SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

February 21, 2024

Sullivan’s Salvos 2/22/24

In this edition:

*No Salvos Next Week!

*DVIP Souper Bowl

*Bowl For Kids Sake

*Night of 1000 Dinners

*Sullivan for Supervisor Fundraiser

*Spreading Salvos Love!

*The Politics of Bridge Building

*Did You Know?

*No Salvos Next Week!

There will be no Salvos next week – Wednesday, February 28 (dated 2/29). Expect your next edition in your inbox on Wednesday, March 6 (dated 3/7). Thanks!

*DVIP Souper Bowl

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)’s 27th Annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser will be held on February 29th, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Conference Center from 5:30-7:30 PM. The event will be back in person, with drive-through and delivery options available. “Soupporters” will be able to choose from several soups donated by local restaurants.

For over 40 years, DVIP has partnered with the community to support victim-survivors and provide safety solutions. As DVIP and other victim service programs face funding cuts, “this event is vital because it provides the financial support to ensure our advocates are there when victim-survivors need them,” said Alta Medea, director of community engagement. “In addition, the Souper Bowl demonstrates that we, as a community, support and believe victim-survivors. This event shows them that they are not alone.”

This community event raises funds for victims of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, stalking, and harassment in the counties that DVIP serves. The “Souper Bowl” was created by Executive Director Kristie Fortmann-Doser to challenge the myth that more violence occurs against women around the NFL Super Bowl.

To buy tickets see: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/D_ryE6RcXBsChCG7FIkr9Q

*Bowl For Kids Sake

The Sullivan for Supervisor team is once again raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County by Bowling For Kids’ Sake.

BBBS is REALLY important! Statistics show that having a trusted adult mentor makes an unbelievable difference in the life of a child. Kids with BBBS matches do better academically, are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, and are less likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. This simple idea WORKS.

Please contribute to the Sullivan for Supervisor team at:

https://bbbsjc.bbbsfundraise.org/bfks2023/myhq

*Night of 1000 Dinners

Unfortunately, I cannot attend due to a meeting. But I am glad to see that Night of 1000 Dinners is going strong!

Join the Johnson County UNA on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 6:00 pm for a community celebration of International Women’s Day. The in-person International Buffet with the Program will begin at 6:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Coralville.

There will be an international buffet, entertainment from diverse cultures, and recognition of groups advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal #3 Good Health and Well Being: Healthy Kids Clinic, Youth Crisis Stabilization Program (UAY and CommUnity), Emma Goldman Clinic, and Four Cs (Community Coordinated Child Care).

Tickets are $25 ($10 for students and people with limited income). Donations are gratefully accepted to support participation by community members. To buy tickets or make a donation: https://N1KD23.eventbrite.com

*Sullivan for Supervisor Fundraiser

Please join us for the Sullivan for Supervisor Campaign Kick Off!

The event will be held Thursday, February 22 at The Green House, 505 E. Washington St. in Iowa City.

The event will run from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, with remarks at 5:40.

Please join Rod Sullivan as he kicks off his 2024 County Supervisor reelection campaign. There will be food, cash bar, and lots of great conversation!

Can’t make it but still want to contribute? Please send a check to:

Sullivan for Supervisor

514 N. Linn St.

Iowa City, IA 52245

or visit the website at: rodsullivanforsupervisor.com.

*Spreading Salvos Love!

I have been sending Salvos out since I began as a Supervisor in January of 2005. (Actually, the first couple editions came out in December of 2004, just before I took office.)

The newsletter was not named “Sullivan’s Salvos” at that time; that name came from my friend Charlie Funk. Meanwhile, over the past 996 weeks, subscribers have received around 975 issues of Salvos. (I have missed a few weeks for family vacations, etc.)

I really wasn’t certain that I would be able to maintain this volume of writing. And I’d be lying if I said it was easy. But it is a bit of a labor of love.

Hopefully, folks have found it interesting. I have been intrigued by the responses. A couple dozen folks have unsubscribed in protest over one issue or another; some have returned, but not all. There are a handful of folks who offer their thoughts frequently; I really appreciate this! Two or three people actually respond at length on occasion; I feel as though I have made a couple of friends this way! Most subscribers stay subscribed, but I don’t really know if they read it or not. And that is OK.

I have not done much to increase readership since those earliest weeks. The number of subscribers quickly grew to about 550, dropped off to around 500, and has remained within about ten of that number ever since.

Johnson County is a very transient community, and it is truly remarkable how many people come and go. Unfortunately, 60+ readers have died during this span. Many of my readers no longer subscribe because they moved away. And just as people go, new people arrive. I know there are people new to Johnson County who might be interested in subscribing. Given that, I decided to reach out a bit – hence this article.

