“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

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Public Comment in Peru Is Now On Facebook

Social media is not only a means of communication on the national scene, it is now down to the local level and lately it has been all about Peru. How important is this? For many this is how they get the news locally and worldwide and this is not an exaggeration.  Listen to TV what commentators are saying "tweet me @ such and such" or go to my FB page.  The message gets out there much faster than newsprint and so many  popular commentators and local organizations, cities and personalities are now active on these venues.

Now back to Peru.  Last week it was the controversy about the parade in the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. R. Perez was taking the Operation Promise damaged vehicle on a float to promote the safety aspect of the Peru Fire Department and their support of OP. Initially he was told he could use a pickup from the fire department, no problem he is a volunteer fireman. Wait Mayor Harl stated he wanted to use that truck to pull the new Peru float, but wait the mayor is not a member of the PFD and technically he should not have been allowed to use the truck which might have been actually driven by a non fire dept member, but actually an elected alderman.  Social media covered this extensively on the local level.

People thought well the parade is done and both the Peru float and the OP float were in the parade and lets continue on with business. Within the last few days, R. Perez received a letter from the PFD Chief Jeff King that the Volunteer position of Public Information Officer for the Peru Fire Department has been eliminated. Do I or anyone else out their believe that King decided on his own to do this? Hell no, this has someone elses fingerprints all over it and he was just the front man. Anyone that knows the chief also knows that. This aspect has been covered more thoroughly on Facebook than any newspaper could do and instantly and  everyone within hundreds of miles from here, current and former residents are offering their opinion.

My point in making this post is this.  Doesn't anyone who is in a position of authority have any idea of what this is doing to the City of Peru? Actions like this just give those who dislike the city and the people who have been elected to serve and also those who have been appointed by them look really bad, like autocrats serving their own purposes and  not the residents of this city. Peru aldermen and other officials like to blame this blog for the bad opinions many have but it is way beyond this blog currently, the city through their actions have done it on their own.  It is time someone who knows how to handle the city takes the reins and btw who is in charge of Public Relations and who makes current frequent and honest press releases to  explain to the taxpayers what and why impromptu decisions had to be made and make it honest.

This was not a planned blog post but something that needs to be said and I am sure I will take heat for this also.

#peruillinois
#perumayor
#operationpromise
#sweetcornfestival
#perufiredepartment
#publicinformation
#volunteerposition

93 comments:

Anonymous said...

What about #winterfundays ?
Mayor Hardly actually started his hunt on Perez a couple years ago

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that I'm not the only one sick of Rodney.
Way to go Chief!
Gee how is he going to get his media exposure now?
Better start calling into his pal Rod in the am.
Bob

Anonymous said...

Nice post Lois! Well written and so true. The nasty things that politicians do never used to come out to the general public like they do now. Bob, I'm not sick of Rodney. He is still doing more for Peru than the aldermen do, and he does it by volunteering, not getting paid. It's a disgrace what the mayor is doing to extract his revenge on Rodney, and it's all over Facebook and more and more people are seeing what is really happening in Peru. Remember Facebook is not anon, people are fed up with these heavy handed tactics.

Anonymous said...

The fire chief sold his soul to Harl when he accepted that appointment. I wonder if he has regrets? I always thought he was a good guy, but now I see his true colors.

Anonymous said...

I think what our local governments need to get used to is that the trend in technology has made it quite easy for the people to check up on them. At the same time, these governments do what they can to prevent it... hiding behind closed sessions, or providing data in a format that can't be searched easily. Peru is a classic example. They don't want public involvement let alone public oversight.

Anonymous said...

To 7:06 Bob
From Rodney Perez

Sick of me? Lol...I haven't even started yet!! I hope your sickness of hate doesn't kill you.
I'm glad you expressed your thoughts from the other side of the fence because the agenda to try and silence me seems to be what my supporters and other citizens are seeing.
>less involvement=less publicity< "The goals of city hall"
Please understand that a title attached to a name means nothing. I'm still a firefighter who has a job description according to the National Fire Fighter Association to educate and raise awareness. The one title that gives me the right to educate is through the State of Illinois.
I appreciate these challenges the city throws at me because it gives me the opportunity to strive even further ahead. Just sit back and enjoy the lesson of how to overcome adversity through the power of positive mind set.
Confidence, Passion, and Attitude can keep you off the sidelines and in the game with the winning team:-)

Anonymous said...

pointless discussion and nobody cares.

