I would like to clarify my stance in regards to the water street celebration and the difference between the recent concert.
As you recall my quote " water street is one big beer garden"
Meaning; beer tent, 5 pubs, coolers of alcohol, and open containers allowed throughout the public streets. Although our P.D. Does a great job responding to incidents It is impossible for the police to monitor the full stretch of a street that has open alcohol. This venue makes it easy for teen and binge drinking. " I do not blame the CSO or pubs for allowing this"
This is a simple fix that is our responsibility as a city to correct. I have never stated I oppose beer drinking, but it must be a controlled venue.
I would like to see the pubs contained with a fence around their outdoor beer garden.
The beer tent moved off of water street and no open containers allowed on public streets.
This will allow room for more family events and an opportunity for the city to save the taxpayers from all, or some of the costs of this event,
Along with helping make the celebration a safer place for all.
Concert- Concert for a cause is " not a city funded event" This venue was targeted for families with many family activities which included a carnival. Yes alcohol was served Which was contained to that fenced in area. No coolers were allowed, and anyone that was in question was carded. I bar tended from open to close, we had some regular customers and at many times we stood around with no customers.
The difference between the concert and the water street festivity " was Huge"and a great success!
Please contact me anytime for questions or concerns @ 815-245-7566
Thank you! Rodney Perez
9 comments:
At least one thing we can count on is that Ald.Perez will change his mind. Its not the CSO. Most of the general public would agree with that. And most of the general public will tell you where the sun don't shine if you eliminate coolers and pickup trucks, motor homes and more from bringing their own beverage. Cage people in tight areas! And how would the city financially benefit from this strategy? Last month it was Water Street that was the problem. The beer gardens on Water Street are private pubs. The CSO tent is in a lot. You have to have a arm band and buy tickets to purchase beer only. I think it is unlikely that minors purchase beer from the CSO. All the profits from beer sales by the CSO goes back to the City of Peru. Eliminate all alcohol sales on Water Street because you want a few moon walks isn't a solution its a personal limited viewpoint. Adults are responsible for their own conduct and if they violate the laws they pay the price. Parents are responsible for their minors. Lets not eliminate freedom of choice. You may have 10,000 people viewing the Peru fireworks and very few problems if any. You can't compare the public fireworks event and wish it was more of a children's concert.
2:31 I see what alderman perez was referring to last month with water street being the concern.
The CSO controls that event. it's up to the CSO what and who can set up booths or kids activities.
I know this because I was told in the past that if I wanted to set up a booth I had to pay the CSO 100.00, I questioned the clerks office and was told I needed to deal with the CSO.
You say the Cso puts the money back into the city but that is strictly hearsay, any-one organization can say that, but where's the proof? in a few hanging flags or Christmas decorations that are out of date?
if the city really pays $25-$30,000.00 for the 4th of July, does the CSo put $25,000.00 per year back into the city? or the past 10 years has the cso put $250,000.00 back into the city? because thats what it has cost the tax payers over the past 10 years $250,000 buckaroos up in smoke.. a 30 minute display x ten years = approx 5 hours. I cheer the alderman if he can save us from paying this. In fact I should contact the alderman to see if the CSO will flip the fireworks bill and the city can pay for the flags and decorations??
What I get out of all this is the alderman probably meant that " WATER STREET" is the problem because the "CSO" controls it all and he is trying to give it back to the city, even if it takes moving it.
PS STAND your ground alderman perez
One quarter of a million dollars in the last ten years for fireworks by your figures 5:26. Do you or anyone else believe that this has been the best bang for our city buck or do you believe it should be used elsewhere? If elsewhere, where? It is disgusting that some people think that the clock runs backwards. Start to look at the future and how things can be improved and not at the past to inform others how everything has been done incorrectly by your evaluation. Historically if the CSO
was so wrong where were you to offer alternatives and why did you stop at the city clerk level? I am sure the CSO will accept any assistance in being able to afford bigger flags and newer decorations if anyone is inclined to help them out.
