We are very acutely aware of what happened in that election and what the post election effect has been. Much to the surprise of the then current council which is still in place at this time, Don Baker lost the election. I'm sure several of the aldermen were stunned by this defeat and could not bring themselves to in anyway cooperate with the new mayor.
All this brings me to the point of the present aldermanic election in Peru. Four seats are being contested one in each ward and campaign signs are springing up like the first flowers of Spring. I understand that friendships can develop between council members who spend a lot of time together in order to make the city function but it is time to put some space between each other at election time.
Is it appropriate for the sitting aldermen to be placing signs in their yards for their friends, the fellow council members? Is it appropriate for contractors who work for the city to also host signs for the seated aldermen. What happens if one or more of the contenders win the seat instead of the friends? Will they be welcomed with open arms or will there again be animosity to the new members.
I do believe we would have a better functioning City Council if the members would keep their nose out of the election if they are not running. Let the candidates run their own campaign and the non running members keep a semblance of propriety and stand back and let the people of Peru decide who they want to represent them.
I will check on who is blatantly putting the signs in yards and this will be both for aldermen and contractors and let you know.
73 comments:
I believe that elected officials should have a semblance of propriety and keep themselves above the fray because they don't know whom they will be sitting next to in a very short time. I am not "picking" on anyone but just believe that we should follow some common sense.
This is written for the reader who believes I am discriminating against the current aldermen, I am not. Lets not try to prove that politics is a dirty game.
I also believe that especially contractors working for the city, voted on by the council should stay out of the politicing, let the people who are running, do their own thing. It has happened already, a person who runs a large business in Peru, and needs the council vote for his business has signs in his yard for Jamie Mertel. This is wrong. Its not ethical.
I believe you are wrong with your statement. Why would you living in the 1st ward have your friend and supporter of Mayor Harl, Weberski sign in your ward when Steve is trying to run in the 4th ward.
I understand the difference between the 1st ward and the 4th ward is a COMPLETE POLAR OPPOSITE LOCATION IN THE CITY OF PERU. (the east end vs the west end)
Lets not be a hipocrate !
If you are referring to me, I am not an elected official or a contractor making money off the city of Peru.
There are signs for all the people who are running all over the city. If the aldermen want signs in their yard, make it available for everyone who is a candidate and encourage the democratic process of election by the people.
What is happening now is just a symbol of the "good old boys" who have been running things here in Peru.
Thanks God our forefathers gave us freedom of speech. It allows us to put a sign up anywhere we want in our own yard. I guess this blog is now agaist the constitution.
I believe that those running for Alderman should only post signs in the yards of supporters in their own wards. We as voters can only vote for Alderman in our wards and that's where the signs should be. I don't think it's right for those running to be placing huge signs all over town. Just my opinion.
I think it is done because we have a very mobile population, always on the move traveling from one end of the city to the other. I don't have a problem with it, if I have a friend or relative I want to support, I welcome them to my yard. If I were an elected official, I would not allow any.
Myself, I won't have any signs in my yard. I used to allow it but after seeing how Mayor Harl went after some city workers that had Baker signs in their yard I figure that the only things that will be in my front yard is grass and trees.
I would like to add that it is not dirty to offer support or campaign for a fellow council member. There was nothing wrong with them doing so the last election, nor is there this time around. Who better to offer an opinion of a fellow council member or mayor than those who are there giving of their time working with those people?
As 4:09 said, this is absolutely protected political speech, which is why members of congress and the President of the United States can and do campaign for their fellow members and members of their own party. It is the essence of being an American and it is not dirty politics.
Finally, people who work for the city or have contracts can also put up signs and express their opinion. This goes both ways.
Here's to a clean, hard, fair campaign in which all candidates are heard, all citizens express their opinions, and the voters make their decision on April 5.
If you have time to monitor the homes of aldermen and which signs they have in their yard, you truly are missing the point of an election, and I think you might have too much time on your hands.
You do have freedom of speech and I did post your comment. It sounds to me like you do not have a clue about what is right and wrong in a local city election.
