I did a FOIA after the Illinois Municipal League Convention in Chicago in October of 2012. Those who went from Peru were Mayor Scott Harl, Treasurer Gary Hylla, SPW Gary Bleck, Ald. Dave Waldorf, Ald. Tony Ferrari, Ald. Lukosus, Ald. M. Radtke and Ald. Rodney Perez.
The participants were reimbursed for all expenses beside the registration fees which were paid by the city.
Mayor Scott Harl - 941.94
Gary Bleck - 595.96
Gary Hylla - 719.38
Ald. Perez - 362.86
Ald. Lukosus -1126.86
Ald. Ferrari - 882.12
Ald. Waldorf - 763.67
Ald. Radtke -- 675.76
This is the convention that we have never heard one word about any of what the meetings may have been about or at least a brief report of why they were at the meeting.
181 comments:
Finished walking the city on Sunday afternoon. Met a lot of citizens concerned for the betterment of the city. Not very many happy with the present administration. As I have stated before I am in favor of a city engineer. This position would replace the appointed position of superintendent. A lead foreman would give the daily work orders to the public works employees. This would save the city money. That's what I am in favor of. Money management. Account for all monies spent. Signed Mike Hart
How could Alderman Lukosus spent three times as much as Alderman Perez and the Mayor and the rest of the aldermen in attendence each spend twice as much at the same convention?
Isn't Lukosus the same alderman who along with the Mayor and wives went to Washington together last week for a convention. Is this trip concsidered business or a vacation?
Ald. Perez stayed at a motel out of the city and drove in for the convention and spent only 1 nite at the convention site. Some park their own cars and others do valet parking. Some drove themselves up and some went on Amtrack. You can foia anyone of these separately to get all the details. Yes Lukosus went to DC with the mayor.
I call the trip a perk because there are no requirements to submit information upon coming back to the council.
Mr. Hart, how will that save the city money, you still have to pay an engineer, and if they are licensed from the state they won't be cheap. I guess I am asking show me the data??? Signed Concerned Southsider
The convention is in Chicago? Why do they need to spend the night? I go to events in Chicago all the time and never stay overnight. From my doorstep in Peru to downtown Chicago is less than a two hour drive (unless 55 is backed up - but even then it is managable). So, 80 miles at the government rate of 55 cents per mile is $44.40 one way, plus perdium of $58.00. So the expenses should have been $146.80 per day. They also could have rented a large SUV from Enterprise in Peru and drove together.
Most administration would make it clear before the convention that if you attend a report must be given at the next council meeting. Nothing lengthy just a short recap on the meetings you attended. I do not feel that would be out of line. If you as a elected official are not willing to do this, then don't go.
ROOM SERVICE? ALCOHOL? HOW MANY TOOK THEIR WIFE OR A GIRLFRIEND
IF THEY DON'T HAVE A WIFE? DID CITY PAY ALL THEIR EXPENSES TOO? A big fluctuation in expenses for each person who attended. Quite obvious who took advantage of us taxpayers!!! HART FOR MAYOR!!!!'n
8 people(4couples), could have used the 8 passenger SUV(expedition), command vehicle that taxpayers bought for the fire department a few years ago. Also use the new truck recently purchased for other passengers and all that luggage!
*****MIKE HART FOR MAYOR*****
7:04 AM
I am not M. Hart, but I do suggest you study the disbursement sheets that the city puts out each month and see how much we are paying Chamlin for engineering serves. With that money we could be paying several engineers each year.
perk n. short for PERQUISITE
PERQUISITE - something in addition to regular pay for one's work, as a tip
Does anyone remember in grade school you would have to spell the word,give its meaning and than include it in a sentence. Here is my sentence.
Upon receiving his most recent perk the appointed sat in Washington with a smirk.
9:54 Please give us the definition and a sentence using the word smirk!
Was very impressed with Don Baker's political ad in last nights paper. Where the current mayor only puts pics of him in other cities, Baker puts his focus on Peru.
10:21 am, I'm no fan of Harl, but don't try to sell me that bull---- in that ad last night for Baker that he left the city in the "black". That is such B.S. and if you think otherwise you're just ignorant.
Baker doesn't focus on Peru. He focuses on what deals can benefit him, his family, his business partners, and his cronies. Heard rumors about big business real estate deals that never came to the area because the companies wouldn't buy his property and he wouldn't offer city enticements to the companies if they bought other properties. If only those back room walls could talk. Please, please, please, don't go backwards.
