I used to read a book to my children called Yertle the Turtle which was cute and funny but had an underlying message for all adults. Believe this might have been a Dr Seuss book.
PoorMack a regular turtle kept getting more turtles stacked on his back one after another with orders from King Yertle and finally he said enough and raised up and threw them off of his back.
http://www.spunk.org/texts/prose/sp000212.txt
I think King Yertle signifies any government ruling only for itself. We are fortunate enough to have elections to rid ourselves of the King Yertles in the country, if we are smart enough to see it.
I hope you all have a Blessed and Happy New Year.
73 comments:
Very pleased to see the on line article in today s news trib regarding the Rt 6 business incentive program. As a lifelong Peruvian I can say I share the feelings of many that our city is doing great things. So to all the city officials, elected or appointed please keep up the good work and don't let the constant negativity spewed by certain people to hinder your efforts.
Thanks Lois. There have been many Fables and Stories in every culture used to describe human nature in terms of class, racial inequality and political inequality in general. Peru government and especially most of Peru's elected and appointed officials can be described and identified through many of these time honored fairy tales. I'm reminded of the "The Emporer's New Clothes" in terms of Mayor Harl who is obviously of the opinion that he is supremely more important than any of his "subjects". I can also see a great similarity in the story of Cinderella when looking at how Peru's aldermen ( the evil stepsisters) who are so vengeful and envious of their uncorrupted and pure sister Cinderella (Rodney Perez) and how they will stop at nothing to basically "end her". While Peru politics is certainly not a Fairy Tale, we definately have some current characters that personify the essence of the dark side of human nature and the worst characteristics including selfishness, vanity, and arrogance in many of our elected and appointed officials. These behaviors are verified by a mayor that considers himself entitled to dole out arbitrary pay raises,and aldermen who put more emphasis on a paycheck and a pension instead of the citizens of Peru. Also, a mayor and aldermen who abuse their positions to protect the financial interests of their friends and benefactors. Or, providing city jobs for friends and family. The only real difference between the Fairy Tales that I grew up learning in grammar school and the genuine sordid tales of Peru politics is that Peru political stories seldom result in a "happily ever after" ending. Unless of course your a connected Peru insider. In Peru's version of our favotite childhood Fairy Tales the Big Bad Wolf captures and devours each and every little piggy. Cinderella is poisoned to death by her evil sisters. Poor Mack the Turtle is eventually crushed to death by the massive weight of all those other "free-loading" siblings of his. I think the only true "Happy Endings" in Peru these days are taking place just off of I-80 at "The Spa". Or so I've been told. Happy New Year everybody!
It sounds like the Dems did not get enough in the way of kickbacks for the pot factories and pot stores. They are holding off on issuing the permits. Meanwhile the "patients" have all ponied up their "application fee" to get pot - and they are hung out to dry while the Dems hold back the permitting process.
Meanwhile - the Dems are looking at the low gas prices as a bad thing. You see - as the price goes down, the sales tax goes down. Illinois is one of the only states that charges a sales tax on gasoline you see. That is in addition to the 19 cents per gallon motor fuel tax and penny per gallon "environmental" tax. With the drop in sales tax the Dems are now looking to increase the motor fuel tax to 29 cents per gallon! Don't worry though, it will be "for the children."
It appears that since the IV airport is getting a new hanger and actual airport operations are increasing, the Concerts for a Profit will no longer be held there. I read this on Lou's Facebook page.
So - now the question is - will the grass parking lot be put back in to agricultural production?
Anon 9:31 Yes, I agree there are many good things going on in the city. However, have you ever given thought that this blog has exposed many of these things and maybe contributed to the positive changes that have taken place?
Looks like 9:31 AM raised a celebratory glass of the Kool-Aid this New Years. Great things? Really? Please entertain us with a description of the "Great Things" that are happening in Peru. But be advised, spending tax dollars for the sake of spending tax dollars will not pass as great things and we won't let your "cheerleading" for good old "PEE-RUU" get in the way of reality.
10:24 - that is the best news I have heard all year :)
There's no grass to cut, no snow to plow, so besides water main breaks what are our city employees working on? Can the street sweeper not be used this time of the year because our streets are in need of the trash being cleaned up.
