we will use a maximum of $500 to fund a more permanent tribute to Linda – a park bench or something similar. Then the annual fundraiser will end.

So, Salvos readers… I need your help! Salvos readers skew a bit older. It is likely that many of you knew Linda. Would you be willing to make a one-time donation in her memory? Any amount would be great.

Either get it to me at 514 N. Linn Street in Iowa City, or let me know if I can come pick it up. Or drop it by any of the City Halls of the cities mentioned earlier. Let them know it is for the Severson Challenge. In addition, Iowa City is managing the Go Fund Me and at the end of the Challenge our accounting office will cut equal checks to each food pantry.

We will be honoring a wonderful person, who dedicated her life to helping the less fortunate, gone too soon. Thanks!

I wish Congress and the President had not intervened in the rail workers’ contract dispute. I get it; a national railroad strike right now would do great harm to the economy. There is a simple answer to that – hold the bastards who run the railroads accountable!

If the votes were not there in Congress to add seven or more sick days, then leave the issue alone. Get out on the picket line and support the strikers. Use whatever soapbox you have to explain how a bunch of millionaires were willing to crash the economy because they refused to give their employees sick days. (I’m willing to bet those millionaires have sick days!)

Seriously, the railroad owners and executives can go straight to Hell. I stand with the workers. I wish more Democrats did the same!

The Iowa Caucuses always have been a terrible way to vote. Exclusive, exclusionary, difficult in almost every way – I say good riddance!

And I am the type of person who benefits most from the old caucus system! I have had personal, meaningful conversations with Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and dozens of others. I have great memories of all the caucuses, dating back to the very first one! It has been an amazing opportunity for me. I have written about it at length; I’ll repeat some of those posts soon.

But it is not about me getting selfies. What has being “first” done for the majority of Iowans? I would argue it has hurt them. The so-called economic impact is almost nil; most tv stations, radio stations, newspapers, even hotels – are owned by out-of-state corporations. Almost none of the millions that are spent flow through the Iowa economy.

Meanwhile, Democrats have spent so much time worrying about “first in the nation” that they have failed to step up and fight the real fights we have on our hands. Want an example? We raised the minimum wage in Johnson County in 2015, until the Republicans took away our local control in 2017. We never once heard from the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party during that time. Neither did any of the 50,000 low wage workers who got a raise. She must have been too worried about “first.” Or too worried about what wealthy people thought. Or both. Whatever the case, she clearly didn’t help anybody here.

So, I say good riddance. Let’s fully commit to the principle of making it easy to vote. It is way overdue.

There is a sticking point, however. Republicans control the Iowa Senate, Iowa House, and Iowa Governorship. They want Iowa to go first. And they are not about to change Iowa law to accommodate Democrats.

Honestly, I don’t know how we reconcile this. But for God’s sake, please stop fighting for the Caucuses! It is akin to longing for the “good old days” before women’s suffrage and the Voting Rights Act. Caucuses are undemocratic, period. Let’s truly commit to universal suffrage, and abandon the caucuses once and for all.

Perhaps we run the Iowa Caucus 100% by mail. Perhaps we simply refuse to participate. Perhaps we sue the GOP under what is left of the Voting Rights Act. Whatever the case, it needs to change!

I get occasional requests to run things in Salvos. I never realized how controversial this could get, but it seems to have caused some friction between some of my friends and I! So please allow me to explain my thoughts.

I have never created “rules” in terms of what I will/will not include. I just don’t want to get that formal, frankly. Getting this out weekly can be a bit of a chore, and I just don’t want to make it any more difficult. I don’t have any staff. No intern. Nothing. This is just me, which can get a bit daunting.

I date each edition of Salvos as a Tuesday, even though you will likely get it somewhere between Wednesday night and Friday morning. The idea of how to date each edition is stolen from the publishing industry; they want you to be able to buy magazines over a period of time knowing they will remain relevant. So Salvos is written in such a way that if you do not read it until Tuesday morning, it should still be relevant.

That affects what I will run and when. If you send me an item on Thursday the 13^th for Saturday the 15^th, I am extremely unlikely to run it. Because I know several folks will not see it until after the 15^th. And I want each edition to be relevant.

So get me your information ASAP. Give me some time to work it in. And please do not be offended if I decided not to run your item. I am doing my best to put out a product that 500+ people will find interesting and informative each week. It is not easy!

*DID YOU KNOW? In 1993, Jeff Hoffman brought a small menorah and spun a dreidel while on a mission to restore the Hubble Space Telescope. His mini Hanukkah celebration was broadcast over satellite for people back on Earth to see.

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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