From the Independents for Twp. Office.
TOPIC IS CLOSED, NO MORE COMMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AS THEY
HAVE BECOME WAY OUT OF LINE. I DON'T KNOW WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH AND WHO ISN'T. IF YOU NEED ANSWERS GO DOWN AND TALK TO JOE SR OR JOE JR
TOPIC IS CLOSED, NO MORE COMMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AS THEY HAVE BECOME WAY OUT OF LINE. I DON'T KNOW WH0 IS TELLING HE TRUTH AND WHO ISN'T. IF YOU NEED ANSWERS GO DOWN AND TALK TO JOE SR OR JOE JR
108 comments:
And......
Could one of the independents please explain why they wanted it posted and what it means?
How do you get or qualify for a per diem when you are already on a salary?
10:36 AM I have forwarded that request to them.
Lois,
We appreciate you sharing these FOIA's we have collected over the past 9 months. As a group we have worked hard to uncover poor management, out of control spending, and we have looked at opportunities to reform Peru Township for our community. We have over 600 pages of FOIA documents which we had to obtain by written request and were not given voluntarily. These documents will show that expenses are paid are extremly high rates considering a drive to Ottawa is just 17 miles and we have several instances of this. Peru Township has always worked in the cloak of secrecy as a voter it is my belief that the township should be transparent so that any person in the township can understand the real purpose of the township. As a supervisor I believe the township should have a website so you can see the many things the township does provide and does not provide for the community. I also believe this is a community effort to reform our Township to provide more General Assistance than the $2400 they provided last year and much less salaries for those that are elected. The Road Commissioner and the Supervisor have received extraordinary high salaries for positions they are in. I want to stress that I believe we can reform the Peru Township for the community, work with civic organizations to provide better general assistance and we can cut the expenses of the road fund and still provide excellent roads for the community. With 6.3 miles of road in the Township I can no longer tolerate the high salaries, and the general waste of taxpayer money.
I encourage everyone to visit our website www.reformperutwp.com or send us an email to reformperutwp@comcast.net.
Yep. And you guys will change it. Doubt it
Voluntariy? Thats why you have foia. There not gona call you everytime they get a paper in lol.your acting like you were beaten before they gave them to you. Just say you got em. Your not gaining any political advantage by throwing in all those nouns.
Aint no republican gona lower his salary. Tell you that righ now. Or an indy
Travis volunteer for the position. Show us where that community pride and transparency is in action. I guess you left out that the clerk position salary is fine. And how long have you lived under this kingdom of the Township cloak? A year, maybe two. Call it what it is. Its a opportunity for you and a few others to get that salary, benefits without working. I haven't heard one word about how you and your new political buddy will be transforming the township.
203 show up at our meet and greet. You may learn something new and look at new views the township needs to adopt. Change doesn't need to be a negative thing like you proclaim.
Not negative. Just know most of the indy canidates and knw they will do worse.
5:38 PM
I disagree with you because if the present members are doing such a good job, why are they not helping those who need help, they have the money to do so. They are getting nice salaries for very little work. Some of those on the twp board have been on the twp for so long and have changed nothing and business is conducted more from habit than anything else. How do I nicely say, that they should be retiring on their own?
If you don't like the way, the independents conducts business vote them out in 4 years. But we need to try to improve this board.
538, There are leaders and there are people who think they know it all. A leader wouldn't be afraid to give there name if they really believe in what they say.
Mr. Mitchell, you are deserving of the opportunity of expressing yourself and signing your name (which in your case is smart since you are seeking all the free publicity you can get). The thoughts of expressing ones name or not signing ones name with his/her comment have been a topic of the blog several times and something that I am not going to spend the time to update you..
Since I do not personally know you I'll assure you that it does not matter if you sign your name or not but I will inform you that in using the blog as a method of communication it is a cold medium , not a warm medium and your comment does not read well. I hope that what you are saying is not what I am reading word for word because you have just lost my vote and possibly many others.