We do not have political parties to which the candidates belong, they are all running on their own merits. On the state and national level, elected officials support people of their own party and the platform on which they are running.
Locally we have none of that and elected officials and the candidates have views but not expressed platforms to endorse.
Therefore no signs in the yards of elected officials.
As to my time, you have no clue as to how busy I am and have very little free time.
Lois 9:39am
You say you are VERY busy, I thought you were RETIRED ?
1:13Pm
I am retired only in the sense that I no longer have an employer. I am employed but in my own business and yes I am very busy each and every day. Many obligations also.
9:22 and l:13 apparently you have a lot of free time on your hand if you can post at these times. Here's a question specifically for you. In view of your opinion on candidates signs how would you comment if Mayor Harl had signs in his yard for the new candidates and no incumbents? I bet you would blow a gasket and be the first to criticize.
2:27 and Lois,
9:22 here. I have no idea how you correlate the time of day I submit a post to how busy I am, or even what that means. My reference to Lois and time on her hands was regarding her comment that she has time to drive by the homes of the aldermen to see what signs they have in their yards. I found that a bit unusual, but that is just my opinion. I also think it is silly to post these types of things about candidates of any stripe, but here I am responding so I guess it worked.
As for your comment of Mayor Harl or anyone else putting signs in their yard, my answer is the same. I absolutely support each person's right to do so. You and Lois are entitled to your opinion, even if you are constitutionally incorrect. The Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that this type of political speech is protected, and that was my point.
This sums it up for me: IF I were a candidate, I would not put any other candidate's sign in my yard because I agree with some of the things you have said. But I would NEVER deny another candidate or any other citizen that right, or hold it against them, because they are entitled to do so.
Mayor Harl has more sense than that. He would not interfere in someones right to vote.
2:27 p.m. - You are spot on with that comment.
I would never ask Mayor Harl to allow a Weberski sign in his front yard. And if I did ask I know Harl would politely decline. It's just the honorable thing to do.
Of course there is no law against elected officials openly supporting fellow elected officials. It's the difference between good or poor judgement. All elected officials should remain impartial throughout the election period.
Contractors or employees of contractors placing candidate signs is just plain bad taste and the general public can see right through it.
For example, a friend and ally of TEST, Inc. has recently re-appeared at council meetings and he also attends the after-glow party at Mike's Tap with the aldermen, Roger Chamlin and Chris Perra of TEST. Brian Hartman is an employee of another city contractor, Midwest Av-Tech, and was actually on the city payroll himself for $500 a month under Don Baker as a "light-bulb changer" at the airport. That's why he was on the campaign sign crew for Baker in 09'.
That sweetheart deal was eliminated by the Harl adminstration so he's obviously still sore about that.
Anyway, the point is this guy is out offering support to Dave Potthoff and TEST, Inc. because he knows I exposed that little scam he had going at the airport and he also knows I will hold TEST accountable if I am elected. TEST employees are of course actively supporting Potthoff also. They want things to stay just how they are with aldermen who have no real understanding of public works. That's just politics and campaigning. It's ugly but it's the democratic process. It's not illegal.
People are free to support whomever they choose and I have no problem with that.
You just have to look closely sometimes in order to understand why.
Steve...you say you will hold TEST accountable if elected. Are there problems with the company not doing the job? We don't need another contractor not doing what is promised.
I wonder who got Steve W a job in Depue? Mayor Harl ?
Lois,
Why are you NOT putting all of the citizens comments in this blog that you receive ?
Many blogs nationally are not afraid of ALL comments and they publish them.
Are you again trying to suppress unfavorable comments about the candidates you support ?
9:58PM
You think I am afraid and of what? If your comment is written only to satisfy your sadistic thoughts and have no bearing on the topic, you will not see it posted. The call is mine not yours.
National blogs also have a place to check if you find the comment offensive and many times they are pulled by the owner of the blog. I just make the decision beforehand and don't bother to publish offensive and mean comments.
