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
I'm glad someone on the council suggested Wiggleyville. It is a contained area where the event could be held and at the same time allow for the safety of the other park guests. Why is the organizer not complying with the conditions? Rules are rules. I think the conditions that the City is offerring for the new location and other requirements are very fair. Also, all animal competitions that I have either particpated in or attended require health certifications of the animal and a VET is on the grounds for emergency needs. Why would someone that truely loves the health and well being of their pet not want the security of a VET on hand. These dogs are straining quite a bit and injuries do occur. Also, if you don't have liability insurance for an event, then you have no business bringing your personal life style to a public place. EVERY legitimate organizer provides liability coverage listing all entities with possible exposure to a claim as additional insured. I wouldn't imagine that the City attorney or commercial insurance agent would allow otherwise.
If our council had asked the appropriate questions and investigated this "dog pulling competition" before they voted we would not be in the position we are in today. Maybe the elected officials need to start reading this blog because it does allow citizens to voice their opinions and ask questions that they otherwise don't feel comfortable posing them publicly at a meeting. This blog allows them to speak their mind and seek answers to questions they may have and possibly get answers without being ridiculed.
Someone on the council may have mentioned Wiggley Field but what they should know is that a citizens and fellow bloggers mentioned just that solution on April 7, 2011. I guess it takes time for this kind of information to sink in and of course we all know that it carries more weight when it comes from our council.
If you go back to a comment made on April 7th at 1:30 under the heading of, Once again some council members show how out of touch they are, you will see that an individual made that suggestion. You are right 11:28 they should start reading the blog and listening to the folks...Who knows, maybe they did and that is where they got the wonderful idea to host it at Wiggley Field. But will they ever admit that the idea came from the blog? I doubt it.
According to a poster on the N.T. blog, maybe Wiggley Field is also a no go as he states that there will be numerous baseball games taking place at that location on that day. Parking seems to be at a premium at all times at Veterans Park when activities particularly baseball is occuring. I think the city needs to make a very comprehensive calendar and check it thoroughly before granting permission for any event. According to Peru Police Chief Bernabei, a childrens walk was already schedulaed at Baker Lake on May 14 at the same time Rodriquez asked to allow his dog pull to take place. My question is is this is true, why didn't the elected officials of Peru know about it. Maybe a huge calendar needs to be located in city hall so people can check for open dates and for events they might be interested in.
Lois: who said there will be baseball games that day? If that is even a remote possibility there is no way a dog pull can occur at the same time. Why does it take citizens to present these conflicts and not our council? Don't they each have a calendar listing the events they approved and the dates or at least a master calendar left in the chambers? Doesn't look professional to me!
Its a public park and open to the public. The only reason permission was needed in the case of the dog pull is the fact that you need a special exemption to have dogs in the park for that particular day. Its unreasonable to believe that a city council would have to approve every event like a ball game or a charity walk. What would stop a person to have a dog pull at the dog park? Nothing. If the guy wants to put a tire around his dog's neck at the dog park, its his choice. Why the rules, why the outrage? Sounds like a waste of time for a Mayor to be writing up rules and spending time with a issue like a dog pull.
I really like the idea of a community calendar of events being held on city property. I hope that would not invade too many privacy rights if it was being held on public property. I see that the city already has an events page, but could it be expanded to account for all events held in city parks? It's very difficult to track events in multiple places and we are always looking for something to do. Good idea.
11:28 I'm sure most council members read blogs. As a citizen I have jumped around from blog to blog, from the Chicago and Lasalle Trib to this one.
