Will the city workers be down on Water Street today for cleanup at double time? Will we find out how much extra $ was spent on more police on duty?
Would we be better putting that money into the Peru Pool Funding?
We raise our children telling them, they can't have everything yet that is exactly what is happening in Peru. So many things are only a "want" not a "need". And I can't help but add did we "need" a pickleball court which has turned into a private club and the city paid for it and now makes excuses why.
From what families are saying, it appears that the beer drinkers and the beer tent got the best part of the deal, they surely got the best location and people were fooled into thinking they would be in a family friendly alcohol free zone. I was under the impression prior to the fireworks, that it would be an alcohol free zone, period. No alcohol brought in in coolers. Anyone think you can't get drunk when you are sitting down drinking?
Sometimes I think we are tempting fate with the festivities sandwiched in between active RR tracks and a very treacherous river.
36 comments:
The mayor you suported allowed this all to happen we need a strong mayor again. Will you suport this mayor again this coming election lois?
3:40 PM
I think most people will be able to judge for themselves on my feelings by the time the election is here. I post frequently and I tell it as it is which is all you need to know.
I don't like a lot of things that have been happening but I won't agree with taking the fireworks away from the kids.
Location doesn't matter because no matter where they would be moved to people will complain. Even if they put a fence by the river it wouldn't matter, just look at all the people getting hurt at Starved Rock because they can't follow rules.
For everything else they use our taxes pay for they better never think about defunding the fireworks. It's not like they would use it for something that everyone could enjoy anyway.
HAD ENOUGH!!-- I NO LONGER SUPPORT THIS MAYOR AND HIS UNIONS!!!
Would it be possible to have Peru Township pay for the fireworks. They don't seem to have trouble spending money.
Lois, You now are supporting public tax dollars for the swimming pool. This looks to be a 360 from your previous efforts.
I heard that the 50/50 raised enough money for next years fireworks!
0:53 AM
For the greatest number of people to get long term benefits from that amount of money spent on annual fireworks, dollar for dollar, we might as well donate to the swimming pool fund. Since the city is determined to waste our tax dollars, it is just a matter of what pot to put it in
Fireworks in Ottawa lasted 10 minutes, fireworks in San Diego were scheduled for 20 minutes but only lasted 3 minutes. Fireworks in many suburban areas were cancelled. Peru's fireworks display were done very well, possible attendance of 12,000-15,000! Thank the CSO for the support. The no alcohol zone was overstated and not a issue. Some people respected the no alcohol area others did not. Not much different than any other year. To have a event with that many people and have so little trouble is amazing. All the talk about moving the fireworks, alcohol free areas, trouble was overblown by those wanting to make headlines. Also the event organizers putting up kids activities was nice. But the bottom line is that the event is a fireworks display.
At least the swimming pool would last longer than 20 minutes!
9:54 If he did he only gave away about $900.00 if fifty fifty drawing was the case then he would have taken in $1800.00 but who keeps records of that stuff. hopefully he did with someone else to witness what he put in the till because someone will say it was improper because he didn't keep records we all know rodney is smarter than that
Yes we have heard you can't get drunk when your sitting down. And prohibition was thrown out a few years ago. Peru as a leader continues to be a city that many envy. Having a fireworks display is something that demostrates America. If they can afford the event. than why not? Did you know that running water and electricity is a "want" and not defined as a "need"? Peru has all those wants like running water, electricity and fireworks.
Check the Rec Commission budget and see that $20,000 is put to fireworks but no money goes to the swimming pool fund. Isn't the swimming pool a "recreation" and shouldn't they be contributing something to the pool?
Why would you put money in a budget for something that doesn't exist? Anon 1:45 there is no swimming pool! I also noted that nothing is placed in the budget for space exploration or mental health. Maybe there is a need for the Rec Commision to budget some of those items. We know at least a few that would be able to utilize the space program or mental health. Anon 1:45 were boarding soon.
I think you're all missing the point. Nobody wants to stop the fireworks but we know for a fact that we can get more bang for our buck. Unless you're an advocate for wasteful spending I would think you would be all for saving money. And, whether you want to admit it or not, Water Street (especially this year) is not the most attractive or appealing or family friendly sight to host a family event.
Only 15 comments up to now. You can imagine how many (of the local whiners) would be jumping in if the same thing happened to the fireworks in Peru as Ottawa. Or San Diego.
I think Peru township could donate.
Hahaha !!
9:53 AM--
Before you try and call someone out, be sure to know what you're writing.
Your comment was:
"Lois, You now are supporting public tax dollars for the swimming pool. This looks to be a 360 from your previous efforts.