To 9:11 a.m. - TEST is not subject to proper oversight by the Water and Sewer Committee because the Water and Sewer Committee chairman is Jack O'Beirne. Jack O'Beirne has no clue if the city of Peru is getting quality and cost-effective operations from TEST because Jack O'Beirne doesn't possess a working knowledge of what quality and cost-effective plant operations look like. He and other city insiders have never allowed an honest evaluation of other options. The contract has never been competitively bid, therefore the city has no idea if they are paying too much for the service. TEST has always dictated to Jack O'Beirne and the Water and Sewer Committee the terms and cost of the contracts instead of the other way around. It's that bad!
To 9:55 a.m. - Very clever. Ignorant and inaccurate. But clever.
9:58AM
It is our attempt to keep the blog out of the gutter. If you want to express your point of view in the way you want to start your own blog!!
I am not obliged to give you freedom of speech so I don't know why you don't go away and try some other way to get your point out there because it won't work here.
What's the connection between Brian Hartman and Test? If he doesn't work there why do you care who he supports??
Lois, 11:59am
Thanks for the advice. It looks like after the April 5 election, Lois/Steve and this blog will go away. Hoorah !
To 9:55:STUPID, STUPID, STUPID, YOU KNOW ABSOLUTELY, NOTHING. THE MOST STUPID REMARK,I'VE EVER READ ON THIS BLOG. marvin gum
i thought you were only going to post remarks that make sense-the last one from marvin-what???
8:43AM
He said that it was very stupid to insinuate that Steve Weberski got his job through Mayor Harl.
The 2 men did not even know one another when Steve got his job being referred to. The post from 9:55AM who said that Steve got a job from Scott Harl was a good example of what trouble makers are trying to do by spreading lies and trying to use this blog to do so.
To 7:53 March 5th - Nobody is forcing you to read this blog. If you want it to go away simply SIGN OFF the web site and STAY OFF.
I have a few signs in my yard. Some of the candidates are from my ward, some are not. I may vote for some, I may not. I will vote for the candidate that brings fiscal responsibility back to the City after 40 plus years of arrogant waste. Just imagine where we could have been if we had controlled costs and didn't fill our buddies pockets over the last few decades.
First Ward Alderman Tony Ferrari has a sign for Jamey Mertel in his yard and I challenge Tony to also offer Mike Radtke, the challenger, an opportunity to put one in his yard. Let's see how ethical he is and the same with any other alderman or the engineering contractor with the city who has several Mertel signs on family property.
To 9:18 p.m. - Brian Hartman is entitled to support whomever he chooses. I was only pointing out what I believe his reasons are for supporting certain candidates. The same can be said for owners or employees of city consultants or contractors who actively support sitting aldermen. You don't need a degree to understand why these companies and employees support the status quo. They know the current aldermen will protect their lucrative contracts and their non-stop "Billable Hour" stream.
During the last two Mayoral campaigns TEST employees were planting Baker signs around town using company vehicles during regular business hours.
That's just how embarrassing the situation has become in Peru.
These battle lines were drawn long ago. For those of us who have been paying attention there has never been any doubt which camp holds the moral high ground and which one exists only to serve itself.
It seems to me by the postings on this blog that there are alot of people out there who are very passionate about the upcoming election. I would hope that the postings being witheld are because of the contents and not the opinions or views of the poster.
I'm all for citizens throwing their support behind any candidate they feel worthy of the council seat regardless if they reside in the ward. I can imagine that current council members' hands are tied when it comes to showing support for candidates.
My hope is that everyone not only vote but also encourage others to vote. It's the only chance we have to make changes if we're not satisfied with the current situation. And I for one am ready for new faces and voices on the council.
Along those lines Steve do you think that's the same reason these consultants or contractors join the aldermen at their local hang out after meetings? It is so obvious to those who are involved or interested in our government. We just need to get the word out to those who are still hanging on to the past. To those who refuse to believe that they were fooled into thinking everything was just fine.
9:52Pm
Thank you for your post. Comments withheld are not supporting candidates they are simply bashing the others and not for any particular reason just because they are who they are.