Anonymous said...

All should go to city hall tonight with signs to fight the removal of Rodney Perez from the fire department. If you support Rod then I will see you there. If nobody shows up we will know that nobody cares.

Anonymous said...

Narcissism.........please look up the definition and see if it fits this post and the responses? Who is throwing Rodney challenges? I thought all firefighters in Peru were employed by Peru? Is that different? Does the title of National fighter association mean that you can fight fires and have educational programs anywhere? I just spoke with a city hall official and he was not aware of Rodney being removed.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I just joined the association and the dues are $40. I get a badge and some access to the video library. Its not quite a degree in fire science.

Anonymous said...

You are quite annoying rodney

Anonymous said...

I am a member of the NFHF! National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc and I just wanted everyone to know that! PORK! The other white meat! GO PORK! LOL! My point is that nobody likes a grandstander! I appreciate your dedication to being a Firefighter as I am sure people can respect the dedication Hog farmers have in producing a good safe product that the public consumes. I may be on the board promoting pork as the most consumed meat globally just as you Mr. Fireman may be promoting fire safety to kids which is wonderful! But I feel if you focus more on your programs of good deeds and less on whether you get recognized for it then you may see less resistance from the city or whoever you feel is "Out To Get You". You have good intentions but they get muddled because of the way you go about it on social media. Its hard for me to believe that everyone in city hall is a bad egg and just out for themselves. I hope my positive attitude doesn't mess up the negativity typically projected from this blog Lois!

Anonymous said...

@1:55 PM Go away!

Anonymous said...

Who has the say so of the use of fire equipment Mayor Harl or Fireman Perez? Who has to answer for the liability insurance for the fire department , Mayor Harl or Fireman Perez? Where dose each stand in the city chain of command? If you were a city employee who would you take your orders from Mayor Harl or Fireman Perez?
Mayor Harl is exactly what his title states Mayor of Peru and Rodney Perez is exactly what his title states, volunteer fireman.
Those who wish to debate the issue of insurance liability which this topic is all about must learn that personalities are not involved but legal issues of insurance liability are and to be on the safe side those in charge have taken the correct actions. Some feelings may be hurt but it is best that way than Peru being in court attempting to defend a million dollar lawsuit.

Anonymous said...

9:45 am

Please note the difference between personal oversight and public oversight.

Personal is for the benefit of the one who believes their opinion is the only one that matters. For the sake of the one individual with a agenda all of their own.

Public oversight is for all of those involved. Details of the minutes, budgets, tax rolls, and all the details without the personal management of the day to day happenings.

Your post involves the dismissal of a volunteer position, the oversight for that determination would be for personal interest only.

Anonymous said...

The city is self insured.

Anonymous said...

232. Nooooo

Anonymous said...

Go Get em Rod!!! I love watching Rodney get these guys going crazy. I love Rodney's responses to them showing he cares less what they think. Rodney has the city officials all wild up. This is great. What's planned next fire him from being a volunteer fireman. Hahaha

Anonymous said...

3:35, not one of the city officials care about Rodney Perez, he came and he went.

Anonymous said...

Some of our Aldermen don't like to use the 'Puter and the Inter Webs scare the bejesus out of them.

Anonymous said...

Why did Godfather's Pizza shut down in Peru? Peru should open it back up. Or maybe Peru should open a Chucky Cheeze Pizza. The city needs to start thinking about these things. Open stuff up that the people want.

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:08 What does Peru have to do with the opening of a Godfather's Pizza or a Chucky Cheeze Pizza within it's city limits? The city is not in the pizza business and if enough people show a interest and contact a business maybe they will locate here. As you believe these are the businesses people want why don't you open them?

Anonymous said...

7:08, when did we ever have a Godfathers pizza in Peru?

Anonymous said...