No way i am voting for any independant. We all have our opinions.
6:27 PM
I would like the opportunity to interpret your answer to Mr Mitchell. You never had any intention of voting for Mr Mitchell and this is what you are attempting to do. You have been unhappy with the ability of this blog to attract both readers and bloggers and as you can see from the numbers they are increasing. IMO you are attempting to discourage both independents and other candidates running for office in Peru from posting on the blog because,yes it does give them more visibility and access to the public they would never ever have contact with in normal day to day life. It gives the readers a chance to meet them through the ideas they share with us. I wonder if anyone else believes as I do, they you support someone already in office who is running for re election. By the way a big Thank You Eddie Mitchell.
And to 7:19 PM I can see you are a one party man and will not deviate from that and I will venture a guess that you always vote Democratic no matter who is running on the ticket.
Lois I want to thank you. You are truly a leader of our community. We don' t have to agree on everything someone says but to at least listen with respect or comment with respect shows integrity. 627 has an opportunity to meet me and listen to what I believe. Likewise, I will do the same for you as well.
Well it appears the current township employees are getting nervous. The independents running have so much information showing the wasteful spending of the current township. I have no doubt the independents will all be elected, and I am so grateful somebody finally exposed the waste! Go reformperutwp! I can't wait to vote for each one of you!!!!
That foia is great information. As a resident of Peru it makes me sick to my stomach to see the elected officials a d employees taking advantage of us. I'm also happy to see so many people in the comunity talking a out the waste. Until this year I had not paid any attention to the township. I just always voted for the people in office. This time I don't no of one person in my neighbor hood who isn't voting for a newcomer. Good luck to all the newbies and SHAME on the current folks!
642 sounds like Your a diehard Democrat. Party first, mentality, Right. LOL
As an outside observer I wonder why the democrats have ran who they ran...do the old guys even know they are on the ballot. The democrats have finally figured out they have no campaign and no issues to even target. I'm disappointed to read some people aren't willing to open up to the independents but there are a few here on the blog that are attempting to smear anyone they can including the blog owner which is uncalled for. The newstrib has provided enough information to seal the deal its just a matter of time!
How come democrats are putting signs up with Ozzy...the fractured party is showing through!!! He has become the sacrificial lamb and he is headed to slaughter with hocking!
I'm still confused. So Joe charged the township $100 dollars to drive to utica and he is salaried. If that's not taking advantage of us I don't no what is.
What is wrong with the standard bearers of this blog. All of you continuously mention the age of the trustees and Mayor Baker, don't you somewhere think of the experience and knowledge that these men have.
Politics is a dirty game and people such as yourselfs make it dirtier with your constant insults and disrespect towards the elderly. Will you be satisfied if these men go home and sit in a chair by themselves all day long. Remember you are getting older also. If it wasn't for some of the older representation getting what they can for the elderly you possibly wouldn't have a computer to particpate in this blog. How soon forgotten when the new guy comes on the block with no experience and only a promise to offer. You would think the last Mayors election would have been a lifelong lesson but with some of you the lesson hasn't lasted four years.
I have said before that being an elected official is a part of your life and that is all, don't expect the public to vote you in because you have nothing to do. All of the individuals have children, grandchildren and friends and there lives should be full whether they are in or out of office. It is also a fact of life that time marches on, and younger people decide to try their hand at politics and that is an absolute plus when the young become involved. I am pleased to see Justin at age 27 involved at the municipal level. Travis Nelson and Eddie Mitchell are new to politics but kudos to them for taking the time and interest. Who will win is up to the voters and not you or I. Older residents can still take an interest and be great advisers to the up and coming and share their long years of experience with them. There is a lot to be done and it requires many people of all ages to remain interested and to offer help if it is needed.
just vote for whoever- i am sure most minds have been made up.
