Not Quite Quorum

Laura dives in solo to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors’ recent $7.6Million in unbudgeted property purchases, approved prior to any disclosure to the public.

Watch the July 1 Board of Supervisors’ work session here . Watch the July 2 Board of Supervisors’ formal meeting here . Join the conversation at johnsoncountydeservesbetter.org ! By the numbers: jailfacts.org .

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the current status of Johnson County’s journey towards a new jail, revisiting an early Board of Supervisors work session on the topic, held July 10, 2024.

Oliver and Laura discuss the recent big wins in the New York Democratic primary for Democratic Socialists, and how it relates to local politics in Iowa CIty and Johnson County.

Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss recent Iowa City city council actions, like a new pilot for a couple of protected bike lanes on Dodge and Governor Streets this fall. And Oliver shares what it feels like to be solidly outside of the elites' club. Books recommended this episode: King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie Station Eleven by Emily St. John M...

Laura and Nick Bergus discuss continued myths surrounding the Johnson County jail, and what we will be asked to believe.

Books recommended this episode: Means and Ends by Zoe Baker The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings

Laura and Nick Bergus check in about the Democratic primary results and what they might teach us about the jail vote in November.

Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss city council's recent agreement to help out some displaced tenants.

Laura and Nick Bergus continue their weekly discussion of a proposed new Johnson County jail, focusing on how we define "public safety," and why it must be different than just the reactive State punishment system.

Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming primary election on June 2.

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus provide a weekly update on public discourse and questions about the proposed new Johnson County, Iowa, jail.

Oliver and Laura discuss progress on the Summit Street City-developed affordable housing project, deer "management," and how everything (literally everything in society) is made up.

Laura and Nick Bergus discuss a recent Community Conversation hosted by Great Plains Action Society about the question of a new, bigger jail.

Laura and Oliver discuss the upcoming city council meeting, ongoing silliness at the Board of Supervisors, and the standards we should hold each other to, as elected officials.

Nick and Laura discuss the happenings of the past week around the County's (in)decision to push for a new jail.

Oliver shares about his recent tour with Japanese hardcore band Wipes, Laura vents about Johnson County Board of Supervisors shenanigans--could there be a community effort for transformative investments in affordable housing?!--and both reflect on the challenges of needing therapy and a thick skin to govern well.

Special guest Nick Bergus returns to talk with Laura about plans for the Johnson County jail, the upcoming vote on ballot language for a new jail, conversations with other local elected officials about the jail, and the history of jail bond votes locally.

Laura and Oliver discuss the aftermath of the shooting in the ped mall, creation of a new community response reserve fund, and how local elected leaders talk to each other.

Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming city council meeting agenda, public records on private platforms, and Johnson County electoral politics.

Oliver and Laura discuss housing policy, proposed property tax reform, and what it takes to win elections.

Oliver and Laura discuss factors they consider relating to housing affordability, a community leader's press conference on the Ped Mall, and listening to The Youth.

Oliver and Laura discuss the No Kings! rally in Iowa City, propose an idea for funding non-police responses to conflict, and remind local elected officials to not violate 1st Amendment rights.

Oliver and Laura discuss some of Iowa City's youngest residents' feedback about our town, the weirdness of Johnson County Supervisors' race, and present-day lessons from the the losers who propped up the Third Reich.

Oliver and Laura discuss Iowa City's first municipally developed social housing project, field mediation program progress, and question the plans for a new jail.