LOST In Johnson County: Part 2

In the last several days I have been approached by a number of people who are wondering how I'm voting on the local option sales tax. On Saturday I spoke with Congressman Dave Loebsack who supports the measure in part because it allows federal and local funds to be used for the mitigation of flooding. He said that some folks who are against the tax point to the stimulus money and say it is all that is needed. He pointed out that the stimulus money works as a match to local funds and that folks against the tax are mistaken to think that federal dollars will do it all.

Also on Saturday I had a similar conversation with county supervisor Rod Sullivan who is supporting the tax, but who told me that those who say that the sales tax is shared by "out of towners" are correct, but so too are property taxes as our area has many out of town property owners. I did say to him that renters actually end up paying those taxes, so it isn't exactly an apples to apples argument. But his point is still taken.

Friday I briefly spoke to multi-time candidate for city council, Brandon Ross who is against the sales tax because it is unfair to make poor people pay for Dubuque Road being raised. And it is true that the poor would pay a share of the tax, but on the other hand, two area trailer parks were flooded out last year and the poor were affected adversely too.

A local environmentalist and two-time county supervisor candidate, Tom Carsner, who is not supporting the tax, believes that all sales taxes are regressive and that even though this one has a sunset of four years to it, it still should be voted down. Strange coming from a Environmental Advocate.

As for me, I have been conflicted on which way to vote. Generally, I agree that sales taxes are the most regressive form of taxation, but when a natural disaster occurs, do you hold a general principle up over what is better for the public good?

And what is the public good? Clearly flooding is not in the public good or poor infrastructure. If you are concerned about the environment, the poor, commerce, and/or appropriate use of tax monies, this vote benefits many people. The plans were jointly devised in consultation with some of the best hydrologists in the world. As was explained to me, the problem last summer was backflow. That the water couldn't move fast enough downstream as to keep water from backing up and flooding Cedar Rapids, Coralville and so on.

One key point of backup was at the Park Road Bridge. I listened as city engineer Rick Fosse, whose job prior to working for the city was flood mitigation, explained to a group of us how the raising of the bridge would have allowed water to flow downstream better and could have conceivably reduced the amount of flooding both in Coralville and the Normandy Drive and Foster Road areas.

Another thing that is not in the public interest is to have raw sewage flowing into the Iowa River, which is already one of the most polluted waterways in the Midwest. When the "north" treatment plant was flooded out, the sewage did wash into the river.

Lastly, it is not in our best interest to have of freshwater wells contaminated. While all the wells did not get contaminated, reinforcing those wells will be a very good use of public monies.

At the end of the day, we have limited choices about how to fund these $86 million projects. Right now we have the leverage of FEMA and stimulus package funds being available to us. If the tax is voted down, it will mean that either other capital projects go nowhere and the projects are paid for that way over a much longer period of time or, more likely, in raised water bills and/or property taxes. This way at least there is a time limit and we all share the burden. It isn't an ideal situation, but pragmatically, it is what is best for the most.

A Take on the ICCSD Issues from Rod Sullivan

From Johnson County Board of Supervisor (and citizen) Rod Sullivan's Salvos reprinted with his permission:

Since I seldom let any big issues pass by without comment, it is time to discuss the ICCSD building plans. Unfortunately, I could not attend either forum on the subject. This is a very complex set of issues, so I'll try to break it up into digestible pieces.

First, whether one agrees with her or not, I applaud Mayor Bailey for expressing her concerns over the closing of Roosevelt. I find it amazing that the Press Citizen suggests that she mind her own business. It IS her business! She is a citizen! What's more, the Press Citizen is always critical of local governmental units for failures to communicate. That is exactly what happened here ­ but it is not the fault of the city!

Additionally, Iowa City has a comprehensive plan for the whole city, and it is quite good. It includes the preservation of older neighborhoods ­preservation that will be ineffective without neighborhood schools. And thePC says the City Council "should not interfere"? The PC should have instead demanded that the ICCSD go over this in a joint public meeting with the City Council.