---
If she did a 360, she would have the exact same point of view as before... I think you're looking for a 180.
Awkward.......
SB
To:11:37
From: Rodney Perez
Thank you for not under-estimating my integrity.
Raffle License was purchased in my name on Friday, June 22nd.
Total funds raised $1,905.00
Total to winner: Henry Pappaj- $956.50
All tickets were numbered 001-500
All un-sold tickets along with the sold ticket stubs were turned over to the City Clerks Office, along with the $1,905.00
The clerks office will be writing a check for the winnings.
This years 50/50 was just a baby step of what is to come for fundraising.
Ottawa- First and foremost; Ottawa's Glitch was due to a computer error and the Pyro company based out of Indiana will be putting on another show for them over the next few weeks, at no cost.
The Ottawa fundraising group has raised over $25,000.00 this year alone.
Amboy Depot Days has a 50/50 raising an annual $50-$60,000.00 each year. Last year a single winner took home roughly $30,000.00 from their event.
With a little research..we would find that over the years Amboy has been doing their 50/50 they used the profits to build something needed for their downtown area; along with using funds to pay for their annual Depot days.
In addition: There is no doubt the Peru Fireworks display by Melrose was a "great show!!" For anyone to wish what happened in Ottawa, or San-Diego on any Pyro Tech company would be just plain "evil and immature mentality."
Pyrotechnics have "guarantees" within their contracts so these towns will not lose out. I'm sure what happened in Ottawa with the computer glitch was due to the excessive heat.
Thank you!
Rodney Perez
Anon 2:09 - do you know about saving money in order to buy something? They could put some money into the building fund because SOME DAY Peru will have a pool. Duh!
Alderman Perez, Any chance we can get you to run for mayor? We need more like you in government. Just don't become corrupt like the rest have by the influences of politics. You seem to have the backbone and energy the city needs. You are obviously hated by some but from what I've seen throughout the city you are a true inspiration to others. Stay sincere.
Mrs. B and Family
So let me get this straight. Either we pay for the fireworks through tax dollars or we pay for them through fundraising. Either way it is a cost to the citizens of Peru, or are we just trying to pawn off our costs to outsiders coming in? What a joke, I sure hope someone runs against this @!&$@! in the 3rd ward.
1:31 PM
You can open your eyes now, its time to wake up and look around. Please tell me who envies this city.
I envy Peru.
1:31 are you really serious? I hope you were just being funny with your post. "Water is a want?" Water is not only "needed" to survive, it's" needed" to clean and disinfect. Wait!!!!!!! I can't go on amymore because having to explain makes me feel as stupid as your post was. Let's poll to see how many people would choose fireworks over electricity and water. You Silly Wabbit!!!
@9:10
Why don't you just sign your post as- city official. Your discontent towards an alderman for fundraising is blatant.people enjoy giving money in hopes of winning money. my friends and family discussed this on Tuesday night from our house party as we enjoyed the fireworks from home. Water Street is no longer a place to enjoy the fireworks, it was ok 10 years ago when we were in our 20s but now we appreciate a more relaxing environment. We would prefer watching the fireworks up close as we did in Utica, but to do so we would have to sit on tracks or gravel. We never once witnessed people urinating in Utica or Springvalley and it's a frequent happening on waterstreet. We all agreed tax money would be better spent elsewhere than on fireworks. If this alderman can fundraise and use donations to pay for it than maybe they could fix our parks.
That 50-50 is voluntary we don't have to contribute if we choose not to. We are forced to pay for the fireworks. If we are going to blow up 25,000.00 in 15 minutes let's get the money elsewhere.
Your hatred post towards alderman Perez is clearly for other reasons than his ideas and efforts. At least he's doing something no one else has attempted. Perhaps he's making you look bad, or maybe you are upset he's moving your cheese?
Mrs. B
A bunch of peru's residents went to Hennepins Fireworks!! They get a 9 on a scale of 1-10! 10 the highest. peru's would be a 5! My opinion. I observed both displays.
Just a thought for the 50/50 next time. I'm not sure what you did at Waterstreet this year, but I've seen other towns that have registered volunteers walk the crowds for collections. Nobody is offended. Every couple dollars helps. Mass mailings are done earlier in the year to ask the businesses that would benefit from having the additional guests in town to contribute a little too. There are ways to raise the money and everybody wins.
I do applaud the alderman for his creativity in raising funds, but I am concerned by the general focus of this community on entertainment events like fireworks, concerts, and new sport activities.
It just seems like a very large part of the town discussions focus on band aids-raising money through gambling, alcohol sales, entertainment and games of chance, instead of focusing on the long term issues of steady job creation, attracting high tech manufacturing and improving the high school test scores.
