[Source: “Vote ‘yes’ to update courthouse,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Renee and Joe Hanrahan] The Johnson County historic courthouse was designed and built in the year 1899-1900 and dedicated in 1901. By 1900 standards this was a proud, modern building with electric lights, steam heating and large high-ceiling windows for ventilation. Today, 112 […]
[Source: “Process on justice center has been open, thoughtful,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Larry T. Wilson] There are many safety, security and space concerns about Johnson County’s existing courthouse and jail that make the proposed justice center a critical ballot issue in the upcoming May 7 special election. Concerns include safety risks for […]
[Source: “Many reasons to vote ‘yes’ May 7,” 17 May 2013, Press Citizen, by John Balmer] There are many reasons why citizens need to vote “yes” on May 7 for a new Johnson County justice center. One of the most significant is how much it’s costing taxpayers not to act. Every day we wait to […]
[Source: “Don’t be distracted; vote ‘yes’,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Lonny Pulkrabek] Please don’t let distractions and unrelated reasons stop you from getting out and supporting the justice center. The justice center is much more than just extra jail space. In fact, the jail portion of the proposal is only 34 percent of […]
[Source: “County has outgrown jail, courthouse,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Paula Sears] Johnson County has outgrown its current courthouse, jail and sheriff’s office. Our current facility creates an unsafe environment for our jurors, the employees and anyone who has reason to visit. Our courthouse is 112-years-old and has outgrown its capacity to serve […]
[Source: “Single facility improves safety, security, space,” Press Citizen, 16 April 2013, by Jim McCarragher] Nicholas Johnson’s recent guest column claimed there’s a much easier, win-win option to the current proposal for a new Johnson County justice center on the ballot in May. However, Johnson’s idea of creating a second, separate facility at another location […]
[Source: “League of Women Voters strongly backs justice center proposal,” Press Citizen, 14 April 2013] The League of Women Voters of Johnson County strongly endorses passage of the proposed May 7 justice center bond referendum. The league has long believed that open and responsive local governments should provide their citizens with excellent public services and […]
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from Buffie Tucker.
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from Jackie Sangster.
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from John Lundell. John Lundell received both his B.S. and M.A. at the The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. He has served as the Deputy Director of the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center (UI IPRC) where he has worked for the past 18 […]
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from Bob Downer. Robert N. Downer received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and was admitted to the Iowa Bar, both in 1963. Mr. Downer also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of […]
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from Mike Cilek. Mike Cilek is a life-long resident of Johnson County. Mike has been a Realtor since 1972 and has given back to the Iowa City community for nearly 40 years through involvement in many community activities and serving on boards. [More…]
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from Sandy Boyd. Willard L. Boyd is a lawyer and an educator. He is Rawlings-Miller Professor of Law at the University of Iowa and President Emeritus of The University of Iowa and The Field Museum of Chicago. He serves as Chair of the Larned A. […]
Click the play button below to hear an audio endorsement from John Balmer. John Balmer and his brother Jim own Plumber’s Supply Company of Iowa City, a family owned business established in 1951.
[Source: “Build the justice center,” The Daily Iowan, 8 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by Judy Atkins] For 13 years, I have been with Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa. We are a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers and professionals who mediate small-claims cases in Johnson and adjacent counties. Our job is to facilitate […]
[Source: “Justice center design still in conceptual stage,” Press Citizen, 6 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by Dwight Dobberstein. This is the full content of originally submitted article.] On May 7th voters will decide the fate of the proposed Johnson County Justice Center. Voters deserve assurance that a “yes” vote will result in a building […]
[Source: “County can’t afford to wait any longer,” Press Citizen, 6 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by John Lundell] The proposed Johnson County courthouse enhancements and expansion of the jail need to be approved now. The thoughtful improvements will resolve long overdue security and legal system shortfalls in the courthouse and eliminate the costly […]