3:24 PM Whether the city purchases its insurance or is self insured the Standard Operating Procedures set by the city officials and professionals that they consult with are the policies to be followed. Why is it so difficult for a few to understand that a business is not managed or conducted by friendship rules?
The city presently has a long tenured city attorney and a professional insurance man that would both be capable of answering questions of liability during public comment if asked. Give them a try?

Anonymous said...

9:35, you are right in that the city if not a business. governments cannot be measured in the sense that a business it. it can't make a profit. in fact, it is the purpose of the government to redistribute money from one group of people to another group of people.

peru ran godfather's pizza out of town many years ago - back in the 1980's I think. it was located up on the frontage road where all the car dealers are. the city greatly influences what businesses locate. all they have to do is spread a little butter. call up the pizza guy and tell him, "hey, we got some extra bucks - maybe a little pot of gold in the form of a tif or just a bag of money."
that is how all the current development happened. Walmart didn't just show up. they got a bag of money and are still getting it. they guy that built the shopping complex got a bag of money in the form of a sales tax rebate and TIF. So if peru wants a chicky cheese, they just need to put together a bag of money. just like they did for the Olivia gardens. that's how business is done now. first, get a bag of meney from the local government. second, give some back to the local boss. third, get somebody to buy your stuff.

Anonymous said...

9:35. "friendship rules" are exactly how things are managed in Peru. I would say a good 25% of the budget is spent on "friends." Oh, I forgot, we really don't have a budget. Just random expenditures.

Anonymous said...

Happy Tuesday. Here is some interesting reading:

http://illinoissunshine.org/committees/scott-harl-campaign-for-mayor-18698/

did you know that old Boss Harl has collected $130,199.00 in donations since he started his political career?

Anonymous said...

The guy wearing the fire chief hat at the city is the mayors whoop whoop boy. Fire chief has no backbone of his own as it's obvious he's so far up the mayors butt he can't get out. He tells Perez he has to do what he has to do and orders aren't his own they are the administrators of the city? That is a bunch of crap. The chief is the fire chief of the city is he that insecure of his leadership that he's afraid the mayor will fire him for not getting rid of Perez? Grow your own spine Jeff King. You are suppose to run that department not the mayor. Maybe you need training from the SpringValley and LaSalle fire chief.

Anonymous said...

@Rodney. Stay the course you are on and for goodness sakes don't take the words from some of these anonymous bloggers that say in one sentence they admire you then bash you on the next line. Those people I call hypocrite backstabbers. They can't be trusted. You do so much good for our whole entire area which is very impressive. We know who you reference when you say "those at city hall" you are referencing those who run the city and not everyone such as the above blogger stated. I'm sure those who blog on this thread are those from city hall that you referenced or close ties to them. I'm not one of those that blog on here I just read through some of these remarks and it makes me mad by reading how some minds work. You helped my neighbors son who was charged with starting the west clocks fire by counseling him and teaching him about fire safety. Him and his mom really liked you. That young boy had a hard life and it sounded like you really helped him. It sickens me to read how the peru mayor and fire chief are treating you. Please run for mayor. You will have our votes for sure. We will help you anyway we can to get you as mayor.

M. Langham
Peru resident

Anonymous said...

SOP for driving a fire department vehicle is only a firefighter can drive one. So why was an alderman who is not a firefighter allowed to drive one of the fire department vehicles? Somebody needs to ask the city officials and professionals that they consult that question!

Anonymous said...

5:46 PM, so why then do the city officials continue to try to stop Rodney Perez from doing anything if not one of them cares about him? It's so obvious that the mayor is trying his best to destroy Rod, but Rod can't be destroyed!

Anonymous said...

@324 the city is not a business. Could you sign your name next time so we can see which of the clowns you are running the city as a business.

Anonymous said...

8:29, he might not be destroyed, but he also won't be elected to city government anytime soon.

Anonymous said...

There are many, many other topics in our city that are much more important than the last several headings that feature the woes of former Alderman Rodney Perez. I propose that the blog change names to the diary of Rodney, written by Rodney, for the sole purpose of Rodney. And finally...

Was it poor judgment to use a city vehicle for the purpose of hauling a float for your personal organization?

Was it poor judgment to have campaign signs in a park during a community event hosted by yourself?

Tired of the same old story........please end the madness!

Peru Town Forum said...

11:06 A.M.

