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
This would be an open ended question that can be answered by anyone. Who are people supporting for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th ward alderman in the coming election? We can all bicker about how horrible some of our current elected leaders are but until support is shown for other candidates and their names getting out sooner than later could help the candidate in a big way.
First ward has no choice, 2 seats are open and Ald. Ferrari (incumbent) and Becky Mueller are the candidates. Second ward has Sherry Mayszak (incumbent running against Ald. Radtke former 1st ward alderman. It is important to note that win or lose Radtke will remain on the council because if he loses, he will be appointed alderman at large to finish the last 2 years of his election in the first. Third Ward has Mike Sapienza running against Ald. Bob Ankiewicz. Fourth Ward has Justin Loger and Steve Weberski running against Ald. Jim Lukosus (incumbent) And of course Mike Hart, Don Baker and Jim Giordano running against Mayor Scott Harl.
I can honestly say that I am voting for NO ONE in the 1st ward. Even though the 2 candidates are unopposed and automatically in, by leaving their box on the ballot empty I feel I'm saying that I don't support them.
I have heard that there is a 2nd ward forum meeting tomorrow morning at 11:00 at City Hall. I have also heard that the business owners on Venture Dr. are going to address the intersection at this meeting. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Lois: I commented at 9:05. I, and I assume everyone else, are aware of who is going to be on the ballot. My question was who were people supporting? And why? I haven't haven't been able to go to a council meeting due to me working second shift, I just wanted to get the public sentiment on who to look out for.
Peru needs someone to step up and run against this clown Ferrari. Is it my imagination or can someone tell me why Harl seems to be against Mayszak? Didn't he appoint her? I sure hope Perez runs for mayor in the future, he seems to have his head in the game.
Thanks to a citizen we have this video to remind us of what happened at that meeting (as this is one of the videos that was not chosen to be put on the city web-site. I would assume because of its' contents.) This is a prime example of how our council lacks respect for each other and the general public. What I find most appalling is that the mayor told the man who was defending his wife from an attack by an aldermen that "public comment is at the end of the meeting".
The hypocrisy of supporting the Rec Bd when the council went to great lengths to deny the Library Board what was legally theirs is astounding. Alderman Ferrari and Alderman Radke did NOT meet with all the neighbors who reside near the park. They met with two families. For the Mayor to be decrying "public comment" comes later is ridiculous. He's isolated himself from this and other issues like the skating area.
I can only speak for myself and it is obvious I would not vote for Ald. Ferrari and I do live in the first. I have not met candidate Mueller although I have seen her at meetings. It would be nice if she would introduce herself to some of the others that she sees there on a regular basis. I will support Ald. Mayszak in the second and Mike Sapienza in the 3 rd and in the Fourth I hope someone ousts Lukusus as he seems to follow the Harl line. I will vote for Mike Hart for Mayor. No one will be surprised at my choices. 8:36 AM Ald. Mayszak thinks for herself and Mayor Harl does not like that and he shows his dislike often in his attitude. There have been some spirited debates on FB about this election with no hold barred, I might say.
I AND MY HUSBAND WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANYONE IN THE FIRST WARD. FERRARI IS NOT CAPEABLE. I DO NOT KNOW MUELLER, BUT I'M SORRY I VOTED FOR RADTKE, WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. I HOPE SHERRY MAYZAK RUNS HIM IN THE GROUND. GOOD LUCK SHERRY,ITS GOING TO BE HARD FOR YOU, WITH THE WHOLE COUNCIL AGAINST YOU, BUT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. ITS ABOUT TIME SOMEONE HAS A MIND AND BRAIN TO SPEAK UP LIKE YOU AND PEREZ.
I appreciate your sentiments but in good conscience will not post, Ald Ferrari behaves like you say but I won't drag myself down to his level. His brother is off limits for now as he is not an elected official.
Hey 10:50, there were two occasions I blogged and Lois blogged that she wasn't going to post my blog. So. What I did was rephrased it and still got my point across. So maybe you could do that. I wasn't upset with Lois not posting mine. So to all you people out there this is a perfect example of Lois being respectful.
