This was not written by the administrator of the blog.
Early 2012 the Peru Fire Department
received a donation from a local car club in the amount of $2,000.00
Chief King chose to use that as a donation for Operation Promise. Chief
King recently heard that the car club didn't want their donation going
towards Operation Promise.
Gee!! Coincidence, Since Rodney recently took Operation Promise from the City of Peru
Chief King just withdrew their $2,000.00 donation from Operation
Promise account and placed it back in the Peru Fire Departments Account.
Rodney was told by Chief King it would not be replaced.
MR. Chief King- That was a Peru Fire Department donation to Operation
Promise. If you wanted to pull those funds from the Operation Promise
Account to keep that club happy, you should've replaced it with the FD
funds.
How can you commit a donation then take it back a year later???
Dirty Politics you should be ashamed!!
208 comments:
1 – 200 of 208 Newer› Newest»Again we find the city officials taking it out on someone they are not happy with. Seems to be a pattern and I think I know the trail and where it begins. I bet you won't have a hard time figuring out this puzzle. A year later a car club attaches strings to their donation. We will find out very easily which one it is. I know the city donates to the IV Rodders and Blood, Sweat and Gears.
Harl is a big car show supporter. I'm sure he put them up to it. Harl appointed King, so I'm sure King is just following orders. Can't wait until April 9! Lots of changes coming to Peru!
No change is coming an im fine with that
Liberty Fire is a fund raising club for the Peru Fire Department. If I ever gave money to Liberty Fire, I would expect that money to be used by the Peru Fire Department - not some other organization. If you want your money being spread around multiple charities, then give it to the United Way. I for one want to be sure my donations go to the organization I gave them to.
If Liberty Fire Company gave money to Operation Promise, that is WRONG!
I just read on Facebook the fire departments chief donated to operation promise in 2011 I wonder if I can request my donation back that we made to the fire department over the past two years through their yearly mailer.
I didn't want them using my donations to pay for there parties!
Everyone knows Harl put King up to it. It was probably a meeting with Harl, Taylor, Hylla, potthoff, Ankiewcz, and Radkte trying to decide how ti screw over Perez and Operation prom. And all they are doing is making sure they don't get elected in April. Its been said before, whoever Rod endorses will win!!
It is quite funny how Rodney has all of you brainwashed. Keep thinking that he can do no wrong and pay not mind to the fact that he has never finished anything he has started. Once the press and the cameras are gone so is he.
9:38 AM
Your comment has no meaning unless you give details. It is easy to throw out comments like that and don't really say what you mean. In other words I have no idea what you are referring to. Look forward to your list.
Anon 9
Anon9:46 About time someone calls on those who submit comments but never anything to back up the comment. This is the biggest reason there are so many Anon's entered.
;
Rodney finished getting the meetings videotaped. If it wasn't for him pushing, the meetings still wouldn't be recorded. And I think that was one of Harl's campaign promises. So lets talk about who really doesn't get anything done that he promised - Harl not Perez.
Perez also ran a 50/50 for raising funds for the fireworks and then the recreation commission decides that maybe they should try to raise funds for the fireworks instead of just using taxpayer money.
Chief king gave the donation from the fire department just like other area departments gave donations. It didn't come from liberty. Liberty money only goes for beer and steak dinners. It just keeps getting more and more clearer that Harl needs to go!
Why does the city donate $1500 to the Rodders anyway. I'm sure there are more needy causes that could use that money. Or is it just that Don Klien is a Harl supporter? He can move his car show to the next town for all I care!!
Operation Promise was the Peru Fire Departments event, so yes the Peru fire department should've used whatever money they needed to that would pay for that event.
Operation Promise wasn't an outside organization until the city ran it out about a month ago.
This will be bad for the Peru Fire, mayor and that car club.
Rod is praised highly for his accomplishments. The only ones that would disagree would be those who are threatened by him.
6:52. Your blog said Chief King donated to OP IN 2011. Was that a personal donation? Amount? ALSO. when Jeff King was appointed fire chief by Harl, wasn't there several thousand dollars increase to kings salary for that position? What does that tell you. Salary should have stayed the same., maybe a little increase. Check to see what Gary Eccles got paid for many years as fire chief! Don't forget Fire Chief King personally donated $600 to Harls campaign War chest back in August!! This information us on record!!!!!!!!!!And it also has a name in which FIRE Chief King's aunt Nancy Null (lives Missouri) donated $300+ dollars worth of door prizes. How do I know Nancy is his aunt? I asked someone and they said it is kings aunt. Chief King had his hunchback at the fire dept that covered his a** for years since Harl appointed him. Go back and read all blogs and that had been talked about before.
10:24 AM
Peru Fire Department is looking to purchase a new fire truck. My question to Alderman Perez is if our donations made to the Fire Department/ Liberty Fire every year- will those donations be used to help pay for that fire truck?
If so,how much?
9:38. Did Alderman Perez Volunteer to drive the shopping bus? Did he pick up people and stop the bus and leave people on bus and go home and leave bus and people stranded? NO! Needless to say he FINISHES THE JOB! How about LP basketball games, wasn't Alderman Perez there volunteering his time to promote OP? How many fireman/chief/asst. chief were there volunteering their time to help Alderman Perez? ? Didn't see too many. Has Alderman Perez volunteered his time to drive the fire truck for a function and not get paid? Did he leave truck stranded? MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 9::38 hope your blog about alderman perez makes you feel better about yourself. Evidently you don't care about senior citizens. Handicapped persons, drugs and alcohol in our community involving our adolescence and family sponsored events! 9:38. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR YOUR COUNTRY LATELY?
Rodney could have averted all this chaos if he would've just become a non profit from the beginning. What was the reasoning for moving it from Peru?? Sour grapes is what it sounds like to me. He has a good cause but needs some better administrative skills.
Anon 9:38 Alderman Perez probably leaves when the camera is gone so he doesn't have to join in with the illegal meetings held at the Right Spice or Maples.
Interested to read your response to what Rodney hasn't completed what he's started. I've known Rodney for 15 plus years and he's respected for walking the talk. Follow him on Facebook or twitter and you'd be surprised by the respect he has from others.
It would be interesting if Alderman Perez retired from the fire department. Then as he is now on the fire safety
Committee as an alderman. Stayed and that committee, then he could really tell the taxpayers about that FD. I would venture to assume Harl would take him off that committee and appoint him elsewhere. ALDERMAN PEREZ IS A MAN OF INTEGRITY. What you see is what you get. HES NOT FAKE. And he doesn't kiss bottoms to get ahead in life. Honesty is the best policy.
Anon 5:23 A very comlex question is created by your statement. If I give a donation to a organization isn't it their money to do what they want with, especially if I don't specify exactly what I want that organization to do with the money.
The bigger problem that I see is when a government body becomes a chairtable organization meeting after meeting with taxpayers money. Recently at a city council meeting the finance committee was questioned about having six different requests for donations at one meeting. A taxing body should lower their tax rate to the taxpayer if they have such a excess of money that they can compete with chairtable organizations. The taxpayer should be allowed to donate his money as a individual contribution rather than city officials who utilize our funds as a campaign instrument. Peru should get back to fundamentals where the politicians start to handle politics and they let donations be handled by professional charitable organizations. Possibly some of these groups should be referred to the Peru Township.
10:12 AM
I like your comment but please leave the persons name out and only refer to the club and please repost.
Why now was this donation taken back? Did Mr. King do it on his own or was he instructed by someone above him. I think this is a sad day and time when we politics becomes this dirty.
Is this a conflict of interest for anybody to tell Lberty Fire Company what to do with fundraising money for the PFD? Though city wanted nothing to do with financials or accounting of money. Gets better by the day.
The question that you should ask is how did the donation to the fire department be placed in the operation promise account? Is the conflict of interest in the process of the Operation Promise organizer- fireman safety education officer-city councilman only evident to those who are employed by the fire department? The headlines of the car club taking back the donation are off base. It should be how can this guy get away with re-directing a donation to the fire department.
