“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.”

Samuel Adams

Monday, March 23, 2015

Short Video of the Public Comment At Tonites City Council Meeting


There was a short video done by a private citizen this evening at the City Council meeting. If you happen to use FB, check out a posting this evening on the Peru Town Forum blog FB page.  I don't have access for it now to put on the blog web site.

This video shows the arrogance of some of the members of the council and the lack of knowledge also.

This video on the morning after being posted has received almost 7,000 views.  Keep in going and if you do not have a FB account, get in touch with your neighbor, relative and view it.  Enlarge for a great video view.

#Peruelection
#Perucitycouncil
#Perupubliccomment

81 comments:

Anonymous said...

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story fbid=10205261854484009&id=1176275481 It can be viewed here.

Peru Town Forum said...

Amazing, do they realize how inept they really look? We don't answer questions at City Council meetings you have to go to a Committee meeting and when you do Chairman Waldorf, "no questions Waldorf" will then tell you only comments, no questions. People are being told to run around in circles with their questions without anyone taking responsiblity, while the mayor simply asks if you are done talking.

This mayor and most members of the council need to be unelected as soon as possible before this city implodes.

Anonymous said...

Isn't our code enforcer Jeff King, sitting to the right of video, in front of Harl with a white sweatshirt on? Mayor Harl appointed him that position I believe. Where does he come in to play with the ordinance regarding signage? Our tax dollars pay him almost 100 thousand a year. Also, the no bid contracts that was mentioned shows that this council doesn't work for we taxpayers. Enough is enough. I think public comment should be allowed 10 minutes per person.

Anonymous said...

This was embarrassing how can our city even be considered by business that want to come here: Alderman that cant follow laws. Alderman that are chasing citizens over free speech Alderman that are yelling at public comment speakers We are slowly watching the disintegration of our city right before our eyes, if we fail to take action For me lukosus, is a joke and was so rude tonight at meeting that he should apologize publicly

Anonymous said...

I agree that the sign issue is a slap in the face and potthoff needs to go as does Harl! Its the usual good old boys club! But i also think the pat myself on the back, i need my picture in the paper on a weekly basis Perez needs to go too! Does Perez understand the word humble? Is there such a thing as helping people and not needing to make sure everyone in the Ill Valley knows about it! He is as bad as the arrogance from the city council! Leaders lead without having to be recognized for it on a daily basis. He is the same guy who donates a million dollars to a charity but needs a plaque at the front door so everyone sees it! Hes a joke! And dont censor this! Free speech right?

Anonymous said...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

It is time to throw off the current City of Peru Government and replace it with Council-Manager!

Anonymous said...

Just watched the video. I can appreciate the frustration that steve has and he was within his right to express that issue in the calm matter he did in front of the council. I do respect when an individual presents himself in a calm and professional manner. But, the man that spoke after is not how I would have wanted the community to see me make a comment or prove a point. Very unprofessional and, unfortunately, takes away from any credibility of his situation. If he wants the council to take his issue seriously, he probably should have presented his points in a different manner. Seemed rather violent for my comfort zone too after I viewed some of the follow up comments from his friends after the video. Just my two cents worth.

Peru Town Forum said...

8:14 PM

Personally felt he did an excellent job and he did express the frustration so many of us feel with this mayor and city council. Perhaps this is what not only those who have run into constant road blocks feel when attempting to get answers but those who come areas previously where government was not run in the BULLY manner in which Peru operates. Not being there and only watching the video, I could really feel the intense dislike Ald. Lukosus had toward the speaker who happens to be one of his constituents. But then again this is how Ald. Lukosus acts toward people that dare to question anything he says or does. Notice how quiet Ald. Waldorf was, perhaps he got his orders from the mayor I am betting.

Anonymous said...

Guilty people usually don't speak.

Anonymous said...

not to change the topic, but I think it is funny.... without an $850K direct payment, the movie people think it is best to stay in the mall now. We where being played!

Anonymous said...

