All went smoothly initially, routine business was discussed and the council unanimously overruled the veto of the Mayor regarding the Parc grant application. They were assured by the city atty and city clerk that they did not need to provide proof that the city had funding to meet the requirements set forth by the DNR on their application grant in spite of the fact that the application clearly states the opposite.
Perhaps a class in Reading 101 and Finance is in order for all. Particularly for members of the council who also sit on the Finance Committee as Ald. Mertel, Ankiewicz and Mikyska. It seems to me that those 3 aldermen should be very aware of the finances of the city, right? Wrong, Ald. Mertel thinks we have enough money to be able to honestly apply for the grant and says so in response to a citizen question.
The same question is given to the Treasurer to verify what Ald. Mertel has just said about ample funds being available. His answer was a simple negative shaking of his head. One very classic moment that had to impress upon all, the seriousness of the finances of the city and Alderman Mertal is not aware of it.
Ald. Ankiewicz thinks we will have "dead babies" if we do not have a pool built. Do you think he knows they give swimming lessons at the YMCA here in Peru?
These are all educated men on the city council and yet they continue to be irrational in their voting decisions. What gives? If they cannot govern in a manner that is best for all the residents, perhaps it is time to not run again as they give no honor or respect to the office they are holding. They are making a mockery of our city for all to see.
For all those at Mike's tonight, it is time to stop and get real and rational. We who are the unwanted watchers know all of this is not even about the pool.
4 comments:
Its about time to drop anything about the pool. There are far greater needs in this city than the pool, (used only 70 days a year). When the aldermen were voted in, was it just for recreation decisions?? Seems that all they care about, Baseball diamonds, Bike Paths, and the Pool. What about roads, that are driven on dailey? Our roads are the worst in the Illinois Valley. Were supposed to be the Leader of the Valley. What a JOKE Everyone is out there laughing at our Council. Even the Radio Station.
To me, the sad part of this situation is that the aldermen all believe the Mayor and the citizens who attend the meeting are against them and the pool. That is not the case and has been expressed by all concerned many times. The wedge that separates all involved is the lack of money to fund such a project. The aldermen seem to believe that somehow that money will appear and are asking the mayor to sign a document knowing full well the money is not available. Even the treasurer verified that statement. Why didn't the aldermen do their jobs and look for ways to fund the pool instead of wasting their time and energy fighting the mayor. He has repeatedly stated that if the means to obtain the money was available he would be all for the pool. The citizen's of Peru need to understand that this issue is not about anybody refusing to seek a pool, it's about the lack of available funds at this time.
To those who are complaining on the News Tribune web site about the lack of a pool and to those of you who call yourselves "Baker backers" and say he would have done the right thing my question is "Why didn't he?" He had the funds and he had the same 8 aldermen we have today. Why didn't they vote to construct a much needed new pool instead of an unnecessary new City Hall Building? Why was it so important to have another City Hall when we already had the mirror building? Priorities aldermen. Where were your priorities during the Baker Era? You're indirectly responsible for this mess. Fix it!
Lois: People are commenting like crazy regarding the issue on the news tribune web site. Maybe you could post the heading for those who don't know how to find it.
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