Anon 1:59 you nailed it out of the park!!!! Finally someone with some common sense. I knew this was going to come back to haunt Mr. Perez. I just hope all the financials for this program are in order, I feel there is more to come.
1:59 & 3:01
If you read the posts, chief king gave this donation to operation prom which was an activity sponsored by pfd. King was going to donate $2000 from fd funds to operation prom but at the same time this donation came in and instead of depositing this and writing a new check for same amount to operation prom he just gave this check right to operation prom account. This was all approved by all liberty members at that meeting to do so. Everyone was happy. But then Hylla and potthoff along with Harl want to cause problems with Rod so they told king to withdrawal $2000 from operation prom acct which is not a city entity anymore since it became its own non for profit. So king being the scape goat now committed a felony taking money out of an account he has no control over and putting it in liberty's acct. And Harl once again looks like a fool!!
And king will take the fall for it!!
I'll be glad when we get a new mayor in April!!
Harl and Hylla told King to do this !!
Is King going to say no?
Not if he wants reappointed in may.
Maybe Harl and king used Hockings garage for this meeting too like the meeting for king to overthrow Eccles!
Anon 10:59 The reason Perez moved it out of Peru was because now he could, since Rodney made it a corporation it freed the group from staying in Peru, now other communities can take part.It sounds like they moved it to Utica, with plans of Princeton the following year. To me this sounds to be a pro-active administrative move so the message and program can reach more families and teens.
By reading and following Operation Prom it looks as though Rodney has a large groupf of committee members who are from all walks of life. from attorney's, students,law enforcement and teachers involved. I'm not sure that could have been done being stuck within the FD.
Brad T.
Streator
1:59 your the only post that makes any sense. 3:30 so this was a donation made to the fire department? And it just accidently went to the operation acount that the same fire safety, aldermen, operation promise organizer, fire committee member was in charge of? Did you say felony? And liberty has control of the funds donated by the car club? Your imagination is a little slanted. I don't think the problem is liberty.
I'm done sending any money to Libery!! We have no idea what they spend money on. The say its for the fd. But how so we no?
Sounds like LAUNDERING of money from one account to another. This is done alot in businesses to hide money. Fact! How about an audit of Liberty Fire Company? Do they get audits? Maybe a state audit is needed. And not from a firm in the area. The news tribune, Ottawa times should do a report on this. VERY INTERESTING THINGS GOING ON.
@5:23'a.m. Your saying you would like your money that u donate to Liberty to be used for parties for them (fireman) instead of a drug program that benefits communities? Very sad 5:23 am. Everybody should be questioning where all the donated money goes!!!
Im a member of Rodders and i know several members of Peru Fire . They have helped us out alot over the last several years with fundraisers . We donated to liberty and i was told after the meeting that they all decided what to do with the money . The money was going to Operation Prom to cover costs of the production . We never had a problem with it years ago untill its election time and everyone wants to cast a shadow on eachother . It makes sense for us to donate to a drunk driving education program . That is what we thought then . That is how i feel now . The back room politics in Peru is getting way out of hand . The mayor has no leadership skills to control this . All the members dont feel that the money shouldve been taken away from operation prom . The money was given to Liberty to do with it as it seemed fit just like any other donation recieved . They decided what to do with it and that shouldve been final !
Citizens of Peru! You should be made aware that 1/2 of the $2000 donated by the car club to the fire department was donated to the car club by the city. So, $1000 of that donation that was taken back is your tax dollar at work.
3::32. If he had some class he would! I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine. What a joke. I have no respect for any of them. This money donated to Liberty is still the taxpayers money, therefore it should be taken into consideration what the taxpayers want it spent on. Was this done so there is more money in account so when king goes to council requesting the approval for new fire truck??? Is this a possibility?? Get the rust fixed on the one the fd has, it was stated there was alot of money already spent on maintenance of truck. Then golly gee, why get rid of it. COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!
This all seems pretty simple to understand.
Lets say you have a checking and savings account under one name. You have a check for 100.00 and you know you have to putt 100.00 into the savings acount, you could deposit it into the checking acct. then pull it back out to hand it back and tell the clerk to deposit it into the savings acct.
The clerk may look at you and ask why you just didn't deposit it into the savings acct. to begin with.
Alderman Perez I know you're reading these blogs so please correct me if I'm wrong.
From reading all of this, it seems as though the Fire Dpt. was 100% responsible for the program, a check was given to the Fire Dpt. and instead of the chief putting that check into one account then pulling it right back out to put it into the other acct. the chief just deposited into where it was going to end up anyway. It sounds as though the over site and balances were in order so what is the problem here?
It appears as though there was wrong doings here on the chief and city's behalf.
Seems there are 3 needles in a haystack.
The money was donated for fire equipement. Not for Promise. That was stated from day one of the event. What happened to the money should be explained by those who put the funds in the Operation Promise account, no the car club.
Put him under oath and ask the fire department education officer, operation promise organizer, city council member, fire committee member if he had any knowledge how the check from a car club event was placed in his operation promise account?
I think this may be the straw that breaks the jack-asses back. This is all under the mayors watch. Perhaps this is pure political suicide for Harl and those who support his attack against Rodney and his Promise.
I bet Baker, Hart, and a few aldermen who want Baker back are smiling all the way to Election Day
The money was given to operation prom by chief king!! That's the answer!! Harl had him take the money back to piss off Rodney.
Knowing that Sherry and Rodney have not been treated equally in comparison to other aldermen by those of their peer group and the Mayor and Treasurer a question of political maturity is always before us.
This question of political maturity must be considered in the voting booth this coming April. Sherry and Rodney have asked questions, some of which have been embarrassing to other city officials because their behavior or vote, at times, has not been logical.
The populace of Peru should be aware of the fact that there have been a group of aldermen representing them that have not been mature enough to accept the fact that Scott Harl defeated Don Baker in a entire city election. They from day one have utilized every dirty trick to get even with Mayor Harl for defeating Don Baker.
Their self proclaimed main mission has been to halt any progress which Mayor Harl has attempted no matter how much it hurts the city. These aldermen,whether Scott Harl is Mayor or not, should be voted out of office within the next two elections for hindering Peru to get even with Harl rather than moving it forward. The people voted as a majority for Mayor Harl and all aldermen should have honored their vote for the last four years.
This should be on the front page of the news tribune with bold letters when the truth of matter is truthfully revieled! HOPE THE REPORTER STAYS ABREAST ON THIS ISSUE. Get rid of any department head that had any misdoings with this. A full investigation needs to be done. Could a report be made with the police department and have them investigate and file charges If need be? Remember a couple years ago when money went missing from the safe at the fire department???? Read that on this blog site!!!!! Strange!!!!!!
Harl is to blame for making king do this!! King is to blame for not standing up for what's right . D.K. has no right to ask or tell the fd what to do with a donation. Felony has been committed and needs reported to the AG.
Since when can someone tell anybody what they can or can't use a donation for ? This is just ridiculous!! This car club gets one of the few donations that the city of peru gives out each year. Plus closes one of our streets and uses one of our parks. Also the fire department and operation prom volunteers help out at their car show!! King had no right taking $2000 out of Operation Prom account!! That's theft!!
So long Hurl!! This blunder is the nail in you campaign coffin!! Make sure when you leave office you don't steal all the pens!!
Yes, theft committed and allowed by the mayor. I'm sure not just anybody can just go to city hall and ask for a check for $2,000 without the mayor and treasurer being consulted and approving it. If a $2,000 donation was made from the fire dept to op prom, and if the car show people are upset because their check was used, then take the money from Liberty and give it to op prom. It was donated to the FD. What does it matter if they took it out of their account or just used the car club check. Get over it PFD and give the kids their money back.
This town really sucks over the last few years.
so much controversy that always involves Harl, the fire department, and liberty.
Where's our change Harl?
Nobody makes anybody do anything. If your boss told you to go take a piece of candy from the store next door without paying for it, would you do it? No you shouldn't! Perect example that Harl and Kimg are tight. If your boss or supervisor told you to take money from the slush fund and go by cigarettes, would you do it? It's called stand up to what's right. Where is the intercity? It will be very interesting how this pans out. Wonder what lies will be told?
