This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“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
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Interesting contrasts between 1st Ward candidates / Let the comments begin
31 comments:
Anonymous
said...
The differences between the candidates are very clear. VOTE FOR MERTEL if you want someone to act on behalf of the first ward and for the city concerns. Mr Radtke does not explain anything that is for the good of the ward or the city. He talks like a yes man for the mayor.
You are way off base 6:32. What exactly has Mr. Mertel done for the 1st ward and when has Mr. Radtke had the opportunity to explain or do anything yet?
To All If you have read the attachment that Lois has provided from the news trib , you will plainly read that Radtke does not stand for the first ward but is a voice sound and that is all. Nothing that brings me to vote for him.
If you are only going to vote for someone because they are new or a different face, you will NOT BE DEMONSTRATING THE AMERICAN WAY.
That would be foolish and stupid to waste your vote. The question of all candidates including Radtke is to hear what will he do for the first ward ? What does he stand for ? Based on what so far he has said and how he is campaigning, he is a mayor supporter instead of a voice for us, the People of the first ward. We need Mertel because he stands up for the first ward. Attend the council meetings and you will agree with me that he is a strong voice for us .
Mr Mertel, has worked very hard for the citizens of Peru. As an elected official there is no way he will make every person happy with his decisions. As stated in his responce he has negotiated 7 contracts with the employees of the city and their "unions" and those have been fair and equitable for both sides. He also has worked very hard on the sewer problems on the North end of the city. Which can't be fixed overnight. He will get my vote and those who can vote in my house hold. Keep up the good work Mr. Mertel.
You are saying it is wrong to be a supporter of Mayor Harl and in a round about manner indicate that a vote for Mr Mertel will be a way to continue the obstructionism that has existed for the past 2 years by the present council. And you want that to continue for 2 more years?. There are many people here in the First Ward that would certainly disagee with you. I do believe there will be a large vote here in the 1st.
Lois, After reading the comment 9:39 are you saying that it doesen't matter who runs you just want someone different. How has Mr. Mertel been an obstruction?
10:20PM I did not say that it doesn't matter who is running. I interpreted your first posting that you were opposing Mike Radtke because in your mind he is a Harl supporter. I don't know whether he is or is not. After all the council meetings I have attended I KNOW that Mr Mertel and most of the council will not agree to anything the Mayor wants done. For example fewer meetings per month, televised council meetings and the decision to close the swimming pool after the council hired engineers to check it out. They said it was unsafe, the city atty said they would be liable for lawsuits and the insurance agent said that the company would not insure the pool. But Mr Mertel stated it should have been repaired and opened. He is entitled to his opinion right or wrong. Don't get me wrong Mertel has never singly opposed anything.
Lois, Ok I see what you are saying. I think Mr. Mertel questioning the Mayor can be interpeted as opposing. Could it be he is thinking of the future of the city, and trying to move forward. Even though the paths may seem different schools of thought?
Please tell me specifically what Mr. Mertel has done for the lst ward and what makes you think Mr. Radke is not for the lst ward. He lives there and is running there which should indicate to you and everyone else that he cares about the lst ward and wants to see some changes made.
To 9:29 a.m. - The city of Peru, like the great majority of other smaller municipalities contracts the services of law firms who speacialize in employment and labor issues. In the case of Peru that firm is Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins, LTD from their Chicago office. Attorney Tom Melody has been the lead man representing the interests of the city of Peru in these negotiations with the attorneys representing the interests of the various labor unions. The professional attorneys on either side provide the expertise in these matters. Not the aldermen. Although I'm sure Alderman Mertel and others are allowed to observe the meetings.
11:15 PM I don't think so because everything he has opposed would have saved the city money. Maybe ask Mr Mertel about the bicycle path he proposed and which the alderman all voted to hire Chamlin to detail for them. There was one meeting in which Chamlin Associates presented a map of the city which will be outdated by the time if ever a path is built. Cost 3,000.
I'm still stumped. Went back and re-read Mr. Dankert's article above. Could not find one question that pertained strictly for ward l or one comment that Mr. Mertel stated that told us what he has done for our ward. He did state that we have a contract with PVAS - which we don't. He did say he was in favor of opening a dysfunctional pool even though it didn't meet safety standards. And, he still thinks Peru is financial sound and not in debt. My thoughts!
12:20 PM Why don't you ask Mr Mertel? And while you are at it ask him what he thinks of me? But cover you ears when he answers that question. You are very funny to think I am working for Mertels re election. Not sure what you are been drinking this morning but it definitely has left you with a foggy brain.