If you are in opposition to Alderman Waldorf do not underestimate him. At this council meeting which is only days from the election he read into the entire system by not speaking nor making himself obvious.
It is a must to personally walk the ward that a candidate is running in to be elected. Alderman Waldorf has, has his opponent gone from door to door. People vote for candidates that approach them and how the candidate approaches them. There is no excuse for not knocking on doors.

Anonymous said...

No matter how things are presented by citizens to our council we get no response, no answers, no respect.
I would like how do the citizens of Peru get answers.

Anonymous said...

I think good and honest candidates don't need to walk and go door to door. Their actions and transparency at council meetings speaks for itself.

Anonymous said...

The business cards with city logo should have been brought up at last nights council meeting during public comment. Then again, alot of other issues could have been brought up during public comment.

Anonymous said...

I never answer the door when somebody knocks, unless it is the pizza I ordered. I would probably call the police if an Alderman persistently knocked at my door - the same as I do for the holy rollers that come by every once in a while. I'm very happy that the high school and the girl scouts have toned down their door to door campaigns. I really didn't like calling the cops on them - but "no soliciting" applies to everyone!
The candidates need to put their thoughts in writing and present it. The least intrusive way to do this is on-line.

Anonymous said...

9:36, I totally disagree with you about people running for office not going door to door. Number one they are showing their constituents they care and gives the people a shot of asking questions, plus it also gives the people a chance to see who they will be voting for. Most of my votes in the past has a lot to do with that person knocking on my door and really working for it. That is the perfect way of finding out where he or she stands on issues.

Anonymous said...

@9:36AM When walking a specific ward in a campaign how many people do you think you come in contact with.
How many voters are present at a city council meeting who are not city officials or associated with the city and are there as private citizens from a particular ward?
The alderman seat is won by votes not a exchange of opinions at the close of a meeting among the same 3 or 4 attendees who are in opposition to present council members and their ideas.
People want to meet who they are voting for and to accomplish this it becomes all about personal contact and recognition.

Anonymous said...

Going door to door in this day and age is creepy and potentially dangerous.

Anonymous said...

Political signs need to be regulated in their own ordinance. They should not be mixed with charity event signs, etc.
As soon as the new council is seated - they should correct that and crate a new ordinance.
Keep in mind that the property owners have the final say so on what is displayed on their property. The new ordinance should stipulate fines for property owners that allow non-compliant signage. The new ordinance should also provide a provision for the city to promptly remove and dispose of non compliant signage.

Anonymous said...

Why only talk and go door to door while campaigning. Keeping in touch on a weekly or monthly basic in an honest manner is what's important. If you talk the talk, then walk the walk. It's how one presents themselves all year long, not when in desperate need for votes.

Anonymous said...

If political signage is of such significance why doesn't it be presented at a council meeting in public comment to be included with the electric bill if or should or should not be allowed?
If I was a incumbent I would be all for them being banned? Everyone knows the incumbent, it is his challengers they do not know.

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:51 How do you propose on how a alderman should keep in touch weekly or monthly? Once elected to this part time position he should be busy in knowledgeable representation of his ward and doing his homework as needed to accumulate this knowledge.
I believe it is up to the people which constitute his ward to inform him of their opinion and him to politely accept this information.

Anonymous said...

this form of campaigning is so 1950's - time to move on to modern methods of communication. I'm for banning all temporary signs. INCLUDING - garage sales, real estate sales, Ax Church, and those crazy wavy arm guys at used car lots.

Anonymous said...

10:35, you sound a little paranoid, you don't have to answer the door, I'm glad I'm not to that point yet.

Anonymous said...

@11:10, read my comment again. Don't we have monthly council meetings. How about returning phone calls. I'm sure most alderman are in bars or restruants at least once a month. I've personally seen this. For an alderman to call a taxpayer at their work is extremely unprofessional also, especially when they were not asked to do so. The bad alderman only seem to truly show concern is when it's election time. The good ones show it daily!

Anonymous said...