To:Lois
FRom: Rodney Perez
I'd like to make a quick clarification due to recent discovery.
In regards to the car club. I know members of this club and have found that this isn't a club Issue, It's an issue with one individual, along with city officials who I will need to set the record straight with.
I will leave it at this...The car club should not have been brought into this, and the city should re-deposit the $2,000.00 that was recently taken from the Operation Prom-ise fund. (which is still on city books until this is resolved)
The Car Club in fact presented the check to Peru Fire Department in 2011. Chief made the decision to use those funds the same way the FD did in 2010,which was to help fund the Operation Prom-ise Event (hosted by the PFD)
The car club did what they were expected to do; what the fire department does with it after that is solely up to the Chief.
Hopefully this will be resolved soon so we can move forward.
Thank you,
Rodney Perez
What happened here Alderman Ferrari? You are on the fire / safety committee as an alderman that has to to do with the fire department, so one would think you should have answers. Let's hear from you on this site for once. Thank You.
There is so much controversy 2:29 but that is because the mayor refuses to take a stand on anything, except for the intersection which he took the wrong stand. He sits there meeting after meeting and says and does nothing unless it is to pick on one particular lady, who he should offer and apology. There needs to be a change in Peru since the current mayor is not what he promised. I thought he was a stand up guy who would be a leader and a problem solver....NOT!
Rodney, Are you saying this wasn't the first time the FD approved to use the car show's donation to pay for that event? Why is there a problem now?
This is getting more interesting as time goes by.
Rodney, very good of you to come forward with a through explanation. In full realization that this is as far as should and can be revealed at this time.
It is ashame that Peru for a number of years has been the Leader of the Valley in Shady Politics and therefore every time a mistake is made, intentional or not, red flags appear.
Sometime, before the election would you comment on what you belive are the most important issues to be confronted for Peru to progress. I'm not in your ward but in doing as good as you have I have gained from your time and service as a aldermen.
Thank you
This is shameful !! This is such a great program as my niece took part in the first one. Seeing that 2,000.00 is even an issue is sickening. This program has made me realize bad choices can ruin lives. This just doesn't help kids it helps adults. These city officials should be ashamed!
This current mayor should be removed. I don't live in Peru but have friends and families who do. Every city should be putting 2,000.00 into it,not taking it away.
This is sick!
How come most of the corruption and thievery in Peru and Peru Township always is associated with Liberty?? And most were Presidents of Liberty ??
2:29 There is more controversy than just the pfd...fireworks, pickleball, intersection, infrastructure committee, road signs patting themselves on the back, concerts, swimming pool, dog pull, skating rink, there are probably more but it's too early in the morning. These guys cannot make a well thought out common sense decision if their life depended on it.
Rodney: where is that money right now and who has the authority to move it? were you told about this change before it even occurred and what reason were you given?
Liberty Fire Company needs an extensive audit. Wouldn't that be interesting to see what donation were and are being spent on. Maybe the audit report can be put in the mailer that Liberty sends out requesting donations, this way taxpayers will know what their donation was spent on! I think this would be a great way to set the record straight.
8:00am Is it funny that all the controversy centers around one alderman?
Why doesn't Fire Chief King step up to the plate and blog right here on this site how this all went down? From reading some of these blogs, a few are trying to make Alderman Perez out to be the bad guy. In which is totally false. Alderman Perez is actually in a very sticky situation here being as he is also a paid per call volumteer fireman, but not a member of Liberty Fire Company. Maybe some people should lose their job if something was actually illegally done.
@11:54
Exactly Potthoff had to open this can of worms weeks ago acussing Rodney of misdealings with this check from 3 yrs ago. And Hylla and Harl put King up to taking $2000 out of the account for liberty to piss away.
King isn't gonna blog about this! He wants to be reappointed in May so he's not going to go against Harl, who he contributes to his campaign. Get real. Very few in Politics in peru have any morals or a backbone. Rodney and Sherry are the only two that I can think of.
If the money was donated to operation prom and was in an account for operation prom under Hyllas and Bartleys control it should have stayed there. The city was aware by rodney that operation prom Inc. Was formed and leaving peru because the voted it go on its own. Therefore the money should've been untouched untill rodney most likely a board member of the new corporation came to retrieve it. That money was stolen from the city acct that was earmarked for operation prom. This was done under the direction of Harl , Hylla, and Bartley! And they informed King to do it. Any jury or grand jury or judge will see this as a deliberate attack on operation prom and Perez. These 4 are are guilty of a felony whether it be simple theft or laundering funds. And if the money went ti liberty the board of liberty is also guilty of receiving stolen funds knowing they were stolen. This includes President R. Ankiewcz and the treasurer S.Shetterly. along with the board of directors!
The city needs to replace the $2000 it stole from this great cause for our kids. If you don't want to participate any more fine. But done stoop to stealing their money because you guys have something against its organizer.
@11:30
That won't do any good. We all know Liberty doctors up its reports on spending and finances. They have lied where they spend their money in the letter in the past. Its printed on city letterhead soliciting for Liberty. They tried to tell us they bought a tank with donations that Michelini told us he bought for them. It's all a cover up and the city and citizens are oblivious where their money to liberty actually goes. We have a fire department supported by tax dollars, liberty and its crooked dealings needs to go!!
Since when does one only lose their job if they performed a illegallity. Something that is illegally committed is a crime and should be presnted to the grand jury and if the grand jury proclaims it worthy the States Attorney should prosecute.
Because it is a political crime committed by a government official should not mean that the person only loses his job. He should have to be subject to the process of the law the same as a murderer, a drug dealer, a person who commits thievery against his government because this is what possibly could be proven in this situation.
Mayor Harl should have put an end to all of the illegal nonsense in Peru and in this departments case he should make sure justice is served by calling in the States Attorney.
An end of not properly acting on illegal activites such as not taking the $500,000 airport incident into further investigation to confirm if there were legal questions such as was this drug money, gambling money, a illegal payoff must be stopped.
Peru and LaSalle County have the same laws they are just being enforced differently.
Doctoring reports and financials can come back to haunt . Especially if a neutral firm does a audit! Still needs to be done. @Fire Chief King Does Liberty Fire Department have yearly audits? Is Liberty by law required to get audits? How often if so? When is the last time an audit has been done? Where is report published if audit ever done?
Has anyone contacted the states attorney?
I hope this posting I'm making gets archived and Lois can save my prediction. I've made several predictions. On this blog in the past and they came to pass.
My prediction is that within the next few months we will be reading how Rod Perez is either fired, or forced to resign from the Peru fire department. I'm sure his only savior as a firefighter is a new mayor who will most likely appoint a new chief. I'm not sure how Rod can even consider himself a fireman when I hear how their band of brothers wrote him off. It's amazing how his fellow firefighter brothers express their rants when given a few beers. They don't care who hears.
Wouldn't you rather your donated money to Liberty Fire Company go to OPERATION PROMISE then to the firemen to have steaks? And to have a JULY 4th cookout on waterstreet during the 4th of July celebration in which there are people at picnic enjoying food and beverages that have absolutely nothing to do with the fire department.
Yes where is Alderman Ferrari? What does he have to say about all of this? Or will he say nothing?
Blogger Lois said...
There is NO truck fund that I am aware of, the city of Peru will pay for a new truck. I have tried to find out information on this but have not gotten answers. I think this new truck is on a state approved list and we will be getting the lowest price available. The request went before the city council so that would mean we will buy the truck when approved.
Me being a past liberty member knows there is a truck fund ! Or at least was a truck fund. Its not a separate account just money earmarked to use for vehicle purchases. Its on liberty books and kept track of by city clerk also!! You're being lied to Lois!!
If the city fired Rodney from the fire department that would be illegal to do so. Huge lawsuit!! Have to show cause ! There is no cause, other than he is a whistle bower. Covered under the whistle blower law!! Even I don't think peru is that dumb!!
As long as Rodney does what's required of him and meets the requirements for being on the fire department , there is no cause!!