We already have 7 of them, why would I want another? Are you confusing me with the other blog or what? I want independent intelligent men and women who think for themselves and not influenced by the rest on the council. That sure does not sound like I want any good old boys.
I just read the News Trib and they have the 3rd ward candidates with their replies to the questionaire. After reading it, OMG, Mary should win in a landslide!
To 11:39 I never questioned Mr. Radtke's willingness to serve the the people of the 1st ward. But it does seem funny that he works closely with another canidate who also is backed by the same local's that backed the Mayor two years ago. "Not saying , but saying" future good ole boy 2.0 My only experance with Mr. Mertel is when my basement flooded, and I called him to find out what was wrong with the sewers, I was informed of what the problem was and I knew it wasn't his fault. The city has worked very hard to fix that problem. As for the pool I don't want something unsafe,for the children of our city but we do need a public pool. I'm infavor of the 5.00 a month on my city bill.
Some of you have said in the past that Mayor Harl does not display leadership. I believe that he has displayed leadership and this can be proven by the new found interest in the city council elections. In the past most positions went unopposed in this election we have eleven candidates running for four positions. Recently the city had eleven citizens step forward to fill one position. I must add that it is great that twenty -two people have thrown their hats into the ring but it is even greater that twenty-two people of such high qualifications have shown their interest to serve Peru and its citizens.
I encourage everyone to show a appreciation to all the candidates on April 5th by getting out and voting.
That sounds like you admit that we have a lot of good old boys already sitting on the council. Mr Radtke is independent and is not working with anyone else, I know for a fact that he has run his own campaign and done all the work associated with it. Walking door to door to every household in the First Ward to introduce himself to those that were home. He has not completed the job yet but is over half way there. Most of these people have never ever seen Mr. Mertel because he publicly stated he did not need the votes south of Shooting Park Road in a previous election.
To 3:11 So if you look at most city governments they all have a flavor of the good ole boys club. that is where term limits come into play. I would like to see that in Peru. I beg to differ.Isn't Mr. Radtke working with the other canidates that are being sponsored by the local union at the meet and greet tonight at the Maples? I didn't hear of any incumbent being invited? Am I wrong? And I don't belive Mr. Mertel would say he did't need the votes south of shooting Park I would have have more proff than your say so!!!
oh - but he has said it 3:58. Many, many times. I too believe in term limits. I think 2 (8 YEARS) is more than enough. I believe the only running candidate that does not exceed this limit is Waldorf.
It is very unfortunate that the LaSalle Peru area has no organization willing to host a forum for all candidates. Sad but true that the area has never deemed it to be important. Perhaps it was because there never was much of an interest in our city government. This year is different and unless you live in a cave or maintain a home that you never actually live in (yes I know one just like that about a block from me) you know very well what the present council members stand for. It has been reported in the News Trib and sometimes even The Ottawa Times or Bureau County Republican, we know them, there are no surprises. On the other hand I am happy to hear that someone is taking this in hand and presenting the other candidates to the public in a forum where anyone can come and meet them. You may not approve of the hosts but if this is what is available to them. Cheers, hope it is successful.
Wish I lived in the 3rd Ward. Wow. Mary, you would have my vote if I could. A fiscally responsible alderman sitting in the $3,000,000 plus new City Hall. Actually, the 3rd City Hall in how many years? Mirror building was how much too? Good Luck Lady. You can put a sign in my yard any day!
Can anybody in this City tell me why an alderman needs to sit on the Board of a private organization? (PVAS) Is there an ordinance that requires 3 alderman to sit on the Hospital Board too? Doesn't IVCH provide a great community service that saves the lives of our citizens too? I just have to laugh at the person in the paper that said the PVAS should remain a private entity and yet also be governed by at least 3 alderman? Do i smell contradiction of theory here? The grocery stores provide a service, the schools provide a service, the retailers provide a service. According to a few alderman, we should mandate at least 3 alderman on each of those business's boards too??? Somebody needs to go back to school and refresh their logic and theory courses.
Thought provoking comments, thank you, for making so much sense. Although we have a new mayor, the old council remains in place with the same old behaviors which never questioned the bylaws of the ambulance service. Once the bylaws were made public for the first time, we were able to see how it was designed to not be a part of the city but just the same run by aldermen who had total control with no one to watch over them or question their decisions. Unbelievable and it must be changed.
31 comments:
The differences between the candidates are very clear. VOTE FOR MERTEL if you want someone to act on behalf of the first ward and for the city concerns.
Mr Radtke does not explain anything that is for the good of the ward or the city. He talks like a yes man for the mayor.
And what exactly has Mr. Mertel done for ward 1? You have got to be kidding!
