JOHNSON COUNTY — Five candidates are on the ballot for the Tuesday, June 4 primary election seeking the opportunity to run for three open seats on the County Board of Supervisors.
Incumbent Democrats Rod Sullivan, Royceann Porter, and Lisa Green-Douglass are seeking to retain their seats while facing a challenge from fellow Democrat newcomers Bob Conrad and Mandi Remington.
In an effort to present these candidates to our readers, the Solon Economist reached out to all five campaigns with a series of questions. We will print them in the order received, and as received.
This week, Sullivan, Green-Douglass, and Porter have responded, and their responses are printed below.
Please introduce yourself
Sullivan – I live in Iowa City and have for 40 years. I have served as a County Supervisor for 19+ years.
I grew up on a Heritage farm near Sutliff and attended K-12 in the Lisbon school system. I attended the University of Iowa, earning a BA in 1988 and have held several positions in the field of human services. I am married to Dr. Melissa Fath, a Cancer Scientist at the UI and a volunteer Pharmacist at the Free Medical Clinic. We have three adult children and have served as foster parents for another 50+ children. We have a granddaughter and several foster grandchildren.
I am a member of several community organizations, including St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Center for Worker Justice, AFT Local 716, and the Iowa City Federation of Labor. I also served four years as Chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party.
Green-Douglass – I live outside of North Liberty in Madison Township and have been a resident of Johnson County since 1980 (44 years).
I came to Johnson County for graduate school at the University of Iowa and got both a Master’s and a Ph.D. while there. My husband and I were married in 1981 and in 1986 we bought an old farmhouse in Madison Township. We have one adult daughter and four adult sons.
I taught at the University of Iowa as a graduate teaching assistant, as a visiting lecturer, and as a lecturer. While finishing my Ph.D. I taught at Clear Creek high school for two years, and then I taught at Cornell College. My background in applied linguistics led me to a consulting and training job with Command Spanish, Inc, the country’s leading provider of Spanish language and cultural training for the workplace.
In my free time, I like to explore local prairies and woodlands, combining my interest in plants with my passion for photography. My interests and hobbies include word games of any kind, quilting, and trivia. I have two cats, Picasso and Matisse, and will be adopting a third one in June who will be named Tallulah.
I have been on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors since 2016.
Porter – I reside in Iowa City. I have proudly called Johnson County home for 31 years. I am married to Anthony Porter, and together, we have raised two beautiful daughters, Antonia White and Staci Porter. I have served on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors for 5 1/2 years, where I have dedicated myself to serving our community with passion and commitment.
Why did you initially seek to join the BoS?
Sullivan – I held several positions in human services, and it was clear to me that policy makers had the opportunity to do more for folks who have less. So I ran for office.
Green-Douglass – Once I got involved in local politics in the early ’80s, I knew that someday I would run for a local office. After I moved to unincorporated Johnson County and learned how county government differed from city government and who was in charge of what, I became interested in the Board of Supervisors. I was interested in land use, conservation, and the rural roads systems, to name a few areas of interest. In my travels with Command Spanish, I interacted with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, educators, nurses, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers. I had the opportunity to visit jails and prisons in many different parts of the country while out providing training for law enforcement agencies and correctional officers. That’s when I learned about the large numbers of seriously mentally ill individuals who were incarcerated and I began to wonder if we had similar numbers here in Iowa. I started asking questions and talking to providers in the area and became involved in a group called System of Care. That group, comprised largely of providers of mental health services, shared on a monthly basis what they were doing within their agencies and then discussed what gaps there were in the system, and what they could do to fill those gaps to make sure no one fell through the cracks. That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the solution, so I ran for County Supervisor.