The stuck up kiss butts can't do anything about it!! And there are still several guys that get along with Rodney that don't get involved in politics.
Being a city employee whether its a fireman or a grass cutter, you are still covered by the labor laws and every other law protecting employees. You still can't be harassed or intimidated against.
Hang on Rodney. It'll get worse before it gets better. Someone needs to put this town in its place!! Don't back down!!
The states attorney is more worthless than going to Harl about a problem!
I saw rodney Sunday morning serving the public and his spirits seemed very high! I don't think this administration can shake him or push him around one bit! Stand firm Rodney! Wish you would've ran for mayor .
If issues like this don't wake up the citizens and get them to vote, peru is doomed!!
All the incumbents except Rodney and Sherry need to go!!
How cold hearted is this town to steal from a cause like operation prom because of a personal vendetta??
Boggles the mind!!
My mind is made up for the April election!!
Let's cancel the donation the city gives this car club with our tax dollars!!
A past Liberty fire member stating there is a truck fund! Lois possibly not have been given the truth. Who did you talk to Lois? Was it Fire Chief King, he did state on this site one time his door is ALWAYS open and anybody can stop and ask ?'s. Truck Fund?? How can a 500k+ truck come about if there isn't money somewhere in some account somewhere? Any money laundering here??? An intelligent person would listen to what past fireman and past liberty members have to say, and some truth might be known. How can anyone trust those who are in office and department heads as to what they say. Mentioned above about a audit of liberty. SEEMS LIKE A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE . THING TO HAVE DONE. VOTE UN APRIL FOR SOME CHANGES. Sounding like Peru needs a new fire chief done with an application process and not an appointment by the mayor.
Just looking at the MARKET GUIDE MAGAZINE that came in the mail. front page. Advertisement that says Lou's LaGrotto presents: CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE Tim McGraw and Love & Theft July 6th. HOW IRONIC IS THAT! Operation Promise deserves their donation back!
Anon 9:19 it's not the car club, WE don't care what the Peru Fire Department did with the check we gave them. 99% of us members support Operation Prom.
This issue is between city and the alderman.
Alderman Perez is absolutely no whistle blower. And to prove that to be true just read these blogs. The taxpayers have become the whistleblowers! People have caught on to how Peru is governed! It seems to me that Alderman Perez won't be bullied by nobody, which includes the
Mayor, fire chief or other alderman or department heads. All those people mentioned evidently don't care for honestty. City clerk and fire chief I heard are pretty close friends so watch where funds are going into and out of accounts and dates. City of Peru, do what's right for a great program of OP.
Why does someone writing in insist that saying that a local car club does not want Operation Promise to get the donation is a a lie? That seems to be what has happened. Will this individual making threats please tell us your version of what has happened. If most of the club members support OP and the donation, how does one person have so much to say about how the money is to be used?
I'm still confused as to who ordered the money removed from the OP fund and why was it removed a year later? And, is this a legal withdrawal? This type of behavior is childish and immature and certainly appears to be illegal. Promises, changes, it's time 09, what happened mayor Harl? Apparently these were just campaign tactics. And to think they worked or maybe people just did believe it was time to replace a 44 year mayor.
"Whistle blower" has a deragatory connotation as "scab" has when used by a union worker.
That same person who is being called a scab because he is working for a non union facility maybe a very good electrician, plumber, heavy equipment operator, carpenter and may have tryed to apply to be performing this trade as a union employee but found himself unqualified because he didn't have the proper connections or relatives.
What is actually meant by the term "whistle blower"? If it is a term which describes someone who steps forward to report to the proper sources a illegal activity good for them as they are good for us. If the law is not being enforced who is to blame that a so called "whistle blower' has to report it. If it takes a whistle blower or better termed "protector of society" I am all for him. Are you?
This is the most bizarre thing I've ever heard of.
None of this makes any sense and sure seems like Peru has set themselves up for trouble.
It doesn't make sense for a car club or any individual to request that a donation doesn't go to such an impactful and important function. That In my opinion would be mean and cruel. For the mayor of Peru to condone or approve of taking back a promise made donation especially one made a year ago is Bizarre to say the least.
It seems the mayor and fire chief and all involved should be investigated.
Not to rain on anybody's parade, especially those of you who seem to have a personal vendetta against liberty, but they have nothing to do with this. This is strictly a city of Peru problem.
Parade onto a vacation and maybe this will blow over. Timing is everything. If someone told you to jump off a bridge would you do it? This will all come to a head. Give us the truth of this donation fiasco. The minutes of meetings should show when this donation was approved. The legal way how it should have been handled. And if procedures were not and are not being followed then a firing process should proceed. This whole thing smells like a dead carp on the shores of waterstreet.
Hahaha I visualize a huge foam hand that we see at carnivals with finger pointing in a certain direction. This one continues to point towards city hall.
Car club, now liberty allegedly pointing finger at city hall. Who's next? Fire Chief saying they made me do it? Time will tell.
You must know more than we do 11:02/ please enlighten us? So, none of this donation money was ever in the Liberty Fire Company account? If it ever was then it does involve Liberty. Right? or. Wrong? This is being discussed on personal facebook pages also. And that's a good thing. The next few council meetings need to be well attended by citizens and taxpayers.
I never understood why the Peru Fire Department had anything to do with the car club. Somebody was saying that a fire truck(taxpayers pay for) is at the car clubs car show? Is this information correct? If so, prior to Harls term in office when the club had a show was a Peru fire truck there then? If Peru had a antique truck it might make sense. ?????But still not really. Who pays for employee to drive fire truck the short distance to show? Gas? And for person who stays with truck at the show?Who pays to have truck cleaned before show? Does
our taxes pay these expenses??? Or a free service on we taxpayers to the car club??? Just some interesting questions to think about. How about some true answers?
Alderman Perez, I hope this issue comes to the forefront at a council meeting with the public watching and listening. Please inform us at what council meeting in which this will be done, so we can be there to support the cause of operation promise and to witness any wrong doings of city officials and or department heads. Wonder who will not be in attendance at council meeting due to illness or on vacation? And won't be at meeting.
Chief King States:
I am very reluctant to write into this blog, as it is so very one sided an outsider stands no chance, however i am going to. It is very disturbing to see how many anonymous bloggers that are on here or feel as they have to hide behind the shadows of anonymous. I will not. I am going to respond to the donation issue and hopefully help those bloggers who dont have all the information or they simpley choose to slander the fire department because they are disgruntled former employees.The donation was never there. It was a mistake to be put in there in the first place.We simple removed it and put the donation it the proper account bottom line, no conspiracy or illegal activities. I am not sure why certain people continue to attack the fire department and simple just ask to meet with me to discuss problems. We are always there for any of you, just remeber that when you atttack us. I know certain people love to see all of this but I believe this is dirty politics. The fire department and myself have always suppoerted operation promise and we will always. The amount of money the city of Peru has invested in the operation is alot. So please if you need more answers I ask you to call me or schedule a meeting as I would be more than happy to sit down with you talk. Please stop attacking your fire department as the guys who work there do not deserve this.
Chief Jeff King
I was unsure of where to put this comment, but being that this post is most relevant I decided to post it here. I would be curious to know of what appointments would be made by the candidates. I have heard story after story about the last election where Mayor Harl promised positions and opportunities to numerous people in the community, yet failed to follow thru. It upsets me to say that his BS convinced me that "change" was on its way and I voted for him. What "change" for the good was there? I know I am going to grow tired and angry at hearing his campaigning where he states "I did that..." and "I am doing this..." garbage. Before you give yourself ANY credit remember of all the people you have let down in the past with your unfulfilled promises that I like to call "lies". I will NOT be fooled twice and I really hope the citizens of Peru do not fall for his tricks as he tries to pull the blinds over your eyes. I would love for a someone pro Harl to elaborate on the "good" he has done for the City of Peru and I promise you for every one good deed I will trump it with TWO poor decisions, with facts, under his so-called leadership that have put this City on a backward spiral. And please don't start off with the street program. It's the most commonly used trick in the book by a politician up for re-election. This guy NEEDS to go and when he does I will be sure to be at the Council Meeting to give him a swift kick in the ass to get him out the door faster.
