This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Monday, February 18, 2013
La Salle News Tribune Peru Mayoral Candidates and Why They Are Running
This was removed at the request of the LaSalle New Tribune as it is an infringement upon their ownership of the article.
56 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Reading the comments of each of the 4 candidates, the only one we can trust is Donald Baker. He has a proven,look out for the city, track record. We need to get back on the path of progress and development for the city of Peru.
Scott Harl is all talk and harms the city. (Just look around the city today)
Mike Hart, did not stand up for the city when he had the chance while on Mayor Harl's committee.
Jim Giradano, has no experience, and is talking election garbage. As salesmen, that he is , he probably would sell us a bridge in Brooklyn, would argue that it is a great attraction and call it good for the city of Peru.
So lets NOT go backward but lets get on the path of the future development of the city with a mayor that knows what he is doing for the city. That is Donald Baker. Mr. Baker, brought alot of progress in 44 yrs lets not stop now and go back to the last 4 dismal years of stagnation and higher costs with wasteful spending. These days there are not to many sure bets for progress, but Baker sure gives us the best chance.
Please explain in more detail your comment "the city needs to determine where its LIMITED RESOURCES should go in this stagnant economy. I have to live within my limited budget and most of you do too and the City of Peru does also". The city has raised its sales tax twice, at 1/2% each time, on already the highest sales tax earner in the surrounding area. This program has proven that Peru does not have a limited budget. The first raise was taken to the people to vote upon the second raise was voted in directly by Mayor Harl and not brought to the people. The only way to identify this tax is "The Harl Tax". The citizens economy is not stagnant instead it is on a downward trend. Nearly 50% of the citizens of Peru are on Social Security which did not receive a increase for two years and this year had a increase which will cover the increase in medicare. Incidently there is a law that medicare can't be raised without a cost of living increase in Social Security. As already stated individual expenses susch as sales tax, utilities, groceries, medical expenses, education, housing, insurance, medicine, automobile etc. have gone up. As for the city it does not have limited resources but its citizens do and it is not in a stagnant economy but its citizens are. Once again it must be stated that "Peru does not have a money problem Peru has a spending problem"! If you do not believe this inquire as to how much Peru has in the bank and how deep is Peru's debt. This week someone inquired as to the check and balance system being employed by Peru government, well what is the check and balance system being employed by the City of Peru government? The present economy is not nearly as good as those in power would like you to beleve. If someone trys to convince you that the United States is in a rising economy ask them why our country has super low interest rates and high inflation at the same time (i.e. gas at $3.79/gal).
Scott Harl supports the pool but is the one that demolished it. He talks out of both sides of his mouth and says nothing. It's embarrasing for a city of this size to not have a pool for young people of all economic situations to swim in the summer.
LET'S NOT FORGET ALL THE CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS THAT PERU HAS HAD SINCE HARLS TERM IN OFFICE. Wonder what the other three mayoral candidates think of that? It would be interesting if the paper would do an interview of each candidate with subject matter and questions from this blog site, to read how they would handle situations and issues. It wouldn't take much time by the reporter(interviewer) questions are at their fingertips! Each candidates interview published on different night in paper.
Harl is such a typical politician!!!! Lets make a bet by mid March Harl will act more and more like he supports Peru having a pool. What a joke he is. He's a major lying politician.
Do you want the city to take a loan out to build a swimming pool? People has said and this is probably true, that we could give everybody their own private pool in their yard for less money than a municipal pool. Once that pool is built, you now need money to maintain and to pay the employees. They might need to raise your tax levy, I don't know.
With regard to Mike Hart not standing up for the people while serving on the Infrastructure committee. I know he tried but one person against 7 or 8 on a committee cannot win. I do know that one of them stated weeks later, that he regretted not standing with Mike because it was the right thing to do. Harl had that committee stacked against anything but his way. But you probably already know that.
Harl was a liar when he said he only wanted to be mayor because it was in his blood because his grandfather was once mayor of Oglesby. It was all about UNION!!! He was going to get rid of Chamlin and Schweikert along with others -- He never did anything he said that he would. He joined the good 'ol boys club and enjoyed the "fireworks". If you decide to vote for Baker, you had better plan on voting for the head alderman -- because this is who will be mayor if Baker is elected (my guess is that he will step down and pass it on). Mr. Hart seems to be the only logical vote.
