Letters to the editor: Political signs not always in keeping with the law - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL
Noted today that most voters should be aware of the arrognace shown by some elected officials in Peru with their in your face disregard of an ordinance they passed. Anyone who reads the Peru Town Forum blog or reads the News Trib. now should know that legal or not some of our aldermen will do whatever they want to that they think will get them re elected to the Peru City Council.
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77 comments:
The thing that upsets me the most is that some people have been publicly called on the carpet for possible rule violations (found innocent) while these alderman have blatantly and obviously broken an ordinance and no one (ASM< PSM, mayor, etc.) is doing a thing about it.
I firmly believe you will forget all of this election manipulating because soon one of our bumpy roads will be under repair and Mayor Harl and crew will be working on giving your money in road construction for the proposed theater. At that point, we will hear about the increased revenue and no city in the area is as good as Peru.
They will make sure you hear all about the great things they are doing for you and they are positive your memory is short when it comes to illegal activity. After all we just went thru an investigation which showed things were done wrong but not even a reprimand was given.
Very sad activity taking place and it is not all right.
I just found out that Alderman Waldorf went to the home of the writer of this Open Forum letter to confront her. Why would he do that? Intimidation? Bullying??
Same with perez and nelson for signs on the right of way
All signs are on the right of way, not just Perez and Nelson.
I heard today W was furious with letter in the paper....finally someone is calling him out on his antics
All signs I have seen do not conform to what some cities regard as right a way. I have no way of knowing what the law is in Peru. Do you?
Yep. And no one is following it
Prove it 1:44
3:07PM
No need to prove it, it has been verified.
I think Dave Waldorf is a loose cannon. He went ballistic on those people who attended a council meeting to talk about a flooded house, he we ballistic on the Samson family because they said he wasn't doing anything about dog crap overtaking their space, he harassed Sherry Mayszak at work and home when he didn't like something she did, and Now this???? And Dave W says he's for the people?? What a shame!
I talked to the letter writer. Proof enough?
the "right of way" is not uniform in Peru. Some places it is 3 feet from the curb. Others, it is as little as one. Some lots have a right of way all the way to the building foundation.
They need to define how political signs can be placed in terms that the average person can understand.
By?
513. Nope. All hear say until concrete evidence
I have FOIA'd all correspondence regarding the illegal signs last Wednesday. I know Alderman Perez was notified by Jeff King immediately after a complaint was made about his sign at the corner of 251 & Shooting Park Road being on public property. I want to verify that Alderman Potthoff and Alderman Waldorf were contacted by Jeff King after a complaint was made about their signs. Fair is fair. They have 7 days to respond to a FOIA. So far I have received nothing.
I can verify that Waldorf went to Kathleen Bly's home to discuss her open forum letter because I heard it straight from her mouth. She was shook up about it. I believe it was totally wrong of him to go to her home. She has every right to voice her opinion. Maybe if he wasn't guilty of illegal placement of signs, he wouldn't need to confront anybody.
Appears Sherry Mayszak is a tough little cookie. I'm impressed by her tone and stance against city officials who think they are holier than thou. Way to go Sherry Mayszak for defending people.That alderman needs to be held accountable for his attitude. He sounds like a bad egg that's cracked.
I feel for you people who are being governed by cronyism and thugs. Who is in charge of your town it appears its collapsing.
I think he has every right to talk to her about what she put in the paper, she should have expected at least a call, that way he can explain his side and maybe get something rectified. I know you like to protect your own but if I put something in the paper that I believe there is a wrong I would look forward to the people I'm directing my complaint to call me at the very least.
Dont forget superman rodney is guilty too
10:01 PM
Appears Ald. W. has a guilty conscience, as the open forum letter never mentioned anyone by name. Evidently you did not read and only listened to what maybe the alderman told you. Kudos to the lady who has enough stuff to stand up for what she believes. I know personally that Ald. W. does not like that, you know "no questions" Waldorf.
@10:01 I read the article it never mentioned any names. With Waldorfs track record of confrontations he should've stayed home and left it alone. I haven't read that any other candidate went to her door to intimidate. It sure sounds like narcissism to me. Only narcissists behave that way.
Waldorf should just resign in disgrace,
Come on Lois you don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out who she was directing her complaint to, she had addresses all over the place. No I didn't talk to anyone because I really think there are much more important issues than signs. Point was if I put it in the paper which does require a name, I would look forward to a response to argue my point.
10:02 pm
Quilty of what? I don't see any sign violations from Ald. Perez.