Secondly, we should recognize closing Roosevelt is a tough call. Students and staff deserve good facilities. The building has clearly deteriorated to a critical point. There is room to build on at Horn. My problem is the school at "The Crossings". There aren't any kids there yet ­there are kids at Roosevelt. Perhaps repairing Roosevelt would be more expensive but there are very real costs to suburban sprawl. These should be discussed at length in public forums. Similarly, let's ensure that other older buildings get the maintenance they need so we do not find ourselves in this position again.

Thirdly, we need to discuss similar issues at Longfellow and Mann. I served on the Yes For Kids Steering Committee, and we sold the bond issue in part on improving accessibility at these older schools. I understand that this can be expensive. I understand that it might be cheaper tear down the older schools and to rebuild on the parking lots and/or playgrounds. But wenever said anything about closing them. Fixing, yes. Closing? It was never mentioned. Whatever the case, these neighborhoods MUST have schools, and they MUST be accessible. Anyone who understands Iowa City and the electorate knows this is non-negotiable. We already voted to do it. I personally told people the ICCSD would be fixing this! I was an honest volunteer- please do not make me a liar! As Larry the Cable Guy would say, just Git 'er done!

It has been mentioned that many kids already do not enjoy "neighborhood schools". Kids are bussed to several elementaries throughout the District. While this is true, it ignores the fact that most kids in theICCSD DO have neighborhood schools. When you factor out rural kids, who are going to be driven/bussed in any scenario, most kids live within walking distance of their elementaries. This is the way the public wants it, and experts in all sorts of disciplines agree it is generally best for the community psychologically, sociologically, and environmentally.

My final point is that we tend to assume too much. We assume that the public always wants the cheapest option, but local voters have proven that is not always the case. Voters approved the SILO tax, Conservation Bond, Library bonds in three communities, pool bonds in two communities, and much more. Voters have spoken out in favor of jail alternatives, even though they cost more. Voters have spoken out in favor of arts and culture expenditures, even though they cost more. So instead of assuming people want the cheapest option possible, we could just let people vote on it.

This is evidenced by discussions around school size. The ICCSD tells us we need elementary schools to be built for 450-550 kids in order to be as cost efficient as possible. Yet we are never told what size elementaries should be in order to maximize student performance. Almost every study of student performance shows the optimal elementary size to be 250-400. Why not ask the public if they prefer the cheapest, the best, or some hybrid?

The same discussion needs to take place at the high school level. Explain to the public that a North Liberty-north Coralville high school would only have 600-1000 students. That means fewer opportunities (not NO opportunities, but fewer opportunities) for advanced classes and extracurricular activities. It would not be the most cost effective response to overcrowding at West. But again, almost every study of student performance shows the optimal high school size to be 600-1000. Why not ask the public if they prefer the cheapest, the best, or some hybrid?

I do not envy School Board members. I know most of the ICCSD Board pretty
well. I know most of the ICCSD Administration pretty well. These are good people
we are talking about, who really care about our kids. These folks work very
hard, some as volunteers, and rarely receive the thanks they deserve. School
financing is tricky, and most of us do not fully understand it. There is no
issue more dear to the electorate than the schools. And theICCSD is faced with a
number of difficult decisions.

Lots of people have a dog in this fight. We all want to claim the moral high ground of doing what is "best for the kids." But what is best for one is not necessarily best for the next. And what is best for a single school is not necessarily best for the entire District. This is why we elect a Board­ their job is to make these decisions. I just hope the decisions are made following lots of public input.

People in the ICCSD need more details on school funding. There are staffing issues; fine. Lay out the problems so the public can opineintelligently. The more information we share, the better our decisions.

I simply hope that the ICCSD Board and Administration seeks input and then gives that input serious consideration. Do not assume that the voters in the ICCSD want the cheapest. They just might want the best.

