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 still waiting for the reduced number of city council meetings as promised and I'm still waiting for the televised meetings that were promised after the April elections. But I was not expecting an increase in our sales tax, that was not promised but that is the one thing we did get. The bloated salaries still exist and I wonder whether we are getting our monies worth and we have positions filled with persons who do not do what they were hired to do, as our horticulturist and our building, zoning inspector. But all politicians make promises and don't keep them, right?
11:06 PM Not sure about the light but since I tend to look at many things with doubt that they are really sincerely meant, I am sorry to see things that were promised not taking place and excuses given instead.
Well, There is an old saying ,"beware of what you wish for because you may get it " Folks, supporters of Mayor Harl, YOU GOT YOUR WISH. The best now is to wait for 2 yrs and vote Mayor Harl out of office and repeal the tax increase.
I can't wait. Maybe Now some of you will wake up and see what you have done to this city. Stand up all of you take account of your position and beware of the consequences.
The Mayor is AGAIN ON RECORD AND WE NEED TO FULFILL HIS STATEMENTS, Vote him out of office.
All politicians make promises while campaigning but seem to change when they've been given the title (mayor, president, aldermen. etc.). When in office they tend to forget the little people who got them where they are and the promises they made. Our mayor keeps saying they is no more room to cut but, I believe we have many highly paid personnel on our payroll who do not earn their wages. I also think we could possibly save a great deal of money by hiring our own engineer and going out for bid on other necessary engineering projects. I also firmly believe that 41 kids on our summer payroll was absolutely unnecessary and a waste of our tax dollar. My opinion!
It appears to me that our council is no longer working for the entire city of Peru and the citizens they are supposed to represent but more or less it appears to be a competition amongst themselves. Every issue seems to become a battle and each battles seems to turn into a war. I also think it's wrong of the mayor to allow some individuals ample time to speak while others are cut short or given a time limit. We don't have to agree with what people say but they are entitled to their opinions.
Last evening four aldermen with a total of fifty one years of stewardship of their wards voted No to a tie vote with three aldermen and one alderwoman with a total of stewardship of one year of their wards voting Yes. The four to four vote constituted a tie and the sitting Mayor of two years four months sat in the position with the tie breaking vote of Yes. Right or wrong politics is a funny game, where it seems that experience does not count for much. I don't know of many other professions were roads could be compared to education and the roads come out the winner. Would have been a great meeting to have televised.
Anon 10:46 Yes the Mayor said he didn't see any difference in voting for education vs roadways. And most of the crowd of supporters felt the same way. A sad comparision. And despite the $1,700,000 placed in roadways over the last year, we still had not spent enough. The Mayor's will now set up a supercommittee with hand picked representatives to go along with spending the money. Does anybody see where that is going?
To 8:20 a.m. - You are making it very clear you do not like Mayor Harl. Very clear! We get it! But please, in addition to the same old "Vote em Out" boiler-plate babble, could you just once offer something of substance to your argument. I understand you feel you will get some mileage from the same old talking points, but you never bring anything else to the (table) discussion. Tell us, in detail, exactly why you think the ordinance adopted last night is such a terrible thing for Peru. Give us specific information to back up your argument. You know what I mean, facts, figures, case studies, or research that might validate your disdain for Harl. Mayor Harl has explained his position a number of times and provided an explanation why he supports a sales tax increase. If you want to be taken seriously, you should do the same.
A pool fund that has raised $50,000 in two years and needs $3,000,000. And now a tax increase because roads are more important than education? This administration has much different priorities than the rest of our country. And our local News quotes God Bless America from our local retired union representative! Maybe they could have quoted the retired senior living on a fixed income or the many unemployed living day to day. Its only a few bucks and we spend more money on the lottery, what kind of thought process is that? Its not what I would call a business recruitment sales pitch. Yes cable would be great. Most who watch Hillbilly Fishing will now be able to watch Peru's very own reality show once a week.
So, Mayor Harl finally got a vote. Good for him its about time. How does it feel Baker Supporters? It should make you happy, that Bakers 4 old cronies voted like he wanted them to. If he would have done some improvements when he was in, then Harl wouldn't have to try to get things done, that were entirely let go. Good Luck Mayor Harl with what you aare trying to do.
Is it true that the good ole boys invited their Mayor to the council meetings to try and pump them up? When are the Baker Boys going to realize that even bringing their GodFather into those type of meetings are not going to influence or sway votes. Those days are over!! I have to give the 4 freshman aldermen a big round of applause for going up against the Good Ole Boys because knowing them I'm sure they tried their damnedest to flip their mindset.
I'm sure just like the last salestax increase that the council past 8-0 ? was all forgotten about and no pain was felt at the time of that next election because they all got back in. Just like this next election in 2 years. People will see roads fixed and this admin making bigger cuts and the city going full speed ahead over the next 2 years that the last of the good ole boys will be gone too.
I spoke to one of the senior alderman and was told that more or less Chamlin is on the Chopping Block by the new aldermen. Another Good ole boy that will be gone soon and the city will save thousands with that cut alone.
Reading the blog and the comments about the increase in sales tax,there is 99% talk against Mayor Harl and the increase , I guess all of the supporters of the Mayor would say that somehow the message is that the Mayor has done the right thing and the city agrees???
You see that is the junk the one sided supporters of the Mayor is peddling.
I WONDER HOW DUMB DOES THE MAYOR AND HIS SUPPORTERS (4 ALDERMEN & STEVE) THINK THE PUBLIC AT LARGE IS IN THE CITY OF PERU? Well to Steve and his "cronies" the time has come, you have made your coffin and the nails are being furnished by self infliction.
Good Bye..! I would say the public will speak loudly shortly, 1800 cards versus 5000 total is hardly a landslide.
isnt the former mayor still a resident of the city? does he not have a right to be at the meeting? so sick and tired of you complaining about him and his boys-let me tell you when he and his so called boys were in office i was proud of the city that i live in now i am embarrased, nothing against harl but he is NOT mayor material. i hope we have a good selection of candidates running in 2 years because this city needs help
7:29 You are right! Don does have the right to be at those meetings, It is open to the public even if he lived in Lasalle.
The problem I think these posters have is that Don has an Agenda in everything he does. I've known Don since 1961 I voted for Don in every election. I must say and admit that although Don did some tremendous things with Peru He sure had allot of us fooled. I am ashamed to have been taken advantage by him as our Mayor. I lost respect for Don and that whole admin. since the new city hall. We had more pressing issues in Peru to spend that money on. Like the Pool. and wastefull spending? You People have no clue what Don ended up doing to this city. It's going to take this admin to continue rattling fences and calling things out to wake you people up.