I realize that Harl, Hart, and Giordano will all have a equal opportunity to step down from the mayorship as will Don Baker. I also realize that knowing the Baker Family all my life the Bakers do not step down. At 83 years of age and 44 years as Mayor Don Baker is not running for the office of Mayor of Peru to step down and I am sure it infuriates him to think that someone would ever accuse him of it. He has proven in his years of political life that his steps taken are up forward. Like or dislike Don Baker the last characteristic I would use to describe him would be cowardice.
I just find it sad that a man of his age thinks it is necessary to come out of retirement because he does not think that anyone beside him can solve the problems of Peru. Every one is replaceable and sometimes you don't find the right person the first time. It is kind of like growing up, you don't always make the right decision the first time but you learn and move on and try again. Terms in the Mayors Office must not be someones life but it should be something that happened during your life.
If anyone is wanting to see the city of peru grow AGAIN and prosper our People, then MR. BAKER is the candidate that will take us there.
As far as age, so what! we will all die someday, big deal. Rejoice and enjoy as long as we can. NOTE todays News Trib. ,The La Salle shoemaker in the paper is 100 years old and still working. So what is the point on Age? Maybe the hypocrates that voted against Baker the last time now see there wrongful act and will come back to the good days we had under MR. Baker and lets move this city forward as it was moving in the past. HERE IS THE PLAN: Our brighter days will certainly be ahead of us if we fill Peru's empty business buildings, Clean up(tear down) the trash buildings along rte 80 and lower our taxes. Not as Scott Harl's approach; run business out of town and raise citizens taxes to make up the short fall.... Let this be a call to arms VOTE FOR MR. BAKER and lets be proud of the city that just 4 yrs ago led the valley. RESTORE & VOTE APRIL 9.
I am willing to bet that those who voted for someone beside Baker will not return. Even if they are not Harl people, it won't matter because you have realize when you are in office that long, you step on a lot of toes and those voters will vote for other candidates or not vote at all.
Lois, guess what you say Hart couldn't stand up against 8 members of the infrastruction committee. What do you think Harl faced when he went in to the council chambers. 8--0
To Lois 10:56; I agree with you that some people never grow up and act like children as they hold a lifetime grudge in spite of looking out for the whole picture or the better off of the city of Peru.
It is a shame those kind of people express their opinion or show off with their vote but I would say to them GROW UP AND VOTE FOR THE BEST OF OUR CITY. Lets not make the same mistake TWICE. Adults should learn from there mistakes not soak in them.
I did NOT say Mike could not stand up against them, he did but if you know the infrastructure committee you would understand, it was stacked in Harls favor from the beginning. He did stand up to them and not cave like you suggested. Harl used this committee to get what he wanted the way he wanted in on the road money. Don't twist my words around.
Hart will have two members of the council on his side. They have already committed, the other 6 will join him. He has the union vote. And members of the infrastructure committee are on his side. The co-authors of this blog also are supporting him. City workers like his ideas and will support Hart.
The membership of the infrastructure committee had some very intelligent and business savvy people on it. Also this was a commitee which was comprised of volunteers not made up of hand picked yes men, geograhically two came from each ward. You state that Mayor Harl used this committee to get what he wanted the way he wanted in on the road money. Please, would you give more information on how the Mayor accomplished this, or better yet have someone who was on this committee elaborate more on this before election. In my own estimation what you are accussing Harl of would take a skilled, master politician. Do you consider Mayor Harl to be a skilled, master politician? Possibly do you believe a unelected someone else is doing some of our present Mayors political planning? As for a 8-1 or 6-2 continuous vote inspired by a group with the aim of getting whatever against one of their elected or appointed peer it can happen and it does happen in Peru politics as recently conducted at a open council meeting in the snow ball set up against Alderman Rodney Perez led by Treasurer Gary Hylla over the subject of Operation Promise. This was a very sad day in Peru Politics and shows how strong a leader Peru needs to stop acts such as this from repeating.
The Infrastructure Committee fell apart because none of the alderman or mayor were showing up to the meetings. Inside the Infrastructure Committee we were to appoint some "managing" members. I was appointed to Recording Secretary, above me was supposed to be the Committee Chairman, and above him, the mayor. Since there was more than one person going for Committee Chairman (Steve Weberski and Mike Hart), we were going to take a vote at the next meeting. Since we never had a quorum after that last meeting no one was elected Committee Chairman. If the Committee Chairman would have been appointed, then he would have been able to call meetings to order, not just the mayor, so I guess we would have been equivalent to significance with the Rec Board.
Justin, very good and thank you. A response time of nine minutes is truly remarkable. It shows that you can think on your feet and transfer it to a answer rapidly. I know of someone who is a representative of a committee that e mailed the Mayor of Peru over three years ago and still has not received a answer. Ignoring a political supporter is a sure way of shortening a polical career. Again Thank You Justin and good luck in your political endeavors. You have made a very good start for yourself and are accomplishing mountains of respect from others.