I was directed to the better government association web site. They have watch dog training classes for government abuse. I would encourage you all to visit their web site. I think Peru Township would be a great study for the association.
why are you bringing employees into your election ploy? employees don't make the policy. also if anyone had checked around instead of throwing accusations every township gives per diems for attending meetings - even lasalle township.
A PER DIEM CHECK USUALLY IS GIVEN TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS WORKING OUT OF TOWN TO PAY FOR THEIR FOOD, over their usual 8 hour day. I've heard of Per DIEM checks to be between $30-40 per day. Only if employee spent the night for business. Why spend night in Rockford? Something doesn't seem right with this amount. Why get mileage?? COULDNT AMTOWNSHIP TRUCK HAVE BEEN DRIVEN. Giving mileage also pads pockets. Unbelievable.
DIDNT STAY OVERNIGHT-SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN A PER DIEM/ CONFERENCES USUALLY HAVE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AS PART OF CONFERENCE.. LOOKS LIKE TOWNSHIP IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF TAXPAYERS. 120 miles each trip to Rockford. How much in township vehicle would gas have cost? NOT $160 for 240 miles! Ripped taxpayers off again! When you go to work does your employer pay for your morning coffee and breakfast, lunch? Dinner? Don't forget the service station stop for a drink in your way home?
9:21 & 9:36
is that at other townships? compare apples to apples.
get over your hate and vote for who you want. also what did you pay for the 600 pages you requested "free" on foias? are we all paying for your "free" campaign?
File a complaint against the township. As long as the complaintant has documentation to back up the reasons for an investigation. For instance like informing the IRS of discrepancies. Complaint must be well documented, and the IRS takes it from there. Believe me and you no one wants the IRS involved in their business. And in the last two years the IRS has hire a couple thousand more employees to investigate personal peoples taxes and businesses(article was in USA today months ago). Complaints can be filed online or by phone.
Per diem is for mileage no matter what
Gotta laugh 6 miles of roadway to maintain basically that's it! And they go to a conference for two days! To learn what? On taxpayers money. How sweet is that deal?
@11:33- why not use a township vehicle????? No per DIEM for mileage would be needed!!!!!! They sure have enough vehicles!!!!!!!!!!! We taxpayers aren't stupid 11:33. Don't manipulate the spending of the township, it's unnecessary spending. FACT!!!!
When a employee receives PER DIEM checks I wonder if they have to claim that on their personal taxes as income??????
Did the person who is Deb Siebert go to conference in Rockford? What is up with the invoice or whatever you call it done in handwriting. Does the township have a typewriter or a computer? I noticed township letterhead but handwriting. Seems kinda unprofessional paperwork.
anything that concerns a dem or a pro union person is unprofessional or bad to you ppl on here.
JOE SHOULD NOT HAVE RECEIVED ONE PENNY FOR PER DIEM FOR A DAY IN UTICA!!!!!!!!!!!!HOW MANY YEARS HAS TAXPAYERS MONEY BEEN USED LIKE THIS? On a trip so close to Peru! DID HE DRIVE TOWNSHIP VEHICLE? WHAT WAS THE $100 USED FOR? LETS SEE THE REAL RECEIPT WITH DATE AND TIMES WHERE/WHAT MONEY WAS SPENT ON. UNBELIEVABLE. The Township should be dismantled. Let the employees collect unemployment for a while then have to get a real job that doesn't take advantage of taxpayers money and maybe they will find put how to have to do real work for once. How often is the township audited? Maybe a state audit could be done. If enough people show concern, then this could happen.
EMPLOYEES DONT MAKE POLICY !!!!!FACT
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP ASK!!!! FACT
WE WILL VOTE FOR WHO WE WANT TO!!FACT
ENOUGH OF THE DIRTY CAMPAIGNING!!!!FACT
if he was a republican- it would be a whole different story
Personally on a local level I think all this about Democrat or Republican is out of bounds and I don't know why someone running for a local twp. position should be affiliated with either of the national parties.
