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
Please be sure to read the Bloomington blog post and I am sure many of you will be thinking, this sounds like Peru. So much of what he says is also true here in the Illinois Valley, city of Peru.
Greetings Peru citizens. So pleased you are able to find our information helpful to your personal situation. Seems this type of thing is occurring all over. I would genuinely be interested in making some type of contact with anyone there. Our philosophy is that if we are able to reach out to each other - community to community - and share information, ideas, strategies, etc, we can become more powerful and more effective at challenging and defeating those who are adversaries of what is good and right. Please email me if anyone is interested at citywatchgroup@gmail.com. Two heads are better than one. Again, thank you and good luck in your effort. CITYWATCH http://citywatch1.blogspot.com/
I think you're onto a great idea. How about we take it one step further. One of the fundamental objectives of CITYWATCH is to be able to reach out to neighboring and surrounding communities, cities, and towns to create a network of "citywatch" groups. We think there are power in numbers, and just think, multiple CITYWATCH organizations spread across the State could be a very powerful and effective tool - and one to be reckoned with by out of control governments. Great job, by the way, LP on your effort. CITYWATCH
Such a group could be very helpful if it remained non partisan and interested in government transparency, compromise, and engaging the opposition in all discussions. Kind of operating as a watch over city governments in a similar manner to groups like Franklin Institute watching state governments. Such groups can rise above petty sniping and retribution, and actually address important issues and effect change.
CITYWATCH Bloomington has been involved on this level for the last year. I personally have been involved in the local process for the last 3 1/2 years. Over the course of that time span I have discovered a method and strategy that has worked well for our community. While each community is different in character, most communities who are suffering from similar problems as we are, the strategy and approach to challenge is similar, as well. I am not familiar with the Franklin Institute or their procedures, strategies, etc. However, affecting change at the local, municipal level requires a different approach than might be employed on a larger, state-wide basis. We have, and are continuing to hone and perfect the process and have been effective in our effort. Please see below the description of our organization:
of citizens from Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County. Our focus is concerned with good government and the relationship between citizen and government and the critical issues affecting and impacting our citizens and community. MISSION STATEMENT To protect and preserve the people, property, and prosperity of Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County. (This aligns with the public policy statement set forth in the Illinois Constitution, Article XI, Section 1) OBJECTIVE To ensure adequate, effective and the proper role of local government. To create a permanent influence on local governments and to create a reachable link between citizen and government; to eliminate division and to act as a voice for citizen and community, and to ensure government represents the best interest of the citizen and the community. STRATEGY The CITYWATCH strategy is a multi-faceted plan of action that operates from multiple platforms that are best suited to implement an effective strategy to achieve the most equitable solution, generally by A) being an effective group that focuses on and emphasizes informing and educating the public and local government; B) Engaging in local processes through membership and active participation with local business, government and the citizen; C) Understanding and addressing key issues and how they affect our community; D) By engaging citizen with government on these key issues. RECENT SUCCESSES 1. PayDay Loan 2. Mandatory Sprinklers (working w/ local real estate group) 3. ICE immigration working with McLean Co. Sheriff and Pantagraph 4. Municipal Electric Aggregation Referendum 5. Main Street Transportation Improvement Feasibility Study (currently pending) FUTURE PROJECTS 1. Main Street Corridor 2. Electric Aggregation 3. Local Government Spending/Budget 4. 2012 Action Plan/Comprehensive Plan Update/Sustainability Issues 2. Candidate for Bloomington Mayor 3. Currently vetting potential candidates for City Council seats for 2013
City Watch- Could you do us a favor and recruit alderman Perez from Peru to take a seat in Bloomington? aldermen, mayor, it doesnt matter just take him. It may do Bloomington some good there but we don't need him here.
I would love to do all I could for your cause. However, because I am not familiar with your Alderman Perez, his history, and the fact that we would not have resided long enough in our community, he would not make a good candidate for our cause either. Not sure why you think he'd be a good fit here. And of course, I am not aware of your issues and how those are or are not being dealt with. So, while I appreciate the offer for Perez, respectfully, I must decline. We are, however, prepared to offer you any research, analysis or strategy that is necessary to further your effort. CITYWATCH CONSULTING is available. As well, building a CITYWATCH network could make us all stronger. Thank you.