You are way off base 6:32. What exactly has Mr. Mertel done for the 1st ward and when has Mr. Radtke had the opportunity to explain or do anything yet?
To All
If you have read the attachment that Lois has provided from the news trib , you will plainly read that Radtke does not stand for the first ward but is a voice sound and that is all. Nothing that brings me to vote for him.
If you are only going to vote for someone because they are new or a different face, you will NOT BE DEMONSTRATING THE AMERICAN WAY.
That would be foolish and stupid to waste your vote.
The question of all candidates including Radtke is to hear what will he do for the first ward ? What does he stand for ? Based on what so far he has said and how he is campaigning, he is a mayor supporter instead of a voice for us, the People of the first ward.
We need Mertel because he stands up for the first ward. Attend the council meetings and you will agree with me that he is a strong voice for us .
Mr Mertel, has worked very hard for the citizens of Peru. As an elected official there is no way he will make every person happy with his decisions. As stated in his responce he has negotiated 7 contracts with the employees of the city and their "unions" and those have been fair and equitable for both sides. He also has worked very hard on the sewer problems on the North end of the city. Which can't be fixed overnight. He will get my vote and those who can vote in my house hold. Keep up the good work Mr. Mertel.
9:01AM
You are saying it is wrong to be a supporter of Mayor Harl and in a round about manner indicate that a vote for Mr Mertel will be a way to continue the obstructionism that has existed for the past 2 years by the present council. And you want that to continue for 2 more years?. There are many people here in the First Ward that would certainly disagee with you.
I do believe there will be a large vote here in the 1st.
Lois,
After reading the comment 9:39 are you saying that it doesen't matter who runs you just want someone different. How has Mr. Mertel been an obstruction?
10:20PM
I did not say that it doesn't matter who is running. I interpreted your first posting that you were opposing Mike Radtke because in your mind he is a Harl supporter. I don't know whether he is or is not.
After all the council meetings I have attended I KNOW that Mr Mertel and most of the council will not agree to anything the Mayor wants done. For example fewer meetings per month, televised council meetings and the decision to close the swimming pool after the council hired engineers to check it out. They said it was unsafe, the city atty said they would be liable for lawsuits and the insurance agent said that the company would not insure the pool. But Mr Mertel stated it should have been repaired and opened. He is entitled to his opinion right or wrong. Don't get me wrong Mertel has never singly opposed anything.
Lois,
Ok I see what you are saying. I think Mr. Mertel questioning the Mayor can be interpeted as opposing. Could it be he is thinking of the future of the city, and trying to move forward.
Even though the paths may seem different schools of thought?
Please tell me specifically what Mr. Mertel has done for the lst ward and what makes you think Mr. Radke is not for the lst ward. He lives there and is running there which should indicate to you and everyone else that he cares about the lst ward and wants to see some changes made.
To 9:29 a.m. - The city of Peru, like the great majority of other smaller municipalities contracts the services of law firms who speacialize in employment and labor issues. In the case of Peru that firm is Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins, LTD from their Chicago office. Attorney Tom Melody has been the lead man representing the interests of the city of Peru in these negotiations with the attorneys representing the interests of the various labor unions. The professional attorneys on either side provide the expertise in these matters. Not the aldermen. Although I'm sure Alderman Mertel and others are allowed to observe the meetings.
11:15 PM
I don't think so because everything he has opposed would have saved the city money. Maybe ask Mr Mertel about the bicycle path he proposed and which the alderman all voted to hire Chamlin to detail for them. There was one meeting in which Chamlin Associates presented a map of the city which will be outdated by the time if ever a path is built. Cost 3,000.
Thanks Lois,
Your comments to all of the earlier blogs indicate that you ARE IN FAVOR OF MR MERTEL RATHER THEN RADTKE. GOOD!
Thank God for common sense and support of the first ward ..
I'm still stumped. Went back and re-read Mr. Dankert's article above. Could not find one question that pertained strictly for ward l or one comment that Mr. Mertel stated that told us what he has done for our ward. He did state that we have a contract with PVAS - which we don't. He did say he was in favor of opening a dysfunctional pool even though it didn't meet safety standards. And, he still thinks Peru is financial sound and not in debt. My thoughts!
12:20 PM
Why don't you ask Mr Mertel? And while you are at it ask him what he thinks of me? But cover you ears when he answers that question.
You are very funny to think I am working for Mertels re election. Not sure what you are been drinking this morning but it definitely has left you with a foggy brain.
Lois,
Sounds like you want somebody that will be a "Good Old Boy". Didn't we try to do away with that two years ago?
