SULLIVAN'S SALVOS

February 25, 2025

Sullivan’s Salvos 2/27/25

In this edition:

*Happy Ramadan!

*Happy Mardis Gras!

*Vote for Ross Nusser!

*Congratulations Brad!

*Bernie Sanders in Iowa City

*Veteran’s Services

*Two Hour Delays?

*Our Rights at Risk!

*Iowa City Federation of Labor Annual Chili Supper

*Did You Know?

*Happy Ramadan!

Happy Ramadan to those who celebrate it! In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, and will conclude on the evening of Sunday, March 30, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of the moon.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.

*Happy Mardis Gras!

Tuesday, March 4th is Fat Tuesday, the 5th is Ash Wednesday, and Easter is 40 days after that. Sounds like a reason to celebrate! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

*Vote for Ross Nusser!

I support Ross Nusser in the upcoming election for Iowa City Council. I hope you do, too.

I have known Ross quite a while, and he is a really good human being. He has spent 13 years as a Board Member of Successful Living, which provides services to folks experiencing chronic mental illnesses. He has spent several years as a Board Member of Community and Family Resources, which provides substance abuse services. (You may have known it as MECCA or Prelude.) He was a Board Member of the Housing Fellowship, which provides affordable housing throughout Johnson County. He also volunteers at Friendly Farm in Iowa City. Ross is one of the founders of Urban Acres. Basically, a very good person.

Unfortunately, the campaign has been quite ugly. Ross is in recovery, and he will tell you his life was a mess before he started down the recovery path. I know this story well; my own family has been ravaged by alcoholism. It is why I gave up drinking long ago.

Some folks are presenting his past as a negative in terms of the Council race; I think it is a positive. Recovery is hard, and I admire those who are working to stay sober. It ain’t easy! Ross has valuable insights gained from his journey that will serve IC well.

Please vote between now and Election Day, Tuesday, March 4. All of Iowa City gets to vote in this election.

*Congratulations Brad!

Congratulations to Brad Friedhoff, who was recently named Johnson County Conservation Director. Brad had been acting as the Conservation Department’s Interim Director, and is truly one of the best people I know. He is going to serve us very well. Congratulations again, Brad!

*Iowa City Federation of Labor Annual Chili Supper

It's chili supper time!

WHEN: 6-8 pm, Thursday, February 27th

WHERE: Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Avenue in Iowa City

WHO: Open to all local union members and friends of labor

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 brothers and sisters, and prepare for the struggles ahead.

Help spread the word to union members and friends!

*Bernie Sanders in Iowa City

I was sad to miss Bernie Sanders at the Englert last Saturday. Unfortunately, our Bowl For Kids Sake event did not get over in time to allow for me to get in the door. But I am glad Senator Sanders paid us a visit. I am still very proud of the fact that I was the first elected official in the whole US to endorse Bernie back in 2015!

*Veteran’s Services

Johnson County recently changed the name of our “Veteran’s Affairs” office to our “Veteran’s Services” office. Rest assured; this name change does not impact any services in any way. The hope is simply that it will help clear up some confusion.

Since Johnson County is home to a large Veteran’s Affairs hospital, our local office is often confused with them. We get calls for the hospital, and they get calls for us. Other places around the country have already made the switch, and while not perfect, the reports are that it has helped.

So please say hello to Johnson County Veteran’s Services!

*Two Hour Delays?

Local schools had a number of two-hour delays in response to the -20 temperatures we saw last week. And that got me thinking… Why? What does a two-hour delay accomplish in those cases?

I understand it when we have a significant snow or ice event. In those cases, public and private entities need the extra two hours to make the paths to school safe. But the wind chills last week went from -20 at 7 am to -15 at 9 am. Does that really make a difference?

It seems to me that a two-hour delay for cold weather is actually a net negative for kids and caregivers alike. I am certainly open to explanations; I just don’t get it. Can someone with some expertise enlighten me? What are your thoughts?

*Our Rights at Risk!

Fellow Iowans – our rights are in danger!