Lukosus appears to be a very expensive appointee of Mayor Harl. It would be interesting to know what Radtkes expense was?
Once again of those who attended only Alderman Perez continued to live within his everyday life style. As for the rest of them only the best times two. Put that on your 3x5 and give a three minute explation. The good old boys club has been replaced by Perus High Rollers. Its a crime to see that one alderman spends over $1100 and anther spends a measly $300 for the same convention. What is the initial draw before they go and is it included in the blogs financial report. After the recent BB Gun Club creative financing all Peru finances should be questioned and all should be answered in a gentlemanly manner. At present the City Clerk is the only person who is tax payer friendly. Thank you, Dave Bartley, City Clerk.
Absolutely correct 11:04. Don Baker is not a viable candidate. He does not have the basic physical or mental capabilities to perform the dities of the office of Mayor. For those few men who are running the Baker campaign I say this, You are doing a dis-service to this city by propping up an unqualified candidate. Your motivations are just as selfish now as they were in years past when you supported Don Baker because of the financial gain he steered your way while Mayor of Peru.
We know who you are and shame on you for perpetuating this embarassing scam on the voters of Peru.
Move forward with Mike Hart Peru.
11:04 AM
There was an individual who was so concerned about our debt that he actually made what he called a debt clock and the amount was somewhere around $42 mil when Baker left office. The fact is that we are still paying on the City Hall building plus much more. People need to be aware of what you have related. In todays world any back room mtgs would immediately be reported as violations. Foias would be nonstop and in return for citizen questions I can imagine more than the usual threats and intimidations taking place. This is not the same world that Don Baker retired from 4 years ago.
Does anyone remember when City Treasurer Peter Klaeser's (Klaesers Jewelry, downtown Peru )block in front of his home went unpaved while the road was completed elsewhere because he was not in favor at city hall. You have to have good long term memory on this one but Don Baker was in office.
HART FOR MAYOR! LETS MOVE FORWARD WITH PROGRESS! IF BAKER TRULY CARED ABOUT THE CITY, HE WOULD IMMEDIATELY ENDORSE HART! Mr. Baker. my opinion is you had your 44 years, you and your family should be enjoying your retirement, you deserve it. MIKE HART FOR MAYOR OF PERU! GET OUT AND VOTE IF YOU WANT CHANGES MADE WITH CITY DEPARTMENTS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS! ETC......THE ONLY WAY THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS IF MIKE HART BECOMES ELECTED AS PERU'S NEW MAYOR!!
Harl and Lukosus fancy themselves as some sort of "Big Shots" by taking their wives on these phony trips to D.C and also Springfield, IL a couple times a year. They spend our tax dollars on meals and booze at a pretty good clip.
I remember two years a go when Waldorf turned in a reciept for $342.00 from The Chicago Chop House while at the IML Conference.
What a bunch of "mopes".
Lukosus has settled in pretty well with the majority of our "do-nothing aldermen". Their motto could be "Do nothing but cast a vote and head to the bar".
Vote for Mayszak and Hart and anybody else who is not an incumbent. Anybody!
@11:14. You had me agreeing with until the end of your blog. Be heart smart, vote for HARTTTT!
To: Lois
From: Rodney Perez
I would have to check the minutes but I do believe I gave a brief report on the conference during the October 17th, or 30th meeting.
I remember mentioning some of the beneficial courses we sat through such as: Economic Development, Video Gaming, Pension Reform, etc.
Networking with officials from other municipalities was very beneficial.
Thank you,
Rodney
Do NOT insult me Mr. Baker by putting lies out there about city debt! You left the city in heavy debt to the tune of 42 million dollars. If you want to lie, join Harl's campaign and see who can lie the most.
I have to start this comment with my concerns for Rodney. Rod, get rid of the fish hooks in your pockets. You have a lifestyle when travelling on city money that is going to commit you and your dearest to die of malnutrition. At the least please include a bottle of vitamins in your expense acoount so we know you made it home alive and not passed away of starvation or dehydration.
Rod, at the rate you spend per year you could attend the IML for every year of your term and not accumulate what one appointed alderman spend this year alone. Incidently 4th Ward citizens this appointed alderman is running against some very highly qualified candidates. Of the two that are running against the incumbent you have the opportunity for fantastic representation. Wish that one of the two lived in the 1st.
What actual qualifications does Mike Hart have to be Mayor?
