SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

December 16, 2024

Sullivan’s Salvos 12/19/24

In this edition:

*RIP Congressman Jim Leach

*Merry Christmas!

*Happy Hanukkah!

*Salvos Salutes Next Week!

*Washington County and Wind Turbines

*Yes, Virginia…

*Remember Phone Numbers and Addresses?

*Legislative Priorities

*Did You Know?

*RIP Congressman Jim Leach

Almost a year ago to the day I had the pleasure of having supper with Congressman Leach at the Hamburg Inn. (In front of his photo, no less!)

Politics can be a nasty business. There were many, many things about which the Congressman and I disagreed. I worked against his reelection for years! Graham-Leach-Blilely set up the 2008 economic crisis, from which we are still recovering in some ways.

One thing we did agree about - politics does not *need* to be a nasty business! Congressman Leach always treated me with the utmost respect, and reminded me more than once that he was my constituent!

I appreciate Congressman Leach, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. RIP.

*Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

*Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah to those of you who celebrate it! Chag Urim sameach!

*Salvos Salutes Next Week!

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!

*Washington County and Wind Turbines

I was frustrated – but not necessarily surprised – to see the Washington County Board of Supervisors pass rules that effectively ban wind turbines in their county.

Hey, I get it. I believe in local control. I wish Governor Reynolds and the Republicans in the Iowa Legislature let Johnson County have some local control! These guys in Washington County (they are all guys) were elected to make these types of decisions for the people they represent.

But it is a terrible decision, made for all the wrong reasons. I know the Republican Party line is that wind power is somehow bad. But that is all disinformation. The science is really clear. If our grandkids are going to be able to live on this planet, we need to drastically reduce our carbon footprint. The best way to do that is wind and solar. We should be quintupling our investment rather than reducing it.

It is frustrating, because we can continue to cut our carbon emissions, but if their emissions continue to rise, there is nothing we can do. They basically have a legal right to foul our environment next door.

I think the thing that bothers me the most is the hypocrisy. The people who come in and complain about turbines and solar panels all talk about “ruining their view.” That sounds eerily similar to CAFO neighbors, who complain of the smell and adverse health effects from air and water pollution. Except while the CAFO neighbors have actual health problems, the buttercup wind/solar neighbors are simply “offended” by the view. So their views are protected, but our air and water are not? It’s bullshit! (Actually hog shit, but I digress.)

*Yes, Virginia…

I was recently reading the story of Francis Church’s 1897 masterpiece editorial, “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

I can be overly sentimental. But this is one of the finest pieces of writing in the history of the English language. And he wrote it for a daily paper! There was no opportunity for lots of rewrites and editing.

Please take a moment and read it again. Especially in these times, it will really warm your heart!

*Remember Phone Numbers and Addresses?

(This ran in Salvos in 2023. I am just as frustrated by it today!)

I worry that sometimes Salvos sounds like a weekly dose of Andy Rooney. I know I am getting old, but certain things really bother me.

One is the availability of addresses and phone numbers. In the good old days, we had phone books. You looked people up by name, and it gave you their address and phone number. (People could opt out if they wished.) Easy, right?

Now, in the so-called “information age,” I cannot get a phone number or address to save my life! Sure, there are 20+ sites on the internet, each hoping to sell me the little bits of the info I seek. Each one requires me to spend a couple minutes, only then explaining that they want to charge me.

Look, I respect the fact that some people want additional privacy. They should go for it. That should be available to them. But most Americans feel much the same way they did in the 70s – that being, sure, make my info available. I want to find and be found by others. And it seems wrong that big corporations can get all our info, but our friends cannot.

It is truly maddening! In 1970, I could have the info I need in under 90 seconds. In 2024, I am simply SOL. How is this progress?

*Legislative Priorities

The Iowa Legislature begins soon, with Democrats at a distinct disadvantage. Unlike at the Federal level, where the House and Senate are almost equally split, the Iowa Legislature is tilted heavily toward Republicans. As a matter of fact, Republicans have their biggest advantages since Iowa went to a 100 member House and 50 member Senate!

I have heard that Democrats are debating how they should approach the upcoming Iowa Legislative session. Obviously, they are not going to get many of their initiatives passed. So what should they do?

I think it is still critically important to introduce bills that reflect the types of things you would do if you were in power. Here are some of my suggestions:

Taxes: Raise income taxes on those earning over $300,000. Raise them higher for those who earn even more.

Economics: Raise the minimum wage. Require paid sick leave for all jobs. Stop wage theft. Put back Chapter 20, and remove the frequent union recertification votes. Hire more OSHA inspectors and increase penalties. Hire more wage and hour inspectors and increase penalties. Cut back on non-compete agreements.