Porter – As the first African American elected to a county seat, my journey in public service is deeply rooted in representing the voices and interests of all community members. Running for reelection as County Supervisor is an extension of this commitment – to continue breaking barriers, advocating for equity, and fostering inclusivity in Johnson County. Over my tenure, I’ve worked tirelessly on critical issues such as expanding mental health services, promoting affordable housing, supporting veterans, advocating for workers’ rights, and advancing racial equity. My unique perspective as an African American leader has enabled me to champion policies that benefit our diverse community. I believe in the power of representation and the importance of diverse voices in decision-making.
What do you consider major accomplishments during your time on the BoS?
Sullivan –
· Raising the minimum wage
· Increasing funding for affordable housing
· Creating the GuideLink Center
· Passing the Conservation Bond Initiative
· Passing the Human Rights Ordinance
· Creating the Free Tax Help Project
· Instituting the Buy Here Initiative
· Adding rural warning sirens
· Creating the Livable Community for Successful Aging Policy Board
· Creating the Local Foods Policy Council
· Adopting the Community ID
· Leading the transition to regional mental health care
· Providing steady leadership during the 2008 floods and over a decade later did the same during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
· Saving the Sutliff Bridge and preserving the Historic Poor Farm.
· Starting the 1105 Project with the gift of the old Public Health Building.
Passed the Sensitive Area Ordinance, Stormwater Ordinance, Wind and Solar Ordinance, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.
Green-Douglass – There are three things I point to when asked about accomplishments as a member of the Board of Supervisors. The first accomplishment was when we came together as a Board to counter anticipated actions by the State Legislature. It was December of 2016 and we had heard that in the upcoming legislative session, there would be a wiping out of workers’ rights and a gutting of Iowa Code chapter 20 that dealt with, among other things, workers’ collective bargaining rights. We had heard that union contracts that were up for renewal would be terminated rather than renewed. We voted to extend all union contracts we had in place through the end of calendar year 2021. As it turned out, the rumors were right and the State didn’t interfere with contracts that were in place, only those up for renewal. We had been successful in protecting the rights of all bargaining units employed by the County!
The second accomplishment was serving on the Steering Committee, the Executive Committee, and later on the Design Committee that all led to the creation of GuideLink Center. This facility is a mental health access center– a one-stop center for individuals suffering a mental crisis, for people who are intoxicated and need a place where they can become sober in a safe facility, and a place where an individual can receive detox services from medically trained personnel. Prior to the opening of this access center, a person with a mental health crisis often ended up in jail or in an ER. It has been said that we don’t want to criminalize mental illness by incarcerating someone for it and we don’t want to medicalize mental illness by automatically taking someone to a hospital emergency room. Instead, at GuideLink Center someone’s mental illness is humanized, where they receive compassionate and competent skilled care. Individuals are linked to resources and a plan for moving forward before they leave the facility. Since opening in February 2021, over 5,400 people have received services there and have been successfully diverted from area ERs and jails. I proudly continue to be a part of this facility by serving on the GuideLink Advisory Board.
Finally, I am proud to have served as Chairperson on the Johnson County Eponym Committee. An eponym is the exact opposite of a namesake—for example, if you were named after your grandma Maxine, you are Maxine’s namesake and Grandma Maxine is your eponym. Johnson County was originally named after a former Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson, a slave owner who was known to have bragged about killing Tecumseh. His questionable character certainly does not represent the values currently held by the people of Johnson County. In 2020, amidst many BLM demonstrations here and nationwide, Johnson County sought a new eponym. I chaired the Eponym Committee that recommended Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson, the first black woman to have received a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, as the county’s eponym. The County has contracted services for someone to write the history of Lulu’s impact on Johnson County and for someone to design an exhibit with her statue as the focal point.
Porter – My extensive involvement in various committees and organizations underscores my commitment to addressing pressing issues facing our community. As Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties (NACO) Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Steering Committee, as well as the NACO Housing Steering Committee, I’ve demonstrated expertise in economic development and housing policies. My roles as Secretary for the National Organization of Black County Officials (NOBCO) and Women of NACO reflect my dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and promoting diversity and inclusion in governance.