WE are not giving up Aldermen Perez, he is a bright spot on our city council and at times does make the older more resistant council members a wee bit uncomfortable. He looks at things without the jaded look of years past and is looking ahead and not behind. Most of us hope he will continue to be on the council or at least in our government for many years to come. Those that are offering him up are those who do not want anything to change, they are the ones who say "but that is always the way we have done it"
Sounds like somebody is VERY afraid of Mr. Perez. Something to hide??? We need many more Perez's in office everywhere.He researches his decisions vs just stamping his approval because "his buddy asked him to or his follower that wrote him a check during elections." He asks questions! If Bloomington needs an Alderman, give him the one that I think is drunk half the time. We don't need the entertainment.
to 8:04 Alderman Perez is part of the solution not the problem. As Lois and 8:07 explained, he asks tough questions and expects answers. Anyone who has worked closely with him on Operation Promise knows that his heart is right where it should be: Peru! His history is here, his interests are here, and his actions as Alderman are governed by those who live HERE. For his family to move and serve elsewhere (like Bloomington) would mean a great loss to this community. It is clear, 8:04, that you like things calm and safe. I believe we all do. However, change is inevitable. Perhaps you can offer some insight on how Peru (community and council) might begin to make reasonable, rational, necessary changes in a manner that is civic and unified. Suggestions? (Besides kicking Rodney to the curve!)
Well, that anti-Perezite certainly stirred the passion. And of course, I certainly didn't take the "take Perez" campaign seriously. Obviously Mr. Perez is a popular personality with the community and is right where he should be if that's the case. So, let's concentrate on more effective communication - is there any way those who represent this Blog, etc, are able to meet with us here at CITYWATCH? As I've said, no matter what you call the group, a network of CITYWATCHES state-wide could work wonders for our cause.
Citywatch If you continue to read this blog you will find that there isn't much constructive about it.....this is a place for people with nothing better to do than gossip, spread rumors, and bash everything the city does. Some on here were bashing firemen and police officers that saved a man from a burning apartment. You know what they say....Be careful what you wish for....
Thank you. I appreciate your comments and insight. I will leave it up the good citizens of you community to decide on your best course with regards to my suggestion and am available to offer any help I can to further your best interests. I am always available if anyone wishes to communicate. CITYWATCH Of the people, for the people, and for the good of the community.
18 comments:
Please be sure to read the Bloomington blog post and I am sure many of you will be thinking, this sounds like Peru. So much of what he says is also true here in the Illinois Valley, city of Peru.
Greetings Peru citizens.
So pleased you are able to find our information helpful to your personal situation.
Seems this type of thing is occurring all over.
I would genuinely be interested in making some type of contact with anyone there.
Our philosophy is that if we are able to reach out to each other - community to community - and share information, ideas, strategies, etc, we can become more powerful and more effective at challenging and defeating those who are adversaries of what is good and right.
Please email me if anyone is interested at citywatchgroup@gmail.com.
Two heads are better than one.
Again, thank you and good luck in your effort.
CITYWATCH
http://citywatch1.blogspot.com/
I think we should design a "City Watch" sign and post them all over Peru and around city hall.
I think you're onto a great idea.
How about we take it one step further.
One of the fundamental objectives of CITYWATCH is to be able to reach out to neighboring and surrounding communities, cities, and towns to create a network of "citywatch" groups.
We think there are power in numbers, and just think, multiple CITYWATCH organizations spread across the State could be a very powerful and effective tool - and one to be reckoned with by out of control governments.
Great job, by the way, LP on your effort.
CITYWATCH
Did anyone look at the City of Morris website? Something tells me they may need a blog and active citizens.
Kristy
Such a group could be very helpful if it remained non partisan and interested in government transparency, compromise, and engaging the opposition in all discussions. Kind of operating as a watch over city governments in a similar manner to groups like Franklin Institute watching state governments. Such groups can rise above petty sniping and retribution, and actually address important issues and effect change.
CITYWATCH Bloomington has been involved on this level for the last year. I personally have been involved in the local process for the last 3 1/2 years. Over the course of that time span I have discovered a method and strategy that has worked well for our community. While each community is different in character, most communities who are suffering from similar problems as we are, the strategy and approach to challenge is similar, as well.
I am not familiar with the Franklin Institute or their procedures, strategies, etc. However, affecting change at the local, municipal level requires a different approach than might be employed on a larger, state-wide basis.
We have, and are continuing to hone and perfect the process and have been effective in our effort.
Please see below the description of our organization:
of citizens from Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County. Our focus is concerned with good
government and the relationship between citizen and government and the critical issues affecting
and impacting our citizens and community.
MISSION STATEMENT
To protect and preserve the people, property, and prosperity of Bloomington, Normal, and McLean
County. (This aligns with the public policy statement set forth in the Illinois Constitution, Article
XI, Section 1)
OBJECTIVE
To ensure adequate, effective and the proper role of local government. To create a permanent
influence on local governments and to create a reachable link between citizen and government;
to eliminate division and to act as a voice for citizen and community, and to ensure government
represents the best interest of the citizen and the community.