Harl never kept any of his campaigns promises!
He was going to replace all the supers, attorney , engineer, building inspector. I guess once he won all these guys abandoned the baker bandwagon and hooked their lips right to Harl's butt ! Then started contributing to his campaign. What a bunch of phoneys!!
Very interesting as to who will take the fall for this one. Too many hands in the cookie jar, or crooks in the kitchen. Sorry, misspelled word, meant cooks. Sad, but true.
Disgruntled employees of the fire department? Maybe there are reasons as to why the disgruntleness? And this blog site has brought things to light. There has been retired fireman, fireman that have quit the department, fireman outside of peru on departments in other towns, non-affliliation of department, wives of fireman who have blogged their concerns. Just read blogs throughout the last couple of years. One should be smart enough in knowing not all bloggers are disgruntled fireman. Also, having a meeting with a department head in his office can be construed as a secret meeting in which entails discussing taxpayers money and issues with any department, This is information that all taxpayers have a right to know and be heard in the public arena. There are way to many secret meeting and closed session council meetings(as you should be aware if) in Peru, and you Mr. King seem you want them at your office. Your blog Mr. King is much appreciated, however time will tell. I don't believe I've ever read that the Peru Fire Department doesn't promote OP. Thank You.
Too bad Lois, guess this story didn't end how you wanted. It truely is sad to see how jaded you have become.
Anon 2:39 Your spelling was correct - CROOKS.
Chief King: Thank you for your response and we are sad to see that you are reluctant to write on this blog. I'm a little confused at your comment that the donation was never there, and it was a mistake to be put in there in the first place. If the donation was never there how could you remove it and what is the proper account it was placed in and why did it take so long? Thanking you in advance for any clarification of the statements you made above.
@3:19. I think 3:11's blog was very professionally stated if you are referring to that blog. Tastefully written.
Chief King some of the very same things that you state are wrong with this blog are what most have been accussing Your fire department of.
No one sits down with the person they are fed up with that has management skills in a situation where they are not the dominant figure. Most times a meeting of such only becomes a compromise of hollow promises. Promises that should have never been needed.
The people who are unhappy with you and the fire department will wait until after the elections and at that time will sit down with the new Mayor who has no bond to you and present their agenda. Chief King whether you agree with this or not you might as well know how it happens. From what I hear it may occur in a garage full of free beer similar to the meeting when you were voted in as Chief.
How can Lois have become jaded? This blog site would be considered a secret blog site if only certain peoples blogs were posted. All people are entitled to blog what they wish to whether it be a question, answer, comment or an opinion. To 3:19, your blog is a perect example and your blog is welcomed just as all others, your blog wasn't omitted on here.
@3:44. FIRE CHIEF KING DONATED IN AUGUST $600 TI HARLS WAR CHEST CAMPAIGN FUND.
Fire Chief Kings blog really didn't answer anything. For instance: When was money put in wrong account? Who actually put in wrong account? What account is money in now? Who was responsible for this bookkeeping mistake? Is money going to Operation Promise? Who truthfully made the decision to transfer money to different account? Why all of a sudden was this found out now that money was in wrong account? I appreciate the fact of Mr.Kings blog, but it seemed very vague.
Mr. Fire Chief Jeff King, disappointed that within the first two sentences of your blog you stated: this blog is one sided. People learn from these blogs. As taxpayers in Peru that pay your salary for your fire chiefs position, you should welcome and appreciate and learn yourself from reading these blogs that may make the fire department be better then what it is. A chiefs position is to be a leader, not play favorites.
blog [blawg, blog]
noun
1. a Web site containing the writer's or group of writers' own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other Web sites.
Can anon 3:19 point me to where Lois promises to be an impartial moderator? Agree/disagree, right/wrong, fully informed or otherwise, her site, her opinions. At least she allows us to share ours too.
I appreciate Mr. King's response. However, I have an issue with the quote "We are always there for you when you ask us" statement. Don't forget who pays your salary and it's the career YOU have chosen. You are PAID to be there for us. It is a shame you would even go down that road....
In fire chief kings blog he stated that: We simply put it in the wrong account. Who is "we ". Curious how many anonymous bloggers believe this? I truly can't be the only one who thinks something else happened. I can take being truthfully corrected with my truthful opinion of this. Thanks!
Just got off from work and a friend asked if I've been reading blogs. Wonder if Mayor Harl and Fire Chief King had a secret meeting or a meeting prior to Fire Chief King coming on here to respond? Maybe a conference call.
Believe me this blog is highly censored, probably half my posts make it to the page, we'll see if this gets posted!!!! LOL
I know that public comment will not allow for questions to be asked, but maybe someone should comment on this issue at Wednesday's meeting. It would be interesting to see if the News Trib would even comment. Or better yet maybe everyone who is upset about the way this was handled should go fill out a 3x5 card out and comment.
6:20 PM
Most of he bloggers would like to see it more highly censored than it is.
@ 4:57 I have a problem with your comment. With the exception of the 4 full time firefighters, firefighting is NOT their Career. These men are businessmen, welders, bankers, truck drivers, and more. I find your statement “Don’t forget who pays your salary” even more troubling. You need not forget that they are also tax-paying citizens of the city of Peru and have just as much say in this as you do. Yes they get paid to do a job but they do their job but you need to remember it is a job and they are not slaves to the citizens of Peru. These men give up more time and energy doing good for this city then 99% of the nameless bloggers on here.
It is only censored if it doesn't cater to your personal vendettas.
Chief King Thank you for coming on and commenting.
The reason for all these continued questions that need/ should be answered by you is because things do seem to be shady and a conspiracy against Alderman Perez and Operation Prom. From information we have regarding this is the donation was placed with operation promise almost two years ago now all the sudden, just weeks after Rod told the city to shove it then started the 501c is when you took back that donation. Can you see where we are coming from with wanting answers? Our country has a major bullying problem and with everything read in regards to this situation is the City of Peru is the Leader of nothing more than Bullying!
Chief King Thank you for coming on and commenting.
The reason for all these continued questions that need/ should be answered by you is because things do seem to be shady and a conspiracy against Alderman Perez and Operation Prom. From information we have regarding this is the donation was placed with operation promise almost two years ago now all the sudden, just weeks after Rod told the city to shove it then started the 501c is when you took back that donation. Can you see where we are coming from with wanting answers? Our country has a major bullying problem and with everything read in regards to this situation is the City of Peru is the Leader of nothing more than Bullying!
I'm confused. The newspaper stated that the fire department said that they would help Mr. Perez with operation promise. He didn't want them to be ANY part of it (even though he is on the fire department???). Since then he started his own non for profit organization for operation promise, and now he's trying to get the money from the fire department back? Why didn't he just let the fire department help in the first place????? If I was apart of a organization that had collected money for an event then decided to start my very own club, I wouldn't be able to go back to the original club and take their money! Why doesn't he just collect his own donations for his new non profit? Thats seems to be what he wanted anyways. I don't get it.
Mr. King's response, while nice to see, didn't make any sense. He first states that the donation was never there and then he immediately responds with it was a mistake to be put there in the first place and then we moved it to its' proper location. WHAT IS HE TRYING TO SAY?
To: Lois and Bloggers
From: Rodney Perez
FYI- Chief King and I met today to discuss my concerns. We are both eager and willing on working together to bring this issue to closure.
I will keep you posted.
Thank you,
Rodney Perez
Those funds were raised by rodney and the high school students that helped him along with the other volunteers.
To 8:01
From Rodney Perez
FYI- I'm not sure Putnam County,and IL. Valley student and parent volunteers who worked hard on raising these funds for our next event would appreciate me leaving those funds behind.
Thank you,
Rodney Perez
Rodney Perez
I'm sure your chief is willing and eager to get this resolved with you. His higher up authority figure is up for re-election. The last thing they want is a full Dixon investigation on the city before April. Don't be fooled!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Rod but I must say that certain political representatives have allowed the fire chief to challenge the citizens of Peru and are finding out that they don't find him someone that they respect. The issues that you are working on with King are issues that should never occurred. Pushing and shoving, one hitting another, open safe, things missing, does Peru deserve to have its reputation slandered on account of a few. Most believe that the Mayor should have stepped in a few years ago.