@11:10, read my comment again. Don't we have monthly council meetings. How about returning phone calls. I'm sure most alderman are in bars or restruants at least once a month. I've personally seen this. For an alderman to call a taxpayer at their work is extremely unprofessional also, especially when they were not asked to do so. The bad alderman only seem to truly show concern is when it's election time. The good ones show it daily!

Anonymous said...

These comments are ridiculous.

Ban all signs? This is America. NO one cares if you don't like looking at them. Reasonable rules yes, banning all signs? No way.

It's creepy that someone running for office knocks on your door? Then don't answer it. I like that someone takes the time to do that.

The dude on the video? He sounded like a foolish grand stander. If that is who is speaking up then no thanks.

Council members should communicate with 2,500 people weekly? For a part time job? Really? Sorry I do not need my elected council members, county officials, school board members, or state representatives sending me a weekly update. Seriously.

9:44 says "The business cards with city logo should have been brought up at last nights council meeting during public comment." Hey 9:44 then go to the meeting and bring it up during public comment.

The more I read the comments on this blog the more I am convinced that this is a very disenfranchised few. I know of no one who shares these thoughts.

We should be talking about the real issues but again all we talk about is the same silly stuff. Enough of this. I have better things to do.

Anonymous said...

11:10 - Facebook costs nothing.

Anonymous said...

I have received a survey from my 4TH ward alderman with questions that are current and important, I sent him the survey and he sent me a response with why and what. I was pleased that he is active and involved.

Anonymous said...

Steve had some good comments and questions. It was unfortunate that some wildcard came up after him and totally ruined his presentation.

Peru Town Forum said...

11:44 A.M.

Undoubtedly you are male. Most women do not answer the door unless they recognize the person there and count me in on that one. Do you realize there were several home invasion thefts here in Peru by men who knocked at the door of an unsuspecting female inside who then forced themselves in while someone else entered and stole items of value. We do have other methods of communication that are safer.

Anonymous said...

I noticed in today's news tribune that there is a picture of the meeting of local mayors with the new lt. governor. Why is Police Chief Bernabei at this meeting. He is not a local mayor or is it the fact that Harl can't stand on his own anymore and he needs his new city administrator by his side to tell him what to say. Seriously what has Peru gone to. There really needs to be change on this city council and if new aldermen are not elected Peru is in for the same old thing.

Anonymous said...

My opinion is a police chief should have enough on his plate to serve only as a police chief and shouldn't be involved in other departments with the city. Doesn't make sense why police chief would be in the picture. A bride and groom should've been in the picture also.

Anonymous said...

Chief B. is going to be the new City Administrator as soon as the rubber stamp committee gives their finding to the council.

Anonymous said...

Lois - I'm a male and I won't do it either. All you have to do is read the reports about violent home invasions. The vast majority of them start with the home owner actually opening the door. Nope... I need to expect the person before I open the door - even for pizza, 9 times out of 10, I see the car pull up and I go out on the porch so they don't stand in an open doorway.

This is not Mayberry RFD. There are some very bad people that live about an hour drive from here.

Anonymous said...

11:22 Reminds me of the Police Chief. Every time they catch a stray dog, his picture is in the paper, too. Whether he had anything to do with the capture or not.

Anonymous said...

I would bet Rodney is a shoe in for being re-elected. Rodney seems to be very well liked by the people. I had a chance to meet his brother that is running against Dave and must say he has a much better personality than Dave does. I will be voting for Mr.Nelson and really think keeping Rodney and getting Nelson and Rods brother in we will be much better off. The current administration will be crying when they discover they couldn't beat Rodney.I also predict Dave P will be re elected and Dave W will be replaced. The town knows Harl and a few of the council have a Yes man who is hoping to join the club of 7. Unfortunately Harls game won't work this election like it had in the past with Alderman Ankeiwitcz and Mayszak. Now we citizens see nothing but scandal at city hall.

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of all the tv shows, scandal, lies and deception. I've always been told, time will tell all. Who doesn't like a photo op?

Anonymous said...

