IOWA CITY

Five Democratic candidates for Johnson County Supervisor seats will be whittled down to three during the June 4 election.

Three four-year terms will be determined in the November 5 general election, but the primary election will likely decide the winners because no Republicans filed election papers.

Running for re-election are Supervisor Chair Rod Sullivan, and Supervisors Lisa Green-Douglass and Royceann Porter. Also running are Mandi Remington, a former City Council candidate and a founder of the Corridor Community Action Network, and Bob Conrad, a former member of Johnson County’s Planning and Zoning Board who is an Iowa State Trooper.

Election information can be found online at: johnsoncountyiowa.gov/auditor/elections.

Here is a look at the candidates, in alphabetical order:

BOB CONRAD

Residence: Iowa City

Family: Two daughters; Significant other, Julia

Current position: Public Resources Officer and Crisis Negotiator, Iowa State Patrol

Past offices held: Johnson County Planning and Zoning Board; Rural Housing Trust Fund Board

Number of years as Democrat: Lifelong

Major accomplishments: Having strong core/family values and raising two daughters, I am extremely proud, is number one. Many things come to mind, but after being a State Trooper for over 34 years I have had the career of a lifetime! The work of a State Trooper and all that is involved is not always easy, but it has been more rewarding than I could ever explain. Having the ability to help people on a daily basis, providing a safer environment for people to live, and truly saving lives so people get to live another day is hard to beat. However, as I look toward the position of Johnson County Supervisor, I plan on adding to those accomplishments.

The News: What are your goals as Supervisor, if re-elected?

Conrad: I’ll work to create affordable living so that every person in Johnson County can have the opportunity to sleep well each night in a home that has been properly inspected and maintained, so our adults and children will have better physical and mental health, making them better students, better workers, and stronger citizens.

Government Transparency: I believe government should pro-actively communicate – that means soliciting citizens' participation, collaboration and feedback. County Government has an obligation to be open, accountable, and honest with you about how it is conducting business and spending your taxes.

Connected County Transit: Too many single parents and families today are fighting just to stay ahead - some are just one car breakdown away from poverty. Johnson County needs to expand and connect our municipalities and make transportation programs more readily available to those in need.

The News: Why are you running for Supervisor?

Conrad: It’s time for a fresh perspective on how government should work. We need a Supervisor who will look at our county issues as a voter and a taxpayer, not a politician. We need a Supervisor who is truly connected to the community, is open-minded, and willing to ask the tough questions. I believe I will be that supervisor.

The News: What are the top challenges facing Johnson County?

Conrad: Johnson County needs affordable housing. Not “cheap” housing. Not run-down apartments. That’s not affordable housing. That is a slum, and the owners that don’t maintain those properties are slumlords. That is exactly what we’re going to stop. We’ve got to stop the owners that don’t do right for their tenants. Two or three bad actors can ruin a community. I refuse to be Iowa Nice to slumlords.

We must create opportunities for investors – that means lending a helping hand, not giving payouts.

LISA GREEN-DOUGLASS

Residence: Madison Township, rural North Liberty

Family: 1 daughter, 4 sons

Current position: Johnson County Supervisor

Past offices held: Johnson County Supervisor since 2016, past Chair

Number of years as Democrat: Since registering to vote at age 18

Major accomplishments: Served on Steering Committee and Executive Committee that created the GuideLink Center, which is the first mental health access center in this region; proposed amendment to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance, which subsequently passed, reducing allowable impact on prairies from 15% to 0%; initiated discussions in 2017, leading to a current project of the human capital management system, thus modernizing our payroll system; chaired Johnson County Eponym Committee.

The News: What are your goals as Supervisor, if re-elected?

Green-Douglass: Continue responsible use of taxpayer dollars to maintain and improve services for the residents of Johnson County and to provide stable transitions as the State of Iowa moves to overtake local and regional agencies and services; launch the new Johnson County residential prairie planting grant program; make sure that a climate action plan is a component of our next strategic plan and do so by involving all county departments and offices.

The News: Why are you running for Supervisor?

Green-Douglass: I have done a good job of working with my fellow Supervisors to budget taxpayer dollars wisely, thus ensuring safe and reliable roads in our county road system, strong social services for our most vulnerable populations, and a sustainable comprehensive plan for responsible growth and development.

I still have work to do and I plan to finish it in my next term. That work includes:

Continuing to work with our community partners to fill gaps in our social safety net.

Implementing the second phase of the 10-year plan for the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.

Providing ways to remove barriers to employment, specifically by increasing affordable childcare options, adding transportation options and increasing affordable housing options.