Other comments are bashing the Mayor who is not running and again in generalities or things beyond his control
Hey Steve! I just want to know why do you care so much if Brian Hartman is coming to council meetings and going out to Mike's after that? It's really non of your business.
If you really want to dig a little deeper, maybe Brian doesn't like the mayor because of what he stands for. I guess that can also go for his supporters. Mayor Harl, I believe, made a comment that if it didn't cost the city so much money he would shut the airport down. I know most people would be extremely upset and bitter towards someone for threatening their jobs, livelihood and families welfare. I feel the same way. My husband also works at the airport. He's not an employee of the city. So if we choose to put a sign supporting Potthoff, Mertel or anybody else in our yard, that is non of yours or anybody else's business.
As for TEST, it is a privately owned company and can support whomever they want in the election as well. Again it is free speech. That is one of the joy's of living in this country. If you believe in communism so much maybe you should move to Russia. After all that is what some of you comments are sounding like. Communistic!
4:12PM
If you are Brian writing in as I am totally surprised. Met Brian this past year and he certainly did not seem to be a bitter person. If you are family or friend you do him no good with your comments and I bet most of the residents can see where you are coming from. Most of you who feel this way are living in a very insular world and have no clue how the majority of the residents in this town feel about all the above mentioned.
I have said loudly and clearly that it is not ethical for any city elected official or any contractor making MONEY from the city to have signs in their yards for any currently seated official. I am well aware of who hold hands with who in this city and more people than you can imagine know too. This only reinforces the opinions people already hold about your ethics.
This may have been directed to Steve but indirectly it was also directed to me so if you want me to to repeat this on a daily basis I will at every chance I get loudly and clearly.
Correction, after rereading I realize it is not Brian but perhaps his wife or the wife of another employee.
ANON 4:12 What exactly does Mayor Harl and his supporters stand for? As I am one of his supporters I don't particularly like someone I do not know (and who doesn't know me) telling me what I stand for. Apparently you think it's appropriate behavior for the aforementioned individuals to congregate at Mike's Tap after meetings. I, for one, do not believe they sit there and do not discuss city business when they know that that is illegal. I also feel strongly that it is wrong for individuals who work for the city to be in attendance. Let's face it. If Peru would take away their business from Test and Chamlins those businessess would feel the pinch. Just my opinion.
talk about signs in yards i read the comment from steve about not putting signs in the mayors yard as it would be right but he has no problem putting them in the mayors relatives yards and neighbors yards now does he? what is that all about?
The relatives are not elected officials. Are you aware that even relatives don't always share ideas and convictions?. The Mayor has no signs and that is what is important. The other aldermen have signs in relatives yards. Are you the new Peru Detective checking to see who is related to whom?
Does anyone know if the Potthoff sign located on the corner of Shooting Park and Church Street (by the new school) is legal or not? Wouldn't that be city property? I'm not sure. Does anyone have the answer?
To 4:12 p.m. - As I've stated more than once. You, the sitting aldermen, Brian Hartman, TEST owners and employees, and even I can support whomever we choose. That's not an argument. I am just pointing out the obvious reason these particular people support who they support and I don't think it appropriate for TEST employees to be planting yard signs from TEST trucks while on the city payroll. Is that to much to ask?
If you are familiar with the IV Regional Airport operations you know what I was talking about when I reported on what I referred to as the little "scam" that Mr. Hartman had going up there during the last few years of the Baker administration. He was on the city payroll for $500 a month as a light bulb changer. I simply pointed out that Brian Hartman supported Baker because he knew the scam and his $500 a month would likely go away if Don Baker went away. And he was right!
I understand that the entire situation was just blatant mismanagement on the part of the city and whoever was supposed to protecting the interests of the taxpayers at the airport. There was absolutely no reason for anybody other than city of Peru employees to be maintaining "city" property at that airport. It was wrong. It was just another example of the excess and graft that was Don Baker and his insiders. It was wrong! Just wrong!
Your're not questioning my right to express my thoughts and opinions, are you? Wouldn't that be communistic?