I very seldom will post, but when I do, I sign my name to it.I will continue monitoring blog posts after I get sworn in next week because I feel as you do..People post some great ideas on blogs. "Input,and feedback" is.. the "Breakfast of Champions" Blogs can be harsh on certain individuals or groups, but, if there was no freedom of speech we wouldn't be living in the greatest country in the world. There is no doubt I will work to give my constituents and the citizens of Peru a better place to live and work... there's no doubt, I'm going to be ruffling feathers while I'm doing it. But.. I will "always" "respect the individual" and walk away knowing, I did "The right thing" for the citizens, the city, and not myself or a certain organization. I encourage everyone that has a concern to step up and contact their council member when an issue comes up. If we want to see real change.. "Everyone" has to get involved in one way or another.
I will be hosting my first forum for the 2nd ward on Saturday, July 23rd 3:00p.m. at the Peru Municipal Building. I will have further details and postings at a later date.
what changes are you looking for....be specific. We all have heard about this change thing. Another political slogin. At least you could call your get together something more original than a FORUM. I believe Lois has the rights to the FORUM name.
Thanks Rodney for taking the time to stop by and make a comment, it is appreciated and shows your commitment as an elected official to help Peru become a better place.
Rodney, I hope all you are saying comes to past. We need an independent thinker. I hope the other new aldermen will also be self thinkers. Good Luck on your new endeavor.
9:44 You seem to be a bitter unhappy person. You must have been a Baker supporter and one who has yet gotten over his defeat. My God, you had 44 years give someone else a chance.
Thanks for your feedback because your post is part of the "change" I'm looking for, you asked a legitimate question and also gave a suggestion. I was actually thinking of calling my meeting something other than a "forum" but I was just dropping a quick comment and just went with it.
Going away from the same ole talking points, bumper sticker slogans and Putting words into action along with being myself is what helped me get elected, I'm not an ordinary politician and feel more comfortable using "my" own words because I can relate with people better. Your comment about using "Forum" supported my thinking on that..So "Thank You!!" On July 23rd. I will host my first "Coffee Break Grassroots meeting"
The other type of changes that I'm looking for will take time because years of political corruption and selfishness on all levels of government has caused..as low as 20% turn out at the voting polls, loss of respect for their leaders, because leaders have not led by example, lost touch with the people and have set their own agendas and many citizens have given up. I'm, by no means saying or thinking.. I'm going to change the world or make "everyone happy", But..I'm going to lead by example and work closely with my constituents, the other council-members and the Mayor so we can continue to get things done.
Being a public servant, volunteering within the community for many years has showed me that when TEAMED up with other volunteers within a community " anything is possible," We have huge hearts within the IL. Valley and during these economic times, people and communities in need.. need volunteers the most to get the impossible done. Volunteerism brings a community closer and stronger with the benefit of making new friends. Everyone at one time or another has experienced the Power of "Volunteering" whether it was helping a neighbor carry groceries in the house or helping an organization like "Project Santa" get gifts to the troops.
Another one of my many other changes I have in mind is How we spend the tax payers dollar, I will support spending to build our infrastructure as a whole, which will include finding ways to bring growth and jobs to Peru
Well 9:44 I hope I answered your questions. Feel free to call or text me anytime if you have any other questions for me, or I'm sure your councilman would be happy to hear from you too.
P.S. I only visit this blog occasionally, so please.. If someone posts something for or about me don't always expect feedback, I encourage personal contact to discuss issues or concerns.E-mails and texts can easily be taken out of context and normally will not make it a practice to communicate the issues that way.
Rodney - Thanks for being accessible to the citizens of Peru. I agree completely with your thoughts regarding volunteerism in the community. When community leaders encourage citizens to get involved and contribute the results can be amazing. Community pride will increase as well. I'm excited already.