Peru politics is as bad as Chicago and I believe this new admin. and the Mayor will fix it.
My father proudly served the City of Peru for 14 years as a 4th ward alderman. Yes, he was elected during the Baker tenure. During that time, he worked not only for the citizens in his ward, but for all Peru residents. After Mayor Harl was elected, he continued to remain objective and serve his constituents that elected him. That's what it's all about. There will always be adversity in politics. The focus should be on progress for a better community. Progress can happen when people are enabled to constructively agree to disagree. Please don't insinuate that all of the councilmembers prior to the Harl administration were "Baker Boys" or "The good ole boys". My father respected the ciizens of Peru, he respected Baker and he respected Harl, and he proudly served in his aldermanic role. Some of what I read is as though there is rejoicing in his expiration; one less Baker Boy. Has it occured to anyone that the public opinions shared in extreme negative fashion could be part of the problem and division amongst the council? Yes, I know... everyone has a right to their opinion, rightfully so, and that it's by choice I read the open forum blog. I guess at the end of the day, we all want harmony and prosperity. We just need to figure out how to achieve both during these economic times and the changing of community leadership roles.
Anon 11:45. I'd like to know where you got the amount of $50,000 as the amount of money that has been raised in two years for the pool. Over $62,000 has been raised so far since our first fundraiser on July 3, which was the fun fair. That's $62,000 in less than 2 months. Yes we have a long way to go, but please check your facts before posting incorrect information. The only thing I can think of being $50,000 is what is in the budget for the demolition of the pool.
Megan thanks for your post, your father was well liked by everyone and I consider it an honor to have know him during the last few years. He was the man with always a smile on his face no matter what the demeanor was of everyone else in the room.
Sherry, I picked up a General fund report at the last council meeting and it stated that the pool fund has $35,998.25. Also has expenses of $1175.13. Could it be that those reports are not accurate?
The real sad story with the tax increase is that we as residents did not get a opportunity to vote. A real vote! Maybe 98.5% would have wanted to vote for the increase as Ald. Perez has stated. Or maybe everybody would quit playing the lottery as another Alderman stated or even many would have felt that new roads are actually as important as schools as another stated in the Newspaper! We will never know and thats the situation that disturbs us the most. You can say that those we elect represent our viewpoints, but then again 2 Alderman were appointed by the Mayor. So much for the representation of the residents of Peru.
I am so happy to see Megan Keeney respond to the reckless comments on this blog. And, yes, Ron Wren was an upstanding man and alderman. He was always available to 'listen'. And his service to the city goes back many years when he helped Peru Little League host the first Central States tourney over 30 years ago and we also took players into our homes to cut costs for the visitors. And all the potshots aimed at the previous administration are overlooking the fact that Peru wouldn't be where it is today without the foresight of developing north of Shooting Park Road. Finally, this blog is fun to read and Lois does a bangup job of administering it...BUT, I firmly believe that a poster who makes charges and/or insinuations of other people SHOULD be identified by name or the post should not be allowed. Anonymous is cowardly.
Please don't be fooled everyone. Baker and the rat pack know exactly what they are doing. (I wonder if they are meeting in secret about their strategies... oh, now that would be too funny.) In my opinion, the nay votes last night were nothing more than a set up for the next election. What a better way to bash your opponent than to say "wow - he sure did raise a crap load of taxes" against the citizens of this community. But as Harl pointed out, the rat pack actually voted for HIGHER taxes in the past. Looks like a few of the boys forgot their math. Looks to me like their voting plans from before would have cost us more money now, doesn't it. Besides, I keep telling myself...and I am sure I will tell others.... WHO THE HELL GOT US INTO THIS MESS???? Memory loss there too boys???? Like that new building your sitting in? The City needs to raise taxes in order to finish many long over due projects that you did not address. Did I hear about $5ml worth? Wow, wonder if the $4ml building could have taken a bite out of the new taxes we had to put in place. I won't forget that fancy, frilly, OVER BUDGET (who would have guessed that), less than eye appealing, dysfunctional driveway, drainage problem structure. 4 Rats left to boot and give those fancy new chairs to someone else with real proactive business, managerial, & financial experience.
Alderwoman, Recreation Commission Member, and Peru Pool Fun Fair Volunteer Mayszak many individuals who address the blog with comments round numbers off and as they comment they use grammar or figures that are not perfect but are within a acceptable tolerance. I am sure that Anon 11:45's figure of $50,000 is a lot closer to $62,000 than your figure of $3,000,000 will be to the final cost of a new swimming pool . When the budget for the demolition of Veterans Pool was set at $50,000 were city employees to do the work or a private contractor and when is it to start? Wearing as many different hats of pool responsibility as you do would you make it public information to what extent the investigation of the missing items at the swimming pool is at? Will you be able to auction them off and tell your constituents were they have been and why they were there and who took them to get to were they were and to who has the final responsibility for the missing items? Finally Alderwoman Mayszak what do you propose to do to whoever made the items disappear after the inventory was taken?
Megan Keeney Thank you very much for your request to end the reference to “Baker Boys”, “Good Ole Boys”, or “Bakers 4 old cronies”. I would like to believe each Alderman votes on each issue according to how it effects the residents in his ward and in the best interest of City of Peru. It is also not acceptable to use terms such as “Harls Boys” “ Mayor Harl’s Alderman” Each vote should reflect the Alderman’s opinion on that issue and they should not be labeled. LOIS and STEVE: In support of eliminating these type of labels out of respect for past, present, and appointed Alderman WHY NOT REFUSE any messages that contain name calling and labeling unless you sign your full name TO THE POST? Please let us know your opinion. James Grabowski, 1st Ward resident
Jim, in a perfect world we could do that but the world is full of problems and so is Peru. Those that express opinions that are crude and rude are probably speaking to us as they do to others in their daily life. They may be very nice people otherwise so I do allow those posts to be put online. Its kind of like being at a major league baseball game, some cheer and some jeer and sometimes comments are distasteful but learn to mostly ignore them because we enjoy coming to the game. The blog is a bit like that, only here you have the opportunity to respond to them icognito if you wish but preferably like you your name would be at the end of the comment.