Sorry you are bored with this topic but I need to remind you that it is the city officials who have made this a topic of conversation. City officials who were evidently illegally driving fired department vehicles which was against fire department policy. This is a worthwhile topic and the people who run this city have have made it one.
No one knew before that OP was going to the Mendota Parade but the city officials made it a topic.
You need to aim your arrows toward city hall for the ill thought out decisions they make and not Rodney Perez who has no authority to make decisions.
Take your complaints to the right people who are sitting in big offices at the Peru City Hall localted in the 1900 block of Fourth Street.

Anonymous said...

well it appears as if the content of the written recommendations by the sages of the peru community will not be revealed to the public. just put on file.

Anonymous said...

I thought someone had previously commented that 1/2 hour of meeting time would be dedicated to discussing the task force recommendation? So, how come the recommendations were not passed out until last night's meeting? Were they not completed weeks ago? Will they ever be publicly discussed or will it be another closed session discussion? So many questions! So few answers!

Anonymous said...

11:19 Peru town

Sorry for the boredom of the topic. I now realize there is much more to the story. It just looks like we see only one side and its not the management side. I guess it was bold to ask for a city truck to use for another organization and I am not sure if its legal to have elected officials driving a city truck for a parade. In Hooterville everyone was on the fire department and served on the town hall. Have we progressed that much!

Thoughtless to question the Forum.

Anonymous said...

I need to help move somebody this weekend. How do you go about borrowing a truck from the city? is there a sign up sheet? When do I pick up the keys?

Anonymous said...

I see they want to limit the slot machine business to people that actually have a business that makes money in other ways - such as serving drinks and food. Good move if you ask me.

Want to make a bet that the owners of the rat traps don't think it is a good idea and might put up a fuss?

Anonymous said...

has Rodney asked LaSalle or Oglesby to use their fire trucks to haul OP? my guess is he wont because he knows the answer. OP is private corporation and no fire department should let him use their equipment and have taxpayer money used. Way to much liability.

Anonymous said...

The NT is reporting that a question was accepted from the audience at last nights meeting during the discussion about gambling. Very strange. The Boss's answer was stranger. Was the person asking the question planted by the Boss?

Anonymous said...

Ottawa Township gave over $40,000 in assistance to the poor last year. What has Peru Township done? And do we still have those excessive salaries for the Peru Township officials?

Anonymous said...

12:28 PM

Of course the answer would be NO, he is not a member of either Oglesby or La Salle Fire Departments but he is a member of the Peru Fire Department. Get it?

Anonymous said...

"has Rodney asked LaSalle or Oglesby to use their fire trucks to haul OP? my guess is he wont because he knows the answer. OP is private corporation and no fire department should let him use their equipment and have taxpayer money used. Way to much liability"

That is a pretty obtuse comment. It is well within the mission of the Fire Department, Police Department, and Ambulance Service to educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. In fact, we should not need a separate organization to raise money to do this - it should be part of the budgets of these services.

Anonymous said...

12:38, the purpose of Peru Township is not to give money to the poor. It is to butter the bread of friends and pay salaries for jobs that don't need to be done. Peru Township leaders will tell you that we don't have any poor people living in our township - so their budget for such an extravagance is small. It is better spent on salaries and buying things from your favorite hardware store.

Anonymous said...

12:33 It was a good question. The gentleman was asking if Peru will end up losing money by putting restrictions on the number of gaming establishments allowed in Peru. Obviously if Peru places restrictions, then people wanting to open more gaming establishments will go to LaSalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley, etc. and those cities will receive more income. I don't think Boss got the message the man was trying to convey. It would be like letting a retail store go to LaSalle because Peru has too many retail stores. Personally I think if people want to spend their money gambling, let them. It's entertainment, just like going to the movies. Remember prohibition?

Anonymous said...

2:56. I somewhat agree. I think it will be a non issue in the not to distant future. It is still new, the market will figure itself out. It will extend the life of some rat trap buildings though. If I where a betting man (pun intended) - I'd say the little gambling store fronts will be gone in a year or so.

Anonymous said...

2:56, I think part of the point was that a question was asked by a citizen and responded to during a council meeting. Rare occurrence in Peru.