Bernabei was elected chairman of the new 911 center board. The Lt. Governors office invited him to give a presentation on the new center and how this is consolidating all the centers which is what the new governor is demanding. They talked about it at the finance meeting last night. you should have taken the time to show up and here good news. Funny complain about to much government and then throw stones when they try do the right thing. Peru alone will save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. You people will never be happy. Rodney what do you say about it?

Anonymous said...

I have a feeling that the city will be giving a police officer the position as police chief. I would bet that this has been discussed behind closed doors. This is how the city operates. My opinion.

Anonymous said...

The 911 Center could be consolidated further. It should be in Ottawa with the Sheriff's Office - put radio repeaters on cell towers all over the county. We only need to staff ONE center. Proper use of modern technology reduce the overall staffing and management.

Anonymous said...

11:22 pm March 23; I enjoy seeing what Alderman Perez does for the community on his Facebook page. I wish the other aldermen would do the same, but guess what, they don't do anything in the community that they could share. Do any of the other alderman have a Facebook page to let constituents know what's going on or what they're contributing to Peru? NO!

Anonymous said...

No news paper comments or article today! Will there be one on Wednesday? News reporting is non existent for the LaSalle News Tribe. White washing the Peru Politics is normal for Dankert the N/T main Peru reporter. Who cares about ethics in politics? Clearly Dankert does not! Was Dankert at the council Meeting? If he wasn't there who was the N/T reporter?

Anonymous said...

Dankert is not covering Peru any more. There is a new lady there. Not sure of her name.

Anonymous said...

Take note of the code enforcer Jeff Kings face on video. What's going on here. Did he do his job in enforcing the ordinance? What was he told to.do from.the mayor? Was a letter sent to those who did not follow ordinance? When if sent? Harl, after public comment why didn't you have the code enforcer take the microphone and explain SOP (standard operating procedure) for violation of an ordinance? Shady here in my opinion. Harl, did you not appoint Jeff King to the position of code enforcer? Harl, did not the code enforcer donate $600 to your campaign fund which is public information available on a website. Harl, our city is not a club.

Anonymous said...

Doug Bernabei:
*Peru Administrative Service Manager (ASM)
*Peru Director of Public Works
*Peru Chief of Police Department
*Peru Co-Director of ESDA
*Peru Township Trustee
*Chairman of New 911 Center Board

Jeff King:
*Peru Co-Superintendent of Public Works
*Peru Chief of Fire Department
*Peru Building Inspector
*Peru Zoning Inspector
*Peru Co-Director of ESDA

On the same page in the local newspaper listing the above positions held by these 2 individuals was a story that the Peru Police are investigating a break-in once again in a frequent area of exactly these same type of incidents.
Most evenings for the last number of years that I am going to work or returning from work I see a multiple number of police cars patrolling Fourth Street,Peru. In fact the majority of cars I see on Fourth Street are police cars which makes one think that the Peru Police Department is heavily patrolling the wrong area. With a police force of 26 full timers and 20 squad cars Peru should have very few illegal activity's if the PPD are logistically assigned rather than wasted. Also being that there are only 24 hours in a day no matter who the person is Peru is in need of a full time Police Chief and a part time Fire Chief as they have had previously with success.

With the upcoming elections I would like to know of who is responsible for such a inadequate long term Management Organizational Chart.
Seriously, whoever they are I cannot vote for them.




























Anonymous said...

Let's hope that the new Lady has the guts to stand on her own two feet. With the professional staff of Peru City Officials she is going to encounter she best prepare for at the least sore toes.

Peru Town Forum said...

10:00 PM
Take a look at the mayors face if you have access to the video from last night. He acts like he either has not heard any of what was said in Public Comment or he has mentally blocked it all out and that he considers Public Comment a Public Nuisance and only has it because he has to legally allow it. Although I do remember having a disagreement with him concerning this topic a number of years ago and he said to me "you know I don't have to allow public comment". I guess he somehow found out he did. So now he simply pays no attention when opposition comments are made. Did you notice, not even a Thank You to a either of the folks. Do they not know they serve at our pleasure?