12:18---great question. Trash could be picked up in our parks too. Tree trimming could be done.
I just heard our hospital is looking for new management.
it is not that cold. A lot of potholes can be filled also.
To use the street sweeper or not use the street sweeper has been one of the public works department questions for a long number of years.
True or false many inadequate reasons have been voiced. One reason has been that the water was not drained when cold weather set in and it froze up the street sweeper, another was that it could not be used in the winter because the water froze up, but than a city employee of another locality said you don't need to put water in the street sweeper during cold months to use it. Maybe all are correct or all reasons are incorrect or some correct and others not.
It was also claimed by those of the inner circle that only one employee of the public service department had best operate the street sweeper and if anyone else attempted HE told them to get off it. Long term usage of the street sweeper is not a habit as this same employees record was to continuously break it down and have it prepared for necessary repairs. I very much doubt that the above is true as the city continues to spend a quarter to one half million per service vehicle which indicates success rather than operational failure.
Mayor Harl has been Mayor for 6 years. In these 6 years a major swing has been made to unionize city employees, joining the same local as Harl. Has this movement been worthy to the city employees and to Peru government? These are good questions because Local 150 often takes the blast that it has been to prevalent, political and moneywise, in Peru politics.
Look around, our hospital has been a outdated idea for years. Everyone else has expanded where there is a surplus of land and not connected to a direct in town infrastructure.
To expand Peru is restricted to buying property and eating up the inner city,rather than enlarging it.
Local 150 owns the State of Illinois.
If we don't have the airport concerts, what ever will the entertainment starved people of Peru going to do.
Maybe we should have them in Centennial Park. Just need to fence off the park to keep those that don't pay out. People can park at the mall and we can shuttle them down. I'm sure the neighborhood will not mine a 12 to 14 hour beer fest with alternative rock blaring.
9:33 You have taken some creative writing classes and your fables are legendary. We are sure you will be in rare form in the next few months as we get another dose of election hogwash. More fictional material will be forthcoming.
Although each of us has favorite politicians, my was Harry Truman.
I doubt that Peru has that many interesting elected officials. I think most of them distain the spotlight and don't place themselves on a pedestal. The most interesting parts about Peru isn't the personalities or the so-called secret alliances that you so cleverly fictionalize as real! Its the proof of what is it you want? Most of us want a safe city, affordable tax rates, affordable utility rates, clean water, affordable housing for seniors, strong schools. Beware of those who put up a big act and crave the attention, they usually lack the ability to deliver.
I don't think the use of water with the street sweeper is necessary. I found this note concerning street sweeping on the web page Hannibal Mo.
"The city has two street sweeping machines. During normal weather, at-least one street sweeping machine is always in operation - the whole workday, every workday.
Downtown commercial streets which carry high traffic volumes, are generally swept on a daily basis, because they “dirty” so frequently. Other streets are swept on a routine/rotation basis, as the street sweeper(s) cycle throughout the community.
Final Note: Dust Control
Both city street sweepers are equipped with internal water sprayers to moderate dust during sweeping. However, during very cold weather, the use of water sprayers will damage the internal machinery (machine specifications discourage use of the water sprayers in freezing temperatures). Therefore, on very cold days, you may see clouds of dust around the street sweepers. Please bear with us; the only alternative is to avoid sweeping on very cold days; an alternative often used, though certain days during the winter absolutely require street sweeping - regardless of temperature - to remove all the salt, sand, and grime accumulated from snow plowing operations, which causes skidding and other vehicle hazards."
That hospital is actually just a shipping department. You check in and they ship you off to Peoria.
1:24 I am a union man. And I resent the bs about the local. Nobody twisted anybody's arm to join any union. And are they better off today than yesteryear? Yes....you get health ins, retirement, benefits, and fair wages. I doubt they had that before.
3:09, I feel sorry for you since you need to turn over a large hunk of your hard earned wages to a corrupt organization. But anyway, the city of Peru has always paid a good wage - above average some would say, has always provided insurance coverage to full time employees, and has always had a retirement program.
