EXCLUDED WORKERS FUND
Starting the day I was elected to the Supervisors in June 2021, I have been leading the process to see that Excluded Workers receive funds they need and deserve. Giving $1,400 payments to county residents who have not been eligible
for previous government payments is the right thing to do and it builds strength for all of Johnson County.
These tax-paying residents served all of us in their work during the pandemic, but received no payments to keep themselves or their families medically safe or financially stable. Most Johnson County residents were eligible for up to
$3,200 in cash payments plus enhanced unemployment benefits. Excluded Workers started with $0.00 in cash payments and were not eligible for other programs. These $1,400 payments are too small and have been delayed too long to be
just compensation, but they could have been one step toward equity. Supervisor Rod Sullivan joined me in supporting these payments. I am humbled to have led the fight to share some of the county's American Relief Program funds with
them.
NO MRAP OR BEARCAT VEHICLES FOR SHERIFF
Military-style vehicles such as the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) or Bearcat have no place in law enforcement in Johnson County. I am proud to have helped lead the call to dispose of the MRAP and to not approve purchase of
the smaller Bearcat vehicle. These vehicles intimidate and scare residents more than they protect officers or citizens. Alternative de-escalating policing methods exist and should be used. The MRAP remains in the county's
possession, but I will continue to seek a way to dispose of it and keep the county safe.
INCREASE GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND RESPONSIVENESS
Johnson County can improve its legislative process to better serve the public and better respond to needs expressed by the public by doing the following:
- Return to text transcription of Supervisor meetings to create a searchable database and to increase accessibility for those without computers
- Translate materials essential for use by residents into other languages for people who do not read or speak English
- Increase allotted time for the public to address the Supervisors at meetings
- Place items on Supervisor meeting agendas with request from one or two Supervisors, not three as is present practice
- Never station armed Sheriff deputies at meetings
CONTINUE GOOD RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Johnson County Public Health has shined as a leader in the local and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am glad to have helped give them the resources they need to protect the health of all county residents. I am also
pleased to use ARPA funds to help defend against future outbreaks by hiring another Disease Protection Specialist, more Community Health nurses, and establishing a Public Health Clinic van for mobile services.
MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Johnson County is in the planning stage of working with Iowa City and other entities to include numerous units of affordable housing in a proposed new building on Clinton Street. The County is also evaluating the renovation of
county-owned homes on Harrison Street and the corner of Capitol and Prentiss streets for affordable housing. These tangible projects are much needed and I will work to continue this momentum for more county supported affordable
housing.
INCREASED AFFORDABLE DAYCARE SLOTS
Over $1.1M is devoted to subsidize more daycare provider slots and incentives to increase wages for workers in the new proposed Clinton Street building project. In this project, as well as others in the exploration stage with local
businesses, I will work to continue the county's efforts to provide more slots for affordable daycare that also increases pay for workers, which will increase the quality of the experience for children, parents, and workers.
CONTINUE COUNTY CLEAN ENERGY PROGRESS
The Climate Crisis calls for every government entity to devote significant resources to expanding renewable energy production as fully and quickly as possible
- Lend support through ordinance revisions to utility-scale projects such as the Solar Triangle west of Hills
- Continue reduced cost residential solar programs such as Solarize Johnson County
- Construct all new County buildings with solar or wind production and at a LEED Platinum Standard
ALTERNATIVE POLICING RULES OF CONTACT NEEDED
The Johnson County Sheriff's Department, along with many other local law enforcement agencies across America, needs to update their law enforcement rules of engagement with citizens. All but a few instances call for lower levels of
aggressive response and interaction with residents. Detailing these rules, in cooperation with county residents, will ease the fears of some, and increase confidence in the Sheriff for all.
RACIAL JUSTICE REFORMS
Johnson County still has time to respond to the significant call for judicial reforms raised by Black Lives Matter, Iowa Freedom Riders, and other groups two years ago. Some of these include:
- Continue reducing Disproportionate Minority Contact that leads to disproportionate arrest and incarceration
- Reduce traffic stops, and instead capturing license plate numbers and send a ticket
- Funding to help accomplish goals of a County Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Establish a Sheriff Review Board
- Lessen enforcement of some low-level offenses
- Continue jail diversion programs and create new programs such as GPS monitoring of those awaiting trial
- Increase mental health and substance abuse treatment access
CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FOODS PROGRAMS
Johnson County has built a thriving Local Foods policy and program support. You can count on me to continue that support and seek ways to expand it.
- Local Foods are good for economic development and the environment
- Non-profit groups are helping to see that some of this local food gets to county residents with the greatest need
- Expand County Historic Poor Farm plans for starting farmers
OTHER USES OF ARPA FUNDS
A few other outstanding uses of ARPA funds will help many County residents:
- Eviction Diversion funds
- Wage Theft Recovery program
- Discounted fares for public transportation for low-income residents
- Expanded on-demand SEATS service
- Expanded staff at GuideLink Center for substance abuse treatment and prevention
- Financial support for minority-owned businesses