Anonymous said...

10:48 PM They are not serving at our pleasure. They are serving on their own pleasure and will continue to do so as long as the majority of voters remain uninterested and allow their manipulation of stacking the number of candidates running for office. The Mayor election is over 2 years away and the general thought is that there are 3 definite candidates. How many there will be at election is a unknown but it should be a run off if more than 2 run for the position.

Anonymous said...

10;55
What would Mr King know about code enforcement?
Besides the sign issue, i know of several home improvement jobs that went completed with no building permit issued (or permit was expired and work continued-as late as the following summer). One of these jobs was a concrete driveway which consisted of a backhoe, tandem truck, and several cement trucks, who misses something like that? isnt that his job?, to enforce building permits and codes? I have a friend that his nieghbor puored a driveway and no survey was completed and showed to my friend. What if the driveway is to close to the property line? Dosent it have to be at least five feet from the property line without seeking Peru City council approval? My friend was never approached by his nieghbor or our "code enforcer"!!
I have also heard that our "code enforcer" has not even checked with job site supervisors when checking or verifying building codes are met with at construction sites.
So I ask the same as you, why does he deserve almost 100k per year??
If driving around in a Command Vehicle (that we pay for)to look official and not know his job desreves 100k, Im wondering if there are any more job openings in Peru?

Peru Town Forum said...

11:14 PM

Many of us have privately expressed those concerns but unfortunately there is no one in administration to take those concerns to. You see how the flagrant political sign corruption is taking place and even though one complaint has been made, nothing is being done and I believe even a foia is being ignored because they can find nothing to send back to that individual regarding what is being done regarding the illegal signs. Everybody is protecting the backs of each other done at City Hall and the residents can go to .......

Anonymous said...

In case you haven't noticed questions upon questions are being asked on the blog, during meetings, during public comments, thru foia's, etc. and still many questions go unanswered and ignored. Mr. Lukosis told Steve to come to a Public Services Mtg. to ask his question yet he must have forgotten that his chairman (Waldorf) of that committee has stated "no questions allowed". So,where does one get answers? I can't find the place because I can't ask a question. Ridiculous!!!

Anonymous said...

This is a government of the government, by the government, and for the government.

In Peru - the Citizenry does not count and they are merely a nescience that gets in the way of important government work.

Anonymous said...

The only reason one would not allow questions at public meetings is because those who should have the wherewith owl to be able to answer the question with their knowledge of the issue are unable to do so, and them answering could make themselves look like idiots. My opinion.

Anonymous said...

Anyone, including a alderman, who gives a citizen the answer of "that's the way it has always been done" as a answer is undeserving of being a public official.
To answer Steve with "you were invited to come to the Public Works Committee" to get a answer is a embarrassment to all since the Chair of the Public Works does not recognize questions from the floor.
I challenge any city official to answer these questions:
Was the proper protocol followed by the representatives of the city to answer Steve's questions?
Would you have been satisfied with these answers?
Steve was shut off at public comment by Mayor Harl and the chairman of Public works will not allow questions. What does the city attorney recommend for Steve to do next to get a sensible answer?
If put in Steve's position would you feel comfortable with the answers he got? Would you feel comfortable with the treatment his and our city officials gave him? If not remember these questions as you vote on April 7.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 9:23 AM
It is apparent that Mayor Harl and the Chairman of Public Services, Alderman Waldorf plus Alderman Lukosis have Placed Joe the Plumber in between a rock and a hard place when it involves city officials and citizen communication. The Mayor states "I am not going to allow this to become a question and answer session, it is public comment" and Alderman Dave Waldorf will not allow questions at the Public Service Committee.
Wasn't politics supposed to improve in the 21st century. Why is Peru continuing on with the Judge Roy Beam policies of hang en and hang em high. COURT ADJOURNED NOW WE WILL GO TO CLOSED SESSION OR HAVE WE ALREADY HAD A CLOSED MEETING OF THE WHOLE!