Anonymous said...

I agree 1238 nothing has changed. More $$ down the drain The roads are horrific, every part of the township needs
To fo

Anonymous said...

Lois you nailed it by telling the anon alderman that it's not Rod bringing this to the forefront over the last several months. If the city wants Rodney out of the blog headlines they should not be pulling the bull crap they have been over the past several months. I thought Tom Payton never came to the blog. I'm told by one of his fellow workers that he monitors this and even comments. He's a phony. He's also a shady on line car salesman or at least he was.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't buy bicycle insurance from Payton ! They all read this blog ! And anyone that says they don't is a bigger liar than originally thought!

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:37 Alderman Payton does blog. Proof is in the odd spelling of Operation Prom-Ise. The email he sent requesting tax forms for "Operation Prom-Ise" was spelled "Operation Prom-Ize by Payton. Then the next day or so the Anon Blogger (Payton) commented defending Payton (himself) and used the same spelling "Operation Prom-Ize" you are right- Alderman Tom Payton is a phony. He was indeed a used car salesperson on the net. Not surprising he went from salesman to insurance salesman. The truth about people come out in time. It didn't take much time for him though.

Anonymous said...

I heard there is going to be some big news announced in Peru pretty soon.

Anonymous said...

4:14 That question was asked during the committee as a whole meeting not during the council meeting. The committee as a whole meetings are much less formal than the regular council meetings. But I agree, it is unusual to ask a question at any meeting and get an answer.

Anonymous said...

What is the buulcrap that you are talking about? Not letting Rodney use a fire truck when he already has?

Anonymous said...

Why doesn't the aldermen and Mayor, Fire Head all grow up and act like men?

Anonymous said...

It is not exactly big news but if you are referring to this blog going to shut down it is something I have heard several times in different places. many have discontinued readership because they feel it has become a campaign tool for a selected individual which most do not want to participate in, also most believe it is a get even misrepresented hate symbol of Peru in general and the present Mayor and council and a particular alderman for winning a council seat in the last election. Sadly most believe that it is not that he won and what good he can do for the city but whom he beat.

Anonymous said...

@1:20 well I heard the opposite. I heard that more are reading the blog now because the blog is the only place to get the real story taking place in the city. I never read in the newsless tribune reports when it was reported that Ald Sap suggested to Ald Perez that the city should have swept the OT employee pay raise under the rug, or when Clerk D Bartley told that the mayor was out for revenge on him and Perez for bringing that scandal to the public. We also never heard that the supervisor that brought that out at first was forced out by intimidation. He's the guy that resigned weeks after that broke. Now boss Harl is using his minions to get rid of Rod because it's his turn. The problem seems much harder for Harl to get rid of Perez them the other hack. 1:20 alderman Payton is who you are referencing. I see it as him getting the brunt of it because he's asked to be in a Harl front line man. We don't read or hear of any of these other aldermen or alder woman harassing Perez by requesting his organizations tax filings for operation prom. And not returning phone calls. I've tried calling him twice with no return call. This is probably why your man Tom makes the blog with his name all over it because he's the mayor s right hand man.

Anonymous said...

Anon
4:59 please tell us more. First I heard of this about sweeping under rug stuff and Bartley being intimidated by Harl. Is there proof to this? Any sort of evidence? I think if a city official was making statements like sweeping a scandal under the rug there could be legalities there or even breaking of moral values according to the Illinois Constitution. As far as threats made by a mayor to other officials Or employees could be major legal issues for the city.
Reading through these comments about retaliation and actions of harassment against Rodney Perez may have ground to stand on if all is true. If threats were made and those threats are being set into clear action then Rodney Perez may have something to use against the city for harrassment. Is there evidence of these alleged comments made?

Anonymous said...

5:48. It is old news and nothing can be done now. Boss Harl got Barnaby Jones to investigate. Then he got a retired judge to "investigate." The judge said the overtime awarded was actually an illegal raise - but it was done with good intentions, so he said nothing should be done. The LaSalle County States Attorney - another tool that has his own legal issues - promptly filed the report in the trash.

Anonymous said...