To the RAT Pack blogger...... Really worried about the recent Don Baker sightings! And does anybody really need a collective strategy? We are back to the name calling and living in the past under the ruthless dictatorship of the RAT Pack! Wake up and realize you won and got the tax increase and those millions of dollars of jobs that are suppose to come with a tax increase. Please remember that the last big projects have gone to out of town contractors, so if you were promised a Build the City Job don't hold your breath. And keep firing on those old cronies or whatever other names you choose to use. Or Invent the concept that all along we were actually paying more money in taxes and we didn't know it! Well some of us won't drink the punch and believe it will give us eternal life. And some of us will. Anon 1:16 What flavor do you like?
Jim, it would be nice to believe that our aldermen are voting according to the wishes of the residents in their wards but I don't think that's reality. In my opinion that's evident when the aldermen in your ward vote the opposite of each other. I wonder if they even communicate and debate amongst themselves on issues let alone canvas their wards. I believe this council right now is a contest between the old and the new. The experienced and set in their ways and the young and eager to learn. I think they need to learn to work together and then maybe they can better serve their residents in their wards.
First of all, I am not on the Peru Recreation Commission. I am on the Friends For Peru Pool fundraising committee. Please gets your facts straight. $62,000 raised is an approximation. $35,000 plus the $27,000 which is yet to be received from the Concerts for a Cause. The missing chemicals were probably stolen, but they were not dangerous chemicals, they were chemicals that are available commercially. We received the full payment amount from the YMCA for the items they purchased, which included the missing chemicals. No money lost. A few of the members of FFPP worked tremendously hard to clean up the remaining pool items to get them ready for bids. An inventory list was made when the pool closed and then again when the committee members cleaned up last Sunday. All monies made from the sale of those items will go to the pool fund. A wine/beer tasting event along with a silent auction and vendor fair is planned for September 24 at the Peru Eagles Lodge as another fundraiser for the pool. If some people on this blog would spend time helping with these fundraisers, we'd reach our goal much faster. Which by the way, we are looking into getting another bid for a less extravagant pool at a much lower price. Instead of all the negativity here, when the FFPP committee is working so hard to get a new pool, FOR ONCE, I would like to read something POSITIVE about it. $62,000 in less than 2 months, and all we get is crap.
Sherry Mayszak 2nd Ward Alderman Public Property Committee Member Friends For Peru Pool Committee Member
Sherry: I would be interested in knowing what items the YMCA purchased (besides the missing chemicals) and if there was a difference between the inventory listed taken when the pool closed and the one take last Sunday. And, if there was a difference what were they?
Sherry, you as a city official are responsible for protecting taxpayers property and taking all means available for enforcing the law to catch and prosecute those who have taken it, or do you feel it is wiser to do nothing and wait for it to happen again? It appears that you had best get your facts straight and learn the responsibilities of a council person, and do them. What the public wants is not crap but is fact which you are supposedly appointed to the council to make available to the citizens. In conclusion if or when the pool is a reality who is going to pay for the maintenance, general upkeep and the staff needed to support its usage. A swimming pool is a very expensive facility for the average of 70 days open per year, and the limited number of people who attend.
Anon 8:27 I am not a police officer. It is up to the police department to find out what happened to those chemicals. It is also my goal to raise enough money to establish a perpetual care fund for the pool so future generations don't face the burden we are now facing. As for your other comments, I am learning the responsibilities of a council person and I am doing them. And I have no idea what you are referring to that I am not making available to the citizens.
Anon: 7:04 The only other item missing was a PA system that was old and probably went to another park within Peru. It has not been accounted for. There were no other differences between the list made when the pool closed and last Sunday. I do not have the list of items that the Y purchased, but if you want it, you can ask at City Hall.
Please feel free to call me to discuss any further questions you may have about the pool or the council. 815-488-0562.
Who is looking into getting another bid for a less extravagant pool at a much lower price? Doesn't the council presently have a application in for a 2.5 million dollar grant? The impression given at the time was that the amount of 3.5 million dollars had to be determined to get a 75% grant of 2.5 million dollars. Where does this lower priced pool sit with the city council and the present grant which has been applied for? Are not the decisions to be made on this pool to be determined by the city council and only the city council since they have had it put into their hands? The group of private individuals whose goal is to raise funds for the pool are to be limited to that goal until the council would, by vote, give them further direction.
Anon 10:23 - As of the last FFPP committee meeting (last week), we were given an update by a representative of the city that the grant application had been submitted but it has not yet been awarded. You are correct - the folks on the FFPP committee are simply working to raise funds and are not empowered beyond that.
Sherry, I thank you for your efforts in trying to provide the community with a nicer (and much safer) pool. I will be honest when I tell you that I do not believe the cost of a new pool should be taken on by the City at this time. (be reminded, I said "at this time" when funds are very low.) I strongly support community efforts to raise the funds via donation. I also thank the committee for taking time out of their personal lives to clean up a mess that was created a long time ago. Managers & department heads knew of the problems a decade ago and turned their back on this mess. It does no good to dig up old issues, but I still believe that many expensive items were removed from the pool even beyond the list that you mentioned. Yes, I understand that the police department will make the final determination. Might not be worth the time and effort. I still believe there was quite a few "materials" charged to the pool and used elsewhere. Maybe, someday, we will know the truth. Best of luck and don't give up. Great people of this community support your efforts. Got that Facebook page set up yet for "Friends of Peru Pool?"
Alderwoman Mayszak: I know you're new to this complicated mess we seem to have but how can you say that the PA system "PROBABLY" went to another park. Doesn't anyone who has or had a key to the pool know if that's a fact or falicy? Doesn't anyone involved with the pool in one capacity or another know the truth? I think that's all citizens of Peru would really like to hear - THE TRUTH!
I would think that each elected official would have their own vote. I have also seen no evidence that a bloc exsist at city hall. Most of the votes are city issues and not related to the particular area they represent. The labels are easy to place and give us some comic relief. We all enjoy your work Lois and its good to know that somebody cares enough to give their time to the cause of freedom of speech.
When it is too difficult for the city to keep track of the goods at a pool which has been shut down for two summers why would you expect the responsible parties to be any more capable of keeping track of the goods at a new pool? How many of the benches and tables are going to be auctioned off?
Kristy, Did the Mayor pull your Peru resident status as of today? Can he just get rid of your Peru residence status or do you get a hearing? And which committee is your hearing in front of? Can you get residency in another country? Just curious.