Anonymous said...

I agrre you should ask questions but If considered moving to peruu and read the comments that are so awful and the name calling we come off as a bunch of lunatics.

Your crabbing and the name calling are not helping people.

Anonymous said...

We really need to start forcing the issue that the government works for the People. The small "g" and big "P" are intentional. The individuals holding office are mere employees and need to be treated as such. If they can't perform, they need to be removed.

Anonymous said...

After listening to Steve in regards to the James hardie transformer , my question is, did the total amount spent include the hours put in by city employees? If anyone has an answer could they please respond. Thanks

Anonymous said...

1:25, you will never get that answer. City funds are so comingled that a forensic accountant would be hard pressed to follow a dollar through the system. That's another trick Boss Harl learned from his mentors in Chicago.

Anonymous said...

HOW ABOUT EMAILING THIS VIDEO TO EVER TELEVISION NEWS STATION POSSIBLE,Bloomington, Rockford, Quad Cities. I THINK THAT A FEW WOULD PROBABLY BROADCAST IT ON THEIR EVEN ING NEWS. Election time the channels would be more apt to broadcast. I'D LOVE TO SEE IT ON A CHICAGO'S 10 o'clock news. Somebody who has time should do it.

Anonymous said...

There was a house and a driveway on a side street by Centennial Park that was in construction mode for many many months. Wonder if this is what 11:14 pm is referring to.

Anonymous said...

A Peoria channel would be the best way to go as far as tv cannels.

Anonymous said...

Don't be surprised if Pam Zeckman channel 5? Wouldn't report it. Chicago 10 o'clock news. Email video to all stations. Remember IML convention in chicago.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure all the major Chicago channels can't wait to put the video of our council meeting on their channels, who are you kidding, this tiny town compared to the city is a pimple on an elephant, they have better news to broadcast with there own political problems.

Anonymous said...

More News reported in N/T about Princeton's city meeting than Peru's meeting. It's all Bias B/S about Peru politics in the N/T now days. Grampa Miller would be pissed off at the current crew.

Anonymous said...

Maybe they should give the video to David Letterman. It is quite funny.

Anonymous said...

Hilarious. Email this video? Why? Better yet go ahead! It's a link. This is not news. It's a dude expressing his opinion. I know some of you think that Peru is some scandalous town but you would be wrong. There are malcontents in every community with FAR MORE going on than here. We are not perfect but our city actually runs pretty well.

"Remember IML convention in Chicago." What does this mean 9:57? You mean the convention that is for municipal office holders that basically every community sends people to as well? Like LaSalle? And Ottawa? They get their expenses paid too.

One of several problems here is people feed each other with a lot of nonsense and the actual important issues get lost in the discussion. There is an election in about ten days and there is no real discussion of the important issues of where our community can improve. Just nasty name calling and the incumbents will be re-elected.

Anonymous said...

I guess our taxpayers pay for people from our city to attend the IML covention in chicago which gives tax revenue to the city of Chicago. Sounds like some interest to me.

Anonymous said...

The conference is in Chicago, just like a million other conferences. Our taxpayers do pay for this and all of our aldermen go on most years. You may not like it but I think they should go. I would question anyone who would want to be an alderman but would not think it appropriate to attend the conference for these people and learn more about the job they are elected to do.

Peru Town Forum said...

5:27 PM

I have been told that school board members are required to bring back information and share it publicly after attending a conference . The same goes for most governmental bodies who have their act together. All Peru gets is the bill and gives it to the taxpayers. I don't believe that in the past La Salle paid for their aldermen to attend, if they went it was at their own cost.

Anonymous said...