Thank you for commenting Comrade 4:12.
Steve,
First a comment about Bryan, then a quick question. In your post on 3/4 at 8:40 you mention Bryan and his association with Midwest Avtech. Bryan does not represent Midwest Avtech in any official capacity. He is an employee of mine. A very good one at that. And he does a lot of the things that you encourage other people to do. He serves on the Rec Committee, which is a volunteer position and he does a lot with the little league and things like that. He volunteers his time for many things in an effort to make Peru better.
That all being said, is it your opinion that no employee, of any company that does business with the City of Peru, should publicly support a particular candidate. Because, if you think about it, that includes an awful lot of people. And what about city employees. They may have something to gain by the election of one candidate over another. Do you think that they should not publicly support a particular candidate. I think they should be able to support anyone they choose. Everyone has their reasons why they support or don't like a certain candidate. They're free to make campaign contributions to any candidate they choose. So what is wrong if they put a campaign sign in their yard?
It is quite sad how this blog has formulated the subject matter to focus on political signs when the city is broke and going down hill.
Yet the city is ONCE AGAIN ADVERTISING FOR SUMMER HELP TO JOIN THE RANKS OF THE CITY.
I ask you "WHERE IS THAT MONEY COMING FROM TO PAY THIS PART TIME WORTHLESS HELP "?
Why do we need summer help if the current full time employees would only get assigned adequately to do all of the work required?
Where is the Mayor & Department Heads to run a business like the city of Peru ?
Do they know How or is it time to make the change of people before the entire city goes up in flames !
(Rome burned while Nero played the violin, is that the Mayor?)
The Department Heads were approved by the very people who need to be replaced (the aldermen). Where did the money come from to pay this "part time worthless help" under the previous administration? At least now we should have a lot less on our payroll. I do agree with you though that there needs to be more supervision because there is too much wasted time by some employees. I have witnessed a lot of them just riding around town. If the city didn't burn under the previous rule it will definitely not burn now!
Anon 10:53 I also do not find political signs of great significance in the lineup of city problems, but I must commend this blog in being a front runner in unveiling many of the cities problems i.e. that the city is $43,000,000 in debt. Yes, as you mention the city is broke, and I will inform you that this blog not the newspaper or the radio station did any of the investigative research or publication of this huge debt. This same blog which you are chastising!
As for summer help the city has always had summer help. It is not the question of having it but rather the efficient utilization of it. If this is the most efficient and economical method of getting the work done let us continue in this manner. My hat is off to you as being at the bottom of the motivational cesspool for referring to the summer help as "PART TIME WORTHLESS HELP". I am sure that comments such as yours would inspire great work ethics among the youth hired this summer, as I am assured that they will raise themselves above it. You seem to be a real Go, Fight, Win type of individual! Probably holding a 0-99 lifetime record.
I at times have agreed with Mayor Harl and at other times disagreed with him but at all times I have found him open minded and courteous. I have also found him to have a very, very positive attitude for all the negativity he has had to face.
P.S. I don't think the Mayor plays a violin.
Steve knocked on my door two saturdays ago, handed me a postcard and asked me to consider him for the alderman position up in the 4th ward. I not only took his card, I looked him up and was favorably impressed with his site and his informational links.
I'm sick of politics as usual in Peru. Steve caught my interest.
But I have to admit that after reading the posts on this site that he pointed me to - I just don't get it. He's beginning to read like one of the same vindictive good old boys that I was hoping he was looking to replace.
We don't need to waste time with any more pay backs, Steve. I had hoped you would stand for making Peru shine again, not tearing down anyone else.
Put down the darts and pick up a hammer and nail to fix Peru!
Anon 10:53 In reading your comments and questions I had to remark that here is a real thinker. Now could you please inform us of how you would personally address your questions? Being a taxpayer I hope that your education was not from one of our local schools-hate to see my money wasted.
To Me summer help even since the city of Peru has hired this help each past summer is NOT THE REASON TO HIRE THE SUMMER HELP TODAY.