In addition to my leadership roles, I serve on the Board of Directors for the State of Iowa 6th Judicial Courts, Better Together 2030, Think Iowa City, and FilmScene. These roles showcase my broad understanding of local issues and my ability to collaborate with stakeholders to address them effectively. My involvement with the Community Gun Violence Intervention Committee highlights my commitment to promoting public safety and addressing community concerns.
Is there anything you haven’t accomplished, but still hope to?
Sullivan – There is always much more that can be done! The next couple of years look to present some financial challenges, and I think I am the best person to help the Board through this period.
Green-Douglass – Yes. There are three things that I’ve set as my personal goals if I’m re-elected to the Board of Supervisors.
First, I’d like to ensure the successful launching of our new Pocket Prairie Program, which will allow rural residents of Johnson County to apply to receive $250 worth of native plants to establish a small “pocket” sized prairie on their property. This program will be available for the first time this June/July and will help improve soil health and increase habitat for pollinators in the county.
Second, I’d like to be involved in the reorganization of the new mental health region that Johnson County will be a part of. We currently are a part of the East Central Region (ECR), made up of nine counties. The draft reorganization separates Johnson County from all of the counties with which we have worked to establish positive working relationships, contractual agreements, and sharing of positions. I would like to be part of the work group proposing an alternative region. My experience on ECR’s Regional Governance Board, on the GuideLink Advisory Board, and as a participant in the System of Care has provided me with the knowledge of the needs of Johnson County and of other counties currently within our region.
Third, Johnson County has several projects in the works right now that I’d like to see to their finish. One of those projects is the development of the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm. In 2017, the Board of Supervisors chose a master plan to develop the property to include production of local foods for charitable distribution, access to land for local food growers just getting started in the business, space for immigrant communities to cultivate foods used in their cultures, a prairie with native plantings, wetlands to increase and improve habitat for wildlife, restoration and preservation of the historic buildings on site to provide insights into our past, preservation of the on-site cemetery, a healing trail for reflection and healing of the past, affordable housing (ideally to provide local food growers proximity to land), and the creation of a new century farm to serve as an educational center for new farmers. This project is in the seventh year of the plan, and I’ve been a supporter of the various improvements and programs that have come forth. The housing component of the plan was a point of controversy so once we voted on a plan, I made it my goal to ensure that any housing we created at the Historic Poor Farm would be done in an environmentally responsible way, allowing the historic buildings and the growing areas to be the main features of the area.
Porter – Affordable housing remains a significant challenge, and I am determined to see more progress in this area. This has been an issue for so long, and I am committed to working with the Housing Trust Fund, the Affordable Housing Coalition, and other stakeholders to bring more affordable housing options to fruition.
What do you see as the most pressing issues for Johnson County residents? And what can the BoS do regarding these issues?
Sullivan – 1. Our mental health crisis, 2. Affordable housing. 3, Climate change.
Green-Douglass – The most pressing issues for Johnson County residents are managing growth effectively and sustainably, addressing affordable housing, and improving affordable childcare options.
Growth is both a challenge and an opportunity, so managing it successfully is extremely important. To do that we have to provide and maintain infrastructure that supports development of homes and businesses, but within an environmentally and economically responsible framework. The Board of Supervisors has shown commitment to creating sufficient, affordable housing stock, but the problem is quite big, so solutions won’t happen overnight. We are very fortunate to have the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition and the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County as community partners doing the work of advocacy, education, and development. Both agencies work tirelessly to increase the stock of affordable housing in our community and to help lower-income people access a place to live and thrive. Annually since 2016, the Board of Supervisors has committed over $600,000 to the Housing Trust Fund and for the last two years that amount has risen to > $700,000.