Meet City and County Officials at FAIR! Budget Teach In 2/7/09

In my capacity of FAIR! Chair, I sometimes neglect to use my blog to remind people of events in Johnson County that they can take action and participate in. A week from today, Saturday Feb. 7th, FAIR! is sponsoring our 4th annual Budget Teach In: “Making the Hard Choices: Providing Services During an Economic Downturn” at the Coralville City Hall from 10 am to 12 pm.

Speakers will include Johnson County Board of Supervisor, Rod Sullivan; North Liberty City Administrator, Ryan Heiar; Iowa City Council Member, Michael Wright, Coralville City Council Member, Mitch Gross; and Coralville City Administrator, Kelly Hayworth.

With the economic downturn and effects of the flooding of last year FAIR! thought it would be educational to discuss how budget decisions are made in light of these uncertainties (e.g., will services be affected, are taxes likely to increase, etc.). Additionally, we thought it would be important for county residents to hear how you view the move at the state level to shift some additional taxing authority to local government. If time permits, we'd also like to hear how communities are cooperating with each other on plans or services.

As in the past, we like to give attendees ample opportunity to address these decision makers about their concerns. For those of you who need extra incentive, there will be a casual coffee hour from 9 am to the beginning of the forum (which, just in case you can't make it, will be recorded for later playback) where you will be able to chat with the speakers informally.

Loebsack, Dvorsky, Sullivan, and Champion Make Appearance at Shelter House Fundie

Congressman Dave Loebsack made an appearance at a Shelter House (Johnson County's general shelter) benefit on Saturday night. Also there were State Senator Bob Dvorsky and his effervescent wife, Sue who shared her experiences at President Barack Obama's Inaugural. County Supervisor Rod Sullivan and his wife, Dr. Meliisa Fath were in attendence, as was Iowa City council woman, Connie Champion who is also a part of the capital campaign committee to raise funds for building the 70 bed shelter.

Thanks to the largesse of owners Jim and Maureen Mondonaro who footed the bill for all the incredible food and spirits that were enjoyed by the crowd in their newly renovated Mondo's Sports Cafe on the Coralville strip. The Mondanaros were among the many business owners who were flooded out of their location last June and chose to celebrate their new "home" by having a Grand Opening at which 100% of the funds went to the local shelter. A total of 370 people helped to raise over $18,000 for the capital campaign to build the new shelter facility on Southgate Dr.

Johnson County Race Results

Tom Slockett was retained as County Auditor in the only truly contested county race. The County Auditor who ran against two former employees, Mona Shaw and Hanna Gugliuzza, during the primary and general election garnered 65% of the vote in what some believe may be his last term as auditor.

A write in campaign by Michael D. Thayer to displace Rod Sullivan, the current Chair of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors fell flat as Thayer received no more than a possible 1,392 write-in votes to Sullivan's almost 41,000. Pat Harney received the most votes of all the BOS candidates.

The races are summarized below and are unofficial until certified by the County Board of Supervisors.

Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Pat Harney (D) 45,212 (62%)
Terrence Neuzil (D) 44,033 (60%)
Rod Sullivan (D) 40,962 (56%)
Write In 1,392

Auditor
Tom Slockett (D) 38,470 (65%)
Hanna Gugliuzza (NP) 20,653 (35%)
Write In 214

Sheriff
Lonny L. Pulkrabek (D) 50,658 98%
Write In 1,038 (2%)

Soil and Water
Nathan M. Moore 32,886 (45%)
Kelley Putman 33,875 (47%)
Alex Schmidt 30,915 (42%)
Write In 808

Ag Extension
Larry Culver 33,021 (45%)
Maynard Hebl 29,482 (40%)
Donna Ruth 30,365 (42%)
John Schneider 29,713 (41%)
Write In 719

Rod Sullivan Needs You

While we have all been paying attention to the national political scene, County Supervisor and current Board Chair, Rod Sullivan is running for re-election and deserves your support. As the only true Progressive on the Board, he has