I would also like to thank you Lois for your outstanding volunteer work. You are at the top of the list in Peru for the excellent job you do with the blog, your on hands participation in the city council meetings and public comment. Your endless hours of volunteer work has made and will make you a even larger political force with the majority of Perus' citizenship.
Anon 9:32 What is complicated? You have a closed pool. That has been debated to death, you have a committee that is trying to get every last cent out of the old pool. What stuff is really worth anything to anybody? The 1930's clothes baskets, come on! The city pays more in overtime hours on a daily basis than the auction will gather. What is actually missing from the old pool besides the obvious......water?
Anon 3:59 PM The problem is not the committee that is trying to get every last cent out of the old pool but what individual or group that has already got every last cent out of the old pool. Your question of what is missing from the old pool besides the obvious is the same question of many others as is what is being done about it and what is going to be done about it? If the proper answers do not start coming soon it might be time to start exploring what the next step up in regards to outside county, state etc. agencies are available for misuse of taxpayers funds. In reference to city payment of overtime could you please elaborate. Always interesting to know why the city with the highest sales tax in the area needs more.
Anon 9:32 you are missing the point....NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE ANYTHING WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!!! Old or new it is still stealing or if someone has given them permission to take it then that person needs to fess up.
As for missing water....I am still in awe that the News Tribune quoted that there was a major leak in the Peru Pool in 1961. Sure it may have been fixed but it was an old pool at that time.....2009 to want it to continue being operational is unbelievable. I applaud a committe who is working to fundraise to build a new pool. But, don't you think in the meantime Peru could fund a splash pad that would keep the little kiddies wet and cool? It will be years before you can gather enough money to meet the 75% grant requirement status. These children you are concerned about will be in their mid to late years. Plan for the future but handle the immediate, please.
3:59 PM Nothing complicated about the present committee which is trying to get every last cent out of the old pool as long as they have the consent of the city council by a formal vote. Now briefly let the complications begin - what is the status of the investigation of the individual or previous committee that has already attempted to get every last cent out of the old pool?
Real estate taxes paid. Proud to help a new state-of-the-art grade school, a great high school with time honored tradition, an unbelievable junior college that more than prepares students to transition to the university level or a new job, and the City of Peru with all of the wonderful parks, public safety, and convenient amenities we need to raise our families. (Not so sure about the overly expensive county board members yet though.) And yes, for a little bit of money hardly recognizable to my checkbook, a little bit more to help out with the new infrastructure coming to the City too. Remind me again how much the tax rate is in Peru for our real estate? Around 6% something? What is LaSalle? 8% something? What is Ottawa? 8% something. Maybe I'll just cut back on a few scratch off tickets from the lotto. Quitchabitchn! We have the best here or you wouldn't be here. Right??? Maybe the whiners can relocate with the others that are getting their Peru citizenship revoked. Now, you have to admit, that was funny.
1:07 I agree completely. Everyone complains about tax increase. I hate paying taxes as well. Besides cutting costs, when a city needs more money, they can raise property taxes or increase sales tax. For all those complaining about the sales tax increase, you can thank the city. The sales tax increase will generate money from all people who shop in Peru. So people from Oglesby, LaSalle, Utica, etc. will help pay for our city. If that did not pass, then your property taxes would be increased and only Peru residents would pay for infrastructure. We should be happy that sales tax was increased and not property taxes. People just love to complain over everything.
Anon 1:07 I guess you like Mayor Harl should blame the past for those things like a quality school, low electric rates, low tax rates, wonderful parks, great public safety. You always enjoy a political hack that points out all the positive aspects of Peru and tells residents they are being tricked. Those were past mistakes and we need a tax increase is the new motto at City hall. But thanks for pointing out that Peru is a great place to live, don't forget to blame those past city officials!
HEY HERE IS A THOUGHT for the non Peru residents who complain about having to contribute to Peru's infrastructure. Guess what! YOU ALL BENEFIT AND USE IT ALL OF THE TIME. Over half of our city's infrastructure is for YOU! If we were just 10,000 people living in a bubble, we wouldn't have all of the things we have north of shooting park road. AND I believe Peru employes a LOT of non-Peru residents.
But aren't you glad you DO have a local place to shop eat and entertain yourselves. Those who say you are driving to Ottawa to shop....mmmmm.....not sure where you are shopping, but go ahead and spend $10 in gas to save 10 cents.
AS A NON-PERU RESIDENT, I am very thankful I do not have to drive to Peoria or Bloomington or where ever else to do these things. Next time you are at one of those places check your sales tax. It is way higer than Perus. Why? To pay for the extr costs and infrastructure. Always wished I lived in Peru and enough of the whining.
2:09 What do you mean by "tricking" the citizens? And Yes, I will continue to point out my dissappointment in the prior administration. I can only imagine how much better this town would have been without them. Maybe a pool instead of an office building? Maybe more community services instead of the huge salaries paid to all their relatives. Did I hear that one of the managers had almost 20 relatives on city payroll? Maybe a few million for roads if we had hired an engineer on staff vs consultant buddy Chamlin? Maybe another few millions in the bank vs the Mirror building fiasco of a waste? I hope, in my lifetime, that there is a formal investigation by the state into the bookkeeping habits of the prior admin.
Everyone rides on the roads in Peru. Even people who need to go to the hospital, doctors, shopping, you name it Peru has it. I don't feel guilty of out of towners needing to pay some of the tax for infrastruction. They ride on Perus' roads. So quit your complaining.
Anon 10:31 AM, Please,Please, Please I am in love with the idea of a .05% sales tax. Where can I get it? Answer ASAP, I am in my car ready to go shopping!!!!!!!! I sure wouldn't be shopping in Peru at 7.5% sales tax after you clue me in on where we can get .05%. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
68 comments:
I'm still waiting for the reduced number of city council meetings as promised and I'm still waiting for the televised meetings that were promised after the April elections.
But I was not expecting an increase in our sales tax, that was not promised but that is the one thing we did get.
The bloated salaries still exist and I wonder whether we are getting our monies worth and we have positions filled with persons who do not do what they were hired to do, as our horticulturist and our building, zoning inspector.
But all politicians make promises and don't keep them, right?
Did you finally see the light?
11:06 PM
Not sure about the light but since I tend to look at many things with doubt that they are really sincerely meant, I am sorry to see things that were promised not taking place and excuses given instead.
Well, There is an old saying ,"beware of what you wish for because you may get it "
Folks, supporters of Mayor Harl, YOU GOT YOUR WISH.
The best now is to wait for 2 yrs and vote Mayor Harl out of office and repeal the tax increase.
