Scattershooting About Johnson County Politics

So the two parties have had their conventions and (D) Janelle Rettig and (R) Lori Cardella are their parties' candidates. If there is any drama to unfold it would have to involve a brave soul gathering 250 signatures to be placed on the ballot to run a third person for the controversial seat. It would actually be a more compelling race if that would happen. Failing that, it will rely on the candidates to turnout their bases.

And what will happen come June? The seat that will be decided by special election will be up for grabs again. Is this an effort to turn out the base for the Senatorial and House primaries? I would hate to think that people would have ulterior motives--I'd be "shocked."

You never know who you'll run into at a pizza place. Mike O'Donnell may be leaving the Iowa City Council, but his longer term aspirations may involve being the next County Recorder. He was notably absent from the Democratic special county convention.

And what was the Iowa City Council thinking when they approved a 2% franchise fee acknowledging that they might be able to do without half of it? They have deferred action in the past, why not wait until they have more information? As it stands most of us would not feel the pinch of a 1% hike, but the University of Iowa and other tax-exempt entities will in April--unless the council brings it up after the new members are seated.

Question for Sheriff Pulkrabek and JC County Attorney Lyness--what, if anything, have you decided to do about John Bohnenkamp? You may recall that he disregarded a public safety officer's order last July (and his own wife's pleas) to clear out of the crime scene which may have contributed to the shooting death of John Deng. I seem to recall that there was a continuing investigation about this point that has not been reported.


And area State Legislators--why not look at taxing non-residential uses of condominiums for rental property? Clearly it is disadvantaging those communities like Iowa City that have large numbers of absentee landlords. $2 million dollars can help a city keep it's budget balanced without the residents taking it fully on the chin. Also, it probably is keeping apartments from being built which in less supply.

Investigation Over, But Is Justice Served?

The report from Iowa's Attorney General exonerates the Johnson County Deputy Sheriff who used deadly force in killing John Deng on July 27th. Based on corroborated evidence from nine of "at least a dozen" witnesses on the scene, the deputy, Terry Stotler, tried to separate a knife wielding Deng and John Bohnenkamp and both men failed to heed his orders to stop.

According to the report, Stotler identified himself and drew his handgun as the two men fought on Prentiss Street. Stotler intervened between the two men and trained his gun on Deng. Stotler told Deng "Sheriff's Department. Drop the knife!" He ordered Bohnenkamp to "Run! Get out of here!" and he refused. Bohnenkamp's wife Cynthia was also screaming at him to run. Both Deng and Bohnenkamp remained in adversarial positions both refusing to heed the officer's directives after he issued them multiple times.

When it appeared to Stotler that Deng was "tensing up" within five feet of Bohnenkamp, he fired one shot that struck Deng in the left arm and entered the abdomen and Deng fell to the ground. A police officer from the Iowa City Police Department was witnessed kicking the knife away from Deng that was videotaped from a squad car.

Three witnesses who were on the scene offered contradictory statements, but because of their resistance to reporting to the police, their "unconcealed hostility toward all official personnel, and the weight of evidence that disproves their accusations," their testimony was largely discredited by the State Attorney General's report.

While the report answers many questions, facts in the report open up some new ones:

While Deng's alcohol level was tested and well above the legal limit, Bohnenkamp's was not. Why?

Why was Bohnenkamp not charged for his part of the altercation for interfering with official acts after refusing to heed Stotler's orders?

Further, the report does not address the events that led up to the two men ending up in a heated argument that turned to violence. Unless County Attorney Janet Lyness opens an inquiry that Bohnenkamp's actions are deserving of legal action, it appears that justice for all will not be served. Regardless of the actions on the evening of July 27, 2009, it must be agreed that this was a senseless tragedy.

After the Safe Streets Forum

Myself and around 90 other people were at last evening's forum that was moderated by Johnson County District Attorney Janet Lyness at the majestic Englert Theater. Panel members included both ICPD Chief Sam Hargadine and UIPD Chief Chuck Green, Ashley Peterson, and Iowa City Councilor Amy Correia. Current city councilors Bob Elliott and Regenia Bailey were in the audience. Also, candidates Matt Hayek and Mike Wright were there, puzzling were the absences of the other candidates.

A good deal of time was spent addressing audience questions and clearing up some miscommunications about safety. The university is starting up a van shuttle to bring home women who want to avail themselves of the service on Fridays and Saturday nights.

Kudos to the organizers of the event and to Chiefs Green and Hargadine for attending. Also, it was great to see a cross-section of the community at the forum, not ust students. Neighborhood leaders like Tim Weitzel were there, as well as bloggers like John Deeth who was liveblogging.

If you witness suspicious acts, do call the police 358-TIPS (8477). It is up to the community to make Iowa City safe, the police are doing the best they can.

County Attorney Cites Conflict of Interest with County Auditor Case

The Press-Citizen reports that County Attorney Janet Lyness said because of a conflict of interest, the county attorney's office would not be involved in Slockett's current case and that an attorney from another county or the state attorney general's office would take their place.

According to Iowa City Police, at 10:14 p.m. Sunday, Slockett, 60, was driving southbound on Dubuque Street and failed to yield at Washington Street, where several pedestrians were attempting to cross.

After his arrest, he was taken to the Johnson County Jail at 11:37 p.m. and was released at 1 a.m. Monday on a $1,950 surety bond.

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