Sunday, October 15, 2017

Tonight was the Johnson County Democrats Fall BBQ. The keynote speaker was Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02). She delivered a rousing speech and a few Alohas. I bet we see more of her in the coming years. Six of the seven Gubernatorial candidates spoke.
I remember the old BBQs when labor brought the beer and the events were at the Isaac Walton League. A lot has changed over the years, but the thing that remains the same is it is great to see so many good Democrats. The BBQ is like fall family reunion.
Thanks to all the volunteers that made the event happen. Also thank to all the sponsors and people that attended. Your donations will help win elections next year.


























Please help Johnson County by downloading the Fix-It app and using it to report issues on roads, trails, facilities, P&Z and parks. Reporting issues helps the County maintain facilities and timely fix problems.
You can get the app at your app store.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO PRESENT ANNUAL REPORT
Johnson County, Iowa — Johnson County elected officials will present highlights of the County’s annual report, “The State of Johnson County: Fiscal Year 2017,” at a public meeting at 4:30 pm, Thursday, October 12, in the second floor board room at the Johnson County Administration Building, 913 South Dubuque Street, Iowa City.
The report recaps significant news and accomplishments from each area of the County, and includes overall financial information and progress on strategic planning.
A casual reception with light refreshments will immediately follow the presentation. After October 12, the report will be available atwww.johnson-county.com.
Here are some excerpts from Juvenile Justive Youth Development Annual report:
In FY17 the Johnson County Board of Supervisors committed $292,500 in funding for positive youth development programs that prevent juvenile crime and delinquency and improve the well-being of children. Seven contracts were awarded to five agencies to support these efforts. In addition, Johnson County partnered with Goodwill Employment Services, United Action for Youth and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County to implement the Youth Empowered to Serve summer employment program.
Youth Development is defined by the Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development as the ongoing growth process in which all youth strive to: (1) meet the basic and personal and social needs to feel cared for and to be safe, valued, useful, and spiritually grounded, and (2) build character, skills and competencies that permit functioning and contribution in daily life. Youth development approaches focus and build on the strengths and assets of young people, rather than concentrating solely on the prevention or treatment of problems.
Over the last several years, this investment has had a positive impact, improving outcomes for youth and reducing the costs associated with juvenile delinquency.
From 2009 - 2015 juvenile delinquency complaints decreased 45% in Johnson County from 843 to 475. FY08 to FY17 the average daily population for Johnson County youth, at the Linn County Juvenile Detention, declined 44% from 6.35 youth per day to 3.58.
Johnson County Juvenile Justice Youth Development funding supports programs that promote positive youth engagement, offers support and provides personal enrichment opportunities for young people that may lead to an improved quality of life.
If you care about clean water and clean air, please come to this listening post and speak up tomorrow/Monday 6-8 pm. I have heard that big corporate agriculture will be there in force, so it would be nice to have many diverse voices present.
>>LISTENING POST FOR JOHNSON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IS OCT. 9
Johnson County, Iowa – A public listening post for Johnson County’s draft comprehensive plan will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, October 9, in rooms 203B-C of the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, located at 855 South Dubuque Street in Iowa City.
The Board of Supervisors will hear public input on the draft plan. Participants are welcome to arrive and depart at any time during the session hours to share their comments with the supervisors. No formal presentation by staff or consultants is planned.
The current draft plan (known as “60% draft”) is available online at the homepage of www.jocoplan.com. Subsequent drafts will be uploaded there, as well.
Audio of the session will be live the day of the event and archived afterward. Listeners may access the broadcast link athttp://johnsoncountyia.iqm2.com/Citize…/Detail_Meeting.aspx…
To access the elevator to the second-floor meeting area, use the entrance by the flagpole on the building’s north side. Free vehicle parking is available in the lot north of the building.
The listening post is one of several remaining opportunities for public input. A public open house will be held later this year for the next draft of the plan, along with a two-week public comment period. Public hearings will be scheduled for early 2018.
Visit JoCoPlan.com for additional information.
The County hosted our annual Spirit Challenge today. Many offices decorate, tailgate and dress up in Hawkeye and other team's gear. We are always honored to have #Herky in the house and official judges.
Some notable cool things. The Auditor's office created a Hawk Election. Social Services created a spooky spirit theme. The Treasurer's office all wore pink Hawkeye t-shirts in honor of breast cancer awareness. I'm told the Sheriff's office had a lot of food to bribe the judges. County Recorder Kim Painter had on face paint and an Iowa watch. Veteran's Affairs dressed up Herky in Cubs gear. I was working at Free Lunch at the time and

missed the judging, but I do have a few photos from the fun.
A great time was had by all.
















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The Johnson County Democrats were not scared off by rain tonight, but the crowds of parade watchers were certainly down. We had a great time at the UI Homecoming Parade. This is the last parade of the year, but no worries there will be a lot more next year starting with the Pride parade in June.
#GoDems #GoHawks