Social services: Increase funding for food banks and shelters. Dramatically increase funding for affordable housing. Increase State Childcare Assistance rates, and make it available to more people. Universal preschool for four-year-olds. Increase SNAP (food stamps) funding and make it available to more people.

Health care: Restore Roe V. Wade rules for abortion. Increase Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates. Get rid of Managed Care Organizations. Create more beds for folks with serious mental health issues. Increase oversight of nursing homes.

Environment: Clean up Iowa’s water. Hold polluters accountable. Increase wind and solar production. Increase funding for parks.

Public education: Increase funding for K-12 education. Increase funding for community colleges. Increase funding for Regent’s institutions. End the flow of public dollars to private schools.

Government: Restore local control to local governments.

We could discuss more. That is a short list. Some topics are probably viewed as more “politically popular” than others. But I think putting forth this agenda would go a long ways toward explaining to Iowans where Democrats stand.

Yes, we know none of things are likely to pass. They aren’t even likely to get discussed. But Democratic Legislators do have a bit of a soapbox. I hope they use it to push these ideas.

No matter what Democrats decide to do, I hope they are bold. I mean, what do they have to lose?

*DID YOU KNOW? The term "Xmas" dates back to the mid-1500s and comes from the Greek letter X, which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ.

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 10, 2024

Mydge Krob of Solon recently passed away. Mydge worked in the Johnson County Auditor’s Office for almost 20 years, and was always a friendly face and hard worker. RIP, Mydge!

You may have heard that Supervisor V Fixmer Oraiz was going to resign from the office. While V did consider leaving, they have decided to stay, and announced that at our 12/5 meeting.

The last couple of years have been very difficult for V and all trans people in Iowa. They have been under attack by Republicans in the Iowa Legislature and Republicans in the federal government, and Iowa has passed a host of anti-trans bills. I know it is not easy to live in Iowa under these circumstances. It is simply bullying, and it makes me very angry.

V is contacted by trans folks and their loved ones all the time. People are looking for help, answers, or just someone to talk with, and V has been filling this role. It is asking a lot of one person.

That said, if V ever feels they cannot give the job 100%, they should step down. Any elected official who feels that way should. The public deserves Supervisors who are all in. I’m glad V feels as though they are able! I thank V for their service, and I look forward to working with them moving forward!

V’s status caused me to look back at the many people with whom I have served over my 20 years in office. I hope you find some of this interesting.

*That includes 8 men, 5 women, and one nonbinary individual. I was on a Board with only one woman (Sally Stutsman) for 4 years, and I was also the only man on the Board for two years.

*The oldest person I served with is now in their mid-80s, while the youngest is about 40. The oldest at the time of serving was about 75; the youngest was 34.

*6 of the Supervisors grew up in or near Johnson County; 3 grew up in other parts of Iowa; 5 grew up in other states.

*8 of those Supervisors lived in unincorporated Johnson County; the other 6 lived in Iowa City (one rural person did live two years in Lone Tree.)

*2 (Mike Lehman and Sally Stutsman) were farmers, though a couple others dabbled.

*One is not a college graduate (Pat Harney); one (Lisa Green Douglass) has a Ph.D.

*Interestingly, NONE worked at the University of Iowa immediately before becoming a Supervisor.

*I only served 2 years with 4 of those people; I served the most years (12) with Pat Harney.

*I served with one person who resigned before their term was up (Terrence Neuzil). I served with three Supervisors who lost primary races as incumbents (Mike Lehman, Mike Carberry, Royceann Porter). I served with one person who resigned because of being elected to higher office (Sally Stutsman). I served with two folks who died in office (Larry Meyers and Kurt Friese).

*Of all the people I have served with, Supervisor Etheridge served the shortest amount of time. It is not a record, though – in the very early ‘80s, Mike Cilek was appointed to fill the seat of his mother Lorada after she died in office. Lorada had already decided not to run again, and her successor had already been elected, just not sworn in. So Mike served about seven weeks in the position.

One thing that I have discovered during my tenure is that Johnson County really doesn’t have any records of election results prior to WWII. I find this incredibly disappointing! You can walk into the Iowa City Clerk’s Office and get information on everyone who has ever served the city. Johnson County has nothing. I find it shameful. I am glad we have it going forward, but much of our history is missing.

I truly hate the way we do insurance in this country. It is awful. And yes, people die because of it. But to say that it is ok that a man got murdered because of our rotten system? I hope we can do better than that.

