This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“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
Interesting and the same person remains city manager but not the police chief.
17 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Please take the time to read this article that Lois has posted. Not only is it interesting and informative it is, in my opinion, the type of government that makes for a happy community. One where everyone feels that they are an important part of their community and government and that the door is always open for them to enter, speak, and be heard.
We knew what the task force would decide the day they where seated. By specifically telling them they could not consider a change in government to Council-Manager, the writing was on the wall. An "Administrator" with no statutory power, reporting directly to the Mayor, will be hired.
It is so interesting to see how different cities operate and the fact that politics plays such a huge role in the policy making of cities that do not opt for Council-Manager form of government. The guy in this article admits that he will do only what the council directs him to do. Not what he might determine to be in the best interest of the city, but what the council determines is best. Therein lies the political influence aka "political interference" from the elected officials. The city of Collinsville has created a position called "city manager" but the guy they hired for the job has no independent authority to do anything. Even if he does, he doesn't seem to realize it. Therefore, the elected officials in Collinsville, just like in Peru, are free to interject their political influence on the manager or administrator or whatever title you place on the guy in Collinsville or the guy in Peru. That will be the problem in Peru when Harl's Teask Force crowns Bernabei the "Prince of Peru". He might be the Prince, but King Harl will still hold the ax over his head and Prince Bernie will do only Harl's bidding. Therefore, corrupt politics will continue to dominate everything in Peru. Decisions will continue to be based on political ties, hiring will continue to be based on political ties, and businesses with political ties will contiue to recieve preference for city contracts. Until Peru changes from the Harl Task Force form of government to Council-Manager form of government the same old shady policies of a corrupt local government system will continue to drag on in Peru.
I hope I'm able to purchase a job before we change government to something less corrupt. I have RFQ's out - not sure I'm the highest bidder yet. Also finding it difficult to come up with an appropriate Assistant title. I've tried "Office Manager Assistant" - that didn't fly. I'll think of something. Meanwhile, I have mapped out my lineage going back at least 100 years to all Peru stock. No worries there. Just need to build up enough scratch to take with me to the golf game.
@11:10 - excellent comment. He's a city manager, but will follow what the city council tells him. He's a city administrator then. He has the wrong title. What will our council guide Bernabei to do? I don't think they have a long range or short range plan, so who will be guiding who?
9:09, it will be wherever "J" tells him to put it. "They" are still upset that the movie deal fell through. 850 large cabbage heads "lost" because the pesky peeps got wind of the deal and cried foul. You can bet your bippy 'dat nobodys gunna no nutten till its done.
I still have true concerns the the chief law enforcement official is will be deeply invested in the actual mechanics of city administration. There is CLEAR conflict of interest should the city engage in any illegal practice. The city, for its size, is one of the most sued in Illinois. Of course they are civil suits, but it shows a real lone wolf, confrontational style. If laws and respect for the individual citizen rights are so marginal here, I prefer a VERY independent and impartial law enforcement presence. The chief may be honorable, but even honorable men face grey areas and conflict of interest.
It is a poor choice if it is only to consolidate power and give more money. More council members should see this and discuss it. This town is NOT Mayberry.
17 comments:
Please take the time to read this article that Lois has posted. Not only is it interesting and informative it is, in my opinion, the type of government that makes for a happy community. One where everyone feels that they are an important part of their community and government and that the door is always open for them to enter, speak, and be heard.
In Collinsville maybe.........this is Peru and it appears you already know what the "task force" is going to decide.
We knew what the task force would decide the day they where seated. By specifically telling them they could not consider a change in government to Council-Manager, the writing was on the wall. An "Administrator" with no statutory power, reporting directly to the Mayor, will be hired.
It is so interesting to see how different cities operate and the fact that politics plays such a huge role in the policy making of cities that do not opt for Council-Manager form of government. The guy in this article admits that he will do only what the council directs him to do. Not what he might determine to be in the best interest of the city, but what the council determines is best. Therein lies the political influence aka "political interference" from the elected officials. The city of Collinsville has created a position called "city manager" but the guy they hired for the job has no independent authority to do anything. Even if he does, he doesn't seem to realize it. Therefore, the elected officials in Collinsville, just like in Peru, are free to interject their political influence on the manager or administrator or whatever title you place on the guy in Collinsville or the guy in Peru. That will be the problem in Peru when Harl's Teask Force crowns Bernabei the "Prince of Peru". He might be the Prince, but King Harl will still hold the ax over his head and Prince Bernie will do only Harl's bidding. Therefore, corrupt politics will continue to dominate everything in Peru. Decisions will continue to be based on political ties, hiring will continue to be based on political ties, and businesses with political ties will contiue to recieve preference for city contracts. Until Peru changes from the Harl Task Force form of government to Council-Manager form of government the same old shady policies of a corrupt local government system will continue to drag on in Peru.
I hope I'm able to purchase a job before we change government to something less corrupt. I have RFQ's out - not sure I'm the highest bidder yet. Also finding it difficult to come up with an appropriate Assistant title. I've tried "Office Manager Assistant" - that didn't fly. I'll think of something. Meanwhile, I have mapped out my lineage going back at least 100 years to all Peru stock. No worries there. Just need to build up enough scratch to take with me to the golf game.
@11:10 - excellent comment. He's a city manager, but will follow what the city council tells him. He's a city administrator then. He has the wrong title. What will our council guide Bernabei to do? I don't think they have a long range or short range plan, so who will be guiding who?
They are guiding him to buy a new Public Works Complex.
I should add that it is a multimillion dollar Public Works Complex.
You can bet your bippy that the 'fat rat' won't be at this construction site.
Where 4;25 will it be?
9:09, it will be wherever "J" tells him to put it. "They" are still upset that the movie deal fell through. 850 large cabbage heads "lost" because the pesky peeps got wind of the deal and cried foul. You can bet your bippy 'dat nobodys gunna no nutten till its done.
I still have true concerns the the chief law enforcement official is will be deeply invested in the actual mechanics of city administration. There is CLEAR conflict of interest should the city engage in any illegal practice. The city, for its size, is one of the most sued in Illinois. Of course they are civil suits, but it shows a real lone wolf, confrontational style. If laws and respect for the individual citizen rights are so marginal here, I prefer a VERY independent and impartial law enforcement presence. The chief may be honorable, but even honorable men face grey areas and conflict of interest.
It is a poor choice if it is only to consolidate power and give more money. More council members should see this and discuss it. This town is NOT Mayberry.
9;09, next to the electric dept complex where they tore down that house
8:16, dat's prime "J" land.
7:20, what makes ya 'tink the Chief of the Po Po would investigate the city. 'Dats da job of the elected Sherriff.
Peru should be renamed "J" Land. Or the "City of J, H, and S"
don't forget the newcomer "B"
@ 1:36 Which "B" Or "B&B"?
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