Steve, I had a constituent contact me on Saturday regarding several topics of volunteerism within the community that she would like to see go forward.. from cleaning up neighborhoods to gathering volunteers to help with educating individuals with special needs like..reading and learning to starting projects or events to keep our youth busy and involved within the community. People want to volunteer but need encouragement, direction and support from their leaders. Hope all is well. Thanks, Rodney
17 comments:
I'm glad someone on the council suggested Wiggleyville. It is a contained area where the event could be held and at the same time allow for the safety of the other park guests. Why is the organizer not complying with the conditions? Rules are rules. I think the conditions that the City is offerring for the new location and other requirements are very fair. Also, all animal competitions that I have either particpated in or attended require health certifications of the animal and a VET is on the grounds for emergency needs. Why would someone that truely loves the health and well being of their pet not want the security of a VET on hand. These dogs are straining quite a bit and injuries do occur. Also, if you don't have liability insurance for an event, then you have no business bringing your personal life style to a public place. EVERY legitimate organizer provides liability coverage listing all entities with possible exposure to a claim as additional insured. I wouldn't imagine that the City attorney or commercial insurance agent would allow otherwise.
If our council had asked the appropriate questions and investigated this "dog pulling competition" before they voted we would not be in the position we are in today. Maybe the elected officials need to start reading this blog because it does allow citizens to voice their opinions and ask questions that they otherwise don't feel comfortable posing them publicly at a meeting. This blog allows them to speak their mind and seek answers to questions they may have and possibly get answers without being ridiculed.
Someone on the council may have mentioned Wiggley Field but what they should know is that a citizens and fellow bloggers mentioned just that solution on April 7, 2011. I guess it takes time for this kind of information to sink in and of course we all know that it carries more weight when it comes from our council.
If you go back to a comment made on April 7th at 1:30 under the heading of, Once again some council members show how out of touch they are, you will see that an individual made that suggestion. You are right 11:28 they should start reading the blog and listening to the folks...Who knows, maybe they did and that is where they got the wonderful idea to host it at Wiggley Field. But will they ever admit that the idea came from the blog? I doubt it.
According to a poster on the N.T. blog, maybe Wiggley Field is also a no go as he states that there will be numerous baseball games taking place at that location on that day. Parking seems to be at a premium at all times at Veterans Park when activities particularly baseball is occuring.
I think the city needs to make a very comprehensive calendar and check it thoroughly before granting permission for any event. According to Peru Police Chief Bernabei, a childrens walk was already schedulaed at Baker Lake on May 14 at the same time Rodriquez asked to allow his dog pull to take place. My question is is this is true, why didn't the elected officials of Peru know about it.
Maybe a huge calendar needs to be located in city hall so people can check for open dates and for events they might be interested in.
Lois: who said there will be baseball games that day? If that is even a remote possibility there is no way a dog pull can occur at the same time. Why does it take citizens to present these conflicts and not our council? Don't they each have a calendar listing the events they approved and the dates or at least a master calendar left in the chambers? Doesn't look professional to me!
I read it on the News Trib comments (blog)after the dog story.
Its a public park and open to the public. The only reason permission was needed in the case of the dog pull is the fact that you need a special exemption to have dogs in the park for that particular day. Its unreasonable to believe that a city council would have to approve every event like a ball game or a charity walk. What would stop a person to have a dog pull at the dog park? Nothing. If the guy wants to put a tire around his dog's neck at the dog park, its his choice. Why the rules, why the outrage? Sounds like a waste of time for a Mayor to be writing up rules and spending time with a issue like a dog pull.
I really like the idea of a community calendar of events being held on city property. I hope that would not invade too many privacy rights if it was being held on public property. I see that the city already has an events page, but could it be expanded to account for all events held in city parks? It's very difficult to track events in multiple places and we are always looking for something to do. Good idea.
11:28
I'm sure most council members read blogs. As a citizen I have jumped around from blog to blog, from the Chicago and Lasalle Trib to this one.
I very seldom will post, but when I do, I sign my name to it.I will continue monitoring blog posts after I get sworn in next week because I feel as you do..People post some great ideas on blogs. "Input,and feedback" is.. the "Breakfast of Champions"
Blogs can be harsh on certain individuals or groups, but, if there was no freedom of speech we wouldn't be living in the greatest country in the world.
