Friday, December 23, 2011
A time to step back, if only for a moment
If you are an observer of the political scene on any level, you will probably agree that it has become more and more apparent that there exists very little "good will" leading up to this holiday season. The current state of politics on the federal level has never been more nasty and dysfunctional. Illinois lawmakers are no better at putting idealogical differences aside in order to pull our state out of what appears to be a complete "tailspin". Locally, more specifically the municipal government of Peru continues to experience "growing pains", to put it mildly.
I don't beleive anyone in this town is more passionate than I when it comes to local politics and the highly charged atmosphere that is the direct result of having newly elected or appointed officials with differing opinions and ideas on how to lead Peru. There is no shortage of hard feelings among main players and observers alike. The only thing I know for sure is those hard feelings will continue to manifest themselves for years to come. So goes politics and such is human nature. I'm guilty of those "hard" feelings as much as anybody and I'm very much aware of the hatred directed at me and others through this blog. With that said, and in consideration of the season, Happy Holidays to friends and foes alike. Maybe there is hope that we can come together for a better purpose as better people. Take a step back and look at what we have and how far we can go. Take a step back, if only for a moment.
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9 comments:
Merry Xmas to you and yours Steve. I too have become very passionate about politics and would like to see a better future for Peru. I truly believe it is something we can obtain if we all work "together" as one. I would really like to thank Lois for her hard work and dedication to informing us of the things going on all around us. This blog has afforded me the opportunity to express my thoughts and concerns without being humiliated. So, thank you Lois and here's wishing you and Bob a very Merry Christmas.
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone, may you all have a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2012"
God Bless:-)
Thank you! Rodney Perez;-)
A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece. Ludwig Erhard
Lois, Steve…..that is what the City of Peru needs in 2012 and for years to come. Not a political war of words and actions. As you wish your readers and contributors a very special holiday, I do to you and yours. I read your pages with intrigue and sometimes disdain. I really want to believe that you are doing what’s right and sharing thoughts but sometimes the thoughts of all are not clear and well thought. I always believe to create a solution since we all are aware of the problem. Mayor Harl and the council are here for the next 16 months. These are very real problems that deserve VERY real solutions. I ask the council and the Mayor to listen to the citizens and the citizens do the same. Many things discussed here are great ways to educate and enlightened, but sometimes some others can be very misleading and result in a perpetual conversation that repeats a destructive and hurtful path. Sometimes in business decisions are made by the minority and then put in place for the majority. Not always popular, but necessary. In politics they are also sometimes placed with similar results. Let’s create the solutions and then in 16 months, decide if they deserve another chance. Lets the City run its business but do get involved and get educated and divide the cake with everyone believing.
Passed city hall this morning to discover that Peru government employees are still in the Christmas spirit. Both Friday and Monday off for paid holidays along with health insurance coverage of 10% co-pay. The government sector are so out of balance economically to the private sector that the politicians that should be elected will be students of proficiency in government spending, outsourcing, and practices of private business. Sounds as if Peru needs a experienced city manager. Way too many years of building up on the same old ways.
Anon 9:31 Peru is a very good example of the problems of small town America. The population of Peru consists of 53% being 50 years of age or older. With a majority of this 53% drawing Social Security which is being increased for the first time in three years and than being taken away by a raise in medicare. Now factor in the percentage of lower paying jobs and the high rate of unemployment in LaSalle County to have a evaluation of how government workers are treated. At the start of the present Peru Mayors term there was a approach made to decrease the number of workdays per city employee from five to four which was meet with clashing of teeth and tears. The question being how is the city body going to keep up to their demanding work schedule with the number of holidays involved in this week,next week and the following week. In the terms of cake how do you eat it and keep it too?
12:09 PM
City water department employees were out on Christmas Day repairing a very bad water main break at Peoria and First street.
Another break on Peoria street? Haven't there been several there lately?
12:09....very true about the population base being older...but...we need to solve the problems one at a time and not just ignore and hope for the best...a four day work week is a great idea as long as the pay reflects the savings....keep the benefits and adjust the weekly pay...union rules or not, it is a possible solution....hopefully the holiday schedule is a rotating one with the lowest paid employee(s) in the mix...like any business in difficult times, expenses MUST be cut or the company will fail.
Normally big business quickest method of cutting expenses is a decrease in the number of hours worked, achieved through higher production per less time frame or lay offs, or a decrease in hourly pay. Many times the conclusion has historically been determined by the local bodies vote. Another cost cutting devise is lowering of administrative expenses and than to place a cap upon them so a repeat occurrence does not occur.
Fringe benefits are of huge cost today and for starters a 90-10 has been a outdated concept in health insurance for over 25 years. It is of small wonder that taxes are increasing at such alarming rates with no improvement in government responsibilities. What other benefits are this unreasonable that are driving costs up.
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