Election season is near.
Recently passed Senate File 75 required Johnson County to adopt a supervisor district system for its elections. Only candidates who live in a specific district can run for the seat, and only residents within the district can vote.
The full impact of the law will be felt in the 2026 election, with all five supervisor districts up for grabs. Initially, only Jon Green, District 2 and V Fixmer-Oraiz were slated for election this year. Now, 10 democrat candidates are on the primary ballot across five districts, including incumbents Lisa Green-Douglass, Rod Sullivan and Mandi Remington.
With the Tuesday, June 2 primary election quickly approaching, the Iowa City Press-Citizen asked candidates for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors about their priorities, qualifications, and vision for the county’s future.
The Press-Citizen sent questions to all area candidates. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Here is what you need to know about the District 4 Johnson County Board of Supervisors candidates:
V Fixmer-Oraiz
Age: 48
Hometown: Naval Military bases
Current Residence: Iowa City
Occupation: Johnson County Supervisor
Education: BA Environmental Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MS School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Iowa
Political Experience: I was elected to public office in 2022. I have done political work in a variety of contexts, including executive board membership and issue-based organizing for grassroots campaigns (e.g. LGBTQ+, reproductive justice, and climate action). I have collaborated with local governments across the state of Iowa through my planning practice.
Rod Sullivan
Age: 59
Hometown: On a heritage farm near Sutliff
Current Residence: Iowa City
Occupation: Johnson County Supervisor
Education: Lisbon Community Schools; bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa
Political Experience: 20 years as a Johnson County Supervisor
Why are you running for a seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors?
Fimer-Oraiz: I am running because my work here is not done. In my first term, I stood up for human rights protections, elevated funding for our immigrant-led organizations, and worked side-by-side with manufactured housing residents to reject rising rent increases and declining services from the out-of-state private equity firms that have purchased them. If re-elected, I will continue to find ways to keep our vulnerable residents safer in this authoritarian era of our country. As the only transgender county supervisor in the state of Iowa, I know what it takes to fight for a Johnson County that is welcoming to all.
Sullivan: Johnson County faces numerous big challenges, and I truly believe the people will benefit from my knowledge and experience.
What is the most pressing issue Johnson County is facing and how will you address it?
Fimer-Oraiz: AI and data centers are a priority issue, not only for our county, but for the planet. I attended the National Association of Counties’ legislative conference earlier this year and learned how data centers have impacted water resources, job creation, school attendance, etc., across the country. I am taking an AI leadership course for governmental leaders to educate myself further. I have toured two data centers in Iowa − Meta’s international site in Altoona and QTS in Cedar Rapids. Johnson County has a moratorium through December, and I plan on working with our staff and community to understand our best options.
Sullivan: The biggest immediate issue is our proposed jail. The biggest long-term issue is addressing affordable housing.
What are two or three other issues outside of your top priority that you hope to address if elected?
Fixmer-Oraiz: I will continue to prioritize affordable housing. Our county has the highest housing rents in the state, and while we are fortunate to have a wonderful county that attracts many people, our job as county supervisors is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our most vulnerable residents. As a local government, we have to put our thumb on the scale of housing and economic development. I believe we can leverage our debt capacity to help create housing opportunities in our rural areas. Additionally, I will focus on human rights protections, particularly those impacted by state and federal attacks.”
Sullivan: 1. We need to continue to improve services for people who need help with mental health or substance abuse issues. 2. We have taken our eye off the ball when it comes to climate change. 3. We are going to be cleaning up a lot of Trump/Reynolds messes over the next 4-8 years.
A bond referendum for a new sheriff’s office and jail may be on the November ballot. The project is anticipated to cost $90 to $100 million. Do you support building the new facility and why?
Fixmer-Oraiz: No. The jail is in serious disrepair. It is not a place anyone should be incarcerated in or where our staff should be working. And — a $100 million+ facility should not be the only option on the table. Unfortunately, the process was flawed. We did not have substantive input from stakeholders other than the sheriff’s department. It’s customary to gain input on the design of a new jail from formerly incarcerated individuals, their family members, organizations [that] serve inmates, members of the court system, etc. Why? Because HOW something is created informs WHAT is designed. Additionally, we provided zero budgetary constraints or guidance. This is not responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Surely, a right-sized facility could be built for far less than $100 million. We need better solutions.
Sullivan: Absolutely. The current facility lacks room for classes, religious services, and even meetings with attorneys. There is no room for a library, an infirmary, or an exercise [facility]. It lacks adequate fresh air and sunlight. Heating, cooling, and plumbing are shot. Interactions between inmates and staff are potentially unsafe. Finally, taxpayers pay to ship inmates far away from Johnson County, an expensive logistical nightmare. A new facility will be better for inmates, their loved ones, staff, and taxpayers.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Two vie for Johnson County district 4 supervisor nomination
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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