Monday, March 07, 2011
Changing Face of Peru City Government
Mayor Harl has received 11 notices from people wishing to take the empty council seat in Ward 4. I don't ever remember a time when so many people were interested in being a part of the Peru City Council and although only one will be chosen, I do hope that the others will continue to take an interest in the city and perhaps keep an eye on the election in 2013. The city will continue to have many problems to work on and we need to find ways for citizens to continue to communicate and make contributions to solving them. I also hope that the City Council will begin to be more receptive to citizen involvement and look upon it as an advantage that they have so many minds trying to solve problems and not as a disturbance to them and to the social clique that has developed between the current council and the outside contractors hired by the city who regularly meet outside of the council chambers.
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2 comments:
Lois, I agree with your statement that we need a council that will be more receptive to citizen involvement. They have, at times, been an embarassment to those in attendance and have, at times, considered citizens a disturbance to their plan. Do outside contractors and business associates that we pay affiliate themselves with our council at the local watering hole? This does not appear to be appropriate behavior on their part or on our councils part. I, like you, am happy to see more people becoming interested in local government.
Lois, I too, feel that 11 people interested in being a part of the city council is a positive sign. Now it must be determined by Mayor Harl and the city council, who among those 11
can offer the most in the way of knowledge, positive and willing attitude to serve the council and City of Peru. In making this decision as to which of the 11 is best qualified to fulfill the remaining term - past history in council meeting attendance should be a major factor. If no interest was shown prior, how then can they be considered to be an asset to the future. This is not a learn as you go position.
I can only agree with you when you state that the city will continue to have many problems to work on along with every other city in the United States. I disagree with you in feeling we need to "spoon feed" citizens to find ways to continue to communicate and make contributions to solving those problems. The first step to participation is attendance at city council meetings. The next step is to speak up at public comments. Another step is to personally speak to your alderman and give him the problem or opinion you may have. I am sure you will get a response. Those are what I consider 3 good steps. I could go on endlessly with others.
I hope that April 5th the citizens of Peru exercise their great American right and VOTE for whom they believe will do the greatest good. I personally thank all candidates for their interest and all incumbents for their years of service.
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