When we are broke, what I don't understand is that, the city is broke. Is that clear ? NO SUMMER PART TIME OR OTHERWISE HELP . PERIOD !
No reasoning in this blog can make it justifiable to hire summer help. Remember the full time folks hired are to JUST DO THE JOB!
To anon 3:58pm
This blog causes more problems and makes a stir over the most worthless issues one can imagine.
A person reading much of this information, asks the question, "what business is it of yours ?" and what can be done about it .
Tell me what has been accomplished as a result of the issue being stated in this blog ?
if we dont have summer help how is the city going to remain a clean and desirable place to live. i am sure they don't need as many as they used to have with the closing of the pool-another sad choice, why did we hire a treasurer -was that a necessary hire? if so what does the city clerk do? doesnt the mayor have the final say? yep ain't change grand???????
I can only say that if you really don't know the answers to the questions you have just written, you must be living in a cave out in the desert. Your post wins the prize for asking the dumbest questions I have heard in awhile and I will not waste my time giving you a response.
How do you consider the closing of the swimming pool -another sad choice? It was a safety issue determined by Williams Aquatics, a professional corporation, who was hired by the Peru City Council for $15,000.
Maybe the city official who could answer your questions about the city treasurer position best would be Alderman Jack who ran for the office of treasurer and would not accept the position upon being elected. Yes, too maintain a financial check and balance system the treasurer office is a MUST to have. Incidentally the present treasurer is the first who can be remembered as honestly performing the requirements of the office-not simply just signing checks.
Yes CHANGE IS GRAND we now have a administration which has a desire to lower our city debt of $43,000,000 along with taking steps forward to create progress. Now if the voters will elect a city council which has the same desires.
Don't even rehash the swimming pool farce. The pool should not have been closed and you do not have all the facts and presented only one side. Now we have one of the largest summer events returning to the area and no recreational/pool area.
To 6:38 p.m. - Thank you for commenting and thank you for the advice also. I picked up that hammer and nail more than six years ago when I made the decision to learn everything I possibly could about Peru politics and how the city was managed and operated. What I learned through attending countless meetings, dozens of conversations with my alderman Dave Potthoff, hundreds of interviews with current and former elected officials and city employees was eye opening to say the least. Early on I was motivated. After learning the facts of corruption, waste, nepotism, etc, etc, etc, I became incenced and sad to say quite obsessed with working to affect some sort of reform. I never intended to run for elected office. I had only hoped to make others aware of the need for change and to help replace the elected officials who were either directly responsible for the legacy of unethical behavior as well as those officals who simply stood by and did nothing to stop it. I have had some success and I have had some cruching defeats along the way as well. About 18 months ago I came to the realization that the most efficient way to effect reform is to attain an elected position myself.
So here I am.
I understand your point about "throwing darts". I am passionate about Peru's past history of excesses by former and some current elected officials and "yes" I am guilty of firing back at some commentors on this blog who insist on attempting to inform the viewers of this blog that I have it all wrong, or I'm a liar and its all fiction. Yes, I am guilty of occasionally resurrecting those tales of the past. I am very proud to say that because of many dedicated and concerned citizens in Peru there has been some much needed reform in how the city is managed. But there is still work to do.
I assure you I am not mired in the past. I am focused on improving the future of Peru with plans for employee training and professional development that will lessen our dependance on the high cost of outside contractors. I am focused on having a Professional Engineer on-staff to lessen our dependence on the high cost of engineering consultants. I am focused on cutting costs and spending in each and every city department and I am focused on streamlining city government by eliminating obscure committees that never meet by combining their functions to four main committees which will allow efficient government and end the gridlock that currently plagues the city council.
I have hammer and nail in hand and I am pounding on the door to the city council chamber with my plans in the pocket of my Carhart overalls. I'm ready to get to work. There are some people hoping to prevent me from entering but many others standing beside me. I hope you decide to stand with me.
I am not vindictive, but I will always remain vigilant never the less.