Don't miss understand me, the city hall is nice but it wasn't necessary. It was a want by Baker. And isn't the BB club in the basement at city hall? Is there a splash pad down there too? That's just strange. Anyway, now Baker wants to work towards getting a new city pool. Should have thought about a new pool facility 10 years ago when he was in office, instead of a new
city hall. This is just one of many reasons why MIKE HART SHOULD BE the next MAYOR OF PERU!
11:04 Lois,
You may have a grudge against Don Baker but if you would file a FOIA with he city and ask what the debt was in April 2009 and what it was April 2012 you would find that the number was 28 million in 2009 and 38 milloion in 2012. You have been floating this 42 million dollar number on this blog for years and it is not true. Scott Harl and the city counsil has in 3 years put us another 10 million dollars in debt and these are the facts.
What I'm having a hard time understanding is why we spent so much time and tax payer money establishing a sign ordinance? An ordinance that is now being tested and violated on a daily basis. The only portion of it that we, as a city, are endorsing is making the charitable organizations pay $100 to post their signs. Who is responsible for endorsing this ordinance and why are they not doing the job they are being paid to do?
Debt with no pool! Is Aston Kutcher in the house? Are we being Punk'd? HART FOR MAYOR.
Only thing on Peru council agenda for tonight is a closed session.
I did not mean it as BS , only comparing the two candidates political ads. One uses pictures that he feels will impress us, the other uses Peru. Although it did stimulate some good discussion. I will not be voting for either one of these guys. Hart is my choice for mayor. I am sorry if I came across ignorant. Just comparing two styles of campaigning.
11:39 AM
I stand corrected on that issue but they chose not to include that in the minutes, only stating that you said it was educational and helpful. The minutes also appear that you are speaking for yourself and everybody else.
Why am I not surprised?
People, history repeats itself! Vote for Mr. Mike Hart for Mayor. Don't forget the succession of a mayor and who that could possibly be... Hart for Mayor!!!!!
Does a zebra's stripes change? No! Do the spots on a leopard change? No! Vote for a change. Vote for Hart.
@12:02. Please don't waste your time worrying about Alderman Perez, he probably brought his one a days ( vitamins) from home. I do when I travel to save money for my family so I don't have to pay big bucks at the hotels gift shop. And I also stay at a place that serves a nice breakfast in the lobby in which I have to walk to, coffee and exercise included. My goodness, have you ordered room service or had alcohol from the mini bar in your room? Then when you check out and get your bill, pay it, then you will need to siphon gas to get you home. One of the perks at hotels is a free, worthy newspaper! So 12:02, its called not taking advantage of city taxpayers. From: HOOK-LINE-AND SINKER!
There is this vitamin that's out for people over 50 that helps restore memory loss. Get it, buy it, store it in your bag when traveling. It will help you not to forget the last four years and the 44 years prior to that in Perus city government. Taking this vitamin daily will help you to remember to go vote in April for Mike Hart for Perus new
Mayor. And no, this vitamin isn't in the form of a gummy bear like many childrens vitamins.
BS, Is also an abbreviation for, "BOLOGNA SOUP."
12:05 none.....
Anon 11:36 Why do you differ with 11:14's opinion of the City Clerk? I also have found Dave to be the only city offical who is friendly when being questioned.
There is a gummy vitamin for adults that tastes real good. In fact I like its flavor more than I like the childrens.
Lois did you see the harl for mayor ad in monday's paper all he did was bragg about being nominated moterator at some meeting by some big law firm. I want to know how that has anything to do with helping peru. It looked as if it was all about how popular he was at the convention we payed for him to go to how does this help Peru? I think harl's just got bigger plans for himself doesn't care about Peru or it's people
Most of the stuff is desperation by a few candidates without a purpose. Why not talk about the qualifications or the changes? Or past record of community accomplishements. Do the candidates running for the office lack the credentials, expertise, experience that requires such comments about the current, past office holders?
Thanks to Alderman Rodney Perez for being conservative during that convention. It's clear others were spending as if it was an open check book. They should be ashamed!
I was able to find that conference and the dates of events on line. Alderman Perez- please answer this question please: Did you and the others stay the night of the TEST dinner? To refresh your memory, that dinner was supposedly on that Saturday night and from what I gathered the conference was over by 5:00 p.m. That Saturday. I'm curious to know if we tax payers paid for your overnight and expenses so that dinner could be attended?
Thanks for your response in advance!
S.D.