Johnson County is beginning the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY25), which will begin July 1^st of 2025. Here are some ongoing budget issues, and my take on them:

General Fund versus Rural Fund: If you pay property taxes in Johnson County, you pay into the General Fund. All taxpayers do. If you live in the unincorporated area of the county, you also pay into the Rural Fund. The Rural Fund covers expenses specific to rural residents – mostly roads, but also libraries, landfill, and a couple smaller expenses. There are wide variations between counties as to what should be supported by the rural fund.

Any single individual can easily create a budget: It isn’t that hard to support the programs and services you like, then cut the ones you don’t. It is much more difficult to do this for 160,000 people. Similarly, it isn’t that hard to decide how much you think you ought to pay in taxes, then apply that County wide. It is more difficult when you then recognize how many valuable services would need to be cut. Creating a budget that works for 160,000 people is challenging.

Taxes versus services: I had a man complain to me about his taxes. The next day, his wife complained about the condition of their road. They simply can’t have it both ways! Yes, this is an anecdote, but it sums up the fundamental budgetary difficulty- people want to pay less in taxes, but get more services. It cannot be done.

Mandated versus optional services: Some services are required by law. For example, Johnson County is obligated to hold elections. Other services are optional. For example, Johnson County has no legal obligation to fund DVIP. This is a very real phenomenon, and Board Members need to be aware of it. On the other hand, I take issue with things being portrayed this simply. Let’s go back to elections. While elections are mandated, there is no mandate as to the amount of elections staff, computer equipment, or other expenses. The law says we must do it, but it does not specify the amount we must spend. Funding DVIP may, in fact, be a very productive way to work toward Johnson County’s mission.

Conservative budgeting versus low taxes: It is important for folks to recognize that the lowest possible tax rate does not equate to the most conservative budgeting. For example – the most conservative budgeting includes money for maintenance. You need to spend money on upkeep, whether roads, buildings, or vehicles – or you’ll spend more in the long run. And I REFUSE to buy into the idea that taxes are inherently evil! Taxes are the price of supporting a civilized society.

Want to know a government’s priorities? Look at the budget. With that said, I encourage citizens to join us at our budget meetings. (The calendar is on the website.) Meanwhile, what are your priorities? Now is the time to let us know!

The Iowa Employment Appeal Board has ruled a Woodbury County Supervisor violated Iowa labor law by interfering with the constitutional rights of county workers who are members of a union.

The board’s ruling refers to a news release Woodbury County Board of Supervisors chair Matthew Ung issued in late August, after local union members rejected a deal for better wages and benefits for lawyers in the county attorney’s office. Ung said the rejection endangered public safety and Ung promised county workers increased pay and benefits if they dissolved their union.

Ung has been ordered to make an official statement, admitting his promise of better pay if the union went away violated state law. Copies of Ung’s statement are to be posted for 30 days in places where Woodbury County employees regularly see notices about their employment. Ung says he’ll comply and won’t appeal the decision.

Todd Copley, president of AFSCME Council 61, which represents Woodbury County employees says the decision sends “a clear message that union-busting has no place in our state.”

*DID YOU KNOW? Three current Supervisors (Lisa Green Douglass, Royceann Porter, and Jon Green) were first elected in special elections. Green Douglass replaced Terrence Neuzil, Porter replaced Kurt Friese, and Green replaced Janelle Rettig.

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 3, 2024

I know that as many of you are driving around with Xmas music filling the airwaves, you are thinking, “Who wants this stuff from Thanksgiving to New Year’s?”

The answer? I do! I LOVE Xmas music! Carols, standards, silly songs – I love almost every one. And yes, I can listen for a whole month! So I am the guy you hate!

The Board recently voted 4-1 (with Supervisor Fixmer Oraiz in the negative) to approve law enforcement contracts with the small cities in Johnson County. I want to discuss this, but first a bit of background:

Every incorporated city in Iowa is required by law to provide some type of law enforcement protection for their citizens. I happen to believe this is a good law. If people are going to pay municipal taxes, they deserve commensurate services.

Communities have two ways to fulfil this obligation: they can operate a municipal police force, or they can contract with the County for Sheriff’s services. In Johnson County, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and University Heights employ their own police forces. Tiffin, Solon, Swisher, Shueyville, Hills, Oxford, and Lone Tree contract with the Sheriff’s Office.

You will note that I did not mention Sutliff, Sharon Center, or any of our other “villages.” Because they are unincorporated, they automatically fall under the Sheriff. It is also possible to do both; while they were getting a police department started, North Liberty had both police and a contract with the county.

These contracts are usually perfunctory, but we have had some disputes in the past. These have typically been because some small town feels the hourly rates are too high. And they are high! It is expensive to pay for the salary and benefits of a veteran officer. Throw in the costs of a vehicle, equipment, etc. and the hourly rate is not cheap. Frankly, this is what prevents most cities from starting police departments – they are prohibitively expensive!