Lois, Sorry we missed you at our ward meeting this Morning. A very good presentation by King Engineering, who is representing our business partners north Venture Dr.
There were three plans presented to us, and all three seemed to be good possibilities. however, we will not know which plan will work best until the city has a traffic study done. We will be sending these plan proposals to the Public Works Committee for review. In the mean-time 2nd Ward Aldermen Mayszak and I will be making a request on behalf of our North Venture Dr. business partners to re-open 38th Street and Venture Drive Intersection until the committee, engineers, and council can move forward with a traffic study, and intersection design.
I believe...King Engineering, on behalf of their clients, They will be happy to share with the public their design plans. We'd like to Thank: Owner/Manager of Dairy Queen, Mi Margarita, King Engineering, Chamlin Engineering, Mike Hart, Justin Loger, Mike Sapienza, and others who were able to attend and voice their input of the intersection, during our 2nd. ward forum this morning. Thank you!! Rodney, and Sherry
Rodney: I can see by the people you thanked there was only two other candidates for alderman(sapienza and loger) and one candidate for mayor(hart) at this meeting. That says a lot about these people, at least they make time for people who bring new ideas forward to this city, not to mention you and Mayszak
From: Business Development Manager To: Blog Readers RE: Should I expand my business to Peru, IL?
This is a difficult question to answer. In general, the expansion of any business requires a great deal of deliberation both inside the organization and with the investors. The days of throwing a project against the wall and seeing if it sticks are long since gone. The first necessity in any business expansion is a substantial and quick return on investment. These are business realities that cannot be overcome by public good will or brand building. Cut and dry, the project needs to pay off large and fast.
Peru seems to have some advantages which at first glance make it a good candidate for a project. However, there are some detractors that could disqualify the town. Among these detractors, in no particular order, are:
1. A part time government that is disjointed, lacks leadership, and tends to operate without a plan. 2. An aging system of infrastructure without and identified upgrade plan. 3. Unstable business utility rates. This, combined with number 2 above, indicate potential large utility rate increases in the future. 4. Lack of qualified labor. 5. Unionized labor. 6. General lack of vision. 7. Propensity to use taxation to buffer budgetary problems caused by poor management practices at the municipal level. 8. Unusual focus placed on entertainment. 9. Public education that, while above par for the locality, is not sufficient to incentivize our existing employees to relocate. 10. Cronyism.
The advantages that my organization desires, such as a central location with access to multiple modes of transportation, are generally outweighed by these detractors. A business can’t expect to get everything it wants. But, a professionally run local government with a plan and vision are minimum requirements. At least for now, Peru is not a good candidate in which to locate a modern light industrial manufacturing plant.
Lois, How about having a title on this blog site with each candidates name so that citizens can ask them questions and they have the opportunity to respond? This would be a fantastic way for taxpayers to get acquainted with the candidates. It's my opinion that those candidates who choose to participate don't have a hidden agenda and nothing to hide. Character. honesty, integrity , etc. Should be taken into account in a candidate when one goes to the voting booth in April. Alot of voters will be unable to attend the meet and greet venues. Thank You, just an idea.
Please post this video at the beginning of every month Lois, until the election in April. That way it will keep reminding us what goes on at city hall. For this video and others not to be on the city web site is wrong. The money that was used to fund this camera and equipment was the taxpayers. If they are not going to put all the meetings on, then they should return the equipment and get our money back, and don't put any meetings on the site. Residents should be angry that this is going on and should demand better from this administration.
I truthfully do not understand the ATTITUDE exhibited by our mayor and 6 of the 8 council members. Why do they think that resident comments are irrelevant? Why are they not individual thinkers but instead look to each other for how to deal with issues? Sometimes I think that on important decisions they should be obliged to submit a brief written comment of why they voted as they did and make it available to the public. I would certainly post it free of charge. It would show some responsibility on their part. I will also include that the mayor should give us his thoughts on why he think the vote was right or wrong. I am so tired of the arrogance in the council chambers.