10:46 PM
Many of my blog readers don't live in Peru and maybe not Illinois and they might not pick up on names if they were not mentioned but just notable activities. that were mentioned in the open forum
10:02 Rodney was told he had a problem with a sign. It was taken care of immediately. How many times does it have to be posted for you to understand. IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF. If other illegal signs would have been taken down, there would not be any of this arguing going on. Maybe the “Superman” would have responded to you, but he was out trying to to pick up garbage to help clean up Peru. Did you volunteer to help, or do you just sit at home and bitch about something that you don’t know anything about ?
10:02 Pm
Ald. Waldorf needs to explain to the whole town why he persists in this sign violation and not have to explain to one person.
10:01 And exactly what would alderman Waldorf's side of the story be? Would he claim he didn't know he was violating the very ordinance he helped prepare and approved? He has had every opportunity to speak up and defend himself and he has does nothing. This is not the first time he has intimidated people who have spoken up against something he has done. Remember, he doesn't like questions.
"W" just doesn't like people second guessing what he does or even offering an opinion that differs from his. He can't help it, it is his personality. This personality type is not suited for public service in a Republic that is based on democratic principals. Therefor, I would say he is physiologically disqualified from continued service as Alderman for his ward.
To me this is not about signs. It's about the pure fact the city has two aldermen Potthoff and Waldorf who is deliberately violating an ordinance and the city enforcement has ignored their violations.
I can't make Mondays meeting but see on Facebook it will be streamed over the Internet and Facebook. This may be one one those meetings the city will have a video malfunction. Poor leadership by two city officials.
I'm glad to read Rodney received a violation notice from the city and resolved it right of way. Unlike the other two who are blatantly ignoring the complaint.
I just sent in a letter to the editor regarding these two aldermen who created the ordinance, used our tax dollars to have it put in place then ignores the ordinance by violating it.
11:59. What type of credentials do you have to come up with that type of hypotheses ?
Well so far nobody has changed anything as far as signs, and I believe nothing will be changed. I have always said they do not read the blog, they might hear things from Bernabie, so even with someone putting her name to the open forum and the alderman talking to her, she is not going to change anything either. These same arguments were going on in the last election and will be going on in the next election, so my contention is lets talk about the important problems within the city.
1:50 PM
I don't know why you wish to ignore this which is a huge issue of mistrust of 2 (at least) elected officials. It needs to be talked about for such a long time so no one forgets this incident going into the voting booth.
This is a BIG ISSUE and some might get the feeling you as part of the group are trying shove it under the rug which will not happen.
W came to by door today, when asked about the rule violation he said he had 30 days to remove it and got very confrontational..I was courteous and said I had already decided to vote for new direction and I supoorted term limits as a way for new ideas....he had his wife with him but I just felt I needed to be honest
@10:59. He's not the only one at city hall with that mindset, sadly
2:16 Should have asked why Rodney didn't have 30 days ?
Citizens of Peru: Read the ordinance!! It specifically states only 1 sign per yard. It does not say "go ahead and break this ordinance because you have 30 days to correct your mistake". And, I thought Waldorf's reasoning for "breaking the ordinance" was that an exception was a CORNER LOT. The 30 day excuse was brought up as a result of Potthoff's illegally sized signs. This sign ordinance DOES NOT mention a corner lot as an exception to the rule and why would you have a size restriction if it didn't apply 30 days before the election? Common sense people. Think before you speak and act.
2:40, Rodney didn't bring it up, which he should have, even though it was a moot point being he had his signage up 3 months before anyone else
3:20 Why are you so concerned over Rodney's signs being up 3 months before anyone elses? He didn't disobey an ordinance, he didn't break a law, he did nothing wrong by doing that. You should be deeply concerned and concentrating your efforts on the 2 aldermen who did indeed break the rules, or at the very least, stretch them to the breaking point. And, to those who should be enforcing these rules and correcting these wrong doings (i.e. our ASM/PSM/mayor).
1:22 PM - I am a member of a distinguished group - the Human Race.
Let's not forget that our senior alderman is blatantly breaking the rules too and doesn't care. Waldorf and Potthoff need to go this election if for no other reason than their arrogance and total disregard for rules.
no - the goofy ordinance needs to go - or be replaced by something that can be enforced. The ordinance - as written - cant be enforced. And that is just how Boss Harl wanted it.
4:39, nice comeback, lame, but nice comeback .
@8:53, remember Alderman Perez is a volunteer paid per call fireman. Strange how you stated Jeff King was in contact with Rodney about his sign, blah, blah blah. Jeff King is fire chief also who supposedly oversees Rodney in his fire department capacities. I have a funny feeling for some reason about this. Imagine what Mr. King is being told by mayor and a other alderman, and the conversations if truth be told between King and Perez.
