“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

Thursday, February 14, 2013

FOIA of Township Expenditures




Just for your information these are not my foia's, they were done by candidates for twp. office.

PERU TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
Michael A. Hocking
PERU TOWNSHIP CLERK.
Robert F. "Bob" Vickrey
PERU TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR
Douglas O. Biederstedt, CIAO
PERU TOWNSHIP HWY COMMISSIONER
Joe Oscepinski
PERU TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
Donald "Barkey" Koehler
Douglas P. Bernabei
Jack Hyson
T. William Radtke
In response to your FOIA request of April 10, 2012 herein is the
information you requested.
The Road Commlssloner's salary for FY 2011 was $37,078.67; the salary
for Y 2012 was $38,93.2.61.
A copy of the budget and levy for the town fund for FY2011 and FY
2012 is enclosed


You asked for a copy of all employees' applicator license for spraying right-of-way for 2011. Since we do no spraying we do not make application for any license to spray..
Cordially,
Michael A. Hocking .


Peru Township Supervisor



136 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dont thnk you need a license to spray weeds in a parking lot.....,,

Anonymous said...

you honestly think any of this is gona change if a republican is elected? it will prolly get worse

Anonymous said...

everyone gets a raise every year- nothing shocking

Anonymous said...

rather see hocking go than joe

Anonymous said...

wow spraying a parking lot with no license isnt illegal- give me a break....focus on the big ducks like the mayor

Anonymous said...

And what is the point of the FOIA? OK, someone did some work and was paid for it? Where is the latest conspiracy?

Anonymous said...

What is the law if you take two government paychecks as a Township Clerk and Alderperson? Put down that hourly wage. 1 meeting per month for the township= 1 hour, 4 meetings per month as city Alderman. Wages at about $40,000 per year and benefits. Poor Joe JR. is at $9.00 and looks like he does some work, the guy getting elected for two jobs with work a total of 60 hours in a one year time period. Thats if the meetings last one hour. Not bad paycheck of $666.00 per hour and benefits. Now thats a good example of public service. I bet he has ways to save money, ha has? Taking notes at the meetings? That should be the topic, not someone making $9.00 an hour.

Anonymous said...

You need a license to spray a parking lot? Get real

Kevin D said...

From the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture Website.

http://www.agr.state.il.us/Environment/Pesticide/training/commappl.html

State law requires anyone in Illinois applying general-use and restricted-use pesticides in the course of employment be licensed.

It seems to me as I read more and more reports from the newspaper and this site that this group believes they are above the law. There is no doubt they violated State Law in this case. Based on earlier comments you haven't read the law and that is disappointing.

Also, if we could get better time sheets in the future with spell check because when you can't spell ditches and roads right we have a problem.

Anonymous said...

3:09 AM, 7:50 am, 7:52am and 9:51am are incorrect I work for a nearby city and we are required to have a spraying license just to spray Roundup

Anonymous said...

No you dont. Then everyone at there house needs one

Anonymous said...

10:27 should read

State law requires anyone in Illinois applying general-use and restricted-use pesticides in the course of employment be licensed.

In the course of employment, I can do my house because I'm not being paid

Anonymous said...

That is Joe Jr., the one who was just elected to COUNTY BOARD. Good thing we have someone elected who can spell ROAD and DITCHES. I wonder what else he can do that is productive.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget the word CUTTING, yes that is with two "t's"

Anonymous said...

believe that is full time by jim- if you think you are gona beat joe by fussing over a mis spelled word then boyyyyy do you have another thing coming

Anonymous said...

has this blog really sunk that low to making fun of a mis spelling? like everyone including myself doesnt make a mistake

Anonymous said...

joes got my vote- a mis spelled word wont change that

Peru Town Forum said...

12:24 PM
Everybody makes spelling and/or grammatical errors and for you to blame this blog is downright improper or silly, call it what you will. Perhaps it was just an excuse for you to take a hit at the blog.

Anonymous said...

likewise call it what you will

Anonymous said...

Debo 65% Ozzy 35% no doubt Debo will bag this one

Anonymous said...

The news tribune could run a week worth of story's on these clowns. The have been wasting our money for years. I sure hope someone holds a debate. I would love to see the clowns try and explain all the wasteful spending.

Anonymous said...

I honestly think joe will win. Even if he doesnt. Nothing will change.

Anonymous said...

Either way nothing will change

Anonymous said...

Joe will win. Hes really a decent guy. Not his fauly the way of the govt is bad

Anonymous said...