* Passed a Human Rights Ordinance, the first County in Iowa to do so;
* Passed a Sensitive Areas Ordinance, the first County in Iowa to do so;
* Joined the Sierra Club Cool Counties Initiative, the first County in Iowa to do
so;
* Created a Trails Committee and for the first time created a line item for
trails in the budget;
* Created a Commission for a Livable Community for Seniors;
* Instituted a highly successful Earned Income Tax Credit program;
* Dramatically increased funding for Shelter House;
* Begun a program for upgrading gravel roads to chip seal;

His top campaign issues for a second term are:

1. Increased commitment to the Environment;
2. Positive updates to the County Land Use Plan;
3. Increased support for Human Services;
4. Improved Dust Control

Some of this is not as sexy as ending the war in Iraq or dealing with the economy, but Rod pays attention to what the county can do to improve the environment, help those in need, and use taxes sensibly.

Early voting is now available for the June 3 primary at the Auditor's Office, 913 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.) here's a look at the "D" ballot.

Rod Sullivan Running for Second Term

In Rod's own words

"you heard it here first: I am announcing today that I will seek reelection to a second term as County Supervisor.

There have been several significant accomplishments during my term in office. Since I joined the Board, Johnson County has:

* Passed a Human Rights Ordinance, the first County in Iowa to do so;
* Passed a Sensitive Areas Ordinance, the first County in Iowa to do so;
* Joined the Sierra Club Cool Counties Initiative, the first County in Iowa to do so;
* Created a Trails Committee and for the first time created a line item for trails in the budget;
* Created a Commission for a Livable Community for Seniors;
* Instituted a highly successful Earned Income Tax Credit program;
* Dramatically increased funding for Shelter House;
* Begun a program for upgrading gravel roads to chip seal;
* Started work on Oakdale Boulevard between 12th Ave. & Dubuque St.

Many of these topics had been languishing for years. I promised to champion these issues, and I have delivered. Meanwhile, Johnson County continues to provide outstanding day-to-day services.
There is much more to do, however, and I would like to be a part of it. My top campaign issues for a second term are:

1. Increased commitment to the Environment;
2. Positive updates to the County Land Use Plan;
3. Increased support for Human Services;
4. Improved Dust Control.

I hope I have earned your support as I pursue a second term. Serving as a County Supervisor is an incredible honor and privilege, and I truly appreciate the opportunities that have been given to me.
If you are interested in talking to me about my campaign or any County issues, the routine remains the same as the one listed below here every week
- feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com.
You can also check out my new website: http://rodsullivan.org/. I look forward to serving you."

Rod is one of the truly progressive voices in Johnson County. He was one of the founder's of FAIR! and has done a great job. I forgive him that he supports Barack Obama, although an Edwards/Obama ticket looks like a winner to me.

Jail Consultant to Johnson County: 92 to 450 by 2030

Study predicts Johnson will need bigger jail from the Gazette

IOWA CITY - Johnson County, which is considering building a new jail, eventually may need nearly five times the number of beds its current jail has, a consultant said Thursday.

Based on demographic projections, the county might require a jail with about 250 beds by the year 2020 and a 450-bed facility by 2030, Michael Lewis of Durrant Group Inc. told the county Board of Supervisors at its informal meeting.

The Johnson County Jail has 92 beds.``The 250 number, I wasn't surprised,'' Supervisor Rod Sullivan said. ``The 450, I definitely swallowed hard.''

Gark comment: I find it interesting that a consultant can predict crime rates based on the general population. I have significant doubt that Johnson County voters are going to pony up for a 250-450 bed jail when even privately we can't get a 75 bed homeless shelter built.

Music and a Plethora of Pols Under the Stars 'N More

While Lazy-Boy and the Recliners played on the Ped Mall in Iowa City, local politicians Supervisor Rod Sullivan and Mayor Ross Wilburn were sighted, as well as State Senator Bob Dvorsky. Representatives of Barack Obama's and Bill Richardson's campaign were also out tabling. In a surprise appearance, presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards (who was campaigning in Washington, IA earlier in the evening), was spotted shaking hands with Ped Mall music-lovers with one of his great looking kids in tow.