There is no doubt I will work to give my constituents and the citizens of Peru a better place to live and work... there's no doubt, I'm going to be ruffling feathers while I'm doing it. But.. I will "always" "respect the individual" and walk away knowing, I did "The right thing"
for the citizens, the city, and not myself or a certain organization.
I encourage everyone that has a concern to step up and contact their council member when an issue comes up. If we want to see real change.. "Everyone" has to get involved in one way or another.
I will be hosting my first forum for the 2nd ward on Saturday, July 23rd 3:00p.m. at the Peru Municipal Building.
I will have further details and postings at a later date.
Thanks, and keep blogging away!!
Rodney
what changes are you looking for....be specific. We all have heard about this change thing. Another political slogin. At least you could call your get together something more original than a FORUM. I believe Lois has the rights to the FORUM name.
Thanks Rodney for taking the time to stop by and make a comment, it is appreciated and shows your commitment as an elected official to help Peru become a better place.
Rodney, I hope all you are saying comes to past. We need an independent thinker. I hope the other new aldermen will also be self thinkers. Good Luck on your new endeavor.
9:44 You seem to be a bitter unhappy person. You must have been a Baker supporter and one who has yet gotten over his defeat. My God, you had 44 years give someone else a chance.
feedback for 9:44
Thanks for your feedback because your post is part of the "change" I'm looking for, you asked a legitimate question and also gave a suggestion.
I was actually thinking of calling my meeting something other than a "forum" but I was just dropping a quick comment and just went with it.
Going away from the same ole talking points, bumper sticker slogans and Putting words into action along with being myself is what helped me get elected, I'm not an ordinary politician and feel more comfortable using "my" own words because I can relate with people better. Your comment about using "Forum" supported my thinking on that..So "Thank You!!"
On July 23rd. I will host my first "Coffee Break Grassroots meeting"
The other type of changes that I'm looking for will take time because years of political corruption and selfishness on all levels of government has caused..as low as 20% turn out at the voting polls, loss of respect for their leaders, because leaders have not led by example, lost touch with the people and have set their own agendas and many citizens have given up.
I'm, by no means saying or thinking.. I'm going to change the world or make "everyone happy", But..I'm going to lead by example and work closely with my constituents, the other council-members and the Mayor so we can continue to get things done.
Being a public servant, volunteering within the community for many years has showed me that when TEAMED up with other volunteers within a community " anything is possible," We have huge hearts within the IL. Valley and during these economic times, people and communities in need.. need volunteers the most to get the impossible done. Volunteerism brings a community closer and stronger with the benefit of making new friends. Everyone at one time or another has experienced the Power of "Volunteering" whether it was helping a neighbor carry groceries in the house or helping an organization like "Project Santa" get gifts to the troops.
Another one of my many other changes I have in mind is How we spend the tax payers dollar, I will support spending to build our infrastructure as a whole, which will include finding ways to bring growth and jobs to Peru
Well 9:44 I hope I answered your questions. Feel free to call or text me anytime if you have any other questions for me, or I'm sure your councilman would be happy to hear from you too.
P.S. I only visit this blog occasionally, so please.. If someone posts something for or about me don't always expect feedback, I encourage personal contact to discuss issues or concerns.E-mails and texts can easily be taken out of context and normally will not make it a practice to communicate the issues that way.
Thanks again,
Rodney
815-245-7566
Rodney - Thanks for being accessible to the citizens of Peru.
I agree completely with your thoughts regarding volunteerism in the community. When community leaders encourage citizens to get involved and contribute the results can be amazing. Community pride will increase as well.
I'm excited already.
Steve,
I had a constituent contact me on Saturday regarding several topics of volunteerism within the community that she would like to see go forward.. from cleaning up neighborhoods to gathering volunteers to help with educating individuals with special needs like..reading and learning to starting projects or events to keep our youth busy and involved within the community.
People want to volunteer but need encouragement, direction and support from their leaders.
Hope all is well.
Thanks,
Rodney
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