The names may change but the results will be the same. I haven't heard anybody of these new independent candidates say they will work for free, or take a pay cut. The canned response is "We will cut wasteful spending". How and what does that mean? I would like to have one sign a pledge and post it for a wage cut or work for free.

Anonymous said...

Debo has no experience. U kidding? If anything his republicanism will worsen it

Anonymous said...

Congratulation 1:19 You did not blame either political party, you did not embarass someone over a grammatical error or a misspelling and you did not blame the blog for censuring comments made by someone other than its keeper.

The aspect of your comment that I appreciate the most is that you emphasized wasteful spending and would appreciate a explanation for it. I hope that you do not mind if I infringe upon your comment by stating that I would like to see the city government as well as the township make a accounting for their wasteful spending.

The inefficiency of our city government has conviced me that all elected city government officials should serve two year terms rather than have a term limitation clause. This method would allow them to continue to serve if they are doing a good job and quicker for us to get rid of them if they are not.

Lois you have and are doing a great job in your stewardship of this blog. At times I have disagreed with you but have always found you to be fair and to let others voice their opinion openly. Because of the transparency of the blog I find myself tending to think I will vote for the candidates who participate in The Peru Town Forum.

Anonymous said...

I dont even think the names will change.

Anonymous said...

while you'all are worrying about one's spelling qualifications I wonder what mr. mayor, vickrey, taylor and other assorted hangers-on were doing at the olive gardens for lunch on valentine's day? on the taxpayers tab no doubt.

Anonymous said...

The full timer, joe jr and the secretary retire you got a quick 125k savings, stop using $1300 a month in gas and you suddenly have 150k in savings. Much easier than you think!

Anonymous said...

U can say that about any form of govt 228. Good try tho

Peru Town Forum said...

1:47 and 1:48 PM
I am more optimistic than you are. Never before in the history of the township has so much light been shed upon what goes on and how they spend our money. We are not the same city we were 4 years ago and more people are becoming aware of the need to be more watchful and take more responsibility for what takes place in their community and not to sit back and say "nothing will change". It won't change unless you and most people of voting age VOTE in this election.

Anonymous said...

True. But the dems are strong

Anonymous said...

I heard the local democrate party wanted Mary kicked out. The best part now the county democrates are looking at kicking Doug and Joe sr. Out!!. Exciting times coming our way.

Anonymous said...

I doubt that

Anonymous said...

What is the reason that you heard the Dems. wanted Mary knicked out. Is the reason being that she is running as a independent?

Anonymous said...

Yes. Most parties operate like that

Anonymous said...

If you run as a Independent, you can't be a Democrat or Republican. Thats' how the party system works. And if your a real weasel you are on a ticket(Republican,Democrat) and you help a Independent candidate gain office. I don't live in Peru but have heard that system of taking party funding and helping many outside the party is happening more and more. It makes you wonder about the motives of those. The individuals running for office as independent candidates may have not been choosen by the party, and if they are running and have changed to the independent ranks thats refreshing. I would think its the Democratics in Peru that are having a hard time with the no real primary election process. I don't think you can be elected in Peru as a Republican in the city, township elections. Other areas close like LaSalle, don't have the inner party fractions. What makes you City have such a uprising?

Anonymous said...

Being that there are so many questionable practices pertaining to the area of financies and financial expenditures what are the prcedures of checks and balances for the City of Peru and Peru Township Board?
With the two recent dishonest experiences that near by cities are having what assures that these two government bodies are not submitted to the same?

Anonymous said...

11:52 NOBODY THAT IS RUNNING HAS MENTIONED FINANCIAL Practices, nobody has said funds are being misappropriated. Another conspiracy. Post those and who, so we can accurately make a judgement.

Anonymous said...

10:54 the democrats have controlled the race for years using the caucus process...no way for new entries to race unless you run the party and decide who you put on the ballot.

Peru Town Forum said...

11:52 AM

That is pretty hard to judge unless you have access to the "books" and at this time Mr Hylla has control and I understand not everyone is welcome in his office and he has actually some to leave when he did not want to answer the questions.

Peru Town Forum said...

1:01 PM

The above answer is for you also.

Anonymous said...