Anon
6:36 I understand that but if Peru mayor made those alleged threats and following through on his witch hunt there could be trouble if those retaliated against file suit. I'm just asking if there is evidence of these threats.

Anonymous said...

636
evidense is there, you just need to look! Jeff King and relations have donated to harls "warchest" and look at the job he has now!!!!
Fire Chief? (what certifications has he provided?) Building Inspector (I heard he does not know the first thing about building a shed, let alone him inspecting new home construction!!!)
we dont live in Peru, il anymore, we live in Political, Il (You spend, I'll bend !!!(the rules)
I would sell my peru home and move, but i cant because people in surronding communities will not buy here due to the city administrstion-so we are all paying for the incompatencies at city hall!!!!!they are running this town into the ground!!!!
I also heard that the reasononing for the peoria street construction is due to that the city has committed that street to being a truck route for the new truck traffic!!!!
Why did'nt they tell us that in the first place???
"smoke and mirrors" people!!! "smoke adn mirrors"!!!!

Anonymous said...

Everything this administration does is lies. I also heard Peoria St. Will be a new truck route for our buddies building in lower Peru. Just what Peru needs , a truck route that will go through a residential area to make it easier for Harls , Bernie s, and Kings buddies . Why not make the truck route go down Sycamore St. . I didn't vote for these fools , they're all liars with their own agendas!

Anonymous said...

10:33. You are correct. Expect to see a huge increase in truck traffic between I-80 and Water Street via Peoria Street.

It is difficult to connect all the dots in Peru - because the administrators of our city don't want us to know what the plan is. That is why they are violently opposed to a strategic plan. If we had such a thing, we would know why certain things are done. But the plan is secret - to the extent that only small pieces of disclosed at appropriate time in order to get a vote - but the entire deal is not laid our for the public to read and understand.

I do remember an article in the NT in April - in it, it was said that "The city of Peru will see roadwork improvements due to $285,900 from the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Program." These improvements are to support additional truck traffic to the Mertel Gravel terminals... "terminal west of the Mertel office on West Water Street, but it also is working on a terminal at the east edge of Peru."

Then there is the cryptic article about truck routes in Peru. That came out of the blue with no real reason for the subject to come up other than the Police Chief reporting about trucks not following truck routes in Peru.

Now... I "heard talk" a few months back that the plan was to upgrade Peoria Street to accommodate a large increase in truck traffic. I think this was covered in the meeting that the city had with the Peoria Street business owners.

Its all very interesting. But, why can't Peru just put everything in a plan and publish it?

I wonder what he 4-Way stop intersection at Peoria Street and Shooting Park Road will be like with a couple hundred trucks a day stacking up? I wonder if they thought about that.


Anonymous said...

@8:02 So this is the reason that Peoria Street is going to be cement rather than blacktop. Finally after all these years proper planning for a highly traveled street by heavy vehicles?
Possibly West Street by the PFD should also be considered for cement rather than blacktop. Compliments to all involved Peru is on the right track!

Anonymous said...

Peoria Street is not a truck route and won't be. Peru will be upgrading the Plank road to accommodate truck traffic, paid for by the terminal north of Peru. That has been in the newspaper and has been no secret. Water Street is also being improved with a grant and that is needed. Truck traffic has been on Water street since the 1800's. No secret conspiracy here. Try another rumor.

The additional truck traffic will be coming in from the sand mines and using highway 80 to the plank road. Please stop the comedy and getting people excited.

Anonymous said...

Tom Payton aka anon 9:26 thanks for info.

Anonymous said...

9:20 Cement will last longer than asphalt! 10:33 read 9:26 that explains the truck route.

Anonymous said...

9:26 am Comedy, Getting people excited? Trucks entering Peru by Plank Road are to spout wings from Peoria Street to Water Street for purpose of being flight adaptable. Expected approval from Federal Aviation Agency to be rec'd shortly. Army Corp of Engineers will be included in all Illinois River decisions associated with any future development. Present Governor, Senators and House members believe this to be the future steppingstone for Peru, Illinois to develop into the mid state major city of Illinois with potential of leading the Starved Rock Country to become larger than Chicago within the next decade.

Anonymous said...