The News: What are the top challenges facing Johnson County?

Green-Douglass: Our top challenge is also our top opportunity -- managing growth in a safe and sustainable way. People like living in Johnson County because of the strong public schools, the University of Iowa, a robust healthcare system, a well-maintained county road system, beautiful and well-managed conservation areas for recreation, a nice mix of rural and urban areas, and the variety of services available, to name a few reasons. People will continue to move here. Growth brings with it the challenge of having enough housing stock to serve a wide variety of income levels.

The Board of Supervisors is 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. Growth and development also increase the challenge of harmoniously balancing the needs of the rural and agricultural community with those of the urban areas. By working together with our county departments and our community partners, we can meet these challenges and make Johnson County a place for all our residents to live and thrive. 

ROYCEANN PORTER

Residence: Iowa City

Family: Married to Anthony Porter for 31 years. Two daughters, Antonia (30) and Staci (28), both of whom attended college and are engaged in the wider community.

Current position: Johnson County Supervisor

Other offices held: President, Black Voices Project; Vice Chair, National Association of Counties (NACO), Workforce Development Steering Committee, Housing Steering Committee; Secretary, National Organization of Black County Officials (NOBCO) and Women of NACO; Board of Directors, State of Iowa 6^th Judicial Courts, Better Together 2030, Think Iowa City, FilmScene; Community Gun Violence Intervention.

Number of years as Democrat: Lifelong

Major accomplishments: 2023 NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award; 2023 NACO County Leadership Award, 2007 Human Rights Award.

The News: What are your goals as Supervisor, if re-elected?

Porter: I have three goals. 1, Safeguarding our community: I am dedicated to implementing initiatives that prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents in Johnson County. This includes addressing issues such as gun violence, community policing, and emergency preparedness with the Johnson County Community Gun Violence Intervention Program to ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe places for everyone.

2, Uplifting our youth: Our youth are the future of Johnson County, and I am committed to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. My campaign will focus on supporting youth programs, education initiatives and mentorship opportunities to empower our young people for success.

3, Building bridges of understanding and cooperation: In order to create a strong and united community, we must work together to build bridges of understanding and cooperation. I will actively promote dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity to ensure that all voices are heard and respected in the decision-making process.

The News: Why are you running for Supervisor?

Porter: As the first African-American to be elected to a county seat, my journey in public service has been deeply rooted in a commitment to represent the voices and interests of all members of our community. Running for re-election as County Supervisor is an extension of that commitment – to continue breaking barriers, advocating for equity, and fostering inclusivity in Johnson County. Over my tenure, I've worked tirelessly to address critical issues such as expanding mental health services, promoting affordable housing, supporting veterans, advocating for workers' rights, and advancing racial equity. My experience, coupled with the unique perspective I bring as an African-American leader, has allowed me to effectively champion policies that benefit our diverse community.

Running for re-election is not just about continuing the work we've started; it's about ensuring that the progress we've made is sustained and that the needs of all residents are prioritized. I believe in the power of representation and the importance of having diverse voices at the decision-making table. As the first African-American elected to a county seat, I am committed to paving the way for future generations of leaders from underrepresented communities. By running for re-election, I hope to inspire others to engage in the democratic process and to show that everyone, regardless of background, has a role to play in shaping the future of our community.

The News: What are the top challenges facing Johnson County?

Porter:  Some of the key challenges facing Johnson County include: 1, Affordable Housing: The county grapples with a shortage of affordable housing options, leading to housing insecurity and homelessness for many residents. Rising housing costs and limited availability pose significant challenges for low-income families and individuals; 2, Mental Health Services: Access to mental health services remains a pressing issue, with limited resources and long wait times for treatment. Addressing the mental health needs of residents, including access to counseling, therapy, and support services, is crucial for the well-being of the community; 3, Racial Disparities: Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, racial disparities persist in various aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and criminal justice; 4, Economic Development: While the county enjoys a relatively strong economy, disparities in income and opportunity persist. Supporting small businesses, fostering job growth, and promoting economic development in underserved areas are critical for creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy; 5, Transportation: Access to affordable and reliable transportation remains a challenge, particularly for residents in rural areas or those with limited mobility. Improving public transportation options and infrastructure is essential for ensuring that all residents can access essential services and opportunities; 6, Environmental Sustainability: Protecting the environment and addressing climate change are growing concerns for Johnson County. Strategies to reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and promote renewable energy are essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving the county's natural beauty; 7, Education: While Johnson County is home to quality educational institutions, disparities in educational attainment and access to resources persist. Ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and addressing achievement gaps are critical for the success of all students; 8, Public Health: The county faces various public health challenges, including substance abuse, access to healthcare, and the opioid epidemic. Promoting preventive care, expanding access to treatment, and addressing social determinants of health are essential for improving public health outcomes.