Mayor Baker had MANY closed sessions also and even underhanded transactions concerning contracts - he isn't the answer to everything.... he needs to get off his pedestal
Pride comes before a fall. (British & Australian) also Pride goes before a fall. (American) something that you say which means if you are too confident about yourself, something bad will happen to show you that you are not as good as you think you are
Justin, your response states that the infrastructure committee disbanded as a result of no quorum at the meeting to elect the Supreme Ruler. Your description sounds like the local boys club couldn't get along well enough to complete a task that the Mayor welcomed your input. Istead of completing the task set forth, your group decided to begin your own government entity. As you stated equivalant to the Rec. Board. What is a managing member? Is it like the Union steward? Since a few candidates have listed their experience as member of the infrastructure committee. Can you give us a list of what was accomplished and why it quickly became a resume builder as opposed to a city benefit producer? You got 9 minutes.
As strange as it seems Justins comment and the one he appears to be answering were posted at the same. Justin did not know that the previous comment had been written. Kind of like some mental telepathy?
Lois: I was making a response to the 9:36 comment. I felt inclined to address what happened to the infrastructure committee. 1:59; Our group wasn't trying to establish a new government entity, but we did need some sort of leadership. The rec board has their own president and is able to call a meeting to order without the mayor. Since the infrastructure committee had no quorum after the last meeting a committee chairman couldn't be elected. The only person who could call a meeting to order is still the mayor. I'm not quite sure what you're referring when you say it was a résumé builder as opposed to a city benefit producer, and the same applies to the "9 minute" comment.
Justin, it seems that the person who posted that was referring to Mike Hart and perhaps you ,not sure. Since you both are running for office after being put on that committee. It might appear that way but it has no validity.
Harl is a a poor example of Leadership for Peru. He is not for local businesses, swimming pool, or our youth. Venture Drive and the overwhelming amount of signatures on a petition, demolishing the pool when it couldve been salvaged, then the last confrontation that was allowed by him against alderman Rod Perez proves the only thing Harl Leads is the Union. Mike Hart seems to be the right leader needed for Peru at this time. These Mayoral Elects need to have a town meeting to answer questions. Harl and Baker can stay home Peru has had enough. Don Baker, Thanks for your time served but you need to step aside. Scott Harl- You are a lying politician. You're done.
The POOL comment by Baker in the paper was ridiculous. How many gallons of treated water drained out of the pool and into the creek everyday while he was in office for 44 years? Some estimate 50,000 - 75,000 gallons per day. Figure the cost of water, chemicals and also take into consideration the pollution from these chemicals. Mr. Baker had more than enough time to fix this pool while in office. Now he trys to make it sound like this was a new problem. NEVER SEEN OR MET AN HONEST POLITICAN YET!!!
lois i think your comment was rude, mr baker is not full of himself, i dont think he doesnt think anyone but him can run the city, i believe he truly loves the city and wants what is best for everyone, he has dedicated his life to this city, whether he is the right one or not i know he is better than what we have right now, i dont know the other 2 candidates, i really dont know if age matters anymore either, we are all going to die someday and we dont get to pick our day, 83 is the new 63. how old are popes when they get appointed? someimes age brings wisdom.
6:50 PM You are putting words in my mouth, I said it was sad and I said exactly that 4 years ago when Don Baker said Peru was his life. Being mayor of a city should never be your life and that is a good reason to have term limits on all elected officials.l
Harls a liar. Plain and simple. He doesn't want a pool and will not give us one. A person from Colorado with a degree in Recreation development, or something along those lines, who is a native from the iv area offered to write grants for free and pretty much guaranteed we would get one, was told we didn't need his help from Harl. This person also offered to come back and get our parks in order and set up recreation plans for peru with a park district or whatever we wanted. He was told never mind.
I remember that and the city council was not interested either. I think the letter was read at a committee mtg or a council mtg. They ran by it so fast and no details were discussed.
9:11 PM Sure if they are running for office they will say that but there are some in our government who have been there 2 long and think they have been granted ownership of city hall or any office they hold and that is when trouble starts.
83 Is NOT the new 63 - Baker was falling asleep at meetings when he WAS mayor - have you seen him? He can't even walk for rice sake! I'm with Lois, one has to wonder why he has the desire to even run??? (maybe to save the good ole boys club and old contracts)? Just enjoy your walks in the park!