I grew up here and now I see more bars and less private jobs, more fund raising and less tax base. Entertainment is great, but the foundation of the city seems to be fading away. I hope it changes someday soon. If Alderman Perez can help with that I am all for it!
1:57,
I commend that post. You definitely have the right idea.
SB
To 1:57
From: Rodney Perez
Very Interesting comments!
In my opinion and views in regards to your post: I agree with you 100%that it "seems" as though we are putting band-aids on many things when long term planning should be the focus.
I believe in the "Broken Window Theory." If the small things aren't looked at and paid attention too.. they will eventually manifest into bigger problems later. "Change" is the hardest thing for anyone to accept, so at times taking baby steps to reach the ultimate goal must be taken.
Having a Vision,(Dream) then, setting out on the Mission(putting together the blue print from the vision)while working together on an Action plan(short and long term goals)is the key to Strategic Planning.
We are currently working on implementing a plan which will eventually consist of the full council, along with input from citizens.
There are many things we are working on that include the bigger things you and many others feel need attention; unfortunately, it's taking baby steps to get there.
The Mayor along with every councilmember, and public official wants nothing but the best for the city; that is the reason we take on these positions. We may not always agree with one another but our common goal is to build off of the past to make a better future.
It may seem like the foundation is weakening.. but the Future is bright!
Thank you,
Rodney Perez
I’ve been searching real estate for months now. The market is still saturated, so obviously there are many choices. I want a community that has history, good schools, a vision for future development, and resources for my children by also for my aging parents. Peru has POTENTIAL for all those things, and I believe that is what has so many citizens who post to this blog both frustrated and angry. Maybe a “foreigner’s” perspective will help.
1. Peru needs an outdoor municipal pool. Make a plan, make it public, and when you have the capital, make it happen. Period.
2. Support the people you voted into office, tell them what you need, and when you don't agree with things, have a face-to-face with them.
3. Know and take pride in your history! I love the red letters story. Get them back where they belong (which is NOT off I-80), but not until Water St. deserves them. Someone needs vision here: less gravel, concrete, and asphalt, and more green, gardens, and paths. I attended Peru’s fireworks. The display was great, the company eclectic, but the purpose didn’t feel patriotic. (Was the show simulcast? I couldn’t find the radio station…) If you want to change that, revitalize Water St. or move the fireworks, or (and this will clearly define me as an outsider) rotate every other year with your sister city and save some money. Lots of other sister cities do this, so why can’t LaSalle/Peru. $20,000 every other year puts a lot of money in the pool fund or into fixing pot holes.
When you are ready to look at Peru with pride, then you are ready to hang the historic red letters again. You’re like the troops who witness their generals fighting. Now that you know your elected officials are in disagreement, you feel (and rightfully so) the need to assist, so do so. E-mail your city officials, go to council meetings, thank people like Lois for speaking up. Vision sometimes requires others to take a leap of faith.
Good luck!
9:15 Thank you on behalf of Lois and all the others who are fighting to make their community a better place to live. Sometimes speaking up falls on deaf ears or you get humiliated by comments coming from your city officials. But, I believe hard work and determination will eventually win out. It's just a tough battle and we all have to work together. I personally don't feel Peru has reached that point yet.
Rodney stop defending the useless city officials unlike yourself . We know you can't alienate them too much but stop adding them to your list of people that stand up for our city.
To: 9:15 and 2:24
From Rodney Perez
9:15 I may not know who you are, but would really appreciate it if you were to contact me."I will keep you confidential." I appreciate your views, and insight, and would like to talk with you.
2:24 I'm not defending anyone; I'm simply stating a fact!
Every city offical has their own opinion of how the city needs to be governed. Because of our differences of opinion "within the council" doesn't mean each official isn't doing what "they feel" is the right thing for their constituents and the city.
If our constituents don't feel we are doing what we were elected to do.. then our term limits our up come election day.
Until then we have to continue doing what we feel is the right thing, while working together towards the same goal.. which is: building off the past, to make a better tomorrow.
"The train will continue forward, if certain individuals miss the train, it will continue onward with or without."
Thank you,
Rodney Perez
815-245-7566 (cell)
text or call 24/7
Alderman Perez I would be very careful in using phases borrowed from others. Twenty five years ago a man informed a management group of a train which was going to be leaving and some would be passengers and some would not. By the time the management team that this man represented was finished downsizing this company was reduced to a 150 area jobs at which had been formerly 2200 jobs and in the 1960's more than 3200 jobs. These were some of the top paying factory jobs in the U.S.A. If you find this doubtful ask your fellow alderman sitting to your right.
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