I can't wait. Maybe Now some of you will wake up and see what you have done to this city. Stand up all of you take account of your position and beware of the consequences.
The Mayor is AGAIN ON RECORD AND WE NEED TO FULFILL HIS STATEMENTS, Vote him out of office.
You can't blame Harl, you had 4 alderman who voted for the tax increase.
All politicians make promises while campaigning but seem to change when they've been given the title (mayor, president, aldermen. etc.). When in office they tend to forget the little people who got them where they are and the promises they made. Our mayor keeps saying they is no more room to cut but, I believe we have many highly paid personnel on our payroll who do not earn their wages. I also think we could possibly save a great deal of money by hiring our own engineer and going out for bid on other necessary engineering projects. I also firmly believe that 41 kids on our summer payroll was absolutely unnecessary and a waste of our tax dollar. My opinion!
9:12 AM
In other words the money the city currently has is not being managed wisely, why give them more?
Its simple Payroll vs Tax Increases, and we know what the Peru leadership has choosen for us.
It appears to me that our council is no longer working for the entire city of Peru and the citizens they are supposed to represent but more or less it appears to be a competition amongst themselves. Every issue seems to become a battle and each battles seems to turn into a war. I also think it's wrong of the mayor to allow some individuals ample time to speak while others are cut short or given a time limit. We don't have to agree with what people say but they are entitled to their opinions.
Due to the economic downturn, the light at the end of the tunnel has been shut off........
Last evening four aldermen with a total of fifty one years of stewardship of their wards voted No to a tie vote with three aldermen and one alderwoman with a total of stewardship of one year of their wards voting Yes. The four to four vote constituted a tie and the sitting Mayor of two years four months sat in the position with the tie breaking vote of Yes. Right or wrong politics is a funny game, where it seems that experience does not count for much. I don't know of many other professions were roads could be compared to education and the roads come out the winner. Would have been a great meeting to have televised.
Anon 10:46 Yes the Mayor said he didn't see any difference in voting for education vs roadways. And most of the crowd of supporters felt the same way. A sad comparision. And despite the $1,700,000 placed in roadways over the last year, we still had not spent enough. The Mayor's will now set up a supercommittee with hand picked representatives to go along with spending the money. Does anybody see where that is going?
To 8:20 a.m. - You are making it very clear you do not like Mayor Harl. Very clear! We get it!
But please, in addition to the same old "Vote em Out" boiler-plate babble, could you just once offer something of substance to your argument.
I understand you feel you will get some mileage from the same old talking points, but you never bring anything else to the (table) discussion.
Tell us, in detail, exactly why you think the ordinance adopted last night is such a terrible thing for Peru. Give us specific information to back up your argument. You know what I mean, facts, figures, case studies, or research that might validate your disdain for Harl.
Mayor Harl has explained his position a number of times and provided an explanation why he supports a sales tax increase.
If you want to be taken seriously, you should do the same.
Is it even legally allowed for 4 aldermen and 6 citizens to be on a hand pickd (by the mayor) committee?
A pool fund that has raised $50,000 in two years and needs $3,000,000. And now a tax increase because roads are more important than education? This administration has much different priorities than the rest of our country. And our local News quotes God Bless America from our local retired union representative! Maybe they could have quoted the retired senior living on a fixed income or the many unemployed living day to day. Its only a few bucks and we spend more money on the lottery, what kind of thought process is that? Its not what I would call a business recruitment sales pitch. Yes cable would be great. Most who watch Hillbilly Fishing will now be able to watch Peru's very own reality show once a week.
So, Mayor Harl finally got a vote. Good for him its about time. How does it feel Baker Supporters? It should make you happy, that Bakers 4 old cronies voted like he wanted them to. If he would have done some improvements when he was in, then Harl wouldn't have to try to get things done, that were entirely let go.
Good Luck Mayor Harl with what you aare trying to do.
Steve, that was your boiler plate babble "Vote uum out of office"! When do you begin work on the Super Committee?
To 1:17 - asap.
Anonymous 11:45, don't worry. At that rate, the pool will be paid for within 118 more years! No time at all!
Its all about leadership Anon 4:20.
Is it true that the good ole boys invited their Mayor to the council meetings to try and pump them up?
When are the Baker Boys going to realize that even bringing their GodFather into those type of meetings are not going to influence or sway votes. Those days are over!!
I have to give the 4 freshman aldermen a big round of applause for going up against the Good Ole Boys because knowing them I'm sure they tried their damnedest to flip their mindset.
I'm sure just like the last salestax increase that the council past 8-0 ? was all forgotten about and no pain was felt at the time of that next election because they all got back in. Just like this next election in 2 years.
People will see roads fixed and this admin making bigger cuts and the city going full speed ahead over the next 2 years that the last of the good ole boys will be gone too.
I spoke to one of the senior alderman and was told that more or less Chamlin is on the Chopping Block by the new aldermen.
Another Good ole boy that will be gone soon and the city will save thousands with that cut alone.
Reading the blog and the comments about the increase in sales tax,there is 99% talk against Mayor Harl and the increase , I guess all of the supporters of the Mayor would say that somehow the message is that the Mayor has done the right thing and the city agrees???
You see that is the junk the one sided supporters of the Mayor is peddling.
I WONDER HOW DUMB DOES THE MAYOR AND HIS SUPPORTERS (4 ALDERMEN & STEVE) THINK THE PUBLIC AT LARGE IS IN THE CITY OF PERU?
Well to Steve and his "cronies" the time has come, you have made your coffin and the nails are being furnished by self infliction.
Good Bye..! I would say the public will speak loudly shortly, 1800 cards versus 5000 total is hardly a landslide.
isnt the former mayor still a resident of the city? does he not have a right to be at the meeting? so sick and tired of you complaining about him and his boys-let me tell you when he and his so called boys were in office i was proud of the city that i live in now i am embarrased, nothing against harl but he is NOT mayor material. i hope we have a good selection of candidates running in 2 years because this city needs help
7:29
You are right! Don does have the right to be at those meetings, It is open to the public even if he lived in Lasalle.
The problem I think these posters have is that Don has an Agenda in everything he does. I've known Don since 1961 I voted for Don in every election. I must say and admit that although Don did some tremendous things with Peru
He sure had allot of us fooled.
I am ashamed to have been taken advantage by him as our Mayor. I lost respect for Don and that whole admin. since the new city hall.