Term limits is a joke. Let the voters decide when their terms are up. But wait, we did that last time and look what we got. I guess voters make bad decisions because politicians can't be trusted to keep their words.
10:27, You are right on target. Mr. Baker's age is a factor and his supporters know it. He is entitled to run for for mayor again, but his age and mental capacity is an issue for every voter to consider. I am convinced he is running only because he could not find a suitable candidate to "bank-roll" to run as his proxy. There is no doubt in my mind he will never be physically or mentally capable of fulfilling his term if elected. Joe Hogan and Don Kolowski setting up a FACEBOOK page for Baker is just about as ridiculous as it gets in politics. My feeling is that Don Baker did a good job for Peru as Mayor. The problem is, the last time he did a good job was around 1988. Baker had no clue what was going on financially for the past decade and a half of his tenure. Judy was pulling the strings and shuffling the cash around. Sadly, the council had no clue what was going on either and they never even thought to inquire. Say what you want about Harl, but there is no doubt that our finances are now subject to "accountability", and we know what money is going where. Can't deny it, folks!
Shorter terms of office are a completely different concept than term limits. Some will tell you that in a two year term most will just be learning what they are doing but many will tell you that some can be in office for sixteen years and will never know what they are doing.
Anon 8:21 I am not quite sure that there is no doubt that our finances are now subject to accountability and we know what money is going where. I understand that since the $53,000,000.00 robbery of Dixons city funds Sterling has passed a mandate that all finances will be published even including a itemized list of all checks no matter how small. Does Peru do this! Historically a few are always ready to leap upon their self named "Don and Judy Show". After four years they should wake up to the fact that it is the "Harl and Hylla Harlequin" that is accountable. Yes we can learn and improve from the past but it is improper to mentally bury yourself in that age instead of using it to improve the future.
What's the difference if Baker falls asleep at meetings? Look at the blank look on Radtke's face all nite long. He's daydreaming about ice skating. And what about Schweikert ? You can't tell if he's passed out, drunk, or dreaming he's sitting next to Baker again. And you can never understand what he's saying! Taylor just stutters and shuffles his papers he gets so flustered when he's called upon to lie to the council. Bleck has no clue what's going on, period. And Potthoff just can't wait to get back to the bar with schwekeirt.
I have to laugh. Behavior, body language I tend to believe is mellow compared to what it would be if citizens and this Town forum didn't take note or didn't exist! THANK GOODNESS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA! Is that bottled water at council meetings or something else? I need glasses!
if anyonoe thinks for one minute you can trust the h/h duo with money you might as well go live in dixon- how far can you throw that dou that is how far you can trust them
This is a response to 8:12 on Feb. 19th. A gentleman in Colorado did offer his services to write a grant, for a swimming pool, for the city of Peru. He was not going to do it for free. He could do it for a discounted rate. I had several communications with him and a meeting was also held with him while he was visiting in Peru. We were going to have him write a grant for Friends for Peru Pool Committee, but the state doesn't have any available this year. I know this because, I personally, have been in contact with the Springfield offices. Mayor Harl attended this meeting with the gentleman from Colorado and not at any time did he tell him his services aren't needed, in fact, he was impressed with him and hoped we could have him help us. The Colorado gentleman did say he would like to some day move back to IL Valley and work with the parks, but it wouldn't be any time soon.
Last time I was a Harl supporter but not this time. However, I must give Harl credit for paying off some debt where as the debt kept getting bigger and bigger under the Baker administration. Bakers time is over, let someone younger do the job other than Harl.
Wonderful Peru has representation that can write a grant. I am more interested in their success rate! What has been the response to their grant - successful or unsuccessful? I can write a book but I doubt anyone will publish it. Big Deal!
I was at Rudys Liquor last night and I was astounded at all the different flavors of vodka. Raspberry, blue raspberry, lemon, lime, orange, cherry, etc...And they are clear in color with no tint 5:16. All you need as a mixer with this vodka is a splash of H20. Lol.
Spring Valley Fire Department is having a stag tomorrow night. I think I read in the paper this week. When is Peru's stag? Didn't know where to put this question on this blog site.
56 comments:
Reading the comments of each of the 4 candidates, the only one we can trust is Donald Baker. He has a proven,look out for the city, track record. We need to get back on the path of progress and development for the city of Peru.
Scott Harl is all talk and harms the city. (Just look around the city today)
Mike Hart, did not stand up for the city when he had the chance while on Mayor Harl's committee.
Jim Giradano, has no experience, and is talking election garbage. As salesmen, that he is , he probably would sell us a bridge in Brooklyn, would argue that it is a great attraction and call it good for the city of Peru.