I ask that you please do me a favor. Forward this edition of Salvos on to a few friends. Encourage them to sign up. I’d like to add a few new readers to the mix.

Thank you for sharing, and thank you for reading! I look forward to your feedback in the future! It has truly been a pleasure!

*The Politics of Bridge Building

I find that there are often disconnects between reality and the political narratives we choose to embrace. The issue of rural bridges is a good example of this disconnect.

First, a bit of background: every Iowa county has hundreds of miles of gravel roads. In addition, many of these roads have multiple bridges. Some are concrete, some are steel, and some are timber, but they all serve the same purpose. We replace a few of these bridges every year, and I can tell you the cost is pretty much always between $800k-$1,200,000, depending upon the length.

These bridges are lifelines for the people who live in the area. This is how farmers get to their fields. This is how farmers get to town. The rural economy functions best when these bridges are well maintained.

In addition, there is a public safety factor. Fire trucks, ambulances, and Sheriff’s vehicles need to be able to access the residents of the area via a quick and direct route.

On the other hand, the cost of these bridges adds up. Say we set aside $4.0 million for these bridges each year. That is the same cost as two brand new miles of paved road, or the rehabilitation of 6 miles of paved road.

Some of our paved roads see thousands of cars every day. Often these gravel roads have traffic counts as low as 20 cars per day. Needless to say, many people feel it is foolish to invest so much money in these bridges when the total traffic counts are so low.

I understand both sides of the argument. But time after time, I have come down on the side of the farmer. I have served as a Supervisor for over 19 years. In that time, Johnson County has never permanently closed a bridge. I am extremely proud of that fact!

But you won’t find a bunch of farmers singing my praises. In fact, you’ll find the exact opposite; farmers talking about how much they hate my work as a Supervisor.

Here is where the disconnect comes in. Washington County – with more farms than Johnson County – has closed bridges. The Washington County Board is made up 100% of conservative Republicans. But they have closed bridges.

Cedar County is the same way. The Cedar County Board is made up of 100% conservative Republicans, including the Chair of the Iowa Republican Party. But they have closed bridges.

Like many areas of our politics today, the realities of bridge building do not match the political narrative.

*DID YOU KNOW? Johnson County maintains 211 bridges of 20’ or longer.

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

February 13, 2024

WHAT: Food, friends, music, and solidarity! Delicious chili provided (meat and veggie options); bring a side dish if you like

WHY: Celebrate worker victories from the past year, honor contributions of local labor leaders, (re)connect with labor siblings, and prepare for the struggles ahead.

The Sullivan for Supervisor team is once again raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County by Bowling For Kids’ Sake.

The event will be held Thursday, February 22 at The Green House, 505 E. Washington St. in Iowa City.

Please join Rod Sullivan as he kicks off his 2024 County Supervisor reelection campaign. There will be food, cash bar, and lots of great conversation!

My friend Jim Walters just wrote the following. I felt it needed to be repeated!

Dear Governor Reynolds:
I don't see CHUTZPAH or HYPOCRISY on your list of message subjects, so 'm forced to choose OTHER.
Tonight, on television news, they said you're seeking federal disaster assistance regarding our January snow events. Really? Didn't you grow up in Iowa, where we buck up and face the weather?
After diverting tax dollars to send the Iowa Highway Patrol to the U.S. border, after squandering tax dollars on your "school choice" boondoggle, and after bragging, loudly and repeatedly, about the $2 billion budget surplus you've created . . . you have to go begging for federal help?
You are truly unbelievable.
Sincerely,
Jim Walters

A friend made a comment to me about our current political situation in Johnson County, and I found it quite disconcerting. My friend said they were very concerned about how to bridge the real and perceived political divisions that exist in Johnson County.

They noted that small acts can make it appear that you are “choosing sides.” If they hug Pauline Taylor, does that mean they don’t like Laura Bergus? If they hug Laura Bergus, does that mean they don’t like Pauline Taylor? Can they have a laugh with Royceann Porter and Rachel Zimmermann Smith, or will that anger Jon Green? Can they share a laugh with Jon Green, or will that anger Royceann Porter and Rachel Zimmermann Smith?

I said I was sorry they felt that way, but I understood it. I also think my friend should feel free to hug or laugh with any person they damn well please. Elected Officials should avoid putting people in a position of, “You are either with me or against me.”

I am confident that the 5 people I mentioned will not fall victim to this type of pettiness. But it is your job as citizens to hold ALL of us accountable. My friend should be able to talk to whoever they want without fear of retribution.

Unfortunately, their fears reminded me of a story. We had a foster son for two full years back in the mid-2000s. He was (and is) a wonderful young man who returned to his mother’s care. They moved back to Chicago, where they were originally from, but we have stayed in touch.