@1:01- Somebody was saying that they read on this blog about missing money from the safe at fire department many months ago, they couldn't remember date. Maybe A blogger would know the blog title with this discussion on it so we all could read. With this being said their was recently discussion at council meeting In regards to the city keeping the financials for Liberty Fire Company(fundraising organization for the fd). Donation requests made by mail. The city vehemently didn't want to Have any thing to do with keeping financials. Now, with the scenario you would think somebody on council would have remembered this incident. Put 2 + 2 together. If money couldn't be accounted for then where did it go? Perfect example why the city should be keeping track of any monies taxpayers send in for a fundraising entity, Who remembers this discussion many months ago about money at fd? Please let us know if it can be found. Thank You!

Anonymous said...

Anon 1:01 When a financal question and reason such as Anon 11:52 has posted is answered with a attack such as you have made it makes the importance of the question all the more necessary. From your answer I pray that you are not within the inner circle of financial dealings of Peru. You are way to ready to pounce upon Anon 11:52's comment in defence of someone or something.

Anonymous said...

DUMP THE DEMOCRATS --DTD -- Anyone who has ever owned and has successfully run their own business knows that Peru TWP. is a legal crime for even exsisting!!! Get rid of this WASTE! It is only going to get worse.

Anonymous said...

Can say that about any type of govt

Anonymous said...

Nothing but a bunch of bloodsucking leaches that should be doing something productive with their time.

Anonymous said...

Employ the workers with the city and DUMP THE BOARD !!!! It can be done.

Anonymous said...

no it cant all of lasalle county would have to be done

Anonymous said...

Maybe ask Dooly and Joe Sr. And Joe Jr. About money missing and monies being hoarded tax free at Liberty. They all had been apart of Liberty. Even both were ppast presidents.

Anonymous said...

all i can say is if you have a question about the township why don't you make an appointment to speak to the person in charge instead of listening to what clueless people ("reformers") guess. anytime i have had a question they have always went out of their way to help me.

Anonymous said...

agreed

Anonymous said...

131 and 245 you are wrong. The current leaders were forced to provide information to the reformers. FACT FACT FACT, You don't know the facts. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT IS? IT'S SAD THAT IT TOOK A LEGAL DOCUMENT TO FORCE THE TOWNSHIP TO PROVIDE INFORMATION.

Anonymous said...

1:31 doesn't appear they are that giving unless its themselves...from recent foia that have appeared they don't seem to willing to show the real details of the boys club

Anonymous said...

Gna have to argue 816. Why would they how anythng if they werent asked to? And by law they could charge you after a few requests. Im prettt sure they didnt. Thats why the law is their. Dont use it as an excuse to try toget votes.

Anonymous said...

whats really sad is how pathetic the "clueless" i mean "reformers really are.
right on 6:42.

Peru Town Forum said...

Whats with all the one line comments, we're not getting much deep discussion with them. Where are the I believe and this is why or so and so doesn't deserve a vote and this is why and be HONEST and not because he is your friend or not your friend.

Anonymous said...

whats with only putting on this blog what only suits your agenda?

Anonymous said...

Everyone in Peru has talked about the Township being a joke. I'm just glad new blood brought the total mismanagement to light. I always new they didn't do anything just didn't have a clue how much of our ya money they really wasted. I have no clue how Joe can sleep at night. Dooley bragging about getting paid to play cards. Joe jr. Learning the ropes from senior. The board letting them run wild. Truly a shame these people didn't open are eyes years ago. Shame on all the Peru Township!!!

Eddie Mitchell said...

After reading all the negative comments about the reformers its time that I make a comment. All the information on the reformperutwp.com website are facts and truths. If any information is not a fact or true, than send us a message and we will reply to it. I encourage both sides to debate, and respect each other.

Eddie Mitchell
Peru TWP trustee candidate

Anonymous said...

Stop with the negative on joe sr. He is a great guy. Always helps. Roads plowed promptly. Etc. its not hos fault how tr govt works. His opponent has been booted from his own store, and a cabinet compny from where i worked for no results of his wrk. Joe has my vote.

Anonymous said...

The 'reformers' arent gna change anythng. Im sure art rigby amd his good buddy salesman travis are just lookn for an extra check.

Anonymous said...

The face that pol call art rigby and mary reformers is the biggest joke of this election

Anonymous said...

is that art as in i got a great software deal for the township?
i don't think we can afford him.

Anonymous said...

no thats art who got it for the county

Anonymous said...

I want to thank Eddie for sharing his information. He will have my vote. I just hope he puts a stop to Joe and all the corruption. I'm happy to see people stand up for what's right. Last week I saw Joe out campaigning on Grant street in the Township truck.

Anonymous said...

