By Lauren Whitehead, Solon City Council member from 2017-2026 I appreciate that V Fixmer-Oraiz is being open about their opposition to the proposed 120-bed jail (not 240, as often cited). If you are going to oppose a project, do it honestly and directly. I have tremendous respect for V as a community leader and influential […]
Most Recent
Posted inCommunity/News
Complaint against Sen. Zach Wahls dismissed by Iowa Senate Ethics Committee, citing lack of evidence
The Iowa Senate Ethics Committee voted Friday to dismiss a complaint against state Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, for his past employment as executive director of the Next 50 Network while serving in the state Legislature. The complaint, filed by Kathy Ulrich of Cedar Rapids, alleges Wahls, who is running to become the Democratic candidate for […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: There’s a clear choice for District 4 Supervisor
By Gary Sanders, Iowa City If you are undecided who to vote for between Supervisors Rod Sullivan and V Fixmer-Oraiz in the June 2 Johnson County Democratic Party primary for the new District 4 Supervisor seat, I have two suggestions: 1) Watch the 45-minute YouTube recording of the April 18 Johnson County League of Women […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa Ag Sec. Mike Naig endorses Randy Feenstra for governor
With less than two weeks remaining before the June primary election, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has endorsed Randy Feenstra for governor. In a written statement released by the Feenstra campaign, Naig said Feenstra “has consistently delivered for Iowa agriculture, farm families, and rural communities.” “I know Randy will continue to be a strong, […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Vote to keep Jon Green as a Johnson County Supervisor
By Jutta Rubright, Solon County Supervisor Jon Green has been quietly leading the Board of Supervisors and other officials for the past two years toward a plan for a new jail and bond proposal. In fact, the other Supervisors trust Green as they elected Jon to be Chair of the Board for a second consecutive […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Johnson County has endured 20 years of Rod Sullivan’s conduct
By Solomon Fenton-Miller, Coralville My partner attended her first Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 6 to share concerns about the county jail survey. Most supervisors listened respectfully and offered additional opportunities for discussion. Supervisor Rod Sullivan, on the other hand, likened my partner to RFK Jr. for questioning scientific results. He later […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Supervisor Jon Green’s leadership is essential in Johnson County
By Alisa Meggitt, Iowa City Supervisor Jon Green is the steady, thoughtful leader Johnson County needs in turbulent times. His colleagues on the Board recognized that leadership by electing him Chair for a second consecutive year — an unprecedented vote of confidence. Jon’s calm, bridge-building approach has provided dependable leadership and delivered real results for […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Re-elect Supervisor Jon Green in District 2
By Laurie Tulchin, Johnson County I will be supporting Jon Green for Johnson County Supervisor in the June 2 primary. Jon was raised on an Iowa farm and currently lives on his farm near Lone Tree. His leadership on land use, the environment, and clean water for the past 5 years on the Board of […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Time to cultivate a different politics for Johnson County
By Emerson Cram, Iowa City Johnson County Democrats, we are at a crossroads. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to elect a slate of progressive candidates to the Board of County Supervisors. V Fixmer-Oraiz, Jon Green, and Mandi Remington are the principled community leaders we need in the face of intricate and multiplying […]
Posted inElection Coverage
Rob Sand sets fundraising record, reports over 10 times more cash-on-hand than GOP candidates combined; Zach Lahn outraises Randy Feenstra
Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand broke existing campaign fundraising records in Iowa by raising more than $9.6 million in the first five months of this year. According to the campaign finance reports covering Jan. 1 to May 14, which were published this week by the Iowa and Campaign Disclosure Board, Sand outraised all five […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Crow Tow keeps getting contracts in Polk County, despite years of consumer complaints. Some officials are calling for an overhaul.
On Feb. 23, the Des Moines City Council voted 5-2 to extend its contract with the controversial towing outfit Crow Tow, which has had the city’s towing contract since 2019. This reignited the public debate on local and state towing laws, which are among the loosest in the nation. Crow Tow has been accused of […]
Posted inLetters
Letter from V Fixmer-Oraiz: A new jail costing $90 million or more isn’t best for Johnson County
By V Fixmer-Oraiz, Johnson County supervisor The Johnson County jail is in serious disrepair. It was one of the first buildings I toured when I was running for County Supervisor in 2022, and I left the tour with a headache and a sick feeling in my stomach — it is a disgrace that the conditions […]
