SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
September 20, 2026
Sullivan’s Salvos 9/24/26
In this edition:
*Tough Week!
*Africa Fest
*Vote NO on the Constitutional Amendment!
*Richard Mentor Johnson, Part 3
*Consequential – Successful Aging
*Salvos Salutes – 2020
*Did You Know?
*Tough Week!
Unfortunately, there were several tragedies in Johnson County last week. My prayers go out to all who are impacted by all of these events. Please try to show each other some grace.
*Africa Fest
Saturday, September 26 is the Third Annual Africa Fest in downtown Iowa City on the Ped Mall. Be there! It’s great!
*Vote NO on the Constitutional Amendment!
(Much of this is cribbed from my friends at Common Good Iowa. Please consider giving them your support! I do, and it is a worthy investment!)
This fall, Iowans will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment that would require a supermajority — not just a majority vote — in both houses to pass tax increases.
The Amendment, which appears on your fall ballot, would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to pass any bill that increases rates on the individual income tax, corporate income tax, and the sales and use tax. But tax cuts would continue to need only a simple majority to pass.
Iowans defeated a similar referendum in 1999, by a vote of 52% to 48%. Ironically, only a 34% minority would be enough in one house of the Legislature to block any increase in taxes.
The proposal enshrines minority rule on tax and budget policy, enabling that minority to act against the wishes of the voters they represent. It is a betrayal of fundamental democratic principles. A “no” vote would be worth two “yes” votes.
Kansas enacted similar income tax cuts that turned out to be such a disaster that they were largely reversed three years later. This proposal would prevent a future legislature from correcting what will turn out to be Iowa’s mistake. Legislators elected 30 years after passage could be bound to the views of legislators since defeated, retired, or even deceased. It is a terrible idea. The amendment does not trust Iowa voters or the people they elect.
This is a huge gift to the rich. Please join me in voting NO on the Constitutional Amendment, and spread the word! This is REALLY important!
*Richard Mentor Johnson, Part 3
(This ran in Salvos in 2017. I found it interesting in light of the recent dedication of Lulu Merle Johnson Plaza.)
Old Dick – AKA Richard Mentor Johnson – continues to haunt me!
As you may recall, I wrote a few weeks ago about Johnson’s troubling history. My primary goal was to get folks interested in learning the history of Johnson County’s namesake.
In the weeks since, I have received over two hundred emails, many Facebook messages, and a few calls. A few thanked me for bringing the issue up. One woman noted, “I have lived my whole life in Linn County without knowing for whom it was named. Now I’m determined to learn.”
Unfortunately, she was part of a distinct minority. Most people have simply chosen to call me names. Many were upset at the costs associated with changing the name. I agree! That is why I NEVER suggested changing the name! This is a really important point to make.
In the 9-12-17 edition of Salvos, I wrote: “Obviously, changing the name of the County itself would cause millions of problems for thousands of people. But what about honoring a DIFFERENT Johnson?”
I think I was pretty clear – I was talking about the namesake, not the name. I recognize that many people do not read articles thoroughly. I also realize that some people just read what they want to read. But I wish they would stick to the topic.
People have really focused on this as a “black versus white” issue. It really hasn’t even been mentioned that Johnson thought of Native Americans as “vermin”, and kept track of Native American killings the way a deer hunter might be able to tell you how many bucks he had killed. Johnson killed Native Americans indiscriminately, including outside of wars, and he was proud of it.
Now, perhaps you can argue that he was just a man of his times. He was a slaveholder, for example. And lots of Americans have ancestors who killed Native Americans. Unfortunately, Johnson’s attitude was far from unique for the time. In fact, Johnson’s exploits are precisely what made him a popular choice for Vice President. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just have that conversation civilly? What if we were able to actually reflect on just what this meant then, and what it means today? What if we actually brought some African Americans and Native Americans into the conversation?
Meanwhile, I just find this whole episode sad. Only a tiny handful of people are/were willing to have a conversation about our past. Most online respondents bullied the folks who wanted to have an actual discussion, regardless of the side they were on. Over 90% of the people simply replied by calling me names. The guy from the Solon Legion called me all kinds of names, but will not take my call.
That is what has become of political discourse in our country. It is just sad. (And the Press Citizen will not find THAT tragic reality worthy of an article!)
*Consequential – Successful Aging
If you knew the late Reverend Bob Welsh, you know that he liked to get things done. So it came as no surprise that the day after I won the 2004 Democratic Party Primary for Supervisor, Bob called me up and invited me to a meeting.
Bob was meeting with County Supervisor Carol Thompson, whose position on the Board I would assume. Also in the meeting was Liz Selk from Heritage Area Agency on Aging, Cher Hahn from Johnson County Public Health, Eve Casserly of Coralville, and one or two others who I unfortunately cannot recall. We met at the old County Public Health Building on Gilbert Court, now known as the 1101 Project.