Rodney: Don't you think you should refer your comments regarding Liquor to the Peru City Liquor Commissioner before continuing with your inaccurate statements and impossible wishes?
Rodney: Don't you think you could leave the promotions of local concerts to the promoters before you eliminate them with your "open mouth, think later approach". Without these promotions you would eliminate large donations to local needs?
Rodney: In last Fridays edition of the local paper it was stated that contractor is holding the city hostage in regards to the streets being left in rough, unfinished condition. Alderman you suggested the project be put off for a year. Would you explain how you could put this project, the roads, off for a year that have been already started. What are your plans of maintaining the unfinished roads this winter - snow , sleet, ice etc. as they presently cannot be snowplowed and running over the manhole covers will be very hazardous.
Anon 5:26. The financial arguement about the Citizens Service Organization putting in $20,000-$30,000 each year back in Peru is a little off base. The fireworks entertainment benefits those who enjoy the annual celebration called 4th of July. Did you know that we have the celebration all over the country? If you desire to end the Peru celebration I would contact the Mayor's office. I would venture to believe that the CSO profit for the 4th of July is somewhat low after the expenses of the band, potties, insurance,etc. And the minimal profits provide for a few decorations. Placing blame for past firework displays serves no purpose.
Alderman Perez, great idea in leaving the CSO beer tent on Water Street next July 4 and moving the river. Don't let the Army Corp. of Engineers get in your way.
Bring the river to Baker Lake and put kids games in Oglesby will be the next idea! And have the beer garden at the Peru Library and benefit the pool project. Rodney, please stay out of local private promoters business. Bartend where needed and leave the business plan to those capable of leading.
Anon 9:09
I read your post and it clicked, a light bulb went off so I thought I had to make this posting.
Your comment is very interesting, you are insinuating that an alderman is coming up with some crazy, off the wall ideas. I am retired and have plenty of time on my hands to browse through blog posts, from this one to the Washington Post. I have been frustrated with politics since Carter was president because politicians from local to the federal play the same ole games when it comes to policies and placing a vote, anymore our politicians govern by what the special interests and their own party want them to do.
What ever happened to what the People want there elected officials to do?
politicians are more concerned about being re-elected then to do what"s right for the majority of the citizenry.
I have never met this alderman, but I see him in the paper enough to know what he is doing.
It is clear to me that this alderman is a " populist type of politician, meaning he listens to the people. I would imagine that the people that voted for him was hoping for a politician that had a voice, that goes to the council with new ideas, that takes on special interest groups or organizations regardless of the outcome. This CSO group sounds to be a well known one in Peru, If so, I'm even more impressed with your alderman.
It seems as though you should familiarize yourself with politics and how your representatives of your municipality is suppose to function.
I pulled your city web page and found as most municipalities do, have committees that your representatives serve on. If I read this right, this alderman you are referring too serves on a public health and safety committee.
Please explain why you would ask an alderman to stay out of a private promoters business, especially if that promoter is doing business within the city he represents.
If your alderman has any reason to believe that he can make a situation safer or save your city money, He is then doing what the people elected him to do, regardless if you or others feel his ideas are frivolous, his new ideas are probably more than what his incumbent did.
I sense resentment in yours and others posts.
The only thing you left out at the end of your sentence was "or else"
One last thing, I noticed your alderman had the balls to post a phone number asking for input if anyone had any.I'm interested in knowing if you or any other ones that post on here has called to try and have a conversation with this official, because I noticed that 10:34 had questions for the alderman, but yet the alderman has not replied, I guess that is why he left his number? "Now that is transparency"!
In fact I think I will call him myself to inquire.
Anon 5:31: Anon 10:34 does a very good explanation why the alderman should stay out of the promoters business without embarrassing anyone. The alderman started his comments on the blog and they should continue on the blog in witness of everyone - a good example of transparency. In finalization please feel free to call him and also feel free to keep your Johnny Come Lately advise to yourself as this isn't exactly our first rodeo.
P.S. Courage would be a much better word to use on the blog. Hope you catch what I mean.
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