I hope many people plan on attending tomorrow night's meeting with regard to Operation Promise vote. Please bring your recording devices because I have a feeling this may be one of those meetings that accidentally doesn't make it on the city's website.
@ 8:23 Alderman Rod Perez and I believe Alderwoman Sherry Mayzak tried getting the Peru Council to implement a City Vision Plan. Me and my wife were at one of the meetings Rod invited in a professional planner and of course this administration said they didn't need it. What business, city, or family can operate successfully without a vision plan?
8:23 Perhaps you should be directing your question to current alderman and the candidates. Pick up the phone and call them, I'm sure some of them would be glad to talk to you, or just show up at a meeting since nearly all of them will be there at the same time and discuss it with each one personally. 10:33 I agree 100%. Lois is would be a huge benefit if each candidate had their own separate space so people could ask them questions up to the election. It would help determine who is responding to this blog and who isn't and let we the voters determine which route to take. I live in the 3rd ward but it doesn't appear as though either alderman use this blog but I am still interested in hearing from the other wards.
I'm floored but not surprised of what's going on with this prom thing. I heard from a good source from within the circle of the good ole boys that they are all out to get Perez because of some issue he confronted the council on in public two months ago. I wont be at Mondays meeting but hope to see it online. Aldermen to watch as this unfolds will be Aldermen Pothoff, Ferrari, Radke and Ankewitcz. supposedly they have convinced Ankewitcz's Son from the Fire Department to assist. Alderman Perez was never one of my favorites but i'm familiar with his prom program and seems to be a positive thing. but this behavior of that council seems wrong! Will the mayor make a stand against that behavior? or will he try and take Rod down with them? should be interesting video. Operation Takedown.
27 comments:
This is the requested video and most of it is on this video.
This would be an open ended question that can be answered by anyone. Who are people supporting for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th ward alderman in the coming election? We can all bicker about how horrible some of our current elected leaders are but until support is shown for other candidates and their names getting out sooner than later could help the candidate in a big way.
First ward has no choice, 2 seats are open and Ald. Ferrari (incumbent) and Becky Mueller are the candidates.
Second ward has Sherry Mayszak (incumbent running against Ald. Radtke former 1st ward alderman. It is important to note that win or lose Radtke will remain on the council because if he loses, he will be appointed alderman at large to finish the last 2 years of his election in the first.
Third Ward has Mike Sapienza running against Ald. Bob Ankiewicz.
Fourth Ward has Justin Loger and Steve Weberski running against Ald. Jim Lukosus (incumbent)
And of course Mike Hart, Don Baker and Jim Giordano running against Mayor Scott Harl.
I can honestly say that I am voting for NO ONE in the 1st ward. Even though the 2 candidates are unopposed and automatically in, by leaving their box on the ballot empty I feel I'm saying that I don't support them.
I have heard there may be a protest by not voting for alderman in the First Ward.
So Lois this is the meeting that was never posted on the city web site? If it is I can see why they would not want it seen. EMBARRASSING!
I have heard that there is a 2nd ward forum meeting tomorrow morning at 11:00 at City Hall. I have also heard that the business owners on Venture Dr. are going to address the intersection at this meeting. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Lois: I commented at 9:05. I, and I assume everyone else, are aware of who is going to be on the ballot. My question was who were people supporting? And why? I haven't haven't been able to go to a council meeting due to me working second shift, I just wanted to get the public sentiment on who to look out for.
Peru needs someone to step up and run against this clown Ferrari. Is it my imagination or can someone tell me why Harl seems to be against Mayszak? Didn't he appoint her? I sure hope Perez runs for mayor in the future, he seems to have his head in the game.
Thanks to a citizen we have this video to remind us of what happened at that meeting (as this is one of the videos that was not chosen to be put on the city web-site. I would assume because of its' contents.) This is a prime example of how our council lacks respect for each other and the general public. What I find most appalling is that the mayor told the man who was defending his wife from an attack by an aldermen that "public comment is at the end of the meeting".