LOL you mean he was working ? so now everytime you see him he is campaigning pathetic 348

Anonymous said...

good for joe! hope he wins

Anonymous said...

JOE O HAS MY VOTE

Anonymous said...

DEM straight ticket for me.

Anonymous said...

348- Seems like you have to resort to fabrications to try to get votes- good luck

Anonymous said...

lol 348 now everytime he sees an orange truck its gona be joe campaigning lol. JOE STILL HAs my vote

Anonymous said...

I would like to see a debate between Joe and Debo. I think Joe looses the debate. Joes not as smart as you think 357. Go Debo!!!!!!! Lets see a debate..... The Dems wouldn't show up.

Anonymous said...

Its time to vote out the Democrats. Joe is part of the problem.. Wasteful spending toward large Salaries and for less than 6 miles of Roads. You Dems say its not Joes fault but don't want to talk about his friends. Debo has my vote.....
Joe has been in there to long.

Eddie Mitchell said...

If the current Peru Township officials are so willing to provide answers and give out information then I recommend there should be a Debate. A local columnist or radio host can run the debate and ask questions to each candidate. It’s time to talk about issues and policies of the Peru Township. I’m going to forward this to WLPO and the LaSalle New Tribune. Hopefully, we can get everyone on board for a debate: Hocking, Oscepinski, Keohler, Hyson, Radtke, Bernabei, Nelson, Debo, Mitchell, Rigby, Landeidel, and Studer.

Eddie Mitchell
Candidate for Peru Township Trustee

Anonymous said...

No matter who wins The township has to be dissolved period.

Anonymous said...

O yeah. The news trib. The biggest republican paper of them all. Nce try fast eddie

Anonymous said...

Debo thnks its all about just plowing. O. And working if he feels like it. Thats why he lost his jobs in the past

Anonymous said...

Eddie. Thats why you have f o i.

Anonymous said...

Funny eddie didnt mention beiderstedt. Interesting.....

Anonymous said...

A debate wouldn show nothing. Harl as the example.

Anonymous said...

debate wouldnt change nothing

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, whoever is in charge of the township roads should do a superior job. They have the equipment and obviously the time because they only have 7 miles of road to take care of and, I believe a portion of that is Pulaski north of Shooting Park and I'm not sure they take care of that.

Anonymous said...

news trib and wlpo- both heavily anti dem

Anonymous said...

JOE Has been their way too long? thanks experience gets my vote just my opinion

Anonymous said...

yeah- and the news trib or wlpo arent conservative please eeeeeeeeee

Anonymous said...

i am a repub and even i know the TRIB AND WLPO AND RIGHT WING THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING TO BRING DOWN A DEM EVEN IF THAT MEANS SUPPORTING INDEPENDENTS

Anonymous said...

. Joe used to Go to Utica every month and drink on the tax payers dime. Pretty good deal,he charged the tax payers 100 bucks to drink beer and talk the whole meeting.

Anonymous said...

Joe stopped at a friend of mines house last week in the township truck asking if he could put his sign up.

Anonymous said...

he stopped at mine yesterday- and i said yes!

Anonymous said...

as a former R.C.- the utica meeting is paid out of pocket 449 nice try though

Anonymous said...

joe asked me to put a sign up= i said put a big one up

Anonymous said...

THOSE UTICA LASALLE COUNTY RC MEETINGS COME OUT OF POCKET

Anonymous said...

he is putting a sign in my business

Anonymous said...

lol so he stopped ? wow that aint gona beat him lol- and by the way i said he can put anything he wants up

Anonymous said...

JOE CAN PUT A SIGN UP ANYTIME AND I TOLD HIM THAT

Anonymous said...

Mike Hocking explain what formula you use to grant or deny general assistance.

Anonymous said...

Do we know if Joe and Dooley are required to get physicals?

Anonymous said...

I'm a retired Liberty member. I think I speak for the majority of Liberty members. Joe likes to stir the pot. He almost destroyed Liberty years ago. He ran it into the ground and I'm afraid he is doing the same with the Township. I'm sure Debo can straighten this mess out.

Anonymous said...

as a former R.C.- the utica meeting is paid out of pocket 449 nice try though

5:39 PM, February 21, 2013

You are wrong, Get FOIA and see $100 every meeting

Peru Town Forum said...

Please let us know what R.C. is? Not familar with it.

Anonymous said...

7:31 you're correct the meeting should be paid out of pocket. However Joe turned in an invoice every month for a 100 stipen to attend the meeting .