So lets NOT go backward but lets get on the path of the future development of the city with a mayor that knows what he is doing for the city. That is Donald Baker.
Mr. Baker, brought alot of progress in 44 yrs lets not stop now and go back to the last 4 dismal years of stagnation and higher costs with wasteful spending.
These days there are not to many sure bets for progress, but Baker sure gives us the best chance.
Please explain in more detail your comment "the city needs to determine where its LIMITED RESOURCES should go in this stagnant economy. I have to live within my limited budget and most of you do too and the City of Peru does also".
The city has raised its sales tax twice, at 1/2% each time, on already the highest sales tax earner in the surrounding area. This program has proven that Peru does not have a limited budget. The first raise was taken to the people to vote upon the second raise was voted in directly by Mayor Harl and not brought to the people. The only way to identify this tax is "The Harl Tax".
The citizens economy is not stagnant instead it is on a downward trend. Nearly 50% of the citizens of Peru are on Social Security which did not receive a increase for two years and this year had a increase which will cover the increase in medicare. Incidently there is a law that medicare can't be raised without a cost of living increase in Social Security. As already stated individual expenses susch as sales tax, utilities, groceries, medical expenses, education, housing, insurance, medicine, automobile etc. have gone up. As for the city it does not have limited resources but its citizens do and it is not in a stagnant economy but its citizens are. Once again it must be stated that "Peru does not have a money problem Peru has a spending problem"!
If you do not believe this inquire as to how much Peru has in the bank and how deep is Peru's debt.
This week someone inquired as to the check and balance system being employed by Peru government, well what is the check and balance system being employed by the City of Peru government?
The present economy is not nearly as good as those in power would like you to beleve. If someone trys to convince you that the United States is in a rising economy ask them why our country has super low interest rates and high inflation at the same time (i.e. gas at $3.79/gal).
Scott Harl supports the pool but is the one that demolished it.
He talks out of both sides of his mouth and says nothing. It's embarrasing for a city of this size to not have a pool for young people of all economic situations to swim in the summer.
LET'S NOT FORGET ALL THE CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS THAT PERU HAS HAD SINCE HARLS TERM IN OFFICE. Wonder what the other three mayoral candidates think of that? It would be interesting if the paper would do an interview of each candidate with subject matter and questions from this blog site, to read how they would handle situations and issues. It wouldn't
take much time by the reporter(interviewer) questions are
at their fingertips! Each candidates interview published on different night in paper.
Harl is such a typical politician!!!! Lets make a bet by mid March Harl will act more and more like he supports Peru having a pool. What a joke he is. He's a major lying politician.
4:45 PM
Do you want the city to take a loan out to build a swimming pool? People has said and this is probably true, that we could give everybody their own private pool in their yard for less money than a municipal pool. Once that pool is built, you now need money to maintain and to pay the employees. They might need to raise your tax levy, I don't know.
With regard to Mike Hart not standing up for the people while serving on the Infrastructure committee. I know he tried but one person against 7 or 8 on a committee cannot win. I do know that one of them stated weeks later, that he regretted not standing with Mike because it was the right thing to do. Harl had that committee stacked against anything but his way. But you probably already know that.
Harl was a liar when he said he only wanted to be mayor because it was in his blood because his grandfather was once mayor of Oglesby. It was all about UNION!!! He was going to get rid of Chamlin and Schweikert along with others -- He never did anything he said that he would. He joined the good 'ol boys club and enjoyed the "fireworks". If you decide to vote for Baker, you had better plan on voting for the head alderman -- because this is who will be mayor if Baker is elected (my guess is that he will step down and pass it on). Mr. Hart seems to be the only logical vote.
I realize that Harl, Hart, and Giordano will all have a equal opportunity to step down from the mayorship as will Don Baker.
I also realize that knowing the Baker Family all my life the Bakers do not step down. At 83 years of age and 44 years as Mayor Don Baker is not running for the office of Mayor of Peru to step down and I am sure it infuriates him to think that someone would ever accuse him of it. He has proven in his years of political life that his steps taken are up forward.
Like or dislike Don Baker the last characteristic I would use to describe him would be cowardice.
7:50 PM
I just find it sad that a man of his age thinks it is necessary to come out of retirement because he does not think that anyone beside him can solve the problems of Peru.
Every one is replaceable and sometimes you don't find the right person the first time. It is kind of like growing up, you don't always make the right decision the first time but you learn and move on and try again. Terms in the Mayors Office must not be someones life but it should be something that happened during your life.
