This is about Indiana but just as easily could be Illinois. Politics as usual and at a cost to all of us!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
MySmartGov.org | Week 3: It’s time for change | Township,
MySmartGov.org | Week 3: It’s time for change | Township,
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7 comments:
As per usual last night's council meeting left one with several unanswered questions and uncertainties. It was mentioned by one alderman that the $1000 donation to the organization that funds PVAS brings in people to our hotels and restaurants. This function is a one day event (like 8 to 3) and food is served there by PVAS. So, in reality this donation does nothing more than increase our investment in this not for profit organization that does not belong to Peru. Now the Spring Valley walleye tournament does attract outsiders who do spend time and money in our hotels and restaurants. Yet, what do we give them $250. The reason I bring these situations up is because the argument has been that we should give more money to the organizations that bring people to our town to spend money. Yet, we're not following our own train of thought. Alderman Perez has the right idea yet his suggestions seem to fall on deaf ears.
I wish there was more positive discussion on issues that are either presented by a council member or by a citizen of the town. It seems to me as though a battle exists between those who sit on our council and those who sit in attendance.
I believe the issue was not articulated properly but the concept is on the right track with donations and I applaud the direction on Alderman Perez and Alderwoman Mayszak for being the voice of reason when testosterone engulfs the council chamber.
Basically the issue Alderman Perez initiated is the importance of determining if a donation is going towards a charity or if the donation benefits economic development. By prequalifing these donations; this determines the amounts and accounts the funds should be budgeted/disbursed from and actually should be standard procedure for all requests.
Kristy
I agree with you 100% Kristy and I thought that's what I was emphasizing above. 2 of the aldermen are on the right track but others are still lost and are missing the point.
The meetings are interesting to watch for certain. Alderman Perez is in the process of earning his "wings" in his new political career and you must recall he is challenging veteran and knowledgable debaters. It appeared the council tended to agree in the end with the Clerk composing a form to be submitted with future requests...same destination perhaps different paths?
Kristy
We want to eliminate donations, then we want to curtail donations, then we want to increase donations, then we want to fill out different forms. This type of reasoning happens on every issue with Ald. Perez, is it earning wings or a lack of someone controlling his thought process? I am sure that if you called him and wanted him to change the name from the City of PERU to the City of Hooterville he would agree and get some new signs for you. So in that regaurd he is approachable. Lets just thank our lucky stars that we have a Mayor that doesn't take this guy seriously.
We are now entering the election year cycle and you are not going to see any curtailing of donations for fear of offending and losing votes. Donations by the city is an abuse of tax dollars unless it is a charitable up front donation or something that will economically benefit the city. If it benefits the city I want to see the dollars and cents that show an increase while that event takes place. In other other words, I want facts. The city should now be watching the decreasing sales tax with so many stores leaving our city and others on shaky ground.
12:38 PM
I did get a chuckle out of your posting but your last comment is way out in left field. I urge you to come to a council meeting and observe our mayor and of course other elected officials while engaging in conversation about the business of running this city.
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