Those running for municipal office in local cities do not have to declare a party so why should candidates for the twp.
I personally hope the Independents running for office can start something. I am aware that they all have prior party afiliations but we are onto something about making these offices non party affiliated in years to go. Good luck.
Lois: I agree with you but I also feel that the smart and well informed voter would vote for the individual who will get the job done and not for the party man who may not be qualified. Democrat, republican, independent - who cares? Don't vote party affiliation - vote for the individual.
Lois, despite what your viewpoints are. It won't change the party rules. The independent has to prove why they are the best choice. What they will change? Will they take a pay cut because of the system pays too much for those positions? What will the person change and why?
No one would be an elected official if you voted for the person
4:35 PM
I have never voted party, it is always the person, most elections I vote a mixed ballot. There is a left wing and right wing to each party, so that could mean that the left wing of one party is close to the right wing of the other party. I believe that the number of independents is increasing as both parties are a failure. IMO
I think the current office holders need to tell us what they are going to change. Will they take a pay cut? Will they stop spending money like a bunch of drunken sailors? The only thing the newcomers need to do is keep getting the information out. When Rod Thorson brought this up for discussion on WLPO it angered many. I think he should invite the current office holders on his show to explain themselves.
I'm positive the Township could be a help to people at the Pads shelter. I believe they could even do a work program. However Hocking keeps turning people away. Why doesn't he help the people in need?
4:11 perhaps you should ask the candidates directly
exactly its all opinion
436 Rod is too far right for the incumbents. They need someone from MSNBC to ask them any question. LOL
Where is the blame to Hocking his the chief executive officer of the tonship everything goes thru him...he continues to let joe sr. take the fall. He along with the four trustees have the vote and the power, the clerk, the road commissioner and the accessor have no vote. Lets point the blame to the person who in charge and yields the power out with the voting members!!!
Does anyone know how to file a tax objection? I want to have this reviewed by county they have to be doing something wrong...$2400 to the poor (proven fact) and 560 for a 2 day meeting (fact). The parties are going to fight but I don't care my opinion is that my vote changed today along with my 3 boys.
I read through these posts and laugh. The 3 or four attacking Mitchell and Nelson are typical Dooley's, and Ozzie's aka- Dumb and Dumber.
This Twp is a mess. the sooner Hocking, and Oz is out of there things will change. The hatred spuying from these posts are obviously coming from opponents.
The thug days of ruling the city of Peru is over.
These good ole boys should pack up their 90year old henchmen and move down the road.
New Sherrifs are moving into town.
In the past pads has asked the Township for assistance. They said the Board discussed it and they couldn't help!
Years ago, I remember that one of the trustees said to me "I only go to the great steak dinners every year at Christmas." Compliments of the township taxpayer. All of those people enjoying a nice dinner on the taxpayer. Drinks and all! Wow! I didn't even get invited and it was my money!! Even if that trustee did attend a meeting, I would have to bet that his "facilities" are not completely understanding the job requirements anyway. This township is absolutely a waste of money and irresponsible overspending. Do a few time studies on the timesheets listed and you should see that it "seems to take a long time" to complete some of those tasks, over and over again. Oh, don't worry, they borrow so much from the building across the street anyway. You're paying your township taxes and they still can't live within their means. They still mooch off the city building and services. CHANGE EVERYONE OF THEM OUT!
Anon 6:59 When are the new Sheriffs moving into town. I know one young fella that pulls a lawn wagon with sheriff in big bold letters on it. His name is The Sheriff and he has a riding mower pulling his wagon. How many more Sheriffs is Peru going to get?
Louis. The dumb and dumber name calling was un called for. Leta skip past the name calling.
Joe has always helped. Plain and simple
Have ALL illegal practices knowingly coducted in Peru ever been turned into the Attorney General publically so that it would not be so easy to hush up? Wink Wink.
Can a Mayor take credit for having a clean term in office when he has permitted everything in his city to be so dirty!