7:33
Well said and so very true!
After many minutes of thinking whether or not to blog this, I've decided that I'm going to. I remember reading that one time there was a fight at the fire house(was blogged on here) upstairs. Read it on here. And no suspension was given to those, or. To the one fireman who started the incident. This incident was discussed around town also, not just on this blog.
Wondering if this incident was one sided in Mr. Kings opinion? What's the SOP? Is this what we call brotherhood? Everybody should be treated fairly by a chief of a department.
Come to find out that the one fireman worked/works sometimes for the fire chief in the fire chiefs business and also the fire chief is theK. Leaving now- will text when there thank. firemans child.
8:01 PM
I can only give you the information as a bystander because I have never been a part of OP.
I don't even know about previous years but do not last year the city backed OP and handled the money without incident.
Last year Hylla said no problem setting it in up in the budget. This year Ald. Potthoff of the Finance committee along with Ald. Radtke decided that OP had no place in the city budget even though there had been no problems. This like many things that happen in the city and the town are all political. Excuses all over the place. Again I repeat it is political.
Chief King is an appointee of Mayor Harl and the Mayor is in a very difficult election this year.
It's all politics.
correction to above should read "but do know last year"
And this year Hylla changed his mind. You guess what this is about.
Come on Alderman Perez. I held you to a higher standard. Don't disappoint me and many other. What a round the block answer. Don't change your values and opinions and the truth to satisfy the select few. Keep the faith and be truthful. In the end you will be the winner and the respectful one. Thanks for your service thus far.
Alderman Perez: what about all the questions that were unanswered that the blogger asked of Fire Chief King? Any persons can intellectually ascertain that it was a "beating around the bush blog by Chief King.". We are well educated adults that are involved in how our city is being run. Now, you have a meeting? Why not Immediately when the money was put into the supposedly wrong account many months ago. No back peddling should be done. MANIPULATING OF THE TRUTH NEED NOT BE.
Peru FD is on a mutual aid call to Mendota at this time as well as several other local departments. So no answers tonight from anyone on the FD.
This is all a political game with Harl to try to be a hero and try to win votes. Hylla and Harl made King take the money out so he can take the fall for doing it. King can't say no because he's hoping for the reappointment as chief in May. Harl "fixes" the problem by putting $2000 from the city fund back to operation prom and looks like the hero to win votes. Then king looks like the crook.
Now wait a minute Mr. Perez you said in a response to 8:01 that this money was raised From Putnam county and students and parents from the Illinois valley - so they volunteered at the car show and were part of car club???? Because you are wanting the $2000 from which the car show donated to the fire department which in return was going to be givin to OP. How does this money now turn into donations from students and parents that THEY raised???? Please do explain.
10:34 Lois, you are right on with your comment about city officials taking it out on someone they are not happy with. If you don't play nice with them and belong to their group your life will be miserable. Look what has taken place with Rod and Sherry. Two aldermen who are trying to just do what is RIGHT! What is WRONG with that. Then take this a step further, they are the only two who try and help residents with issues and for that they are chastised. I am still waiting for the mayor to take control of at least one issue at hand. His time is running out, April is right around the corner>
3:25 i am fine with that also. Because if the mayor doesn't change his attitude and the way the city is being run there will be a big change. He has had 4 years to deliver his promises and now he wants 4 more. I voted for him as did my entire family but this time around we will be voting for the guy with a heart, and hopefully he will show us that he is there for the folks.
Alderman Perez. It is very commendable of you to try and get this issue resolved. Seems quite simple that the money was for OP! Simple. Give money back to the program in which it was intended for. No meetings with anybody for a resolution should be needed!!!! I find it amusing that Alderman Perez met with Fire Chief King. Being as King donated $600 to Mayor Harls campaign fund I find that a big conflict of interest because Harl appointed him as Fire Chief. Also, Alderman Perez, seems that maybe there should be an audit.
To Anon 11:51
From Rodney Perez
Sorry I can't answer for Chief King on his views of blogging.
I get on here when I can, and see what the latest discussions are. Although many officials will not come on here to post, I do know they visit this page frequently.
My earlier 2:54 post explained what took place. Most who know me personally know I'm fair, and honest.
Chief King and I met and we shared our points and views of what took place. I believe this will be made right, then Operation Promise Inc. can move forward.
Everyone must know...because Operation Prom-Ise Inc. is a separate entity; we will still be working with local emergency responders.
Operation Prom-Ise event also provides great Fire, Police, and EMS Training exercises such as Extrication, Incident Command, Triage and most importantly On scene TeamWork with responders from other communities. These are all great EMS training exercises.
Thank you,
Rodney Perez
Rodney, you have been caught and put out to dry. As explained the money raised from the car show was not and should not go to operation promise. Its pathetic that you turned the good work of the car club to taking away the hard work of those kids from Putnam County and the area. And then pull another rabbitt out of the hat with the excuse that operation promise is a training tool for all the local emergency crews. Your doing them a favor? Please state the obvious, you were caught!
I couldn't of said it better. 10:07
To: 10:07
From: Rodney Perez
Lol... Caught? Yes... You're right! I'm indeed Caught fighting for what's Right:-)
Where you're correct ( to a point ) is the car club was obligated to donate their check to the PFD which indeed they did. The FD then put that donation to help fund the op prom event ( until recent was hosted by PFD) it's now a 501.
So... The car club check was made out to PFD the check was presented to the PFD, then the PFD put that check to good use.
Hope this answers your concerns.
Thank You,
Rodney
9:00 am Your placing blame on King. He just put a note on the blog that said that operation promise did not and should not have received the money from the rodders. As Rodney explained it was made right, he didn't and shouldn't get the money. It was a good try on his part with his explanation of being honest and fair. Yes, he did admit that the car club had no intention of putting those funds toward operation promise. And then after all this and that...."Its a great training tool for EMS". Remember he was the one that would not let Liberty Fire have anything to do with operation promise, his choice. Don't blame King, Liberty, Fire Department, Rodders, Mayor or anybody else. Who created the issue?
Please correct me if I'm wrong, Alderman Perez, but this is how I interpret your comment. It would seem that a donation made a YEAR ago during a production year, would have been SPENT already. The consequent money left in the account was from the next set of fundraisers. I pray that Chief King will be a stand up man and return the money taken from OP account.
But why did they take it back is the question Rodney? Someone had to make that decision and since it came out of the fire department fund we have concluded that Mr. King did it. Now, if someone ordered or forced him to do so then he needs to defend himself because right now he isn't looking so good.
Money was allotted for OP PRIOR TO OP being a 501, as I understand it! Hands down money should go to OP!!! Seems simple. Fighting for what's right, takes guts, even if you lose friends along the way, they weren't worth being your friends in the first place.
Why is the car club OBLIGATED to donate to the fire department in the first place? Curious. Under what STIPULATIONS did this take place? Is this like the
Concerts where 50% of ticket sales is OBLIGATED to go to the city?
The car club gave a donation of $2,000.
Is this the same club that comes to the city for a donation to support their car show and the city approves them a $1,000 donation?
Now the same club comes back to the city with a $2,000 donaton. Appears to be another form of creative financing resulting in money laundering at its finest.
This isn't a $2,000 donation it is a $1,000 donation and the $1,000 which was initially given to the car club should be put back to the orginal fund it came from.
Now I have a better understanding on why people want to cheat on their income and property taxes.
I still don't understand why this is such a big issue now when the money was deposited in the OP fund 2 years ago. It seems strange that right after Rodney decided to move the operation to Utica because of controversy with Peru that the $2000 became a problem with the Finance Committee. WHY?
Didn't Mr. Hylla accuse Mr. Perez of not having a check and balance system when it came to the OP account? How then, was someone other, than Rodney allowed to withdraw this money from the fund?
So to be clear, before you started the new 501 organization Operation Promise was a Peru Fire Department event? And the new 501 organization is not associated with the PFD anymore?