Eddie Mitchell said...

650: Beiderstedt was not mentioned because there is no one running against him. However, I do not object to having him in a debate. Also, Werberski was not mentioned as well for the same reason. Likewise, I do not object having him in the debate. I hope this answers your question.

Eddie Mitchell

Anonymous said...

I'm sure Joe will have signs up in buisness,the ones he wastes thousands of dollars at. Joe likes to line friends and family's pockets with tax money.

Anonymous said...

I see we don't have a response from Hocking and the boys. Can you imagine them in a debate. I think you could sell tickets to watch that show. Mike trying to blame it on Joe, Joe blaming it in Vickery. Sign me up who wouldn't pay for a front row seat. That would be like a train wreck you wouldn't be able to look away.

Eddie Mitchell said...

648 AM I suggested WLPO and the News Tribe because they are two of our communities News agencies. If you are aware of another one that's more Democrat that would like to be in a debate lets use them as well.

Eddie Mitchell

Anonymous said...

They indeed do have physicals.

Anonymous said...

As a 20 current ff joe never put liberty in jeopardy. But their are a few now that are

Anonymous said...

Not everyone reada this blog. And as a follow up those are non liberty members tryng to destroy it

Anonymous said...

Joe has my vote. He has always been willing to go the extra mile to help. Im not letting a bad form of govt or a few of his dislikers try to rip him on here. The best part. I am a republican. That just goes to show how low some of these haters are willing to go on here. Like the blog tho

Anonymous said...

Vickrey would be an easy target to blame lol

Anonymous said...

too bad no one ran against steve

Anonymous said...

Peru township roads were terrible on my way to work. City of Peru was out than I hit shooting park west of church and no plows.

Anonymous said...

Matt Debo and the seems to be the clear choice. We don't need a full-time township. Very few roads the ones they have are not maintained. Pulaski North is the townships and they refuse to fix it. They would rather spend their money salary and parties.

Anonymous said...

thank you for the always prompt plow of the roads today joe- appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

i saw the township plowing shoooting park at 3am and then again at 5 ty joe

Anonymous said...

across the river and shooting park have been re paved very nicely i might add. how come no one ever runs against doug

Anonymous said...

i havent made a choice who i am voting for yet- but the shooting park and the cosgrove hill did look well done. that is appreciated

Anonymous said...

Ok. This arguing us going nowhere. Just vote for who you want and end it

Anonymous said...

It's not the Democrats fault. They just can't stop the greed, its to easy on the township. For years the News Trib never covered them. It was a free for all.

Anonymous said...

Why is Doug backing Debo?

Anonymous said...

totally agree 906 just vote for whoever and let the nagging stop

Anonymous said...

as a close friend of dougs and i wont reveal my name- he is not backing debo- that is 100% confirmed

Anonymous said...

Doug is not backing debo

Anonymous said...

agree with 906 and 929

Anonymous said...

vote hocking!!

Anonymous said...

The township spending is out of hand. Since the township is one of the smallest if no the smallest in the state. Have the road commissioner handle all the day to day work. He is paid I salary he can do the work. He can hire part time help if needed. That would be a huge savings. In the winter I see know reason the Road Commissioner couldn't handle the plowing with one truck. The state and county have each plow truck maintain around 50 miles per route. I'm sure he can handle 6. Than in the summer if he is out of work find something to do in the shop. Such as changing oil and maintains equipment. Don't just drive in circles all day it's a major waste of gas. If he can't find enough work to do than perhaps he could move away from a salary to paid by the hour. Lets bring up solutions and make a positive change this election.

Anonymous said...

i would rather see him change in the job than in the person himself- he maintains everything

Anonymous said...

929 is on the money

Anonymous said...

1026 i mean change the pay not the person

Anonymous said...

I don't know who I'm voting for but I want to thank Mr. Mitchell for being one of the candidates on this blog who posted his name.

Anonymous said...

Its pretty obvious that one person is posting 75% of these posts. All the one and two line comments right after one another. Nothing like patting yourself on the back Oz. Get to work!

Anonymous said...

righttttt 948

Anonymous said...

I agree with 10:10. With such few miles of road this needs to be run like a buisness. I agree move the R.C to hourly have him check the roads in the morning I assume and hour. Same routine in the afternoon. One and one small truck should be more than sufficient. Sell the excess trucks. U believe they have 3 or 4 trucks that overkill.

Anonymous said...

it is what it is vote for whoever