We are at the beginning stages of identifying a property and establishing a supportive housing program for families with children. As we increase our housing stock, we must consider providing for income diversity within multi-unit dwellings in order to strengthen the longevity of any affordable housing project. And finally, we must ensure that affordable housing adheres to building inspection standards to ensure safety within homes, and that has proximity to groceries, libraries, and well-maintained roads to avoid creating deserts of any kind. Regarding childcare, the county has allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to support some new childcare initiatives and plans are in the works for sustaining those initiatives after the ARPA money runs out. While not an exhaustive list, the Board of Supervisors has approved allocating money for the Child Care Assistance Incentive program; the Wage Enhancement Program, intended to increase retention of childcare workers, and for Infant and Toddler Scholarships provided to income-eligible parents.
Porter – Johnson County faces a range of challenges, including:
1. Affordable Housing:
The shortage of affordable housing options leads to housing insecurity and homelessness. The BoS can collaborate with housing organizations to develop more affordable housing projects.
2. Mental Health Services:
Limited access to mental health services is a pressing issue. Expanding mental health resources and reducing wait times for treatment is crucial.
3. Racial Disparities:
Addressing systemic inequalities and promoting racial equity in education, employment, housing, and criminal justice is an ongoing challenge. The BoS can implement policies that promote inclusivity and equity.
4. Economic Development:
Supporting small businesses, fostering job growth, and promoting economic development in underserved areas are critical for an inclusive economy.
5. Transportation:
Improving public transportation options and infrastructure ensures all residents can access essential services and opportunities.
6. Environmental Sustainability:
Reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting renewable energy are essential for mitigating climate change impacts.
7. Education:
Ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and addressing achievement gaps are vital for the success of all students.
8. Public Health:
Addressing substance abuse, healthcare access, and the opioid epidemic through preventive care and expanded treatment options is essential.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. By working together, Johnson County can overcome these obstacles and build a stronger, more resilient community for all residents.
The bottom line – why should the citizens of Johnson County keep you on the BoS?
Sullivan – I am a good listener who works hard. I show up, literally and figuratively. I’ll talk to almost anyone about almost anything. I have an unmatched record of accomplishment in the office. Voters do not need to wonder whether I’ll get things done – they can see the results.
Green-Douglass – I have a proven track record of making responsible decisions on how to spend taxpayer dollars. My votes are based on data, input from subject matter experts, and when appropriate, the public.
I know our purview and I adhere to it, fully aware that the state continues to take away local control, issue unfunded mandates, and reorganize to take control of county and regional services. Since we make decisions as a Board, I can provide historical knowledge, continuity, and stability during these coming times of transition. I can count to three, which is important because three is the number of supervisors needed to pass any vote. I show up and do my part.
Porter – My decades of community advocacy, leadership roles in various organizations, and a track record of coalition-building make me well-suited for the county supervisor position. I bring a unique blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and collaborative skills to the table. In addition to focusing on affordable housing, I aim to improve mental health services, infrastructure for sustainable development, and economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I value family, community, and justice. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, exploring nature, and engaging in activities that promote well-being and connection.
Candidate’s choice – Anything else you want to add? Also, you may include your website, email, and social media for voters to learn more about you.
Sullivan — https://www.rodsullivanforsupervisor.com
Green-Douglass – I recognize that we can’t make big, significant changes without working together. The progress we’ve made in mental health provision, in affordable housing availability, and in providing some childcare solutions have happened because we have worked as a team, bringing information to our fellow Board members, using our knowledge and our powers of persuasion to garner the support of those same fellow Board members. I have been both a leader and a team player and will continue to use my role as a County Supervisor to bring about positive change for the people of Johnson County.
You can learn more about me by visiting my website at lgreendouglassforsupervisor.com. There is contact information on my website should you have questions for me. I would be honored to have one of your three votes for Supervisor on or before June 4, 2024.
Porter – I am deeply committed to continuing my work for the residents of Johnson County and ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.
The Solon Economist thanks Supervisors Sullivan, Green-Douglass, and Porter for their cooperation.
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Lisa Green-Douglass