Anyway, when our foster son was in elementary school, he moved a lot. He also typically lived with his brother and three cousins. So the big group of 5 walked to school together every day. Unfortunately, in one of the places they lived, the Latin Kings controlled one side of the street, while the Vice Lords controlled the other. The children were told in no uncertain terms that once they picked one side of the street, they were unwelcome on the other.

Obviously, this created a real hardship for the kids, who tried to navigate their way to school in the middle of a busy street. Luckily, a former gang member was using his post-prison time to try to negotiate truces in these sorts of situations. The City of Chicago and the Chicago Public School District enlisted his help. He was able to negotiate a truce that allowed all kids to make their ways to and from school. But dang!

Sometimes it is important for folks to take one side or another. But neither of these examples rise to that level. Let’s be better than that. We must be better than that!

The Democratic Party has a platform at the County, State, and National levels. This platform is a statement of values of party members. While not everyone agrees with every word of the platform, it is a democratically constructed representation of who we are.

The Republican Party no longer has a platform. They decided back in 2020 that their platform should be, “Whatever Donald Trump thinks.” You think I am joking? Here is GOP platform in its’ entirety:

WHEREAS, The Republican National Committee (RNC) has significantly scaled back the size and scope of the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte due to strict restrictions on gatherings and meetings, and out of concern for the safety of convention attendees and our hosts;

WHEREAS, The RNC has unanimously voted to forego the Convention Committee on Platform, in appreciation of the fact that it did not want a small contingent of delegates formulating a new platform without the breadth of perspectives within the ever-growing Republican movement;

WHEREAS, All platforms are snapshots of the historical contexts in which they are born, and parties abide by their policy priorities, rather than their political rhetoric;

WHEREAS, The RNC, had the Platform Committee been able to convene in 2020, would have undoubtedly unanimously agreed to reassert the Party’s strong support for President Donald Trump and his Administration;

WHEREAS, The media has outrageously misrepresented the implications of the RNC not adopting a new platform in 2020 and continues to engage in misleading advocacy for the failed policies of the Obama-Biden Administration, rather than providing the public with unbiased reporting of facts; and

WHEREAS, The RNC enthusiastically supports President Trump and continues to reject the policy positions of the Obama-Biden Administration, as well as those espoused by the Democratic National Committee today; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Republican Party has and will continue to enthusiastically support the President’s America-first agenda;

RESOVLVED, That the 2020 Republican National Convention will adjourn without adopting a new platform until the 2024 Republican National Convention;

RESOLVED, That the 2020 Republican National Convention calls on the media to engage in accurate and unbiased reporting, especially as it relates to the strong support of the RNC for President Trump and his Administration; and

RESOLVED, That any motion to amend the 2016 Platform or to adopt a new platform, including any motion to suspend the procedures that will allow doing so, will be ruled out of order.

*DID YOU KNOW? There are basically four types of unions in the US: Craft-Based Unions: Daily wage earners of varied professions form this union as it gives them immense bargaining power to safeguard their rights and interests.

Industrial Unions: Manual labor, semi-skilled, highly-skilled workers from any one industry, for example, electricity or steel industry, form this union. They form it at the industry or regional level.

General-Union: All types of unions, like craft and industrial unions, have one central body. An example includes the national labor union congress. This central union has high power to negotiate for the employees’ rights.

Federation: Many small or localized unions come together to form a federation. It also acts like a political entity with the characteristics of a union.

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!

February 7, 2024

For some folks out there, Valentine’s Day will result in flowers, a nice meal, or some other show of affection. I also recognize that for many folks, Valentine’s Day is a very difficult day.

Go ahead and dote on a loved one – they deserve it! But please use this day to also check in with someone who needs some company.

Tuesday, February 13th is Fat Tuesday, the 14th is Ash Wednesday, and Easter is 40 days after that. Sounds like a reason to celebrate! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

That’s right! A sure sign of spring! Pitchers and catchers report on February 14! Opening Day 2024 is only a few weeks away!

The Sullivan for Supervisor team is once again raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County by Bowling For Kids’ Sake.

After 64 years, Dane’s Dairy is under new ownership. The name will remain, as will the staff, but new owners are in place. Thank you, Dane family, for 64 years of summer sweets!

Tax time just got a little less stressful. Thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, qualifying low-to-moderate income households in Johnson County can receive free tax preparation assistance from trained volunteers from the Johnson County Social Services Department. VITA services are available through April 13.