The only thing the union does is enrich the leaches. But, their time is limited.
Right-to-Work in Illinois!
I saw that Spring Valley is installing new street signs and they're green. I thought Illinois is making every city change to blue which I thought was the reason Peru's new street signs are blue. So blue or green??
3:09 Why do you consider whatever as bs about what local. Yes, at times there is arm twisting making one join a union and making one contribute towards PAC. When answering a question I would know for sure what I am answering to and not answer in doubt.
You are taking for granted that joining a union is a improvement for a individual or a group which is just as often untrue as true. I have personally worked at places where employees wish they had never voted for union representation, of course these people were leaders not followers of the Nation of Sheep.
The decline in union membership is proof of outdated methods employed by those hanging on by their fingernails. Most modern updated corporations take the approach of being "neutral basis" when the union question is asked, meaning that they employed the employee not the union and they are leaving it up to the individual to what they want and that they themselves will decide what they want. In the short and long of it they are telling you they own the key to the door and what worked years ago will no longer open it for dissenters, of which a union is a dissenting organization.
Big deal 3:09 your a union man. I am a hard working American proud of it and exactly how I want to be identified all the way to my gravestone.
Let no man lower me whose proudest moment has been his initiation into Local #666.
With the present problems of pensions in Illinois it only makes sense to become a right to work state or Illinois will always and forever be the doormat of labor.
4:49, you say their time is limited, the only way that is going to change is if the employees vote them out. The main reason they voted a union in was because of threats by the last administration of persons losing their jobs if they didn't play to the same tune that the administration said they should, at least they would have someone to fight for them as long as it was a legitimate reason.
4:49, But anyway, the city of Peru has always paid a good wage - above average some would say,.............
Do you have numbers to backup your "good wage" and "above average pay" claims? Sources? Thanks.
7:18 - yes, my memory.
7:18 Most everyone has had a relative or two who was city employed. All remember good wages, good conditions and good jobs. Their are enough city retirees walking around that can inform you of how good a job they had. What better sources do you want, plus guess whose children were hired for summer help.
Why the city employees caved during the 4th ward aldermen race in the last election nobody knows unless union pressure was applied to them? The two losing candidates were much higher qualified than the winning, Mayors choice.
What is the city employees feelings towards the present management structure of the C,PPD and the C,PFD running the whole show? It has always held true that most men in the trades did not want any part of working for a man who never dug a ditch himself? In this specific situation one wonders if the MIC has ever been in a ditch.
FDR was the biggest backer of unions in the country and he always claimed that goverment employees should not be allowed to organize. Why?
@7:10 pm The current administration tried to screw one employee because a department head didn't like the guy, but the union saved him. It wasn't just the old administration that used a heavy handed tactic. I don't like some of the Union bullying (the rat) but in this case, the union did exactly what it is designed to do. It saved a worker from unfair treatment.
"All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of Government make it impossible for administrative officials to represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions with Government employee organizations. The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in many instances restricted, by laws which establish policies, procedures, or rules in personnel matters."
FDR - Letter to Mr. Luther C. Steward, President of the National Federation of Federal Employees. August 16, 1937
Just listened to the video of the last council meeting. Interesting information was provided with regards to the purchase of the vac truck. Mr. Michelini presented some cost estimates with regards to possible repairs on this machine and there seemed to be some discrepancy on how much we have paid him to previously do this work for us. Alderman Ferrari stated he was in favor of the purchase if we used it on a daily basis. It requires 2 men to operate and we were promised by alderman Waldorf that we would hire
no one. How can we give up 2 public works employees full time? Who will do the jobs they do now? Mr. King's response was that things will be done as they are now - on a priority basis. That does not allow for daily use of the vac truck. Please listen to that video and see if you pick up on the controversies.
whatever happened to that crazy idea to put a "gourmet burger joint" in the old ESDA building on Water Street? Have we budgeted enough money to buy that building back and tear it down? Asbestos will be a b*%@&.
@9:34 Don't believe what comes out if someone's mouth.