12:44 PM, You are correct to a degree. Some issues do seem rather trivial in the grand scheme of things. However, those issues you mention do provide good insight into the character of Peru's elected officials. Say what you will, but if my alderman and his wife or girlfriend regularly and eagerly takes advanatage of the "generosity" of companies making a lot of taxpayer dollars in Peru in the form of meals and beverages, I disapprove. I disapprove very much in fact. It's not necessary and they should not do it.
Also, I beleive that Mr. Weberski brought up two substantial issues in his comments at the council meeting last Monday. His first comment revealed how badly TEST had been sticking it to the taxpayers of Peru for 15 years before they were forced to compete for Peru's landfill monitoring. TEST's profit margin for that work during those years was probably 60%or higher. Second, Steve made it known that several members of the Public Services Committee decided the taxpayers of Peru would pay more than $130,000 for damage to the city's electrical system caused by the James Hardie factory. Sounds like a very poor decision to me.
C'mon folks. Are these not important issues to discuss?

Anonymous said...

7:40 this is 12:44 and you speak very well. I agree little things can show a person's character but on the blog it seems that the IML convention is made into a big deal but Rodney also attends and gets his expenses paid as he should. It makes it so apparent that there are a few here with an agenda for certain things and that takes away all of the good discussion opportunities.

Sadly there are a lot of people on here who have no idea how business gets done and they cannot relate to professionally related travel expenses. I would rather my council members attend than not attend and none of them are getting rich or "lining their pockets" (the single stupidest phrase that gets used on here). Council members are paid a pittance for what the job entails and you couldn't pay me enough to be abused like this. That's what happens when everything is anonymous (me included).

We have a lot of good people involved with the city and I have very few connections, but Dave W and Dave P are very good people. Are they perfect? No. But they actually care about the city and the people but try telling that to people on here who are convinced of their evil schemes.

Like you said, are there not more important issues to discuss? Yes there are! Well said.

Anonymous said...

60% GPM sounds a little low. I would expect a company like TEST would be charging 3 to 4 times actual cost simply because it would take the customer 7 or 8 times that to bring the services in house.

Anonymous said...

oh... and there is no local competition to TEST - so the political types will ALWAYS pay more for some good old boys from the home town. Now if there was another company that set up shop in Peru or LaSalle, that would be interesting. But we don't want to send our money to Peoria or "The Burbs".

Anonymous said...

What area did the people who came to the city council meeting come from. They were willing to do business with Peru providing the same services as TEST.
Did anyone inquire to what their bid was going to be.
What is puzzling is if the same requirements are demanded by contract form another company as demanded from TEST what makes some members of the Peru Council believe they will not be fulfilled.
I also was at the meetings which involved the Test 5th rider and all know that the use of a "super majority" stood out and was used. I definitely mean ALL as the City Attorney brought it up and gave a explanation of its meaning. Anyone who says differently is a liar.
Alderman Dave Waldorf was the main point man in this incident and should be voted out of office for this reason alone. This TEST contract stinks.

Anonymous said...

7:05, listening to you I don't know if you would know a good contract from a bad contract. You all spew how bad one company is mostly from listening to other people that don't know a thing about contracts. Have you ever inquired how much extras they do without billing the city, especially during flooding periods, you might be surprised.

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:34 I know a that a submitted and accepted contract for a total of 6 times for a total of 30 years without open competitive bidding is a product of poor business practices by public officials who are not serving at or for the public who voted them into office.

Anonymous said...

11:59, the one wrong statement you made was they truly are serving the Public, the people are satisfied with water treatment, through two different administrations.

Anonymous said...

Anon 1:26 Yes some people are satisfied but some others are not and once the conditions upon which the contract was awarded and its history, fewer are satisfied.
Every business in the country is looking for the same means of pricing as Peru offers TEST..
Do you or anyone else know what a fair price of water treatment is for Peru? I seriously don't because competitive bidding has never been allowed.

Anonymous said...

It has been verified that TEST was screwing the city big-time for 15 years by gouging the taxpayer for the landfill analysis. TEST cut its bid from $44,000 to $24,000 in the span of 3 years. So what does that tell you about their profit margin for those 15 years without being required to compete? It proves that city officials have no clue how much they should be paying for those services. It also proves TEST was feasting heartily at the city trough.