The hypocrisy of supporting the Rec Bd when the council went to great lengths to deny the Library Board what was legally theirs is astounding. Alderman Ferrari and Alderman Radke did NOT meet with all the neighbors who reside near the park. They met with two families. For the Mayor to be decrying "public comment" comes later is ridiculous. He's isolated himself from this and other issues like the skating area.
8:27 AM
I can only speak for myself and it is obvious I would not vote for Ald. Ferrari and I do live in the first. I have not met candidate Mueller although I have seen her at meetings. It would be nice if she would introduce herself to some of the others that she sees there on a regular basis. I will support Ald. Mayszak in the second and Mike Sapienza in the 3 rd and in the Fourth I hope someone ousts Lukusus as he seems to follow the Harl line. I will vote for Mike Hart for Mayor. No one will be surprised at my choices.
8:36 AM Ald. Mayszak thinks for herself and Mayor Harl does not like that and he shows his dislike often in his attitude.
There have been some spirited debates on FB about this election with no hold barred, I might say.
I AND MY HUSBAND WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANYONE IN THE FIRST WARD. FERRARI IS NOT CAPEABLE. I DO NOT KNOW MUELLER, BUT I'M SORRY I VOTED FOR RADTKE, WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. I HOPE SHERRY MAYZAK RUNS HIM IN THE GROUND. GOOD LUCK SHERRY,ITS GOING TO BE HARD FOR YOU, WITH THE WHOLE COUNCIL AGAINST YOU, BUT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. ITS ABOUT TIME SOMEONE HAS A MIND AND BRAIN TO SPEAK UP LIKE YOU AND PEREZ.
10:50 AM
I appreciate your sentiments but in good conscience will not post, Ald Ferrari behaves like you say but I won't drag myself down to his level. His brother is off limits for now as he is not an elected official.
Hey 10:50, there were two occasions I blogged and Lois blogged that she wasn't going to post my blog. So. What I did was rephrased it and still got my point across. So maybe you could do that. I wasn't upset with Lois not posting mine. So to all you people out there this is a perfect example of Lois being respectful.
To- lois
From-Rodney Perez
Lois, Sorry we missed you at our ward meeting this Morning. A very good presentation by King Engineering, who is representing our business partners north Venture Dr.
There were three plans presented to us, and all three seemed to be good possibilities. however, we will not know which plan will work best until the city has a traffic study done.
We will be sending these plan proposals to the Public Works Committee for review. In the mean-time 2nd Ward Aldermen Mayszak and I will be making a request on behalf of our North Venture Dr. business partners to re-open 38th Street and Venture Drive Intersection until the committee, engineers, and council can move forward with a traffic study, and intersection design.
I believe...King Engineering, on behalf of their clients, They will be happy to share with the public their design plans.
We'd like to Thank: Owner/Manager of Dairy Queen, Mi Margarita, King Engineering, Chamlin Engineering, Mike Hart, Justin Loger, Mike Sapienza, and others who were able to attend and voice their input of the intersection, during our 2nd. ward forum this morning.
Thank you!!
Rodney, and Sherry
Rodney: I can see by the people you thanked there was only two other candidates for alderman(sapienza and loger) and one candidate for mayor(hart) at this meeting. That says a lot about these people, at least they make time for people who bring new ideas forward to this city, not to mention you and Mayszak
From: Business Development Manager
To: Blog Readers
RE: Should I expand my business to Peru, IL?
This is a difficult question to answer. In general, the expansion of any business requires a great deal of deliberation both inside the organization and with the investors. The days of throwing a project against the wall and seeing if it sticks are long since gone. The first necessity in any business expansion is a substantial and quick return on investment. These are business realities that cannot be overcome by public good will or brand building. Cut and dry, the project needs to pay off large and fast.
Peru seems to have some advantages which at first glance make it a good candidate for a project. However, there are some detractors that could disqualify the town. Among these detractors, in no particular order, are:
1. A part time government that is disjointed, lacks leadership, and tends to operate without a plan.
2. An aging system of infrastructure without and identified upgrade plan.
3. Unstable business utility rates. This, combined with number 2 above, indicate potential large utility rate increases in the future.