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.

MANDI REMINGTON

Residence: Iowa City

Family: three children, ages 20, 16, 7.

Current position: Medical records specialist, University of Iowa Healthcare Center for Disabilities and Development

Past offices held: Iowa City Community Police Review Board

Number of years as Democrat: 21

Major accomplishments: My commitment to community service and advocacy extends far beyond my professional endeavors, as evidenced by initiatives that have deeply impacted individuals in Johnson and Linn counties. In 2019, I founded the Corridor Community Action Network (CCAN) to empower residents and enhance the quality of life across the Iowa Corridor. Through CCAN, I spearheaded the establishment of the region's first community-wide, low-barrier, free clothing resource. Additionally, my leadership within the Iowa City Community Police Review Board exemplifies my dedication to transparency and accountability. I championed measures to enhance accessibility, including the implementation of online complaint filing and extended review deadlines. I also navigated complex investigations, notably overseeing the scrutiny of a tear-gas incident involving multiple agencies. As a fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the University of Iowa, I serve as Vice Chair of the Council on the Status of Women and Co-Chair of the Center for Disabilities and Development DEI Committee. My proactive pursuit of diversity training, which notably increased participation within my clinic, underscores my commitment to cultivating inclusive environments and driving positive change.

The News: What are your goals as Supervisor, if elected?

Remington: My foremost goal would be to foster a thriving and equitable community across Johnson County. I aim to prioritize affordable housing initiatives, improve access to critical resources like childcare, food, and transportation, and champion policies that promote equity and inclusion. Additionally, I am committed to enhancing transparency, accountability, and community engagement within county government. I am dedicated to safeguarding civil rights and ensuring safety for all residents, including those who are LGBTQ+ and immigrants. As a City of Iowa City Climate Ambassador, I am also committed to combating climate change by promoting sustainability initiatives and transitioning to 100% carbon-free renewable energy.

The News: Why are you running for Supervisor?

Remington: I am running for Supervisor because I believe in the power of community-driven leadership and am deeply committed to serving and improving the community where I've lived, worked and volunteered since I was a young teen. As an only parent and domestic violence survivor raising three children on one income, I intimately understand the challenges many face as they struggle to make ends meet in Johnson County. My firsthand experiences have fueled my passion for uplifting others and I'm ready to dedicate full-time hours to this role. With my unique blend of personal and professional experiences, I aim to bring a fresh perspective to local governance and ensure that the voices of all residents are heard and valued. I believe in transparency, equity, and accountability, and I am dedicated to working hard to build a more inclusive and prosperous community for all.

The News: What are the top challenges facing Johnson County?

Remington: In Johnson County, we face significant challenges that demand proactive solutions. Shortages in basic needs like affordable housing, food, and childcare pose considerable obstacles for many residents. Additionally, threats to civil rights and local control from the state legislature require vigilant advocacy and protection. Furthermore, addressing climate change necessitates transitioning to renewable energy sources and asserting local influence to demand clean energy initiatives from major providers. These challenges underscore the importance of community-driven approaches to ensure equity, safety, and sustainability. 

ROD SULLIVAN

Residence: Iowa City

Family: Wife, Dr. Melissa Faith, a cancer researcher at the University of Iowa; three adult children; one grandchild; more than 50 foster children and three foster grandchildren.

Current position: Johnson County Supervisor Chair

Past offices held: Johnson County Supervisor

Number of years as Democrat: Lifelong

Major accomplishments: Raising the county’s minimum wage; increasing funding for affordable housing; creating the GuideLink Center; passing the Conservation Bond initiative and Human Rights Ordinance; creating the Free Tax Help Project, Local Foods Policy Council, and Liveable Community for Successful Aging policy board; instituting the Buy Here Initiative; adding rural warning sirens; leading a transition to regional mental health care.

The News: What are your goals as Supervisor, if re-elected?

Sullivan: Address the mental health crisis; address the affordable housing crisis; address the climate change crisis.

The News: Why are you running for Supervisor?

Sullivan: We have accomplished many great  things during my tenure as a Supervisor, but there is much more to do. I really believe the people of Johnson County can benefit from four more years of my leadership, knowledge, and experience.

The News: What are the top challenges facing Johnson County?

Sullivan: Mental health, affordable housing, climate change.