We had more pressing issues in Peru to spend that money on. Like the Pool. and wastefull spending? You People have no clue what Don ended up doing to this city. It's going to take this admin to continue rattling fences and calling things out to wake you people up.
Peru politics is as bad as Chicago and I believe this new admin. and the Mayor will fix it.
My father proudly served the City of Peru for 14 years as a 4th ward alderman. Yes, he was elected during the Baker tenure. During that time, he worked not only for the citizens in his ward, but for all Peru residents. After Mayor Harl was elected, he continued to remain objective and serve his constituents that elected him. That's what it's all about. There will always be adversity in politics. The focus should be on progress for a better community. Progress can happen when people are enabled to constructively agree to disagree. Please don't insinuate that all of the councilmembers prior to the Harl administration were "Baker Boys" or "The good ole boys". My father respected the ciizens of Peru, he respected Baker and he respected Harl, and he proudly served in his aldermanic role. Some of what I read is as though there is rejoicing in his expiration; one less Baker Boy. Has it occured to anyone that the public opinions shared in extreme negative fashion could be part of the problem and division amongst the council? Yes, I know... everyone has a right to their opinion, rightfully so, and that it's by choice I read the open forum blog. I guess at the end of the day, we all want harmony and prosperity. We just need to figure out how to achieve both during these economic times and the changing of community leadership roles.
Anon 11:45. I'd like to know where you got the amount of $50,000 as the amount of money that has been raised in two years for the pool. Over $62,000 has been raised so far since our first fundraiser on July 3, which was the fun fair. That's $62,000 in less than 2 months. Yes we have a long way to go, but please check your facts before posting incorrect information. The only thing I can think of being $50,000 is what is in the budget for the demolition of the pool.
Megan thanks for your post, your father was well liked by everyone and I consider it an honor to have know him during the last few years. He was the man with always a smile on his face no matter what the demeanor was of everyone else in the room.
Sherry, I picked up a General fund report at the last council meeting and it stated that the pool fund has $35,998.25. Also has expenses of $1175.13. Could it be that those reports are not accurate?
The real sad story with the tax increase is that we as residents did not get a opportunity to vote. A real vote! Maybe 98.5% would have wanted to vote for the increase as Ald. Perez has stated. Or maybe everybody would quit playing the lottery as another Alderman stated or even many would have felt that new roads are actually as important as schools as another stated in the Newspaper! We will never know and thats the situation that disturbs us the most. You can say that those we elect represent our viewpoints, but then again 2 Alderman were appointed by the Mayor. So much for the representation of the residents of Peru.
As the Mayor suggested you can always move out.
I am so happy to see Megan Keeney respond to the reckless comments on this blog. And, yes, Ron Wren was an upstanding man and alderman. He was always available to 'listen'. And his service to the city goes back many years when he helped Peru Little League host the first Central States tourney over 30 years ago and we also took players into our homes to cut costs for the visitors. And all the potshots aimed at the previous administration are overlooking the fact that Peru wouldn't be where it is today without the foresight of developing north of Shooting Park Road. Finally, this blog is fun to read and Lois does a bangup job of administering it...BUT, I firmly believe that a poster who makes charges and/or insinuations of other people SHOULD be identified by name or the post should not be allowed. Anonymous is cowardly.
the 35,998.25 is the correct balance AT THE END OF JULY!
Please don't be fooled everyone. Baker and the rat pack know exactly what they are doing. (I wonder if they are meeting in secret about their strategies... oh, now that would be too funny.) In my opinion, the nay votes last night were nothing more than a set up for the next election. What a better way to bash your opponent than to say "wow - he sure did raise a crap load of taxes" against the citizens of this community. But as Harl pointed out, the rat pack actually voted for HIGHER taxes in the past. Looks like a few of the boys forgot their math. Looks to me like their voting plans from before would have cost us more money now, doesn't it. Besides, I keep telling myself...and I am sure I will tell others.... WHO THE HELL GOT US INTO THIS MESS???? Memory loss there too boys???? Like that new building your sitting in? The City needs to raise taxes in order to finish many long over due projects that you did not address. Did I hear about $5ml worth? Wow, wonder if the $4ml building could have taken a bite out of the new taxes we had to put in place. I won't forget that fancy, frilly, OVER BUDGET (who would have guessed that), less than eye appealing, dysfunctional driveway, drainage problem structure. 4 Rats left to boot and give those fancy new chairs to someone else with real proactive business, managerial, & financial experience.
Alderwoman, Recreation Commission Member, and Peru Pool Fun Fair Volunteer Mayszak many individuals who address the blog with comments round numbers off and as they comment they use grammar or figures that are not perfect but are within a acceptable tolerance.
I am sure that Anon 11:45's figure of $50,000 is a lot closer to $62,000 than your figure of $3,000,000 will be to the final cost of a new swimming pool . When the budget for the demolition of Veterans Pool was set at $50,000 were city employees to do the work or a private contractor and when is it to start?
Wearing as many different hats of pool responsibility as you do would you make it public information to what extent the investigation of the missing items at the swimming pool is at? Will you be able to auction them off and tell your constituents were they have been and why they were there and who took them to get to were they were and to who has the final responsibility for the missing items? Finally Alderwoman Mayszak what do you propose to do to whoever made the items disappear after the inventory was taken?
Megan Keeney
Thank you very much for your request to end the reference to “Baker Boys”, “Good Ole Boys”, or “Bakers 4 old cronies”.
I would like to believe each Alderman votes on each issue according to how it effects the residents in his ward and in the best interest of City of Peru.
It is also not acceptable to use terms such as “Harls Boys” “ Mayor Harl’s Alderman”
Each vote should reflect the Alderman’s opinion on that issue and they should not be labeled.
LOIS and STEVE:
In support of eliminating these type of labels out of respect for past, present, and appointed Alderman WHY NOT REFUSE any messages that contain name calling and labeling unless you sign your full name TO THE POST?
Please let us know your opinion.
James Grabowski,
1st Ward resident
Jim, in a perfect world we could do that but the world is full of problems and so is Peru. Those that express opinions that are crude and rude are probably speaking to us as they do to others in their daily life. They may be very nice people otherwise so I do allow those posts to be put online.
Its kind of like being at a major league baseball game, some cheer and some jeer and sometimes comments are distasteful but learn to mostly ignore them because we enjoy coming to the game. The blog is a bit like that, only here you have the opportunity to respond to them icognito if you wish but preferably like you your name would be at the end of the comment.