I don't need to blog this, but be careful who you think your friends are. Alot of backstabbers. Sometimes the only person a person can trust is themselves, and if they themselves are liars, they can't even trust themselves. Also, watch people who you think are pulling for you.
An election is in two weeks. This is the conversation. And people wonder why no one cares about the blog. This is why. Fireworks, pickleball and political signs. Nothing of substance. Nothing that truly matters.
6:56 PM
You are very persistent and don't want this discussion which is more important than anything else we could be talking.
It is about TRUST AND HONESTY and if the people you elect don't have that, then nothing else matters. They will continue to pass no bid contracts and ordinances on top of ordinances which they have no intention of paying any attention to . Put some body in office with integrity and that wants to work for the people not themselves and everything else will fall into place.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRE ELECTION TOPIC and as I receive the constant attempts to divert my topic, I realize it more than ever.
Vote for the most honest person that is running and they will do right for the residents and the city.
How about closed door council meetings. OVER HOW MANY IN HARLS ADMINISTRATION??????? 75 ?????? (WHAT IS THE EXACTLY NUMBER?) Out with old in with the new. ALDERMAN PEREZ HAS MY VOTE, AND I HAVE ONLY TAKES TO HIM TWICE. AND I'M RELATED TO A PERSON AT CITY HALL. SO, WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?
I too read the ordinance on line. I spoke with Alderman Perez about this today and confirmed it after speaking to him. Alderman Potthoff is in violation on a few things here.
The maximum square footage that any property can have in regards to campaign signage is 32square feet. I noticed over the past couple months at the corner of Shooting Park and 251 two signs at approx 32 square feet. Potthoff just put up his 32 square ft sign there which is not only violating the ordinance for a single sized sign but that property now has over 60 square ft of signage.
The corner of shooting park and Peoria Street where Perez and Nelson have had signs totaled approx 20 square feet of signage which means only 12 more sq feet of signage was left for that yard. Potthoff not only violated the ordinance with his 32 square foot sign he exceeded the ordinance with over 50 square feet of signage for that property. The same also applies to the corner of Luther drive which is the residence of former alderman Jack O'Beirne, there is over 40 square feet of signage on his property.
Frankly I agree with 6;56 pm. The criteria which will determine who I will vote for is more important than the date upon which a sign has been displayed, the number of, the size of or the location of signage.
When evaluating a candidate I find his ability to work with others, knowledge in getting things done, and talent in expressing himself to the citizens plus ability in understanding what is being discussed as important traits in earning a alderman position. Yes honesty is very important as is knowledge of specific fields to handle pensions, budgets, and the distribution of finances in a city with over $50 million dollar revenues coming into it per year.
9:09 PM
You bring up a subject that the average person may be interested in but the knowledge that they have is not enough for them to carry on a conversation about pensions and budgets and the finances of the city. That is the reason the people of the city need to consider the integrity, honesty and the ability of the person they wish to vote for to be able to learn. It is not necessary that the individual has all the knowledge he needs about pensions, budgets and other financial matters. After all we do have a Chief Financial Officer and a Treasurer working for the city. They will take care of most of that.
I have no one to vote for in this election, so I am watching closely what is going on in other wards in which there is a contest.
Actually our family budgets our finances better than some of the things I see on the city disbursements and I am willing to bet many families in this city can say that.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
Usually attributed to Abe Lincoln. We certainly are seeing the end result of that famous quote.
Not to change the subject but look at the agenda for tomorrow's public service agenda and see what is listed under public comment.
Lois at 8:09 I think you are confusing me with someone else. This is not a conspiracy. This is the first time I posted on this topic. Please forgive people for wanting to talk about real issues. I completely agree the trust and integrity are important. However, you're talking about something that is minor in the big scheme of things. At the time of election I would rather talk about real issues. If some people can't handle that discussion then I guess there's no sense in spending time trying to discuss things here.
So you know I don't have a problem that this as a topic. I have a problem this as the only topic. That's what your blog does. It obsesses over meaningless little issues and The big important issues get lost completely. Again, the elections in two weeks. How sad.
10:19 PM
Sorry about that. But topics are discussed when they are brought to the surface so if there is something you want discussed, bring it up and see where it goes. What about the finances do you want to hear about?
10:19 PM
Maybe it is because at some of the committee meetings and city council meetings, no one is allowed to ask a question. Sure we can try to individually ask an alderman something but generally that goes nowhere because their knowledge is limited . Usually people looking for answers are on their own with research and foia.
If you notice we are not a city open to discussion. No public forums, no public debate.