This year the VITA Program will offer two options for tax preparation assistance. Taxpayers who earned less than $64,000 in 2023 can have their returns completed and filed by an IRS-certified tax preparer at no cost. Appointments are required and can be made at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/vita. Taxpayers also have the option to prepare their returns. Households who earned less than $79,000 in 2023 can file taxes for FREE. Email, fileforfree@johnsoncountyiowa.gov for information on how to access and file your taxes at no cost. For those completing their returns, tax assistance and dedicated computer stations are available from February 10 to April 13, 2024, at the Iowa City Public Library on Mondays from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that 20 percent of American workers do not claim the refundable tax credits for which they are eligible, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a special benefit for working people with an annual household income of less than $64,000. Workers who qualify for the EITC and file a federal tax return may be eligible for a portion or all of the federal income tax taken out of their pay during the year. They may also receive additional cash back from the IRS. Even workers whose earnings were too small to owe income tax may be eligible for the EITC.

Trained volunteer tax preparers help ensure that eligible taxpayers receive the EITC and any other qualifying tax credits.

Electronic filing is provided so that taxpayers can receive their tax refunds quickly. Taxpayers using VITA volunteers, or the free file software, to help file taxes do not pay to have returns prepared and do not pay to get refunds.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/vita. Translation services can be made in advance by calling Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090.

VITA is a partnership between Johnson County Social Services, the Iowa City Public Library, and the Iowa Center for Economic Success.

Johnson County has been awarded LEED Silver certification for the GuideLink Center, which provides a crucial community resource for urgent adult mental health and substance use. The 23,500-square-foot facility was constructed and is operated sustainably. The center opened in 2021 in Iowa City and serves clients 24 hours a day.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED program recognizes design, construction and operations practices that go beyond the norm to improve environmental and human health.

The LEED Silver certification recognizes the facility’s design for 45% indoor water use reduction and 42% energy use reduction, compared to similar buildings. A biocell and landscaping provide stormwater management. Down-cast lighting reduces light pollution, while roofing and parking lot surfaces reduce the heat island effect, which means lessening how much heat radiates from the site. The site provides access to the outdoors for clients and staff. A roof-top solar array adds an additional sustainability feature.

The center was designed by Neumann Monson Architects with engineering services provided by MODUS Engineering and Hart-Frederick, commissioning by SystemWorks LLC and additional energy modeling by Willdan. Neumann Monson Architects led the LEED documentation effort with assistance from the engineering and commissioning contractors, the County’s Planning, Development and Sustainability Department, and Matt Miller, who was contracted by the County as the owner’s project lead. The facility’s general contractor was Merit Construction.

The GuideLink Center is the County’s fifth LEED-certified building. Previously certified buildings are the Health and Human Services Building (Silver), Conservation Headquarters (Gold), Conservation Maintenance Facility (Gold), and the Ambulance and Medical Examiner Facility (Gold).

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. For more information, visit usgbc.org.

Republicans at the federal and state levels do not want the government to help anyone but the rich. So they refuse to do basic things that would make life much better for millions of people. This happens a lot. And every time it happens, people in need turn to local governments for help.

And local governments want to help. The problem is one of scale. For example, we are often asked to help fix the mess that is healthcare in the US. And we do spend some money in this arena. We fund the Free Medical Clinic, and we have hired Social Services Navigators – a big part of their jobs is getting people eligible for Medicaid. But bottom line? We can’t afford to do much. We are but a drop of water in a desert. Health care is too big, too complicated, and too expensive to be fixed anywhere other than the federal level. (States can certainly help!)

Again, this does not mean we do nothing. But we have to be very careful how we allocate limited resources. Childcare is a similar issue. Johnson County does a lot of innovative things in this space. We spend a lot of money. But our spending simply cannot even make a dent in the childcare crisis we face.

Let’s say there are 8,000 children aged 0-4 in Johnson County. (I’m rounding, but that is probably close.) Say childcare averages $1000/month. That is $12,000 per year, times 8,000 children. That is $96 million annually in childcare spending. Even helping one fiftieth of those children would be far more than the County budget could handle. And that doesn’t even address the fact that childcare workers are underpaid!

Affordable housing? Same story. Food insecurity? Same story. Mental health care? Same story. Affordable transportation? Same story. We spend in all of these areas, plus many more. But we simply do not have the resources to fix the problems. That can only truly be done at the federal and state levels.

This is why elections are so critical. The feds tried to give Iowa food money for every poor kid this summer. Iowa turned it down. We not only need Democrats elected at the federal level, but the state level, too.

Johnson County is a caring, giving county. We are likely to help those in need however we can. But we can only do so much.

*DID YOU KNOW? Prior to Valentine’s Day there was a Roman festival called Lupercalia which was in the middle of February. During this festival, the boys would select a girl’s name out of a box. They would stay with whoever they picked during the festival. Sometimes they would even get married. Later on, it was decided by the church that they wanted to change this festival into a Christian celebration. This was the start of Valentine’s Day.

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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