But here is the dirty little secret – the hourly rates we charge the small towns have never quite kept up with inflation. So the small towns are actually getting a very good deal.

The Sheriff and the cities negotiate these contracts, and as you might imagine, there are many considerations. Tiffin, with over 6,000 residents, several schools, lots of businesses, and proximity to two interstate highways, utilizes the Sheriff’s Office 24/7/365. Some of the smaller cities only contract for 15-20 hours per week of coverage. (Obviously, the Sheriff’s Office responds to all calls regardless of the contracted hours.)

So – while imperfect, the system works pretty well. That is why I was disappointed that Supervisor Fixmer Oraiz voted against all these contracts. The people in these communities have stated that this is what they want. Who are we to substitute our judgement for theirs?

It just feels hypocritical to me. The State of Iowa prevents Johnson County from doing all kinds of things we want to do. We argue and argue for local control. Then, when we have an opportunity to offer local control to our small towns, they vote against it? It is not a good look.

I know that Supervisor Fixmer Oraiz argues that there can be responses other than law enforcement. In some cases, that is true. We also already have that capability – if it is determined that a social worker would be a better respondent, we can do that. But the bottom line is those situations make up a tiny percentage of calls.

I wholeheartedly support our law enforcement contracts with the small towns. Residents there should have the right to decide for themselves. I’m also happy to discuss the issue with any interested parties.

I got a lot of feedback on the affordable housing piece I wrote last week. I often talk about there being two ways to create affordable housing – carrots and sticks. People understand the “carrots” piece; that is when governments incentivize affordable housing. But several folks have asked about the “sticks.” How can we force developers to create affordable housing?

That is a great question. There are only certain circumstances where the “sticks” work. First the city must have something the developers want. (That is often some type of zoning/building approval.) That thing must also not be readily (cheaply) available nearby. Finally, the political subdivision needs to have the political courage to pass such a law.

Iowa City has been good about this. When property is annexed into Iowa City, 10% of all housing units in the new development must be affordable. In the River Crossings District, 10% of all new development must be affordable. While these efforts have not solved our affordability crisis, they have made a dent!

I REALLY wish Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, and Solon would follow suit. Passing such a law puts the cost on the developers rather than the local taxpayers. It forces those benefitting from high housing prices to contribute to solving the problem. And it has not stopped development from occurring.

Again, inclusionary zoning will not solve the problem, but it should play an important part. Iowa City has modeled this well. What are your thoughts?

President Biden caused quite a stir recently when he issued a broad pardon for his son Hunter. This has been a source of outrage on both sides of the political spectrum. Me? I think they all doth protest too much.

Let’s begin with the whole idea of pardon power. What is the point? Why should any President be given such power? George Mason, a Constitutional Convention delegate, warned that a future president might “make dangerous use of it” by pardoning crimes in which he might be a co-conspirator. Quite prescient, Mr. Mason!

Sure, there are some cases that the public would probably largely support – for example, President Obama pardoned a number of felons who had already served long sentences for violating drug possession laws no longer on the books. But look at all the problems pardons have caused over the years – Andrew Johnson pardoned Dr. Samuel Mudd, a John Wilkes Booth conspirator. Ford’s pardon of Nixon. George HW Bush pardoned Caspar Weinberger, and shut down the Iran-Contra investigation. His son pardoned Scooter Libby. Clinton pardoned his brother and numerous cronies. Trump pardoned some really bad actors.

Why should the American people accept this? It is a terrible policy as it stands. It serves no purpose but to subvert justice.

As for the political responses? They are all ridiculous. Wrong is wrong – it does not matter what other Presidents have done. Republicans have now thrice supported the worst human being ever to run for the Office of the President. They don’t have any room to complain about any morality issues. And Democrats worried that this takes away some “moral high ground”? That was not a difference-maker in the last election. You need to worry about finding a way to connect to people!

Biden certainly could have made things easier on himself by simply not saying he would never pardon his son. People are not so angry that he did it – they are angry that he lied.

Here is the other side of the coin: there are awful people out there who want to do harm to Biden’s son. I wouldn’t put anything past them. I have a son. If I knew people were out to get him, and I had the ability to protect him? You are damn right I’d use that power! What father wouldn’t?

So let’s quit pretending pardons are a good thing, and work to remove this ridiculous power from our Constitution.

*DID YOU KNOW? The December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor 83 years ago resulted in 2,403 American deaths and 1,178 Americans wounded. Within 24 hours, Congress had declared war. Within 30 days, the US had enlisted an additional 134,000 soldiers and sailors.

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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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

December 16, 2024

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December 3, 2024