9:34 you hit it right on the nail head, there is no way you can take someone away from their present duties to do the Vac work without short changing other duties they were performing, I think they are living in a dream land. If you take two plow drivers out of service in the winter what happens to the areas they were assigned to, that is just one example, we can go on to blacktopping, water and sewer repairs, park maintenance, signage, where does it stop. Remember they cut between 20-25 percent of the work force a few years ago.
9:34 the city has proved time and time again that they are reactive not proactive. And with the comment made by the chief that it will be used on a at need basis proves they will not use this machine until a problem arises.
Pay close attention to those who speak at council meetings, and contradictions will arise later at council meetings with other comments made. Not difficult to comprehend.
I think Chief King thinks Waldorf and Ferrari are living in a dream world. They don't have the manpower to work the vactor truck every day, and King knows it. He said it will be used in priority order, he did not say it will be used every day.
It will be parked in the city garage and never see the light of day.
Who runs the city? I see king or Bernabei at waldorf hair shop every other day...is he in charge or is the mayor now?
Why would King go against anybody at city hall? The reason he has become a full time city employee etc... is because they're friends and they voted yes for Harl appointment of he. Wake up people. Just wait, talk about spending of taxpayers money, look who is in charge, next item a new police/fire facility. Bet this has been discussed behind closed doors. Where would location be? Hummmmm, close to the airport possibly? Yes, that's right folks. Don't think ducks aren't being put in a row. New new new new and newer.
How come were told that they sold the extra equipment because it was surplus and talking up room , but wouldn't be replaced . How is it all of a sudden there's several new trucks out plowing snow that were never around before . This administration lies to us every day and doesn't bat an eye . Spend spend spend !!
11:35 You have very good statements and questions? Where this will stop depends upon the next two elections. It is evident that the 2d and 3d ward elections are becoming the Scot Harl referrendums. If you don't understand this last sentence you'll find it much clearer as the election gets closer. Harl's "methods of manipulation" will be uncovered immediately as he starts to enforce them unlike the 4th ward race of 2 years ago. Most, who were strong supporters of Harl have now realized that he never intended to fulfill the promises he made to them and are prepared to support those who have fulfilled their promises. Forewarning to those involved buy a lot of soap because upcoming elections are going to get down and dirty and a carry over of the example Harl set in the 4th ward 2years ago.
Remember NO-BID Waldorf at election time, on TEST and grass cutting contract. Bidding was established to get the biggest bang for our buck, but obviously Waldorf doesn't care about our money.
What about the vac truck. Did we research different companies and get the best deal possible?
Question is was research done with all companies that sell vac trucks? And who did the research? Same goes for the 700k fire truck recently purchased. My understanding is that Mr. King our fire chief has a friend who is or was a sales representative for e-one, the company in which the fire truck was purchased from. Any kickbacks here? Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours, Didn't Hylla(or was it someone else?) go to Florida to the e-one facility for a tour?
Research? You got to be kidding right? This is Peru we are talking about. The only research was which restaurant the salesman would take them to.
If a person can't handle their own finances how the heck can they handle decisions in city.finances?
6:19, it sounds like you have some information?
6;19 who, what when and how much?
I remember a couple years ago under legal matters in a newspaper in black and white would explain. Yes, a name was published. I do remember also that this same matter was referenced on here a while back. It would be considered personal, however, it was in print. Many residents read this, short term memory possibly.
11:48 are they currently in office/ or running for office? Is it tax leins, bills owed? Big deal! You can run for office and owe taxes or child support. It has nothing to do with how you would fulfill your elected obligations. Many good people owe money and fail to pay bills or taxes.
11:48 - being delinquent on any debt to the city disqualifies you from running for office in Peru. I suppose someone that already holds office would forfeit their bond.
Rumors, lies, gossip and innuendo. Great discussion.
11:48 please tell. Where are you taking this from? A current office holder or someone running for a local office?
I didn't make the original comment. I'm as curious as you are. I took the part about a debt to the city being a disqualification to run for office from out code of ordinances.... "A person is not eligible for the office of XXX if that person is in arrears in the payment of a tax or other indebtedness due to the municipality or has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony."
