Washington D.C.

This last week, I attended the National Association of County Officials’ legislative conference in Washington, D.C.. I have never been to the legislative conference before, and I have to say that it was an incredible experience. 

I am bringing back so much information to our county, including steps we should be taking to assess how we are going to manage and utilize Artificial Intelligence as an organization. I learned what other mid-sized counties are doing regarding education for staff and elected officials, as well as some helpful resources we can tap to assess what would be useful for our county and what safeguards we will want to put in place. I plan on taking advantage of some virtual training for Supervisors, and will encourage my colleagues to do the same.

By far, the biggest highlight was our day on the Hill. I have worked on many campaigns and spoken in Iowa Senate hearings, but I have never been to our nation’s capital and talked with legislators in their official chambers. The state capital building requires its own tour, and someday I will do just that, but this time around I found myself being shuttled back and forth between the house of representatives and the senate chambers through a series of underground tunnels and trains!! Yes, trains! One of them reminded me of the people movers at Disneyland, open air and two-by-two seating. Given the absolute maze that we had to navigate, I was incredibly grateful for this added mode of transportation.

V meeting with Rep. Jayapal

I was very fortunate to get to meet Rep. Jayapal. I know. I am not a Washingtonian, but I was able to meet with her and her legislative staff to discuss her Resistance Lab, which is where I got the template for the anti-ICE/DHS resolution that we passed a few weeks ago. We also discussed how to prepare Johnson County for an increase in federal immigration agents/detention centers. It was a sobering conversation, and also one that made me feel hopeful- We are not alone! And we have leaders like her leading the charge.

Now, Three with V:

1. Welp, now we are at war with Iran. I keep saying every week it can’t get worse, but then it does. War is never the answer. And I am deeply troubled by the actions against other sovereign nations that this president continues to take. We will continue to resist and remain vigilant and I am looking for ways that the county can meaningfully espond.

2. I have really enjoyed meeting with residents during my Cafe Con V events, and recently someone brought up looking into publicly-owned utilities. These are the kinds of ideas and suggestions that I am so excited to investigate and appreciate everyone who has showed up! If you haven’t been able to make one, please join us Mondays from 8-9am at Kindred Coffee and Fridays at Deluxe Bakery!

3. We are getting ready to ramp up our volunteer activities and would love to have you join us! If you would like to sign up, here’s the link: https://www.vfo4joco.com/getinvolved

Until next time! 

Maraming Salamat!

-V