Anon 9:49 Yes i presented only one side - the professional side - Williams Aquatics. How do you know that I don't have all the facts and that you do? One fact that I do have is that if I employ someone at a price tag of $15,000 for their professional advise I am going to accept their decision. I would add that I would accept the city attorneys legal counseling also.
I am not trying to rehash the swimming pool dilemma but I am answering Anon 6:53. Anon 9:49 when Central States takes place in Peru and Oglesby this summer there will be a pool area.
10:16 you have to be an Illinois politician or someone associated with them to make an assine comment insinuating the more you pay the better the serve. If that is the case, the 600,000+ the City spent on Chamlin last year was beneficial? The City had options to provide for the residents in a cost effective manner that were completely disregarded. Mr. Schweickert is not a "professional" and...you know what forget. What a joke and mockery of the system.
Anon 1:27 Could you please rewrite your comment so that the rest of the world can understand it? You must be having a bad, bad day.
lois you take the prize for the dumbest comments on here, you are so vindictive of anyone who doesnt agree with you, no this administration is no better and i for one am very sady the pool closed and if you ask me that was a very shady deal by the mayor-sorry i dont want to rehah the pool either but i dont think it was decided fairly. as a tax payer i have a voice too.
5:16PM
Chuck since I am the one that initially brought this subject up, I would like to clarify my post to you.
It is wrong in my opinion for any elected official, city employee or any employee of any firm that does business with the city to endorse publicly any current elected official who is seeking to retain his position. First and foremost there is a matter of ethics and even though people say it is just an election and they have the right to express their opinion, putting signs in their yards is in effect trying to influence the public vote. Especially of those people who are not political savy and don't stay abreast of the political comings and goings in this city.
Individuals not connected to the city can put as many signs in their yard as they wish and the above mentioned individuals if they choose to allow signs need to allow all.
It is well known that some current alderman and some individuals working for companies doing business with the city frequent the local bar known as Mikes after most meetings. Common sense tells us that they all develop a comraderie amongst themselves that they would like to see continued. After all they don't want to break up what they consider a good thing. Not exactly why they were elected in the first place but they seem to forget that.
Chuck you mentioned that they might have something to gain and again IMHO that is the absolute worst reason to display a sign. The majority of the residents are not voting for personal gain they are voting for individuals who they believe will better serve the majority of the people not a selected few.
Lois,
"any employee of any firm that does business with the city" covers a lot of people. You're talking about banks, hardware and building supply stores, gas stations, contractors, the hospital, etc. How would you enforce this? And if you don't enforce it, then how would the employees at one company know that an employee from their competitor doesn't have a yard sign? If you're talking about voluntary compliance, that's fine. But I would rather see people voluntarily educate themselves on the issues and vote for the candidate that they think will do the best job, not the one with the most yard signs.
3:12 exactly my point you were not presented with the facts and the public was misguided. They were not presented with information regarding a pool liner that would suffice until funds could be allocated properly. Were you aware of the original letter Kristie sent to help save the pool and errors in Williams report? Of course not, one sided information.
7:20PM
I do believe that if the Peru chose to line the swimming pool, there would be no guarantee because the base is in such bad condition. Anyone else remember the specifics?
Lois
I have to comment, even though I understand your point, it negates the concept of democracy. Individuals support candidates in many forms (political contributions, campaign signs, like contributions, PACs, Union dues, etc.)and based on the fundamental beliefs established between the Democratic and Republican parties that is how people determine who they will vote for. The owner of TEST may support a candidate who is for small business growth and believes in growing the economy by utilizing small businesses. The owner of X Construction may support a candidate who is for union workers in the private sector to stimulate economic growth. Whether we agree or not, both parties have that option.
Perhaps instead of attacking those who provide the services and exercise those rights, we should look for ways to balance the playing field? After all it is a matter of time before the events in bordering States arrive in Illinois.
Kristy
7:40PM
I know Peru City government well enough to know that the reason the non verbal endorsements are appearing on the lawns of 2 alderman and 1 contractor and 1 employee is non of the reasons you have stated.