STRATEGY
The CITYWATCH strategy is a multi-faceted plan of action that operates from multiple platforms
that are best suited to implement an effective strategy to achieve the most equitable solution,
generally by A) being an effective group that focuses on and emphasizes informing and educating
the public and local government; B) Engaging in local processes through membership and active
participation with local business, government and the citizen; C) Understanding and addressing
key issues and how they affect our community; D) By engaging citizen with government on these
key issues.
RECENT SUCCESSES
1. PayDay Loan
2. Mandatory Sprinklers (working w/ local real estate group)
3. ICE immigration working with McLean Co. Sheriff and Pantagraph
4. Municipal Electric Aggregation Referendum
5. Main Street Transportation Improvement Feasibility Study (currently pending)
FUTURE PROJECTS
1. Main Street Corridor
2. Electric Aggregation
3. Local Government Spending/Budget
4. 2012 Action Plan/Comprehensive Plan Update/Sustainability Issues
2. Candidate for Bloomington Mayor
3. Currently vetting potential candidates for City Council seats for 2013
City Watch- Could you do us a favor and recruit alderman Perez from Peru to take a seat in Bloomington? aldermen, mayor, it doesnt matter just take him. It may do Bloomington some good there but we don't need him here.
I would love to do all I could for your cause. However, because I am not familiar with your Alderman Perez, his history, and the fact that we would not have resided long enough in our community, he would not make a good candidate for our cause either. Not sure why you think he'd be a good fit here.
And of course, I am not aware of your issues and how those are or are not being dealt with. So, while I appreciate the offer for Perez, respectfully, I must decline.
We are, however, prepared to offer you any research, analysis or strategy that is necessary to further your effort. CITYWATCH CONSULTING is available.
As well, building a CITYWATCH network could make us all stronger.
Thank you.
11:36 PM
WE are not giving up Aldermen Perez, he is a bright spot on our city council and at times does make the older more resistant council members a wee bit uncomfortable. He looks at things without the jaded look of years past and is looking ahead and not behind. Most of us hope he will continue to be on the council or at least in our government for many years to come.
Those that are offering him up are those who do not want anything to change, they are the ones who say "but that is always the way we have done it"
Sounds like somebody is VERY afraid of Mr. Perez. Something to hide???
We need many more Perez's in office everywhere.He researches his decisions vs just stamping his approval because "his buddy asked him to or his follower that wrote him a check during elections." He asks questions!
If Bloomington needs an Alderman, give him the one that I think is drunk half the time. We don't need the entertainment.
to 8:04
Alderman Perez is part of the solution not the problem. As Lois and 8:07 explained, he asks tough questions and expects answers. Anyone who has worked closely with him on Operation Promise knows that his heart is right where it should be: Peru! His history is here, his interests are here, and his actions as Alderman are governed by those who live HERE. For his family to move and serve elsewhere (like Bloomington) would mean a great loss to this community. It is clear, 8:04, that you like things calm and safe. I believe we all do. However, change is inevitable. Perhaps you can offer some insight on how Peru (community and council) might begin to make reasonable, rational, necessary changes in a manner that is civic and unified. Suggestions? (Besides kicking Rodney to the curve!)
11:48 Do you really think anybody was serious about Perez serving the City of Bloomington?
Well, that anti-Perezite certainly stirred the passion.
And of course, I certainly didn't take the "take Perez" campaign seriously. Obviously Mr. Perez is a popular personality with the community and is right where he should be if that's the case.
So, let's concentrate on more effective communication - is there any way those who represent this Blog, etc, are able to meet with us here at CITYWATCH?
As I've said, no matter what you call the group, a network of CITYWATCHES state-wide could work wonders for our cause.
Citywatch
If you continue to read this blog you will find that there isn't much constructive about it.....this is a place for people with nothing better to do than gossip, spread rumors, and bash everything the city does. Some on here were bashing firemen and police officers that saved a man from a burning apartment. You know what they say....Be careful what you wish for....
Thank you.
I appreciate your comments and insight.
I will leave it up the good citizens of you community to decide on your best course with regards to my suggestion and am available to offer any help I can to further your best interests.
I am always available if anyone wishes to communicate.
CITYWATCH
Of the people, for the people,
and for the good of the community.
City Watch. Anyway to get in touch with you to have a discussion?
Absolutely.
You may send an email to
citywatchgroup@gmail.com
and we can proceed from there.
Thank you.
CITYWATCH
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