@10:13, I'm sure that is a mistake. Those are closed session topics and probably should have been listed under Closed Session, not Public Comment. My question is why are they having that meeting at 6:00 and not a Committee as a Whole meeting? Then I noticed the regular council meeting has a closed session about employees too. I bet at least 2 aldermen will be going into closed session very angry tomorrow night.
What about the property owners? Aren't they actually responsible for the sings on their property? Change the ordinance and include a $50 per day fine for any violations. That will cut back on this nonsense. Hopefully it will also discourage people from allowing these monster signs to be planted on their property.
Dishonesty from Waldorf and Potthoff, and Waldorf likes to play the intimidation card. Obviously he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. How many people has he had altercations with, and he never learns the way to handle people. I have a hard time believing he is a business owner that deals with the public. Harl shows that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed by making Waldorf the chairman of a committee. Peru needs help and changes on April 7.
You used the hammer in the shed and hit the nail on the head 7:19. I agree.
Why is the Finance Committee meeting all of a sudden being held at a different time (6:00) than usual (4:00) and on a different day (today) than was listed when the original meeting was cancelled (April 1st)? When did this agenda get posted on the city website? I don't recall seeing it on there Friday. Are we once again trying to hide something and keep it from the general public?
6:27 Great idea, but who is going to enforce ANOTHER WORTHLESS ordinance in this town ? Only those with no "pull" will be targeted. We have enough ordinances that are not enforced.
I have infrequently commented before and currently comment because I am in wonder of the priorities of the blog.
Peru is 2 weeks in front of a
election and so far the blog has taken a negative anti image of who they are angry with rather than a overall positive approach of candidates.
When is the blog going to state issues that the city will have to deal with in the coming 4 years and what they believe is the +'s and -'s of each of the candidates in their qualifications and abilities to handle these issues? I hope it is not 2 weeks after the elections!
9:49 and 11:37 it appears that we are finally going to get some transparency from one of our committees. The Finance Committee meeting scheduled for 6:00 this evening is going to discuss, during public comment, negotiations and employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, etc. with regards to employees. Should make for an interesting meeting.
9:49, it is not once again trying to hide something. You need to use the correct terms - the City is continuing to hide things. The last thing this administration (and I'll throw in the Council as well) wants is transparency. They view everything as being secret and they do not want the public involved in any part of the governing of the City of Peru. Period - end of story. Our municipal government has become an Oligarchy that only answers to itself and it's crony business partners.
10:19, don't hold your breath at the finance, it was probably stated wrong, anything to do with employment, discipline, hiring or firing, goes to closed session as it should. They are approving an ordinance with the hiring of the CFO tonight, that might be the discussion.
10:19, you are joking right? That "public comment" was a typo on the agenda. They are going into closed session to discuss that. The public does not have the right to know about any of that stuff. We won't know what they are talking about until the hire somebody, fire somebody, or give out a bunch of raises.
so we are going to hire a CFO before we know if we need to hire a "administrator" and way before we know if the form of government is going to be changed.
Well folks, time to get out the petitions and force a change to Council-Manager. The next possibility to get it on the ballot is the Illinois Primary Election in 2016. We have plenty of time to get a petition on the ballot. WE DO NOT NEED THE COUNCIL TO DO THIS!
11:51 If by CFO you mean Chief Financial Officer we already have one on our payroll. What they are actually doing is appointing our CFO (Justin Miller) and our City Budget Officer. What the difference is I don't know. Maybe there isn't. Maybe it means more money.
11:51 comment should say ... get a petition to put the referendum on the ballot.
Does this mean Gary Hylla is leaving his position?
oh.... I understand now. I think they need an ordinance to create the position - it doesn't exist in the Organizational Chart. But if this is the case, it should not be done in closed session. Something else must be brewing - otherwise, the meeting would be illegal.
Mr. Hylla is in the elected position of City Treasurer for a 4 year term in which 2 full years are left to serve unless he chooses to resign.
OMG this is just a posting for the open meetings act. They SHOULD do this is closed session and then act in open session. It's nothing! Hylla is giving up that part of hi job and Miller is taking over. We HAVE a CFO as we should. NOT a conspiracy!
I heard that a public figure taxpayer is.going to the council meeting tonight and is going to speak, and it's going to be very interesting. Keep us updated how it goes.
6:30 if you are talking about the person on video I would be willing to guess that was you posting here. It was not interesting or compelling. I was not impressed. No offense I just thought it was going to be something riveting.
@12:49 PM I thought the person on video addressed important issues directly to those responsible and would be thrilled to see more of him. Peru needs many more similar to him with good sound ideas. What ward does he live in? Next election is in two years after 4/7/15.
To 12:49 PM - Not the second guy. The first guy. You should check out the official council video when it comes out. Or should I say, IF it comes out.
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