Having observed city councils in this city for many years (about 25 years), I have watched them in person and heard about other activities from reliable sources and this is nothing new but hopefully something that future council members will be above. I can always hope. I do believe that this type of behavior discourages many intelligent, educated men and women from getting involved in local politics and until we can actually elect that type of person, our city will continue to suffer.
Not sure what you mean by "level the playing field"
Lois
I also know Peru government very well and you seem to be missing the fact, these individuals indeed have the right to place a sign in their yard regardless of why they are doing it. Just like contributions are allowed regardless of who is making them. Political endorsements are the blood of any campaign.
As far as intelligent, educated men and women becoming involved you are off base with that comment and actually offend me and I imagine other readers. I will give you a brief lesson on why most people become involved in politics. One main reason involve occurs is because individuals have families, households, careers, business, and lifestyles to maintain. At anytime when one of these areas is affected because a politician decided to regulate or dictate what is best for their family, household, career, business or lifestyle you have then caused someone to be involved in politics.
Kristy
8:48 PM
Evidently I expect more of my elected officials than you do and I stand by my statements.
I don't need a lesson, my education has already been extensive. You have right to believe what you please and I have the same right and I don't believe that people become involved in politics because they are affected by what politicians do. I believe that some people are motivated by an interest in government and a desire to improve the lives of people and they feel that they can do a better job than the people whose position they seek.
The people you mentioned who are affected by something are usually there until their problem is solved and then they move on. If it were otherwise, we would have long lines of people constantly seeking office, especially in small towns and we don't.
Education does not necessarily mean a multitude of college degrees, it can be learning skills that enable you to make a living and a willingness to continue to learn, a desire to continue to seek information and to put that information in use to make either a city, state or country a better place for everyone. Many times after talking to someone who has knowledge of something I know nothing about and they explain the unknown to me, I comment "That was quite an education"
"the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life." from dictionary.com
Study after study show people do not become involved in government because they are too busy with "life" that is a fact. When the people (remember of the people for the people) realize how they have been affected and they can no longer bear the factions that have become detrimental to our foundation as a country; you will see events as those in the past two years all over the Country.
I am confused because you preached for a "fair" government and expecting more, while supporting a candidate who indeed utilizes the same questionabl YET legal tactics you so oppose.
"knowledge: acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles as from study or investigation- familiarity or conversance, as with a particular subject or branch of learning" from dictionary.com
Kristy
7:30
Actually the core samples are questionable and Williams could not verify if rebarb was present. Also the swimming pool core samples are more stable than the road slide on Water Street that are mainly cynder. That information is in black and white and difficult to debate.
Kristy
To Chuck 5:16 p.m. March 11 - I apologize for not responding to your comment from the 11th. I had not seen it until just now.
I agree with you that all citizens are free to support any candidate they choose. That includes your employees, city employees, TEST and Chamlin employees and so on. My point remains that if that support is based on a "Quid Pro Quo" that is intended to result in financial gain for an individual or a company, that support must be considered suspect.
I know that scenario can apply to many individuals and many businesses. That type of support is not the same as supporting a candidate who you feel is just a good person for the job and all you expect in return for your support is an honest effort to improve Peru.
As a candidate and a citizen, I believe its important to know what motivaties certain individuals and companies to back certain candidates over others.
And, I understand why Bryan Hartman and Midwest Avtech employees in general would be likely to support certain candidates instead of others. I'm quite sure there is no support for WEBERSKI in the 4th Ward from your employees, friends, friends of friends, etc, etc.
You all have every right to endorse the candidates you choose. I have no problem with that.
See you at the next council meeting.
guarranteed i will support my candidate and it will be the person that already is in the post, i belive in him and has my full support, i have lived in peru for many many years and i used to be proud to say i lived here, this post which about 10 people read make it look like its straight out of some wild western era.. not true
11:13PM
Your comment and your potential vote shows me that you are totally unaware of the real world we live in. On an average day, we get from 150 to 250 pages of this blog read. This is for real and this blog is analyzed on a daily basis and I have the information at my fingertips.
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