The truck route will be from I-80, down Plank Road to Peoria Street, down Peoria Street and make its way to Water Street via a part of Route 6 and several residential streets. It is part of the barge terminal upgrades for Mertal. They need direct access to I-80 and the Rail Spur as well as Rt. 6 and Rt. 251 without disrupting the traffic in the retail district of Peru.

Sherry Mayszak said...

Tammy Lynn Sondgeroth posted this on Facebook this morning on a topic I started about Rodney Perez and the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival parade: I do not live in Peru but attended the parade with my family and friends. Two things happened when this fire truck and wrecked car came in view of my kids. 1) My son age 11 looked ever so closely as if scenarios were running through his mind of what happened...he looked back at me awe struck. 2) My daughter age 14 gazed over the wreck and turned to her father and I and said two words. "I promise." This was tastefully done for much needed awareness. My kids weren't there for candy. This "float" made a positive impact with my children. So to Rodney Perez, thank you. It's the visual things that hold meaning far more than just words. Our kids are smart young people and that image was a sincere message.

To me that translates into positive PR for Peru when Rodney is pulling the OP wrecked car with a Peru Fire Truck. Apparently the mayor and alderman who contacted Jeff King after the parade and told him to tell Rodney he is no longer allowed to use a Peru Fire Truck to get OP's message out don't care about the positive PR Rodney is bringing to Peru. Fortunately, another town's fire chief has stepped up and offered Rodney their fire truck, and they will reap the positive PR of OP.

Anonymous said...

there is already a truck route from route 6 to water street. They go on West Street south past the post office. Head east on Center Street than south again on Plain Street where it hooks up with Water Street. This has existed for many years.

Running a truck route from I-80 to Route 6 via Plank Road and Peoria Street is not far fetched. There was all kinds of hubbub last year about trucks clogging up the retail district in North Peru on Route 251. Sending the trucks south on Plank Road to the barge terminals on Water Street avoids disrupting retail operations - which is the most important consideration for our Council and Mayor.

I wonder what it will be like with one hundred or more trucks a day heading down Peoria Street between Shooting Park Road and Route 6.

Anonymous said...

@12:43, we will see how two of our aldermen like having all that truck traffic on Peoria Street since they own businesses on that road, along with the assessor.

Anonymous said...

People wanted industry. People wanted jobs. now they wonder about 100 or more trucks a day heading down Peoria street. People will you decide what you want. It appears that up to 2009 Peru actually had very little and didn't know it. After 2009 they started getting something and don't want it. Isn't it to bad that this retirement community cannot stop the clock and in reality live in the past rather than just imaging it through the blog?

Anonymous said...

What a nice testimony Ms. Mayszak. it's a shame city of Peru fathers don't see that as a valuable program for the community. It's a shame. Are all city officials against Mr. Perez? I get the feeling so. I hope Mr. Perez continues his service to the city. If my two alderpersons are against this then they will lose my vote. And I do vote and so do all my friends and son.
Mayor Harl lost my vote and support. He is a poor excuse for a mayor.

Anonymous said...

I wonder what it will be like with a 100 trucks a day cruising down water street during the 4th of July extravaganza.

Anonymous said...

I applaud the city for this development. What is wrong with a little truck traffic down Peoria Street? Nothing but criticism when the barge terminal is a good thing.

Anonymous said...

I think it is good. Maybe we will finally get a stop light at Peoria and Shooting Park Road.
Lots of trucks = lots of jobs. We need more!

Anonymous said...

Great Job Rodney Perez! Your program really helps these kids and even adults. Shame on Peru Mayor and his puppets. Shame Shame!!

Anonymous said...

Well Rodney, I think I remember a blogger has told you to watch your back many months if not a year or two ago. I say wow. Also, why is a fire department command vehicle at lasalle post office all the time??? City vehicles used for personal use????? Somebody please answer. And I saw people, whom were the chiefs family and friends in the command vehicle he drives going to Maze Lumber for the 4th of July celebration one time. What's up with that Mr. Chief?

Anonymous said...

Every time the support of a certain individual by a numerically two or three occurs it is carried on until it becomes nauseating. This repetitious habit of resurrecting the same same over again and again appears that their only purpose is to keep his name on the blog and their personal feelings known no matter what the silent majority believes.
Yesterday a comment timed as 10:21 directly answered a comment made at 10:33 am, 12 minutes later. Something is really wrong here and a explanation is in order.