The blog didn't say someone running for or is in office. From what I gathered the comment possibly was referencing to somebody/anybody who has some decision making in spending taxpayers money on vehicles, etc..., which could be employees possibly. Can being charged with perjury go againt employees for employment?
7:11 only elected officials have a vote in spending funds. If they are running for office they would not be permitted to hold office if elected, if they have a tax due.
10:29 you are correct. How about a.department head wanting a piece of new equipment? They actually have a silent vote and.will get it because those who have a vote that.counts don't research or ask many questions.
11:45 please read the comment made by 10:29, only elected officials can vote to allocate funds. What part of the vactor truck is your mystery. The residents of Peru want clean sewers to prevent costly repairs. To outsource the service provided by the figures reported in the news would continue to cost the city much more than owning a truck and having regular service. The type of truck is made in Streator and used by many municipalities.
Don't blame the hired help for your problem of having new or working equipement in the city. Blame the elected crew for having new and needed equipment to operate the services that the city needs. I have no problem with safety and new stuff to provide the city with the best possible services, I do have problems with big signs that tell us a street got repaved.
Good point 12:50
12:50, I think the main point is that this - as with every expenditure for capital equipment - SHOULD - no... MUST be in the budget. This isn't something that just came up. Why didn't they put it in the 2015 budget! It's as simple as that. I think EVERYONE would be happy if we weren't constantly surprised by large purchases.
Time will tell. If you buy new expensive pots and pans to cook and cooking is rarely done, was the cost of expensive pans worth it? Hopefully we will have the cleanest streets in the area. And basement flooding with heavy rains will subside.
If the flooding hasn't subsided while hiring out the cleaning of the sewers what makes anyone think purchasing our own vactor truck will make a difference? Have we even determined that clogged sewers were the reason for the flooding? I've heard we haven't, as of yet, found the true cause for the flooding.
The city has been using vactor services since the first flood when baker was mayor. Where has that got us?
If you were at the many flood meetings, you would have heard that clogged sewers were a part of the problem. Other factors include sewer separation, downspout detachments, farm tile broken and others. It looks to me that the city is taking a proactive stance and utilizing many resources to solve this problem. That is positive and what officials should do! If the city has the money they should be spending it on items to keep the city safe and moving forward.
Anon 8:30, yes they used the Vac truck from a contractor during the floods, but it wasn't used on a regular basis, which is what they want now, will they utilize it on a regular basis is another thing, 4 or 5 years ago the Public Works started a sewer inspection as you could see the manholes numbered as they were inspected, this was done through all the wards and then was to start over again, I don't think they have done that in the last 11/2 to 2 years, so we will see how the Vac truck gets used.
This Vactor and the senseless comment of Ferrari has taken Peru back to the days of its battery powered truck. When one thinks of money wasted in Peru there should have been a blog years ago. These councilmen keep proving the need of the blog. LONG LIVE THE BLOG
Anon 10:00, but the blog hasn't achieved anything, the council hasn't changed at all, they are not concerned what so ever with the blog, and if you ask they will tell you that.
Anon 10:05AM
I disagree with you. I believe the blog has achieved more than we will ever know. The council is very aware and concerned with the blog. Most of the intentions of the council are cut short because of the blog and participants.
What is presented in public and to the blog has already been discussed at closed sessions and Committee Meetings of the Whole, most times illegally as these sessions legally are intended for other specific situations surely not rehersals. Therfore you can see they are concerned with the blog and its ability to disclose what they do not want you to know.
As for what 7 of the 8 aldermen will tell you do not take alot of stock in it as they will tell you what best fits the time and person they are telling it to.
Anyone or anything that exposes them and their wrongs has achieved something, changes them and concerns them, and yes if you ask they will tell you exactly what they believe will protect their a_ _.
Anon 10:30, I know some of the alderman personally long before they were alderman, believe me they don't care, in fact one gets mad if he hears he isn't getting ripped apart by the comments.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for informing that they don't care. If they don't care they are not the people who are wanted in public office and will work all the harder to make sure they do not return. If you would let us know who lives for our comments we'll make the next 3 months just peachy for him.
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