1:40 PM
We already have 7 of them, why would I want another? Are you confusing me with the other blog or what?
I want independent intelligent men and women who think for themselves and not influenced by the rest on the council. That sure does not sound like I want any good old boys.
I just read the News Trib and they have the 3rd ward candidates with their replies to the questionaire.
After reading it, OMG, Mary should win in a landslide!
To 11:39
I never questioned Mr. Radtke's willingness to serve the the people of the 1st ward. But it does seem funny that he works closely with another canidate who also is backed by the same local's that backed the Mayor two years ago. "Not saying , but saying" future good ole boy 2.0 My only experance with Mr. Mertel is when my basement flooded, and I called him to find out what was wrong with the sewers, I was informed of what the problem was and I knew it wasn't his fault. The city has worked very hard to fix that problem. As for the pool I don't want something unsafe,for the children of our city but we do need a public pool. I'm infavor of the 5.00 a month on my city bill.
To Voters of Peru, Il.
Some of you have said in the past that Mayor Harl does not display leadership. I believe that he has displayed leadership and this can be proven by the new found interest in the city council elections. In the past most positions went unopposed in this election we have eleven candidates running for four positions. Recently the city had eleven citizens step forward to fill one position. I must add that it is great that twenty -two people have thrown their hats into the ring but it is even greater that twenty-two people of such high qualifications have shown their interest to serve Peru and its citizens.
I encourage everyone to show a appreciation to all the candidates on April 5th by getting out and voting.
2:53PM
That sounds like you admit that we have a lot of good old boys already sitting on the council. Mr Radtke is independent and is not working with anyone else, I know for a fact that he has run his own campaign and done all the work associated with it. Walking door to door to every household in the First Ward to introduce himself to those that were home. He has not completed the job yet but is over half way there. Most of these people have never ever seen Mr. Mertel because he publicly stated he did not need the votes south of Shooting Park Road in a previous election.
Lois - Are you going to print the 3rd wards answers as you did the first and let people comment?
Yes I will
To 3:11
So if you look at most city governments they all have a flavor of the good ole boys club. that is where term limits come into play. I would like to see that in Peru. I beg to differ.Isn't Mr. Radtke working with the other canidates that are being sponsored by the local union at the meet and greet tonight at the Maples? I didn't hear of any incumbent being invited? Am I wrong? And I don't belive Mr. Mertel would say he did't need the votes south of shooting Park I would have have more proff than your say so!!!
oh - but he has said it 3:58. Many, many times. I too believe in term limits. I think 2 (8 YEARS) is more than enough. I believe the only running candidate that does not exceed this limit is Waldorf.
It is very unfortunate that the LaSalle Peru area has no organization willing to host a forum for all candidates. Sad but true that the area has never deemed it to be important. Perhaps it was because there never was much of an interest in our city government.
This year is different and unless you live in a cave or maintain a home that you never actually live in (yes I know one just like that about a block from me) you know very well what the present council members stand for. It has been reported in the News Trib and sometimes even The Ottawa Times or Bureau County Republican, we know them, there are no surprises.
On the other hand I am happy to hear that someone is taking this in hand and presenting the other candidates to the public in a forum where anyone can come and meet them. You may not approve of the hosts but if this is what is available to them. Cheers, hope it is successful.
Wish I lived in the 3rd Ward. Wow. Mary, you would have my vote if I could. A fiscally responsible alderman sitting in the $3,000,000 plus new City Hall. Actually, the 3rd City Hall in how many years? Mirror building was how much too? Good Luck Lady. You can put a sign in my yard any day!
Can anybody in this City tell me why an alderman needs to sit on the Board of a private organization? (PVAS) Is there an ordinance that requires 3 alderman to sit on the Hospital Board too? Doesn't IVCH provide a great community service that saves the lives of our citizens too? I just have to laugh at the person in the paper that said the PVAS should remain a private entity and yet also be governed by at least 3 alderman? Do i smell contradiction of theory here? The grocery stores provide a service, the schools provide a service, the retailers provide a service. According to a few alderman, we should mandate at least 3 alderman on each of those business's boards too??? Somebody needs to go back to school and refresh their logic and theory courses.
9:11PM
Thought provoking comments, thank you, for making so much sense. Although we have a new mayor, the old council remains in place with the same old behaviors which never questioned the bylaws of the ambulance service. Once the bylaws were made public for the first time, we were able to see how it was designed to not be a part of the city but just the same run by aldermen who had total control with no one to watch over them or question their decisions. Unbelievable and it must be changed.
ART GIESE FOR ALDERMAN !!
WRITE HIM IN!!
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