If anyone is wanting to see the city of peru grow AGAIN and prosper our People, then MR. BAKER is the candidate that will take us there.
As far as age, so what! we will all die someday, big deal. Rejoice and enjoy as long as we can.
NOTE todays News Trib. ,The La Salle shoemaker in the paper is 100 years old and still working. So what is the point on Age?
Maybe the hypocrates that voted against Baker the last time now see there wrongful act and will come back to the good days we had under MR. Baker and lets move this city forward as it was moving in the past.
HERE IS THE PLAN: Our brighter days will certainly be ahead of us if we fill Peru's empty business buildings, Clean up(tear down) the trash buildings along rte 80 and lower our taxes.
Not as Scott Harl's approach; run business out of town and raise citizens taxes to make up the short fall....
Let this be a call to arms VOTE FOR MR. BAKER and lets be proud of the city that just 4 yrs ago led the valley.
RESTORE & VOTE APRIL 9.
10:56 PM
I am willing to bet that those who voted for someone beside Baker will not return. Even if they are not Harl people, it won't matter because you have realize when you are in office that long, you step on a lot of toes and those voters will vote for other candidates or not vote at all.
Lois, guess what you say Hart couldn't stand up against 8 members of the infrastruction committee. What do you think Harl faced when he went in to the council chambers. 8--0
Age and health are against Baker. It does not make sense for him to be mayor. Sometime pride gets in the way of common sense.
To Lois 10:56;
I agree with you that some people never grow up and act like children as they hold a lifetime grudge in spite of looking out for the whole picture or the better off of the city of Peru.
It is a shame those kind of people express their opinion or show off with their vote but I would say to them GROW UP AND VOTE FOR THE BEST OF OUR CITY. Lets not make the same mistake TWICE. Adults should learn from there mistakes not soak in them.
8:28 AM
I did NOT say Mike could not stand up against them, he did but if you know the infrastructure committee you would understand, it was stacked in Harls favor from the beginning. He did stand up to them and not cave like you suggested. Harl used this committee to get what he wanted the way he wanted in on the road money. Don't twist my words around.
And after he got what he wanted he disbanded the infrastructure committee. Pretty sad if you ask me.
Hart will have two members of the council on his side. They have already committed, the other 6 will join him. He has the union vote. And members of the infrastructure committee are on his side. The co-authors of this blog also are supporting him. City workers like his ideas and will support Hart.
The membership of the infrastructure committee had some very intelligent and business savvy people on it. Also this was a commitee which was comprised of volunteers not made up of hand picked yes men, geograhically two came from each ward.
You state that Mayor Harl used this committee to get what he wanted the way he wanted in on the road money.
Please, would you give more information on how the Mayor accomplished this, or better yet have someone who was on this committee elaborate more on this before election. In my own estimation what you are accussing Harl of would take a skilled, master politician. Do you consider Mayor Harl to be a skilled, master politician?
Possibly do you believe a unelected someone else is doing some of our present Mayors political planning?
As for a 8-1 or 6-2 continuous
vote inspired by a group with the aim of getting whatever against one of their elected or appointed peer it can happen and it does happen in Peru politics as recently conducted at a open council meeting in the snow ball set up against Alderman Rodney Perez led by Treasurer Gary Hylla over the subject of Operation Promise. This was a very sad day in Peru Politics and shows how strong a leader Peru needs to stop acts such as this from repeating.
The Infrastructure Committee fell apart because none of the alderman or mayor were showing up to the meetings. Inside the Infrastructure Committee we were to appoint some "managing" members. I was appointed to Recording Secretary, above me was supposed to be the Committee Chairman, and above him, the mayor. Since there was more than one person going for Committee Chairman (Steve Weberski and Mike Hart), we were going to take a vote at the next meeting. Since we never had a quorum after that last meeting no one was elected Committee Chairman. If the Committee Chairman would have been appointed, then he would have been able to call meetings to order, not just the mayor, so I guess we would have been equivalent to significance with the Rec Board.
Justin, very good and thank you. A response time of nine minutes is truly remarkable. It shows that you can think on your feet and transfer it to a answer rapidly. I know of someone who is a representative of a committee that e mailed the Mayor of Peru over three years ago and still has not received a answer.
Ignoring a political supporter is a sure way of shortening a polical career. Again Thank You Justin and good luck in your political endeavors. You have made a very good start for yourself and are accomplishing mountains of respect from others.
