Sullivan: Improve affirmative action results and continue COVID recovery

I grew up on a Heritage farm (150 years in the same family) near Sutliff, and attended K-12 in the Lisbon school system. I am an alumnus of the University of Iowa. I have held several positions in the field of human services, including six years with the Department of Human Services and six years as executive director of the Arc of Johnson County.

I am married to Dr. Melissa Fath, a research scientist at the UI and a volunteer pharmacist at the Free Medical Clinic. We have three adult children - Rachel, Jordan and BJ, and have served as foster parents for another 50+ children.

I am a member of several community organizations, including: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, NAMI, Center for Worker Justice, ACLU Hawkeye Chapter, AFT Local 716, and Iowa City Federation of Labor. I also served four years as chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party.

Some of the accomplishments of which I am proud:

' Leadership during the COVID-19 crisis.

' Leadership during 2008 floods.

' Raising the minimum wage - the first county in Iowa to do so.

' 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.

' Passed the Conservation Bond Initiative - the first county in Iowa to do so.

' Passed the Community ID Program - the first county in Iowa to do so.

' Started 1105 Project with gift of old Public Health building.

' Saved Sutliff Bridge after '08 floods.

' Started trails funding.

' Created the Free Tax Help project.

' Created the Livable Community for Successful Aging.

' Added outdoor warning sirens to unincorporated Johnson County.

' Created the Local Foods Policy Council.

' Heritage AAA Outstanding Elected Official - 2009.

If reelected, my goals are:

1. Continue community recovery from COVID-19;

2. Begin serving people at the GuideLink Center;

3. Improve affirmative action results;

4. Renegotiate six union contracts to the benefit of all.

I am grateful for your past support, and I thank you for your future consideration. I promise to never take this position for granted! I respectfully request your vote on or before Nov. 3. Thank you!

Rod Sullivan is a Democratic candidate for Johnson County Board of Supervisors.