To the RAT Pack blogger...... Really worried about the recent Don Baker sightings! And does anybody really need a collective strategy? We are back to the name calling and living in the past under the ruthless dictatorship of the RAT Pack! Wake up and realize you won and got the tax increase and those millions of dollars of jobs that are suppose to come with a tax increase. Please remember that the last big projects have gone to out of town contractors, so if you were promised a Build the City Job don't hold your breath. And keep firing on those old cronies or whatever other names you choose to use. Or Invent the concept that all along we were actually paying more money in taxes and we didn't know it! Well some of us won't drink the punch and believe it will give us eternal life. And some of us will. Anon 1:16 What flavor do you like?
Jim, it would be nice to believe that our aldermen are voting according to the wishes of the residents in their wards but I don't think that's reality. In my opinion that's evident when the aldermen in your ward vote the opposite of each other. I wonder if they even communicate and debate amongst themselves on issues let alone canvas their wards. I believe this council right now is a contest between the old and the new. The experienced and set in their ways and the young and eager to learn. I think they need to learn to work together and then maybe they can better serve their residents in their wards.
First of all, I am not on the Peru Recreation Commission. I am on the Friends For Peru Pool fundraising committee. Please gets your facts straight. $62,000 raised is an approximation. $35,000 plus the $27,000 which is yet to be received from the Concerts for a Cause. The missing chemicals were probably stolen, but they were not dangerous chemicals, they were chemicals that are available commercially. We received the full payment amount from the YMCA for the items they purchased, which included the missing chemicals. No money lost. A few of the members of FFPP worked tremendously hard to clean up the remaining pool items to get them ready for bids. An inventory list was made when the pool closed and then again when the committee members cleaned up last Sunday. All monies made from the sale of those items will go to the pool fund. A wine/beer tasting event along with a silent auction and vendor fair is planned for September 24 at the Peru Eagles Lodge as another fundraiser for the pool. If some people on this blog would spend time helping with these fundraisers, we'd reach our goal much faster. Which by the way, we are looking into getting another bid for a less extravagant pool at a much lower price. Instead of all the negativity here, when the FFPP committee is working so hard to get a new pool, FOR ONCE, I would like to read something POSITIVE about it. $62,000 in less than 2 months, and all we get is crap.
Sherry Mayszak
2nd Ward Alderman
Public Property Committee Member
Friends For Peru Pool Committee Member
Sherry: I would be interested in knowing what items the YMCA purchased (besides the missing chemicals) and if there was a difference between the inventory listed taken when the pool closed and the one take last Sunday. And, if there was a difference what were they?
Sherry, you as a city official are responsible for protecting taxpayers property and taking all means available for enforcing the law to catch and prosecute those who have taken it, or do you feel it is wiser to do nothing and wait for it to happen again? It appears that you had best get your facts straight and learn the responsibilities of a council person, and do them. What the public wants is not crap but is fact which you are supposedly appointed to the council to make available to the citizens. In conclusion if or when the pool is a reality who is going to pay for the maintenance, general upkeep and the staff needed to support its usage. A swimming pool is a very expensive facility for the average of 70 days open per year, and the limited number of people who attend.
Anon 8:27 I am not a police officer. It is up to the police department to find out what happened to those chemicals. It is also my goal to raise enough money to establish a perpetual care fund for the pool so future generations don't face the burden we are now facing. As for your other comments, I am learning the responsibilities of a council person and I am doing them. And I have no idea what you are referring to that I am not making available to the citizens.
Anon: 7:04 The only other item missing was a PA system that was old and probably went to another park within Peru. It has not been accounted for. There were no other differences between the list made when the pool closed and last Sunday. I do not have the list of items that the Y purchased, but if you want it, you can ask at City Hall.
Please feel free to call me to discuss any further questions you may have about the pool or the council. 815-488-0562.
Sherry Mayszak
Who is looking into getting another bid for a less extravagant pool at a much lower price? Doesn't the council presently have a application in for a 2.5 million dollar grant? The impression given at the time was that the amount of 3.5 million dollars had to be determined to get a 75% grant of 2.5 million dollars. Where does this lower priced pool sit with the city council and the present grant which has been applied for? Are not the decisions to be made on this pool to be determined by the city council and only the city council since they have had it put into their hands? The group of private individuals whose goal is to raise funds for the pool are to be limited to that goal until the council would, by vote, give them further direction.
Why is the the YMCA paying for all the pool chemicals, even the chemicals that were "stolen"?
Anon 10:23 - As of the last FFPP committee meeting (last week), we were given an update by a representative of the city that the grant application had been submitted but it has not yet been awarded. You are correct - the folks on the FFPP committee are simply working to raise funds and are not empowered beyond that.
Sherry,
I thank you for your efforts in trying to provide the community with a nicer (and much safer) pool. I will be honest when I tell you that I do not believe the cost of a new pool should be taken on by the City at this time. (be reminded, I said "at this time" when funds are very low.) I strongly support community efforts to raise the funds via donation. I also thank the committee for taking time out of their personal lives to clean up a mess that was created a long time ago. Managers & department heads knew of the problems a decade ago and turned their back on this mess. It does no good to dig up old issues, but I still believe that many expensive items were removed from the pool even beyond the list that you mentioned. Yes, I understand that the police department will make the final determination. Might not be worth the time and effort. I still believe there was quite a few "materials" charged to the pool and used elsewhere. Maybe, someday, we will know the truth.
Best of luck and don't give up. Great people of this community support your efforts. Got that Facebook page set up yet for "Friends of Peru Pool?"
Alderwoman Mayszak: I know you're new to this complicated mess we seem to have but how can you say that the PA system "PROBABLY" went to another park. Doesn't anyone who has or had a key to the pool know if that's a fact or falicy? Doesn't anyone involved with the pool in one capacity or another know the truth? I think that's all citizens of Peru would really like to hear - THE TRUTH!
Will the CSO be running the wine and beer tasting garden?
I would think that each elected official would have their own vote. I have also seen no evidence that a bloc exsist at city hall. Most of the votes are city issues and not related to the particular area they represent. The labels are easy to place and give us some comic relief. We all enjoy your work Lois and its good to know that somebody cares enough to give their time to the cause of freedom of speech.
When it is too difficult for the city to keep track of the goods at a pool which has been shut down for two summers why would you expect the responsible parties to be any more capable of keeping track of the goods at a new pool? How many of the benches and tables are going to be auctioned off?