10:28
if you knew what you were talking about you would know it was the other way around!!!
8:10 on the election of the new office holders, what will they promise? Nobody running for office has promised not to take the salary. Nobody has said they won't take those benefits. Why such the hurrah for those new reformers?
i guess only the hateful anti-township replies are being posted today - right lois?
10:39 AM
I was overwhelmed with the same old and tired of twp comments and I still have a bunch to go thru. I tried not to publish hateful, so if I did I apologize and I will check them.
10:19- How can you say only hateful comments made. Have you read all of the 64 blogs above. I did, and basically they are valid question and comments in my opinion. Also, I'm assuming you are affiliated somehow with the township other than possibly being a taxpayer. To see in above PER DIEM AMOUNTS GIVEN IS A JOKE! What was money spent on? Do they have to turn in a receipt and return unspeant monies? We taxpayers have a right to know. GAS MILEAGE- A JOKE- USE ONE OF THE MANY TOWNSHIP VEHICLES THAT TAXPAYERS PAID AND/OR ARE STILL PAYING ON. PADS COULD USE SOME Of THIS WASTEFUL SPENDING IF MONEY FROM TAXPAYERS! OH. I meant to blog township!
I agree with 1019!!! And lame excuse Ms. Lois. And 1128, I read all the posts listed here and half of them on insulting, disrespectful and name calling. And also I am not affilated with either of the parties. I am just a plain ole tax payer!! P.S.- take the caps off-no need to yell.
10:13 am has the current office holders attempted a decrease or to work for free? Instead gave themselves a raise in 2 years. Like it or not there has to be a change.
1:53 And the question to you the new office seaker- will you not be taking your salary? And what cuts will you do?
1:53, "Like it or not there has to be a change" I haven't heard or read anything but vague details about these big independent changes. Just a bunch of hyped up talk from a group of inexperienced people.
I share the same concerns as 350. It is easy for a political candidate to point out problems, but I would much rather see a proposed solution. If elected, which employment benefits would the prospective candidates not accept or by what percentage would they reduce their salary? Until a candidate offers up a better plan than "we need a change", they have not earned my vote.
What will Mike and Joe cut? Will Mike continue to turn the people in need at Pads away? Will Joe move to per hour. Will they cut their benifits? Oh wait they voted for a raise.
Lois, Im shocked people wanting a response about salaries. Dont they realize the township is a just being exposed and the current trustees and supervisor have put them in this position. They are asking for the independents to make changes... what about the current elected officials? Is the Supervisor taking a pay cut, how about the Trustees. The election is in the hand of the voter now, and in 30 days or so 5000 people will go to the poll and decide. I am wondering do the democrats have a website or a platform they are running on?
Anon 5:01 Who has earned your vote?
Don't be too shocked about people asking about how the independents will make change...that's the platform they are running on. The only change they committed to is starting a township website.
Republicans and Independents have our vote!! Mike and Joe it's time to go!! Those two have proved they can't handle the job. They got greedy!
Maybe Mike will continue to spend the general assistance money on salaries and retirement rather than give it elderly and needy! I could care less about what roads people are doing Studer will get roads turned over to city and county...poof that department is bye bye..city can do work for 1/3 of cost...and finally fix my street since township won't!
Still no changes advertised. Travis will you be giving up your salary? Steve will you be working for the same amount of money as the previous clerk? Will our tax rates chnage? Will my road get fixed in North Peru?
Will oz and Dooley continue to ride around in the pick up together? I watched them drive in circles all morning . I have my trail camera set up with the time stamp on it . They should be fun to post.
1124- i would say that is stalking and i would be afraid of you
if they are checking on a road 1124 or anything i would say that is fine they did that
Probably a boss giving his worker direction 1124- how the world works
thats creepy 1124
1124: enjoying that unemployment check?