Anonymous said...

All this talk about Water Street has me craving a "gourmet burger." I wonder where I could get one.
You know what would really jump start "Starved Rock Country" Tourism on Water Street in Peru? Shut down Flint Hills, Maze Lumber, Maze Nail, ADM, and all the other "dirty" businesses. We don't need that crap around here. We need Corn Dogs, Candle Shops, and Book Nooks. Water Street could be Utica West. Peru could build a trolley car to take people to the Canal Boat. In the summer, we could have beer tents with slot machines, next to a new marijuana dispensing facility! Imagine all the progress we could make if we just got rid of those nasty manufacturing plants and transportation facilities!

Anonymous said...

It looks like our LaSalle County States Attorney's private special police force cost us another few thousand dollars for violating civil rights again. Something that you need to go to the Ottawa Paper to read about because constitutional violations are not news worthy in Peru.

From what I understand, Mr. Towne's Private Police Force pulled over a Citizen on I-80 not to long ago. This Citizen was moving across country from Oregon to the east coast. When Mr. Towne's Goon Squad saw the U-Haul trailer with Oregon Plates, they started salivating. They pulled them man over and told asked him "where is the pot, we know this trailer is full of pot because you are from Oregon and that is where all the pot is from." Well they searched the trailer for a couple of hours and found nothing. They left the man on the side of the busy interstate highway to repack all of his possessions. They found no pot - but worse, they found no money -which is what Mr. Town's Police Force actually looks for. Money to confiscate. The other amusing part is the quote from Mr. Town. "We still think he had a trailer full of drugs. Who moves junk across country?" So, the Citizen's personal effects where "junk" to the elitist Mr. Towne - and despite removing everything from the trailer and coming up empty handed, he still believes the Citizen was trafficking "invisible drugs."

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 8:40 PM Are you worried that Chief King does not have a state drivers license? In his city position it is best that he drives the city vehicle so that he is ready for all problems his occupation demands attention to and especially on nights with events such as the 4th of July.

Anonymous said...

Did you known that 70% of the blog post were around Perez and 10% around a long time gone pizza chain? Another 10% were one word answers. The other 10% posts were about traffic going down Peoria Street. 100% of the posts were pure conspiracy theories.

Anonymous said...

12:49 were on the same page. And I like the water street comment and the Towne drug quest! Nothing like sarcasm. I am worried about the 12:49 am blog, who is awake blogging at 12:49 am? What keeps you awake at these hours?

Anonymous said...

If a Pizza Delivery Boy is proceeding north on Peoria Street at 35 miles per hour and an aggregate truck full of sand is proceeding south on Peoria Street at 25 miles per hour, when will each of them pass the Operation Promise Display if Rodney parks a fire truck at the four way stop?

Anonymous said...

9:19 Chief King does not go to calls after 5:00.

10:37 Love your comment! So funny!

Anonymous said...

Thought I read on this site he told a committee of sorts he gives his duties to his buddy asst. Fire chief Duncan after 10 pm. What's the truth folks?

Anonymous said...

Chief King does not go to call after 5pm? Are you serious? Do you have facts? Chief King goes to LaSalle fire Department maybe to talk about work related items? IF you have noticed, family rides with the fire during parades and they call go together to the fireworks..Don't be dumb. Complain about #policelivesmatters or all the shootings. Not this crap.

Anonymous said...

9:19
If it is true that Mr. King does not go on calls after 5pm, why does he make 100k a year.
Isnt that his chosen profession (fireman) and his duty as a public servant? Again this was his choice!
Dont get me wrong, I respect the true firemen for all that they provde us as citizens, but how can anyone respect a chief who delegates his responsibilities to his assisstant after 5pm?
Maybe he is just to tired from his building inspector position, it must be very exhausting trying to convey to contractors that you know more about building when in fact you dont!!
I wonder if the city has any job openings??

Peru Town Forum said...

10:03 P <

When the Fire Chief was interviewed by the Administrative Task Force several months ago, he stated he did not go on calls after 10 P.M. unless it was a major event.