Who is in the wrong with this? Passing the buck.
To 10:07
From Rodney Perez
I was just finishing my lunch when I submitted my last post and was meaning to touch on "Training"
Obviously you, and many others on here aren't emergency responders and wouldn't understand the wide range of training within emergency services; so I understand why you think it's an excuse. First... Please understand I don't need excuses for how I organize and plan this event, it is what it is.
From reading your post I'd have to say you haven't seen our production, or witnessed us on scene.
The mock crash scene is as real as real can be without true injury. In fact... Our Peoria street scene appeared so realistic passer-by's stopped and thought it was real by:
Cars on their tops, broken glass, teens crying and screaming, dead bodies laying on the road.
State, and Local Emergency responders arriving on the scene, Esda and police directing traffic, interviewing witnesses, extricating teens out of vehicles, bandaging, bracing fractures, working with coroners on scene, tagging patients and the deceased.
I can go on and on but just wanted to give you and others an idea of how this program benefits everyone involved. So yes, it very much is considered a mutual aid training exercise.
Please feel free to visit our " Operation Prom-Ise Inc. " FB page to view photos and videos. Or feel free to contact me for a free copy of Operation Prom-Ise while supplies last:-)
Thank You,
Rodney
In reading these blogs I noted Chief Kings reluctant blog as stated by him: "I am very reluctant to write into this blog, as it is so very one sided an outsider stands no chance,....etc...\\\\\. This first sentence of King's blog absolutely is a boggling of words, makes no sense. Evidently Mr. King considers himself an outsider! Chief King, you are Peru's Fire Chief, and your job is to manage a department in a professional and ethical manner. we taxpayers pay you! Mr. King, I'm sure you are aware that there have been several questions(? Don't have count) that specifically have been directed to you, in which you have failed to answer since your appointment as chief by mayor Harl. Makes people on this blog site wonder and question a persons credibility.
Seems possible that 10:07 and 11:23's blogs were made to maybe take the heat off of someone/somebody's and try and place blame on Alderman Perez as to the OP donation fiasco. Just a thought. I wonder if 10:07 and 11:23 are fireman on the department?
Mr. Perez I want to be clear, before you started the new 501 organization Operation Promise was a Peru Fire Department event, is this correct? And the new 501 organization is not associated with the PFD anymore? (Regards to your comment made at 10:07)
To: ?
From Rodney Perez
Sorry to make this short and sweet but I have a honey-do list posted all over my driveway and sidewalk I must attend to before my Boss gets home:-)
OBLIGATION:
Here's what was explained to me in regards to the car clubs "obligation" it's simple... The club chooses which group or organization within the community they will list as a beneficiary to their show, in 2010 and 2011 the club chose the Peru Fire Department.
Club members then seek out sponsors to donate to their show ( as they did with city of peru) the club announces to their sponsors which beneficiary will be receiving the proceeds raised from that event.
The club is then "Obligated" to their sponsors to make sure proceeds are presented to that beneficiary.
This is the only obligation the club members have to their sponsors. In 2010 and 2011 they fulfilled their obligation to their sponsors. I know this because in 2010 and 2011 club members went to the FD to present the check to the FD. Photos were taken of those presentations.
In 2010 and 2011 Chief agreed- Op Prom organizers and participants played a significant role in assisting the club by selling 50/50 tickets to increase that revenue so those were the funds the FD used to help fund Operation Prom-Ise.
How these funds were directed out of the operation prom-ise fund nearly two years later is what the chief and I are working together to resolve and I believe we will.
Thanks,
Rodney
It's good you have your priorities straight Rodney. So. Chief can funnel money to and from different accounts? Took two years before this mistake was made to catch it? Who was doing the bookerping? Something still doesn't feel right about this.
Nothing feels right about this situation and every time something is posted a new twist is added and it makes less sense than before.
Will Harl hold the bible when Hart gets sworn into office? Being as Harl was gun hoe about performing wedding ceremonies.
About a month ago when the request for a fire truck was discussed and the newspaper mentioned it, nothing was in the paper about a truck fund. Was the truck fund discussed at council meeting in front of the public? Was not in attendance at that council meeting. That's alot of money, one would think that would have been a top priority mentioning a truck fund when requesting a new truck.
I have stayed on top of these comments. I've come to the conclusion the City of Peru has made a horrible mistake by taunting the alderman. It seems as though certain officials have crossed the line trying to bring down alderman Perez' empire. re: 6:32 posting, I see where you're coming from. I think the arms behind this bad choice of mis handling of funds and sticking their hands in the wrong cookie jar seemed to be a no brainer in their eyes when they did it, thinking they could easily get away with it. The more details the alderman posts leads me to believe he has a hell of a good legal case and the city won't have a leg to stand on.
Regardless of what this car club wanted the fire department to use the money for is irrelevant. That was a done deal two years ago. The city can't turn and stick their hand in that jar two years later saying they made a mistake. Sorry boys! If you made a mistake and didn't catch that right away then that's your problem. It's long done and over with, well at least it should've been.
This car club organizer has no right to tell the city what that fire dpt should've used those funds for.
Alderman Perez- stand your ground! You need to demand those funds be returned ASAP. If they don't, then contact the attorney generals office.
At this point of this dirty political game the city is playing words from that car club, or the fire chief, or even your mayor is no good. Those funds in my professional opinion were illegally taken and should be investigated.
Alderman Perez- keep up the good work, I'm normally silent, only reading these blogs but its time for you to know that you obviously are doing the right thing and fighting the status quo of your city.
I found you on Twitter and I will be reaching out to you soon.
7:37 sounds like an attorney. I hope 7:37 actually is. A play on words is definitely what seems to be happening. Nice to know a outsider looking in see this situation like alot of us bloggers.
If you read 7:37's blog, how well that blogger compiled everything and put it in a nutshell. Who would dispute that blog? I wouldn't!
Suggestion 7:37 is for you to read the blog post on the titled blog "answers from the city.". Also many other interesting blog titles from the previous month and years. Would be interesting to read your opinion on some of those blogs also.
Someone needs to call the states attorney. ASAP....demand that he do something, anything. Put a stop to this madness.
6:47 I agree that new fire truck came out of the blue. Where do you think they will find the money for that purchase?
To: Bill R
From Rodney Perez
Thank you!!
815-245-7566
Have a feeling more people are watching Peru on here than I thought. So how are those Chicago Bears?
@ Lois whatever happened with the Peru fireman that was all over this blog about a year or so ago?
There seems to be some major issues with your local fire department. I'm assuming there's been no leadership in your town to resolve these concerns?
Don't really know much about the new purchase of a fire truck. Is it possible that funds for these purchase have been being put in an account solely for this purchase? As taxpayers it's understandable to wonder about the costs of 1/2 million dollars. However, to be able to purchase one that is over 1/2 Million dollars that seems to have come out if the blue, is kinda alarming. Did the Peru Fire Department receive any grants for this in the past years or recently? If so, someone should let taxpayers know. Remember a command vehicle a while back, cost ?$32,000? Where is that vehicle and who is driving it? Wasn't there some controversary over that purchase? Understand that departments need good equipment but to throw 1/2 million at the taxpayers is a substantial amount if money, and we would just like to know where the money is coming from.
7:37 Yes, your correct the funds were illegally transfered to the Operation Promise.
Who has ever been a juror or an observer or a witness in a courtroom? Just visualize a courtroom filled with politicians, departments heads of a city, expert witnesses, city employees, citizens of Peru, attorneys, and a judge. I think that scenario would be worth taking all my vacation day to witness. Can you imagine the media attention? Wonder how many people would be wearing depends.
Pray that the present group of city officials are not attempting to become so deep in debt that they can eventually file bankrupsy. Behind close doors rumours have been circulating.