Lol 153
9:23 AM you keep asking if they will do it for free. Their website shows their goals and of course they have indicated they will lower the salaries will 50%be enough or 75% be enough..they are the highest in Illinois that could be easiest answer. The problem is undoing all the damage done by the current trustees. I will vote for some dems, indys and repubs they will have to fix it or in 4 years it will be someone new.
Why does a township and city election have to be for four years? Wouldn't some offices be better served if the term only lasted for two years? After all that has been uncovered by the blog it proves that people are starting to pay attention to what has been happening. They are now aware of wages being way too high, collecting a salary and per diem, officials using city vehicles for personal use, city purchasing big suburban gas guzzlers for city department heads use, excessive hiring of relatives, hiring without advertised bids for the job, avoidance of competitive bidding, continuous violation of OMA, and on and on and on.
I can't wait to see the township run the right way. 6 miles and road and total mismagament by Joe and Mike FACT!!!
Highest paid in the state FACT!!!
Waste of tax money!!! Fact
Don't forget Hocking is helping the people in need. He sits down their all day and turns people away.
9:23 isn't the only asking to see a plan. The Independents for Reform website states reduction of salary and benefit packages as a goal and undecided voters deserve an answer as to how much. I don't expect anyone to work for free, but I want to know if we can expect to see any real changes on our taxes. I'm not punching a ticket for the "change train" only to find out we are giving up years of experience to save a few pennies.
I agree. New blood will make it worse
12:02 AM
I have been to meetings and it looks like even you could be doing this work of the trustees. One meeting a month of sitting at a table writing out checks for about 1 hour. This is one of those well paid jobs where no experience is needed would be in the job description. If experience was needed most of them would not be on the board. MO
As a c b member. Joe jr has made all his meetings. You can check the attendance on thr c b website. I am a c b member from lasalle. Narrow me down from their
809 is incorrect- you can check online and even call the county to see official attendance- we can post comments like that on here without checking the facts first- it will make us irrelevant
Louis- 809 comments are incorrect- and should be deleted. you can call ottawa to find out yourself- just saying
i notice mary and art have been shockingly quiet thru all of this- i wonder why
11:58 AM
Thank you , it has been done.
As an independent voter, I have sent them 3 emails requesting information and I'm please with their answers regarding removing the medical stipend and the retirement benefits. I also like the answer of significantly reducing salary one they have obtained the proper legal counsel since salary increase has been impleted by the current township by a 5-0 vote over the 4 years.
Everyone keeps questioning them and try answer me within 2 hrs. I appreciate their assistance, do the current group have an email I'd love to ask them the same questions so I can become an informed voter.
Can Joe and Mike give out their email? I have questions for them before I can vote. As of right now they don't have my vote but perhaps they could explain their views.
E mail, you have to be kidding, they still have Paul Revere.
I called the county Friday Joe has been missing meetings. It just shows Joe has been been taught by dad. To take advantage of tax payers. It's sad I voted for him and expected more.
7:02 PM
If you are on FB, you could message him through his personal or mayoral page. Is that possible for you?
12:02=Lois- Well then Lois maybe you should run for the supervisor position since you're offering up more responses than the reform party. I mean being able to partially communicate effectively is a strategy- hey! you got a leg up on the other 4 co-dependents already.
And as for 7:12- what is sad is that Lois knowingly allowed you to post yet another comment that is 100% false because you added 5 words of BS to your previously deleted comment that she cant verify until 8:30 Monday.
Joe has missed 0 meetings. Stop posting lies. If you called who did yoi speak too please and post tge number
712. Can you please post the number and person you spoke to so i have you on record. For i hae recieved different info than you. Thank you
9:16 the independants anwered all my questions? you can ask them any question you want and they will respond. Go to Reformperutwp.com ask them a question.
Lois- you would have a half way decent blog, if you weren't so obviously BIASED
@2:17. Did you forget to put the word "honestly". In front of bias? Please don't be like the dishonest people in this city.
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