Not a problem. I make it a habit to check this blog often. As always, if you have any questions feel free to ask, I will try to get back to you ASAP
Mayor Baker had MANY closed sessions also and even underhanded transactions concerning contracts - he isn't the answer to everything.... he needs to get off his pedestal
Pride comes before a fall. (British & Australian) also Pride goes before a fall. (American)
something that you say which means if you are too confident about yourself, something bad will happen to show you that you are not as good as you think you are
Justin, your response states that the infrastructure committee disbanded as a result of no quorum at the meeting to elect the Supreme Ruler. Your description sounds like the local boys club couldn't get along well enough to complete a task that the Mayor welcomed your input. Istead of completing the task set forth, your group decided to begin your own government entity. As you stated equivalant to the Rec. Board. What is a managing member? Is it like the Union steward? Since a few candidates have listed their experience as member of the infrastructure committee. Can you give us a list of what was accomplished and why it quickly became a resume builder as opposed to a city benefit producer? You got 9 minutes.
1:59 PM
As strange as it seems Justins comment and the one he appears to be answering were posted at the same. Justin did not know that the previous comment had been written. Kind of like some mental telepathy?
The pool arguements should have been made 4 years ago when it was closed.
Lois: I was making a response to the 9:36 comment. I felt inclined to address what happened to the infrastructure committee.
1:59; Our group wasn't trying to establish a new government entity, but we did need some sort of leadership. The rec board has their own president and is able to call a meeting to order without the mayor. Since the infrastructure committee had no quorum after the last meeting a committee chairman couldn't be elected. The only person who could call a meeting to order is still the mayor. I'm not quite sure what you're referring when you say it was a résumé builder as opposed to a city benefit producer, and the same applies to the "9 minute" comment.
Justin, it seems that the person who posted that was referring to Mike Hart and perhaps you ,not sure. Since you both are running for office after being put on that committee. It might appear that way but it has no validity.
Harl is a a poor example of Leadership for Peru. He is not for local businesses, swimming pool, or our youth. Venture Drive and the overwhelming amount of signatures on a petition, demolishing the pool when it couldve been salvaged, then the last confrontation that was allowed by him against alderman Rod Perez proves the only thing Harl Leads is the Union. Mike Hart seems to be the right leader needed for Peru at this time. These Mayoral Elects need to have a town meeting to answer questions. Harl and Baker can stay home Peru has had enough. Don Baker, Thanks for your time served but you need to step aside. Scott Harl- You are a lying politician. You're done.
The POOL comment by Baker in the paper was ridiculous. How many gallons of treated water drained out of the pool and into the creek everyday while he was in office for 44 years? Some estimate 50,000 - 75,000 gallons per day. Figure the cost of water, chemicals and also take into consideration the pollution from these chemicals. Mr. Baker had more than enough time to fix this pool while in office. Now he trys to make it sound like this was a new problem. NEVER SEEN OR MET AN HONEST POLITICAN YET!!!
AMEN 5:21 Very well said.
5:21 PM
Since it appears you would like to ask Mike Hart some questions, watch for the next Meet and Greet at which he will answer your questions.
lois i think your comment was rude, mr baker is not full of himself, i dont think he doesnt think anyone but him can run the city, i believe he truly loves the city and wants what is best for everyone, he has dedicated his life to this city, whether he is the right one or not i know he is better than what we have right now, i dont know the other 2 candidates, i really dont know if age matters anymore either, we are all going to die someday and we dont get to pick our day, 83 is the new 63. how old are popes when they get appointed? someimes age brings wisdom.
6:50 PM You are putting words in my mouth, I said it was sad and I said exactly that 4 years ago when Don Baker said Peru was his life. Being mayor of a city should never be your life and that is a good reason to have term limits on all elected officials.l
Harls a liar. Plain and simple. He doesn't want a pool and will not give us one. A person from Colorado with a degree in Recreation development, or something along those lines, who is a native from the iv area offered to write grants for free and pretty much guaranteed we would get one, was told we didn't need his help from Harl. This person also offered to come back and get our parks in order and set up recreation plans for peru with a park district or whatever we wanted. He was told never mind.
8:13 PM
I remember that and the city council was not interested either. I think the letter was read at a committee mtg or a council mtg. They ran by it so fast and no details were discussed.
Term limits won't solve anything. Any person running for office will tell you the same thing.
9:11 PM Sure if they are running for office they will say that but there are some in our government who have been there 2 long and think they have been granted ownership of city hall or any office they hold and that is when trouble starts.
Anon 6:50
83 Is NOT the new 63 - Baker was falling asleep at meetings when he WAS mayor - have you seen him? He can't even walk for rice sake! I'm with Lois, one has to wonder why he has the desire to even run??? (maybe to save the good ole boys club and old contracts)? Just enjoy your walks in the park!