4. Lack of qualified labor.
5. Unionized labor.
6. General lack of vision.
7. Propensity to use taxation to buffer budgetary problems caused by poor management practices at the municipal level.
8. Unusual focus placed on entertainment.
9. Public education that, while above par for the locality, is not sufficient to incentivize our existing employees to relocate.
10. Cronyism.
The advantages that my organization desires, such as a central location with access to multiple modes of transportation, are generally outweighed by these detractors. A business can’t expect to get everything it wants. But, a professionally run local government with a plan and vision are minimum requirements. At least for now, Peru is not a good candidate in which to locate a modern light industrial manufacturing plant.
It was reported that alderman Ferrari was spotted surveying the parking lot and city hall but didn't enter.
Lois, How about having a title on this blog site with each candidates name so that citizens can ask them questions and they have the opportunity to respond? This would be a fantastic way for taxpayers to get acquainted with the candidates. It's my opinion that those candidates who choose to participate don't have a hidden agenda and nothing to hide. Character. honesty, integrity , etc. Should be taken into account in a candidate when one goes to the voting booth in April. Alot of voters will be unable to attend the meet and greet venues. Thank You, just an idea.
Please post this video at the beginning of every month Lois, until the election in April. That way it will keep reminding us what goes on at city hall. For this video and others not to be on the city web site is wrong. The money that was used to fund this camera and equipment was the taxpayers. If they are not going to put all the meetings on, then they should return the equipment and get our money back, and don't put any meetings on the site. Residents should be angry that this is going on and should demand better from this administration.
12:50 Pm
I truthfully do not understand the ATTITUDE exhibited by our mayor and 6 of the 8 council members. Why do they think that resident comments are irrelevant? Why are they not individual thinkers but instead look to each other for how to deal with issues? Sometimes I think that on important decisions they should be obliged to submit a brief written comment of why they voted as they did and make it available to the public. I would certainly post it free of charge. It would show some responsibility on their part. I will also include that the mayor should give us his thoughts on why he think the vote was right or wrong. I am so tired of the arrogance in the council chambers.
I hope many people plan on attending tomorrow night's meeting with regard to Operation Promise vote. Please bring your recording devices because I have a feeling this may be one of those meetings that accidentally doesn't make it on the city's website.
@ 8:23
Alderman Rod Perez and I believe Alderwoman Sherry Mayzak tried getting the Peru Council to implement a City Vision Plan. Me and my wife were at one of the meetings Rod invited in a professional planner and of course this administration said they didn't need it. What business, city, or family can operate successfully without a vision plan?
8:23 Perhaps you should be directing your question to current alderman and the candidates. Pick up the phone and call them, I'm sure some of them would be glad to talk to you, or just show up at a meeting since nearly all of them will be there at the same time and discuss it with each one personally.
10:33 I agree 100%. Lois is would be a huge benefit if each candidate had their own separate space so people could ask them questions up to the election. It would help determine who is responding to this blog and who isn't and let we the voters determine which route to take. I live in the 3rd ward but it doesn't appear as though either alderman use this blog but I am still interested in hearing from the other wards.
I'm floored but not surprised of what's going on with this prom thing. I heard from a good source from within the circle of the good ole boys that they are all out to get Perez because of some issue he confronted the council on in public two months ago. I wont be at Mondays meeting but hope to see it online. Aldermen to watch as this unfolds will be Aldermen Pothoff, Ferrari, Radke and Ankewitcz. supposedly they have convinced Ankewitcz's Son from the Fire Department to assist. Alderman Perez was never one of my favorites but i'm familiar with his prom program and seems to be a positive thing. but this behavior of that council seems wrong! Will the mayor make a stand against that behavior? or will he try and take Rod down with them? should be interesting video.
Operation Takedown.
6:31 If it is an interesting meeting and video, you will never see it on the web site. You will have to attend the meeting to see the take down.
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