On Sunday, Sen. Joe Biden will be at Upper City Park Shelter #2 from 3:30 to 6:30 to help the Johnson County Dems fund raise, according to Matt from his campaign team.

In Genuine Praise of an Elected Official

Rod Sullivan is a Democrat serving on Johnson County's Board of Supervisors. He is a genuinely good public official and puts it on the line for the progressive values he holds. Rod was largely responsible for the human rights ordinance passing in Johnson County (though now that the state has followed suit, we'll call it "all good"). Rod also puts out a weekly newsletter called Sullvan's Salvos. E-mail him if you'd like to be on his list.

As I mentioned in an earlier column, Rod was at the NAMI Walk and the Crisis Center breakfast on Saturday. As a social worker, Rod genuinely cares about what happens to people and having adequate services for them. Beyond that, he can be seen riding bikes with his daughters and wife.

He does good work and oddly enough because the county seat is in Iowa City, most of what he does goes largely unnoticed--owing to better coverage of the city council happenings than the county stuff.

He's a guy to watch in the future--Governor Sullivan, I like the ring of that...

Mental Health Day for Iowa Politicos

Today (Cinco de Mayo) the Johnson County Chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness held their NAMI Walk in City Park. The Honorable David Loebsack, State Senator Joe Bolkcom, State Representative Vicki Lensing, County Supervisors Rod Sullivan and Sally Stutsman, County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek , City Council member Amy Correia were in attendence. I missed Dave Loebsack remarks to the crowd, but the Congressman is a supporter of mental health parity.

450 people were there. It was a busy morning for the local dignitaries with the Crisis Center Breakfast down the road and Hillary Clinton's office opening uptown. Apparently Vicki Lensing and Sally Stutsman are planting roots in the Clinton camp which must have be awkward with Mayor Wilburn being the co-chair of the Obama campaign flipping flapjacks at the Crisis Center Breakfast.

Rod Sullivan's Take on the Legislative Session

From progressive Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan who wrote in "Sullivan Salvos"--which are his views and do not represent the JC BOS:

"The Legislative session has come to an end. One can argue that it wasthe best session of my lifetime! Of course, this is the first time in my lifetime the Democratic Party has controlled all three branches of State government. The list of accomplishments from 2007 is really tremendous!
1. Passing Civil Rights protections for gays and lesbians.
2. Reforming election laws to allow Election Day Registration.
3. Raising the state's minimum wage.
4. Lifting restrictions on stem-cell research.
5. Expanding access to affordable health care for all Iowans.
6. Increasing teacher pay to at least 25th in the nation.
7. Boosting basic school funding, expanding the early childhood efforts, and making higher education more affordable.
8. Passing the Safe Schools initiative.
9. Cracking down on car-title loans and other predatory lenders.
10. Raising the tobacco tax and discouraging smoking.

These are great accomplishments, and Democrats deserve praise for this outstanding work! Democrats finally set the agenda, and get full credit forthe list above.

Yes, there are a few black eyes, and they are significant: the flag desecration legislation is an embarrassment, and labor issues were a major disappointment. I had hoped that the ill-conceived 2000-foot rule would be repealed. Mental Health parity is still very limited. Failing to takeCongrats and thanks to Johnson County House members Mary Mascher, Vicki Lensing, Dave Jacoby, and up Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE) was a missed opportunity. More should have been done on the environment. The session was very good, but it SHOULD be very good. We (the voters) gave the Legislature the makeup they wanted and needed. Luckily, we got several major issues out of the way in 2007. Hopefully we can make progress on the things left undone in 2008. It is very doubtful, though ­ we are now in an election year. And little happens in election years. Still, we had the best session Iowa has seen since 1965. The session will have long lasting positive effects. Ever since I first got involved in politics, people have spoken of Harold Hughes and 1965. I think 2007 may endup being viewed in the same light. So 2007 is historic! Ro Foege, and Senators Bob Dvorsky, Joe Bolkcom, and Becky Schmitz!"

Thanks Rod--and thank you for helping to get a county human rights ordinance passed under your watch!