Republicans in the Iowa Legislature have proposed HSB 242, which would change definitions sex and gender in state code, and limit language to the terms of “male” or “female” as assigned at birth. The bill would ensure that transgender and nonbinary Iowans have no legal protection against discrimination. The bill would also place restrictions on birth certificates, restroom use, and prohibit teachers from even mentioning the idea of people being transgender and/or nonbinary.

Sexual orientation and gender identity have been part of the Iowa Civil Rights Act since 2007. I know that well, because I ran for office in 2004 on the platform that Johnson County should adopt a Human Rights Ordinance. The Board adopted our Human Rights Ordinance (over many threats and objections) two years prior to the State doing so. State Legislators, led by Senators and Representatives from Johnson County, then used the Johnson County example – the world did not end in those two years! – as the basis for the State ordinance. I have always been tremendously proud of that fact.

And now, 20 years later, we have this: HSB 242 would make Iowa the first state in the country to remove a protected class from its civil rights code. What an ignominious first!

Much of the language in House Study Bill 242 is borrowed from a bill Governor Reynolds introduced last year. Thankfully, that bill never got a vote. But now, Representative Steve Holt is pushing hard to get this passed.

Holt, a truly despicable human being, actually said that “Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal.” That is almost word for word the language of Plessy versus Ferguson, the Supreme Court case that gave us 70 years of Jim Crow. Plessy is widely considered the worst decision in the history of the US Supreme Court, and it was basically overruled in 1954 by Brown versus the Board of Education.

Referencing Plessy brings up a point: it is entirely possible that large parts of HSB 242 are unconstitutional. And I am sure that if it passes, there will be several lawsuits. Hopefully, all will prevail. But in the meantime, it would be much better if it just didn’t pass.

So what can you do to stop this madness? Ultimately, the only way out of this mess is to throw the bums out. But we may still be able to stop this bill. I’d suggest calling and emailing the Republican members of the Iowa Legislature ASAP. Then work like hell to elect Democrats!

*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 18, 2025

Most of the people I know are stressed. They often feel scared, frustrated, and helpless. It is not good!

So what can we do about it? Here is a list! This is derived from several sources, including my own opinions, and covers local, state, and federal levels.

1. Take care of yourself. Get enough rest, don’t overdo the mind-altering substances, and see a professional if need be. It is like the old airplane analogy – in order to help others, put on your own air mask first.

2. Take care of others. Take produce or cookies to a neighbor. Babysit, dog walk, show them how to use the computer, or shovel snow. Help your neighbors get by, and build community at the same time!

3. Show some grace. Everyone is angry. Be extra kind to baristas, wait staff, convenience store clerks, civil servants, and the rest. Show them kindness, and they will pass it on.

4. Get together with friends and family. Gathering is important. Get face-to-face with people you care about, and people who care about you.

5. Volunteer at a local non-profit. These places do important work right here in our community. Most can find work that will fit your skills, interests, abilities, and schedule.

6. Donate to these same organizations. They need it now more than ever. Even $10-$20 helps, especially if you can convince others to do the same!

7. Boycott companies that are deeply in bed with Kim Reynolds and/or Donald Trump. I get it – there are a lot of them. I’m not suggesting you starve yourself or make yourself miserable. But try not to reward the bad actors. (Unsure of the players? Info is available online.)

8. Help organized labor. Join a union if you can! If that is not an option, join a picket line or action. Ask local labor leaders how you can be of help to the cause.

9. Get involved in partisan politics. Reynolds and Trump created this mess. The only way out, frankly, is to beat them. Get involved in the local Democratic Party, and find out what you can do to help! I know they need your time, talent, and treasure!

10. Show up for community actions, protests, and events. Your presence demonstrates support for the issue, and makes it easier for others to join the opposition.

11. Keep abreast of the news – especially local news – but do not go down the route of doomscrolling. You need to know what is going on. But you need not fight about it online. Strike a balance.

That is my list. Do you have similar thoughts? If so, please feel free to share them!

Tax season just got easier for qualifying households in Johnson County. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income residents, thanks to trained volunteers from the Johnson County Social Services Department. These services will be available until April 9, 2025.