Bob was determined to improve the lives of seniors in Johnson County, and he was assembling a group he thought might be able to get some things done. That led to a County-created committee called Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging. This group brought together aging professionals and others to discuss the needs and wants of older residents of Johnson County.
The group has been around since early 2006, but what it does has changed over the years. I am really proud of the efforts that have been made since the group began. Johnson County has an Aging Specialist who is an amazing help to our seniors and their loved ones.
Unfortunately, like usual, services for seniors now are less available than they were then. The State and Federal governments have both made it harder on our seniors. The good things Johnson County has done do not make up for these losses.
I am proud of the work Johnson County does for Seniors. And I was honored to be named the 2009 Heritage Area Agency on Aging Elected Official of the Year. Now let’s win some State and Federal elections in November, and get to work improving the lives of our seniors!
*Salvos Salutes – 2020
What I wrote about some of the honorees from Salvos’s Salutes in 2020:
Gary Pidgeon: Better known as “George,” Johnson County’s longest-serving employee retired after 50 years with the Conservation Department! 50 years of pulling weeds, repairing things, cleaning things, mowing, etc. But it was not the quantity of the years – it was the quality. George was a very hard worker who took great pride in his work. Congratulations, George!
Maryann Dennis: When she started with the Housing Fellowship 27 years ago, it was a brand-new organization. Fast forward to today, and the Greater IC Housing Fellowship is providing about 800 people places to live in about 200 properties. All of this was accomplished through Maryann’s leadership, vision, and perseverance. When she started, affordable housing was a dirty word. Now candidates for City Council MUST at least give lip service to affordable housing, or they cannot get elected. What a legacy! Congratulations, Maryann!
“Essential workers”: This was the year of the essential worker. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, cops, and others stepped up to fight the virus, just like we knew they would. But there were others – teachers, grocery store workers, group home staff, etc. that also reminded us just how important they are. Thanks to all you essential workers!
SEATS Drivers: When COVID hit, County employees responded. No one was more flexible than our SEATS drivers, who all fell into a variety of roles. Because our need for bus rides dropped 50%, we had an available workforce. Some helped at Conservation. Some provided additional cleaning at County buildings. And many served as “greeters”, managing the flow of people into and out of County buildings. SEATS workers have done whatever they were asked, and done it with well. I am proud to work with these fantastic folks!
Dave Koch: When COVID-19 hit, all eyes turned to Johnson County Public Health. Despite uncaring and incompetent State and Federal governments, Johnson County Public Health rose to the occasion. Dave was attacked by anti-maskers, who hung on his every word, waiting for the tiniest slip. Through it all, Dave Koch remained positive and professional, offering Johnson County residents the information they needed. Crisis unveils a person’s character. Dave Koch passed that test with flying colors!
Bruce Teague: Mayor is a tough job anyway. Serving as Mayor during COVID, BLM protests, and a derecho goes well beyond what anyone could have imagined. But Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague rose to the occasion. Bruce listened, empathized, and made the decisions that needed to be made. He was kind, caring, and compassionate, but also tough and decisive. The people of Iowa City may not recognize it, but they were just blessed by a year of tremendous leadership. Thank you, Mayor Teague!
Lance Clemsen: As we anticipate the 2021 opening of the GuideLink Center, it is important to recognize the contributions of Lance Clemsen from UIHC. Lance has chaired the steering committee for this project for several years, and deserves as much credit as anyone for getting it to this point. Lance has been willing to do whatever it takes to make certain every detail is accounted for, and his hard work has set the tone for everyone else.
Zachary Oren Smith: No less a mind than Thomas Jefferson believed civil society could not exist without an informed public. Unfortunately, local media has been drying up for decades. Luckily, we have a shining light in Zachary Oren Smith at the Press Citizen. Zach is a great reporter and a great guy, who does really good work in a very tough environment. We need Gannett to do much better, and pay this guy better than the just-above poverty wages he receives!
Ed Cranston: It is always a challenge to serve as Chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party. It was an even bigger challenge with COVID. Thankfully, local Democrats had Ed Cranston at the helm. Ed has provided a steady hand through tumultuous times. His cheerful demeanor and can-do attitude are exactly what the doctor ordered! Thanks for your leadership, Ed!
Christina Bohannan: It took guts to challenge a ten-term incumbent. Especially during a pandemic where you could not knock on doors. But Christina Bohannan does not let anything deter her! I look forward to Christina bringing that energy to the Iowa Legislature.
As you can see, 2020 was a year full of people worthy of our admiration!
*DID YOU KNOW? Almost 10,000 people walk through the Iowa City Ped Mall on an average day.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
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---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 11:10 AM
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