WAKE UP! A CAR CLUB IS GIVEN DONATIONS FROM THE CITY. THE PFD PARTICIPATES IN THIS CAR CLUB S SHOW. CAR CLUB DONATES BACK MONEY TO CITY/PFD/LIBERTY. ITS A CAR CLUB PEOPLE! A CAR CLUB ISN'T LIKE A SPORTING LEAGUE, CHARITY EVENT, WHICH IS WHERE DONATIONS USUALLY ARE GIVEN. WOULD THE CITY DONATE TO A TEXAS HOLD-EM PLAYERS CLUB IF THEIR EVENT WAS HELD IN PERU? NEVER UNDERSTOOD HOW THIS CAR CLUB BENEFITS OUR COMMUNITY, OTHER THEN DONATING MONEY BACK. I DO LIKE ANTIQUE CARS AND TRUCKS. THE CAR SHOWS THAT I'VE SEEN ARE IN ATTENDANCE WITH MOSTLY ADULTS. ITS A CAR CLUB!
I'm sure there would be motions for lie detector test to be done and the results of tests to be permissible at a possible trial, if that came to be. At this point, I wouldn't accept the money to be given back to OP, take legal action.
What if the motorcycle club Hells Angels wanted to have a event in Peru and that club was going to donate back, and the city donated to them. Now, the city should not play favorites, if city denied their request, then that would be a conflict of interest on the cities part.
That would be better entertainment then going to the circus, carnival, zoo or maybe Ohare 9:10.
Where is this $2000 now? Is it in the Peru fire department fund or Liberty's fund and who had the authority (besides Rodney) to withdraw this money from the OP fund? And why are there 2 line items for OP in our 2013 budget and both have different amounts of money listed? And why did this become such a big issue 2 years after the fact? Is this the type of "checks and balance" system that we have that it takes 2 years to find mistakes?
@10:11. Exactly.remember the city didn't want to do bookkeeping of any sorts for Librrty Fire a few weeks ago. Maybe something was up then that the public wasn't made aware of. And now this. Everybody seems to be scrambling. Think back, relax, and look at the big picture. Last nights blogger of 9:37 said it seems like a play on words for all those involved. Time will tell, hopefully.
That is why a audit is severly needed. Barely made it out of high school and I can see that.
Let's say I was given a $2,000 check as a Christmas present. I took the check to the bank to deposit the check into one if my accounts. I deposited the check into my checking account. Un which I had to fill out a deposit slip that said checking deposit I also have a savings account. I receive statements monthly in the mail for both accounts. Approximately two years goes by before I realize I made a mistake and should have or meant to deposit the $2,000 into my savings account . Wow! I must have had unlimited funds in my checking and savings not to take note of my mistake.
@10:29 as I recall, it was the city not wanting to do bookkeeping for OP. City felt Liberty was fully capable of managing the funds. Ald Perez needs to figure out how to help the charity in another capacity, even if it means stepping back from the spotlight.
http://newstrib.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=26034&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=28&S=1
My question is why in the HEck does the car club care what the fire dpt. spent the money on? If they are getting a large donation from the city without restrictions then how can that club put so many restrictions on what the CITY FIRE DPT DOES WITH THE RETURNED CONTRIBUTION ??
Sounds to me the CITY of PERU FD utilized that contribution to pay for a very important COMMUNITY event that educates and benefits thousands of people.
I could see if the club realized two years later that the FD spent their contribution on a Mexico cruise. But come on already, what's the real reason this took place. If in-fact that club raised this type of complaint then Peru taxpayers need to tell city hall not to ever donate to that club in the future.
In addition you taxpayers need to get to the bottom of why, and who allowed this rescinding of funds from two years ago occur. If that contribution was deposited then expended out then months, and or years pass? Then I'm sorry City of Peru if you choose not to tell that club "to bad that's what your contribution was used for," then City of Peru- You were better off reaching your hand into either the general fund, or your Hotel Tax Fund and gave it back to that rediculous so called car club and told them to hit the road. Reaching your hands into this event fund and basically stealing it was not the right choice.
I'd imagine this will be a hard lesson learned before its over.
My advice is to make this public, venting frustrations on a blog is good. However, the general public and the citizens of your community need to know of what takes place behind the walls of city hall.
I'm familiar with the video that was made a few years ago by this group, ive seen this event at your community high school and what a fantastic event.
It boggles me to imagine anyone, including public officials to allow such a thing.
It boggles the minds of the residents here in Peru 1:25, only one problem, this administration feels they are above the law.
Previous to this comment there was 190 comments to this subject. These 190 comments were accumulated over the period of six days. Not bad for a for a form of communication that some naive city politicians say has no influence on the politics of Peru.
Being this much out of touch with reality will be one of the major reasons that the number of incumbents reelected will be only incumbents that are unopposed.
I hope you are right 11:54. I firmly believe this blog will swing this election to one of the three other candidates for mayor. I do not know which one, but at this point I don't care.
I had the opportunity to play a small role in operation prom as a EMT during the crash. I'm very thankful for Rodney Perez for giving our department a chance to take part. There were several of us that are rookies to this profession that had this great experience. Not only was this an awakening of reality, it also gave us hands on training to a horrific scene.
The answer to one persons comment about training,it most definatlly was.
Keep fighting the fight Rodney.
Has there been any resolution as to the monies for OP? Where does this stand now? ?????????????
Today the newspaper reported that one corporation is reducing its work force because of high electrical rates and other businesses have been meeting with the city due to the same high rates in comparison to rates of compettion. Electric rates of Peru have been very low in comparison to other cities. What happening?
How much has the hydro dam produced in revenue in the last year and where has this money been going to.
The two anchor stores of the Peru Mall have had horrible financial years as has Kohl's.
Recently one alderman said retail sales taxes were up 2% and at last nights meeting he was bragging about Peru's eletric rates. Again I ask whats going on in Peru?
Peru is on its way to a train wreck which can only be stopped by getting rid of people representing themseves rather than the city and placing their own agenda before the good of the city.
MCS was complicated on its results of contacting businesses at last nights city council meeting. What procedures have been made to personally contact present Peru businesses to make sure they are staying in Peru and to offer to help them to stay if that help is needed. Once they decide to leave it is to late to offer. Has Peru ever set up a committee to contact plant managers, store managers business owners etc. to obtain their viewpoint on how the city is doing in helping them achieve their goals.
The idea of establishing a committee to study how Peru could retain youth in our city and become appealing to those who have gone away to study to return to Peru to live is also a must. Peru is not getting bigger in population and is not retaining the age brackets which spend. This summer go to our parks and see how few are in them. These are the same parks that years ago were crowded with people. We must generate activity in Peru and we must have a environment which creates jobs along with keeping the jobs here which we already have.
10:55 PM
When Peru in the early 1990's decided that they knew best and required any present or future business to meet the color coding in their exterior trim and general color scheme, it implemented the destruction of down town from which it has never recovered. The committee setup within the government has become too structured and demanding and has given every recent business a hard time about what their store will look like as it must satisfy the Design and Review Committee.
Don't bite me for saying this, but maybe we need to look outside our own town and see if they are doing something that we should to attract business.
It just feels like there is a terrible disconnect in Peru between the people and the government. A total lack of trust and honesty exists that surely would not appeal to anyone that is taking a hard look at bringing a business here or even moving back to the area in which they grew up. And seeing that they cannot even connect with the community, how can they establish a working relationship with the business community. I do believe that fairly frequent turnovers in the powers that be keep bringing in new blood and ideas and keep refreshing and adding to improving the town. We see now that many in control now are not the best for Peru but lets keep moving forward and bring in new ideas and people who have innovative ideas and are willing to work with the businesses and the community in a common bond and not a divisive one.
Since most fires are attended by multiple cities helping one another why don't we have a county or area fire department. This would eliminate duplication of expensive equipment.
The major utility corporations do not set up a service center from town to town but operate out of one large centerally located service center with a motor pool. Eventually this would enable the area to reduce manpower. A small crew for initial service could be set up for fire fighting in determined locations.
Anon 1:28 Great ideas! A proposal that could reduce the cost of fire equipment and labor. In the exchange of ideas the fire chief nor anyone else have submitted IDEA #1 in cost savings. Need a new pick up, fire truck is getting rusty. No problem they are making new ones every day.
What determines that the most qualified becomes fire chief rather than the most popular?
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