An "Agenda" vs. "Obstructionism and Gridlock"

I had to laugh at some of the "Hater" comments on the News Trib blog regarding the pool issue and the upcoming aldermanic election. The comments referring to the individuals who will challenge the incumbent aldermen as "Troops" or "Soldiers" of Mayor Harl, and the lame attempt at "fear-mongering" by claiming the existence of this grand conspiracy to promote some sort of sinister "agenda" by these challengers. The commentor went on to describe the "Gloom and Doom" scenario that awaits the unsuspecting voters in Peru if these challengers are successful next April. We are then informed that those of us who dare to challenge these incumbent aldermen intend to be nothing more than puppets and rubber stamps for Mayor Harl. That is certainly a frightening and un-American picture of the democratic process in Peru. What is particularly interesting about this claim, which comes from an obvious supporter of the previous administration is the absolute hypocracy coming from someone who then goes on to praise Don Baker as though the "Rubber Stamp" method was not standard operating procedure during the Baker era. I know better, and so do many other citizens in Peru. That is exactly why there needs to be turnover on the city council. These sitting aldermen have had more than enough time to put forth their own initiatives to improve Peru. But instead they have for years chosen to bask quietly in the long dark shadow of Don Baker's success. Never asking the questions that should have been asked. Never demanding an honest accounting of city finances. Never so much as even inquiring how Don and Judy were actually managing city funds. We now know the razor thin margin that city finances had been operating at for a long, long time. I hold them all responsible for that. The current operating strategy from these aldermen is obvious. Obstruct any initiative and maintain gridlock regardless of the negative effects on the city. This is unacceptable behavior. I will not attempt to speak for any other candidate, but I am more than happy to address the accusation that I will be a rubber stamp for any mayor. Not a chance! My thoughts and positions on issues are now and always will be my own and will be based on the good of the city as a whole. Period. My years of observing the actions and behavior of Peru's elected officials continue to this day to provide me with the basis of what is wrong with local government in Peru. I already know what doesn't work and I am anxious for an opportunity to provide ideas for a different approach. Do I have an agenda? You bet I do.