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This last week I spent five days at the National Association of Counties national conference in New Orleans, LA. I have never been to New Orleans, but I can definitely understand why people fall in love with it. The music, the food, and most of all the incredibly friendly people, which reminded me of home. And this year's conference was chock full of sessions on data centers, affordable housing, mental health supports for youth, and immigration services. I cannot stress enoug

Over two years ago, in May of 2024, I asked our jail design consultants and members of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee when and how we were going to conduct public input sessions to inform the jail design. There was not a clear answer. Last Wednesday was the first time the public (and myself) were presented with designs for the proposed jail and Sheriff's office building. That is not public input, that's barely public feedback given that only those that can show u

I am pumped about the event tomorrow night and I hope that you can join us! This is our moment to celebrate together and also unveil our (Me and Mandi) Progressive Platform. It's time we put out there what we want to get done in Johnson County, especially now that we have the blessing of your votes during the last primary election. We will have food, cake, awards, and yes, even an auction, lol! It's been a busy week, so I will leave you with a link to the V-eekly Mand-ate vid

What do these two celebrations have in common? They were born of rebellion and the deep human desire for freedom. In a time when our history is literally being erased by the very government sworn to protect us, it is imperative that we uplift and celebrate those that have come before us. Sometimes I think about everything it took to get here--all of the lives, decisions, broken hearts, bloody fists, lifetime loves, births, courage, violations, back alley joy, and so much more

It has taken me about a week to emotionally and physically recover from that last push of the campaign. AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT WITH A WIN!!! That win is indebted to each and every one of my supporters and volunteers and family members who knocked doors, made phone calls, talked to friends and neighbors, wrote Letters to the Editor, hosted Meet & Greets, attended coffee chats, danced with Mandi and me at our joint fundraiser, and the list goes on an

Eye of the storm These last few weeks of the primary election have been much like an intense storm--fast-paced, relentless, and full of debris that may threaten our vision or even place us in harm's way. I have tried my best to stay focused and clear, to keep my gaze fixed on the brightest imaginable horizon of our shared future in Johnson County. And here we are. One day before June 2nd, 2026. I have spoken to thousands of residents in District 4, whether in-person at the Io

This election season has felt more and more like a national-scale political race. And I mean that in the best ways- Thank you to Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Sarah McBride for their incredible endorsements!!! And in hard ways- the negative responses and accusations flying around have not only been heavy on my heart but also frightening. I received a death threat on my personal cell phone last week and am appreciative to our Sheriff's office for their investigativ

Recent headlines have called our attention to Iowa's toxic waterways, an environmental hazard fueling, among other things, the highest cancer rates in the country. At a recent Meet & Greet event, I was asked about our water and what can be done at the local level to improve it. I have over a decade of experience as a watershed planner. And I'll be honest, watershed planning in Iowa is an uphill battle--a fight for our own health and the wellness of our land and all beings on

I am over-the-moon EXCITED to have received this significant endorsement! Senator Sanders is a leader for the people and by the people and I am deeply honored to have garnered his attention and support. Me and Natalie backstage with Sen. Sanders I was fortunate enough to meet him when he toured with AOC back in 2019 and was inspired by his message, his presence, and the people in the room. Senator Sanders leads with the same integrity and grit that I hope you see in me. We sh

In April of 2025, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors contracted with the Center for Social Science Innovation to conduct a survey of Johnson County residents regarding their perceptions of the county jail and whether they would support a new jail. This survey entitled, “Community Perspectives on the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail” spanned the course of several months and can be found on the county website under the Board of Supervisors’ meeting agendas during t

I'm proud to endorse V Fixmer Oriaz for Johnson County Board of Supervisors. I've had the privilege of being in community with V for a decade of systems change work, professional trainings, and hard policy conversations where real trust gets built. What strikes me most is how V listens and truly sees people, and that deep understanding drives smart, grounded decision-making. V has led big, complicated work building toward a more sustainable food and farming future, holding to

Dr. Loretta Ross is a reproductive justice activist and scholar, and a MacArthur Grant fellow among many other accolades. Her most recent book is focused on the practice of 'calling in', particularly as a response to Cancel Culture. In her book, she defines "Calling in is a 'call out' done with radical love". There is a whole course that she offers on how to implement these practices in our daily lives and in restorative justice work. So please do check it out! I bring her up

V's background in strategic planning leads them to seek input from all stakeholders while looking ahead to the challenges our county faces. They seek creative ideas and solutions when others might see only a wall of bureaucracy...

In District 4, we must choose between a tenured progressive incumbent, Rod Sullivan, and a new generation of progressive leadership, V Fixmer-Oraiz. When faced with this kind of choice, when core values are aligned, both have experience, I will choose to go with contemporary leadership. This is especially true when that leadership directly represents communities that are typically shut out of power and governance. My choice in District 4 is V Fixmer-Oraiz. We can thank Rod fo

V is a proven leader who cares about all of us. Just this month as the country was in awe watching how Minnesotans stood up effectively to Trump's domestic army that we call ICE, V introduced and passed a resolution that demanded congress...

V leads with something that seems rare in public service these days: genuine care for people. They listen (truly!) to residents, especially those whose voices...