Kristy,
Did the Mayor pull your Peru resident status as of today? Can he just get rid of your Peru residence status or do you get a hearing? And which committee is your hearing in front of? Can you get residency in another country? Just curious.
10:52AM
Thanks and the reason I keep on with the blog is freedom of speech. So many people have things to say and very few places or opportunities to do so.
I would also like to thank you Lois for your outstanding volunteer work. You are at the top of the list in Peru for the excellent job you do with the blog, your on hands participation in the city council meetings and public comment. Your endless hours of volunteer work has made and will make you a even larger political force with the majority of Perus' citizenship.
Absolutely right Lois and it's a place to express our opinions, view points, anger, disappointment, etc. without being made to feel belittled.
Anon 9:32 What is complicated? You have a closed pool. That has been debated to death, you have a committee that is trying to get every last cent out of the old pool. What stuff is really worth anything to anybody? The 1930's clothes baskets, come on! The city pays more in overtime hours on a daily basis than the auction will gather. What is actually missing from the old pool besides the obvious......water?
Anon 3:59 PM - THE TRUTH!
Anon 3:59 PM The problem is not the committee that is trying to get every last cent out of the old pool but what individual or group that
has already got every last cent out of the old pool. Your question of what is missing from the old pool besides the obvious is the same question of many others as is what is being done about it and what is going to be done about it? If the proper answers do not start coming soon it might be time to start exploring what the next step up in regards to outside county, state etc. agencies are available for misuse of taxpayers funds.
In reference to city payment of overtime could you please elaborate. Always interesting to know why the city with the highest sales tax in the area needs more.
Anon 9:32 you are missing the point....NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE ANYTHING WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!!! Old or new it is still stealing or if someone has given them permission to take it then that person needs to fess up.
As for missing water....I am still in awe that the News Tribune quoted that there was a major leak in the Peru Pool in 1961. Sure it may have been fixed but it was an old pool at that time.....2009 to want it to continue being operational is unbelievable. I applaud a committe who is working to fundraise to build a new pool. But, don't you think in the meantime Peru could fund a splash pad that would keep the little kiddies wet and cool? It will be years before you can gather enough money to meet
the 75% grant requirement status. These children you are concerned about will be in their mid to late years. Plan for the future but handle the immediate, please.
Oh by the way your 2nd installment of real estate taxes are due this week. To all those who appauled the recent sales tax increase, thanks again.
3:59 PM Nothing complicated about the present committee which is trying to get every last cent out of the old pool as long as they have the consent of the city council by a formal vote.
Now briefly let the complications begin - what is the status of the investigation of the individual or previous committee that has already attempted to get every last cent out of the old pool?
Real estate taxes paid. Proud to help a new state-of-the-art grade school, a great high school with time honored tradition, an unbelievable junior college that more than prepares students to transition to the university level or a new job, and the City of Peru with all of the wonderful parks, public safety, and convenient amenities we need to raise our families. (Not so sure about the overly expensive county board members yet though.) And yes, for a little bit of money hardly recognizable to my checkbook, a little bit more to help out with the new infrastructure coming to the City too. Remind me again how much the tax rate is in Peru for our real estate? Around 6% something? What is LaSalle? 8% something? What is Ottawa? 8% something. Maybe I'll just cut back on a few scratch off tickets from the lotto. Quitchabitchn! We have the best here or you wouldn't be here. Right??? Maybe the whiners can relocate with the others that are getting their Peru citizenship revoked. Now, you have to admit, that was funny.
1:07
I agree completely. Everyone complains about tax increase. I hate paying taxes as well. Besides cutting costs, when a city needs more money, they can raise property taxes or increase sales tax. For all those complaining about the sales tax increase, you can thank the city. The sales tax increase will generate money from all people who shop in Peru. So people from Oglesby, LaSalle, Utica, etc. will help pay for our city. If that did not pass, then your property taxes would be increased and only Peru residents would pay for infrastructure. We should be happy that sales tax was increased and not property taxes. People just love to complain over everything.
Anon 1:07 I guess you like Mayor Harl should blame the past for those things like a quality school, low electric rates, low tax rates, wonderful parks, great public safety. You always enjoy a political hack that points out all the positive aspects of Peru and tells residents they are being tricked. Those were past mistakes and we need a tax increase is the new motto at City hall. But thanks for pointing out that Peru is a great place to live, don't forget to blame those past city officials!
HEY HERE IS A THOUGHT for the non Peru residents who complain about having to contribute to Peru's infrastructure. Guess what! YOU ALL BENEFIT AND USE IT ALL OF THE TIME. Over half of our city's infrastructure is for YOU! If we were just 10,000 people living in a bubble, we wouldn't have all of the things we have north of shooting park road. AND I believe Peru employes a LOT of non-Peru residents.
But aren't you glad you DO have a local place to shop eat and entertain yourselves. Those who say you are driving to Ottawa to shop....mmmmm.....not sure where you are shopping, but go ahead and spend $10 in gas to save 10 cents.
AS A NON-PERU RESIDENT, I am very thankful I do not have to drive to Peoria or Bloomington or where ever else to do these things. Next time you are at one of those places check your sales tax. It is way higer than Perus. Why? To pay for the extr costs and infrastructure. Always wished I lived in Peru and enough of the whining.
2:09 What do you mean by "tricking" the citizens? And Yes, I will continue to point out my dissappointment in the prior administration. I can only imagine how much better this town would have been without them. Maybe a pool instead of an office building? Maybe more community services instead of the huge salaries paid to all their relatives. Did I hear that one of the managers had almost 20 relatives on city payroll? Maybe a few million for roads if we had hired an engineer on staff vs consultant buddy Chamlin? Maybe another few millions in the bank vs the Mirror building fiasco of a waste? I hope, in my lifetime, that there is a formal investigation by the state into the bookkeeping habits of the prior admin.
Everyone rides on the roads in Peru. Even people who need to go to the hospital, doctors, shopping, you name it Peru has it. I don't feel guilty of out of towners needing to pay some of the tax for infrastruction. They ride on Perus' roads. So quit your complaining.
anon 2:28 You hit the nail on the head. If you don't like the .05% sales tax, go shopping somewhere else and compare the tax.
Anon 10:31 AM, Please,Please, Please I am in love with the idea of a .05% sales tax. Where can I get it? Answer ASAP, I am in my car ready to go shopping!!!!!!!!
I sure wouldn't be shopping in Peru at 7.5% sales tax after you clue me in on where we can get .05%.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Post a Comment