The VITA program offers two convenient options for tax preparation assistance. Taxpayers with an income of $67,000 or less in 2024 can have their returns completed and filed by an IRS-certified tax preparer at no cost. Appointments are required and can be scheduled at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/vita. Additionally, taxpayers making under $84,000 in 2024 can access free resources to file their taxes on their own.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that 20% 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 $67,000. Workers who qualify for the EITC and file a federal tax return may be eligible for a portion or all the federal income tax taken out of their pay during the year. They may also receive additional cash back from the IRS, including workers whose earnings were too small to owe income tax, through the EITC.

Trained volunteer tax preparers help ensure that eligible taxpayers claim the EITC and any other qualifying tax credits, maximizing potential refunds.

Electronic filing is provided so that taxpayers can receive their tax refunds quickly. Taxpayers using VITA volunteers, or the free filing software to file taxes, are not charged for tax preparation or for receiving their refunds.

This event was created by current Executive Director, Kristie Fortmann-Doser, to challenge the myth that more violence occurs against women around the NFL Super Bowl. Violence against women, men, and children happens every day in our community, and around the world. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.

The Souper Bowl will take place Thursday, February 20th, from 5-7:30 PM at the Highlander Hotel (2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City).

In honor of the 28th year, the event will feature 28 different soups from participating restaurants, 28 retail, and artist bowl providers, and with support from the community, the organization aims to raise $28,000 to continue providing confidential and free crisis intervention services to over 2,500 individuals per year.

$75: VIP – early access to bowl selection and commemorative gift
$35: General admission
$25: Student, volunteer, or sliding scale (no bowl)
Children 12 and under eat free (no bowl)
$35: Give the gift of soup. Purchase a ticket for staff or client participation.
Through the generous support of the event sponsors, 100% of ticket purchases will go directly to supporting victim-

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.

Vice President JD Vance obviously does not understand the parable of the Good Samaritan. Pope Francis said so himself!

Vance recently made a case for taking care of your immediate family first, then working outward in concentric circles as you feel able. This is in direct opposition to the Good Samaritan. Understand – the Samaritans were the enemies of the Jews! They were hated enemies! By saving a Jew, the Good Samaritan helped the *least likely* person he could have helped.

When Jesus is asked, “And who is my neighbor?” he replies with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The *whole point* is that “your neighbor” is the person in need, regardless of who they are.

JD Vance does not get it. Or does not want to. But let’s not allow him to rewrite the Bible.

After the storm last week, I Googled, “How much snow did we get?” Up popped an article. From the Press Citizen. My heart raced a bit! Might the “local” (hah!) newspaper have written such an article?

I looked over both shoulders, and clicked. It was an article – in the Press Citizen – with the headline “How much snow did we get?” I hurriedly clicked again.

And there was an article. With snowfall totals for Des Moines. Like Charlie Brown and Lucy, I trusted yet again. Rest assured – this was the last time I ever click on the Press Citizen! (I want to love them. But they continue to make me hate them.)

*DID YOU KNOW? A couple strange but true Iowa laws: It is illegal for a man with a mustache to kiss a woman in public. It is also law that a one-armed piano player must perform for free. (Source: ISU Extension.)

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 11, 2025

Johnson County lost an-honest-to-goodness hero with the passing of 99-year-old Dean Moel of Sutliff.

81 years ago, Moel was the cook – and a trainer on a twin 40 mm anti-aircraft gun – on the only U.S. aircraft carrier sunk by enemy fire during World War II: The USS Gambier Bay.

As the ship was sinking, part of it went underwater. Moel rushed a bunch of fellow sailors to the other end of the boat, which was soon standing almost straight up.

After jumping over 60 feet into the ocean from the sinking ship, Moel survived 45 hours of floating in the shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean. (The rest of the ships in the battle were forced to flee, leaving Moel and his fellow sailors on their own.)

Hundreds of men died. Some were shot, some drowned, and some were eaten by sharks. A man Moel tried to save got delirious from swallowing too much saltwater. He though he saw Japanese soldiers in the water, so he swam further out to sea and died. Moel lost the flesh on his neck from the rubbing of his life jacket.