Term limits is a joke. Let the voters decide when their terms are up. But wait, we did that last time and look what we got. I guess voters make bad decisions because politicians can't be trusted to keep their words.
10:27, You are right on target. Mr. Baker's age is a factor and his supporters know it.
He is entitled to run for for mayor again, but his age and mental capacity is an issue for every voter to consider. I am convinced he is running only because he could not find a suitable candidate to "bank-roll" to run as his proxy. There is no doubt in my mind he will never be physically or mentally capable of fulfilling his term if elected.
Joe Hogan and Don Kolowski setting up a FACEBOOK page for Baker is just about as ridiculous as it gets in politics.
My feeling is that Don Baker did a good job for Peru as Mayor. The problem is, the last time he did a good job was around 1988. Baker had no clue what was going on financially for the past decade and a half of his tenure. Judy was pulling the strings and shuffling the cash around. Sadly, the council had no clue what was going on either and they never even thought to inquire. Say what you want about Harl, but there is no doubt that our finances are now subject to "accountability", and we know what money is going where.
Can't deny it, folks!
Shorter terms of office are a completely different concept than term limits. Some will tell you that in a two year term most will just be learning what they are doing but many will tell you that some can be in office for sixteen years and will never know what they are doing.
Anon 8:21 I am not quite sure that there is no doubt that our finances are now subject to accountability and we know what money is going where. I understand that since the $53,000,000.00 robbery of Dixons city funds Sterling has passed a mandate that all finances will be published even including a itemized list of all checks no matter how small. Does Peru do this!
Historically a few are always ready to leap upon their self named "Don and Judy Show".
After four years they should wake up to the fact that it is the "Harl and Hylla Harlequin" that is accountable. Yes we can learn and improve from the past but it is improper to mentally bury yourself in that age instead of using it to improve the future.
What's the difference if Baker falls asleep at meetings? Look at the blank look on Radtke's face all nite long. He's daydreaming about ice skating. And what about Schweikert ? You can't tell if he's passed out, drunk, or dreaming he's sitting next to Baker again. And you can never understand what he's saying! Taylor just stutters and shuffles his papers he gets so flustered when he's called upon to lie to the council. Bleck has no clue what's going on, period. And Potthoff just can't wait to get back to the bar with schwekeirt.
I have to laugh. Behavior, body language I tend to believe is mellow compared to what it would be if citizens and this
Town forum didn't take note or didn't exist! THANK GOODNESS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA! Is that bottled water at council meetings or something else? I need glasses!
all that bottled water seems to have a tint. no glasses needed
if anyonoe thinks for one minute you can trust the h/h duo with money you might as well go live in dixon- how far can you throw that dou that is how far you can trust them
Baker has my vote.
Anon 9:18
You must have a vested interest in your vote!
This is a response to 8:12 on Feb. 19th. A gentleman in Colorado did offer his services to write a grant, for a swimming pool, for the city of Peru. He was not going to do it for free. He could do it for a discounted rate. I had several communications with him and a meeting was also held with him while he was visiting in Peru. We were going to have him write a grant for Friends for Peru Pool Committee, but the state doesn't have any available this year. I know this because, I personally, have been in contact with the Springfield offices. Mayor Harl attended this meeting with the gentleman from Colorado and not at any time did he tell him his services aren't needed, in fact, he was impressed with him and hoped we could have him help us.
The Colorado gentleman did say he would like to some day move back to IL Valley and work with the parks, but it wouldn't be any time soon.
You have people in Peru that can write the grants, if they want to.
Last time I was a Harl supporter but not this time. However, I must give Harl credit for paying off some debt where as the debt kept getting bigger and bigger under the Baker administration. Bakers time is over, let someone younger do the job other than Harl.
7:39 AM
I don't know the dividing line but the mayors asst, has written some grants and others have been by NCIC and those we pay for.
Wonderful Peru has representation that can write a grant. I am more interested in their success rate! What has been the response to their grant - successful or unsuccessful?
I can write a book but I doubt anyone will publish it. Big Deal!
I was at Rudys Liquor last night and I was astounded at all the different flavors of vodka. Raspberry, blue raspberry, lemon, lime, orange, cherry, etc...And they are clear in color with no tint 5:16. All you need as a mixer with this vodka is a splash of H20. Lol.
Spring Valley Fire Department is having a stag tomorrow night. I think I read in the paper this week. When is Peru's stag? Didn't know where to put this question on this blog site.
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