There were 100 more ships in the water in the Leyte Gulf, and 115,000 sailors who could have died if the Gambier Bay had not helped repel the Japanese attack. Moel and his shipmates were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their brave efforts. Moel received numerous additional medals for his heroism.

I knew Dean my whole life. I probably didn’t hear anything about this until 20 years ago. To Dean, it was just something that happened. I remember Dean’s grandson saying that he once asked his grandpa how he managed to stay afloat for 45 hours. Dean’s response? “What else was I gonna do?”

How about some more heroism while we are at it? Johnson County SEATS driver Bruce Wilson deserves our thanks for this one.

A dependent adult had been called in as missing at 6:30 am on a cold day last week. While driving to pick up a different client, Wilson thought he recognized the missing person on the side of the road. Wilson stopped his bus, approached the man, and convinced him to get on the bus. Wilson then drove the man to safety.

Frankly, SEATS drivers do amazing things every day. This is just one high-profile example. Thank you, Bruce!

And in case some of you were wondering, yes, this is the same Mr. Wilson who was a beloved long-time science teacher at City High. Thank you for that service, too, Bruce!

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.

That’s right! A sure sign of spring! Pitchers and catchers report on February 13! Opening Day 2024 is only a few weeks away!

I hope some of you will join me in a game of catch this summer!

DVIP & RVAP is excited to announce the return of their annual Souper Bowl event! Since it began 28 years ago, the Souper Bowl has grown into the DVIP & RVAP’s biggest fundraising event, helping to ensure the organization can continue its mission of advocating and providing support services for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, stalking, and harassment. This event was created by our current Executive Director, Kristie Fortmann-Doser, to challenge the myth that more violence occurs against women around the NFL Super Bowl. Violence against women, men, and children happens every day in our community, and around the world. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.

The Souper Bowl will take place Thursday, February 20th, from 5-7:30 PM at the Highlander Hotel (2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City).

The Sullivan for Supervisor team is once again raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County by Bowling For Kids’ Sake. It is our 21^st consecutive year of doing so!

Many folks in Johnson County are worried about the idea of federal ICE agents coming for immigrants in our community. That fear is justified. And it has led to a generally unhelpful dialogue in our local politics.

One the one hand, some politicians and candidates say, “I don’t think there is much we can do.” While this may be largely true, it smacks of throwing in the towel. I think the public needs more reassurance than that. People want and need to know their elected officials care.

One the other hand, some politicians and candidates have literally said, “Bring it on.” This is irresponsible, ignorant, and dangerous. It makes the politician sound brave and strong, but is it actually helping those who will be affected? Or does it put them at greater risk? Frankly, I think this behavior is simply performative virtue signaling. Good for the white savior – not so much for the immigrants they claim to care about.

Look at Winneshiek County. Sheriff Dan Marx, seeking publicity, made a big deal about refusing to cooperate with ICE. Now Governor Reynolds and Attorney General Bird are preparing to take revenge on the people of his county. He could have done a lot of things quietly. But he wanted to show off. And Marx is a Republican. Just wait until a Democrat does the same!

As my friend and former colleague Royceann Porter reminds us, “There is a reason the Underground Railroad was underground!”

There are other ways. And frankly, all attempts to help will be more successful if they are not fought about in public spaces. The following articles are examples of things that have been used elsewhere, (Chicago, in this case) and might actually be workable here. There are other examples out there as well.

I will say, the author spends a considerable amount of time lecturing the readers, and I thought the tone was condescending and self-congratulatory. But there are some tangible examples that might be able to be adopted to our community. To read the article see:

*DID YOU KNOW? In 2022, Tiffin, IA had a population of 4,850 people with a median age of 31.6 and a median household income of $94,011. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Tiffin, IA grew from 4,482 to 4,845, a 8.1% increase, and its median household income grew from $85,826 to $94,011, a 9.54% increase. Between 2022 and 2023, Tiffin grew to 6,325, an increase of an amazing 23% in a single year! (Source: US Census Bureau.)

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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