@4:01. Great question. However, anyone who attended feel free to answer. Chances are that's not going to happen. @Alderman Perez, did OPERATION PROMISE GET THE MONEY FROM WHICHEVER ACCOUNT IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY ACCIDENTALLY PUT INTO ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO I READ ON ANOTHER BLOG. Also noted this same question has been asked by others. Answer please.
12:05 and 1:35....
I believe Mike Hart is the most qualified to lead the City. After hearing him speak about his concerns and overall knowledge of Peru it is evident not only will he be best suited as Mayor of Peru but maybe more importantly he has displayed knowledge of what NOT to do as a leader of a City. I can only assume he has learned a lot about the current state of Peru and gained valuable knowledge of government attending council and committee meetings week after week for numerous months. I can assure you that one will NOT see Giordano or Baker attending these meetings on a regular basis as Hart does. His consistency of attending such meetings shows that he IS interested in the City of Peru and its citizens. I would be VERY CAUTIOUS to vote for someone that does not have the time or energy to attend these meetings, yet asks for your vote. By a lack of effort I question the other candidates’ motives for the citizens of Peru. Hart takes it upon himself to seek the answers that are needed for the citizens. In order to step in role of Mayor he will be knowledgeable and in tune with the history of the council and its stances. Baker ran our City for 44 years and has the experience, but one can only assume that it is not his knowledge that will be leading us, as it was the case for the last 8 years of him being Mayor. It was evident that the Council, Chamlin, Schweickert, and Janko ran the show for the last 2 terms of Baker’s and this will be the case more so this time around. What guy in their mid 80’s thinks he is actually capable of running a City properly? Coming from a VERY RELIABLE source I was informed that Baker wanted the City of LaSalle Economic Director position right after being beat by Harl in order to "stick" it to Peru and its citizens for electing Harl. However, he was not “guaranteed” this position therefore dropped his name out of the position. Do we want a vindictive man who can barely stay awake for the duration of a council meeting as Mayor? Do we want a Mayor that shows little to no interest by not attending council meetings or committee meetings? Do we want to re-elect our present Mayor who has added an additional 10 million dollars in debt in a matter of 4 years, has displayed on numerous occasions, that he is not business friendly, has his own City employees displeased with his leadership, and has broken promise after promise from his last campaign?
Hart is not an engineer nor does he claim to be, but his title with the State was an Engineer Technician IV. This is the closest thing to an actual Civil Engineer without having the paperwork to say so. He knows just as much as a Civil Engineer, just can't sign his name as one. An Engineer Technician IV position involves independent judgment, decision-making and leadership of staff. All these aspects in an Engineer Technician IV position leads me to believe he better suited to lead our City and give valuable input into the direction of our City rather than his opponents. The responsibilities Mike took on while working with IDOT and the knowledge that he has displayed throughout his career has put in him in a position to be able to understand and give input to one of the most costly aspects of a City from year to year, infrastructure. As a previous crane operator, Harl gave his infrastructure knowledge a go on Venture Drive and look at the mess he has created?
5:08 PM
Thank you for your excellent post and I hope that this will put to rest the pesky questions about Mike Hart that amount to nothing more than prodding to promote another candidate, probably Baker.
He not only has the qualifications to be mayor he also has the personal attributes to be an excellent representative of the city of Peru and its residents.
The only reason that there should even be a city council meeting tonight is that Mayor Harl last year proposed and it was passed that a alderman would be paid if they attended or were absent from the meeting. This placed the city council members as being salaried.
There presently is not one item on the agenda until the closed session item is reached and since that should not be costing the city any money, or should not be costing the city any money,could wait. If all circumstances are as they appear the penality should be severe. Anything less will be setting a precedent which the union will throw back at the city forever. There are certain actions which call for immediate dismissal and discontinuence of all benefits such as unemployment, pension, insurance ect.
I don't understand why you won't post my comments about why Mr. Hart hasn't responded to my question, you may think you are doing him a favor, but the questions will only get tougher. You can bet I will pose the same questions to the other candidates and will probably get an answer. Signed Concerned Southsider
Don't understand how hiring a city engineer is related to spending at a conference??? Looks like he has yet to answer a couple good questions. Eagerly awaiting his response.
To: Anon 4:01
From: Rodney Perez
Thank you!.. In regards to your question; The conference concluded around 3:00 on Saturday. I'm not sure who was on the RSVP list for the Test dinner Saturday night. Sorry I can't speak for the others, but I had plans back home to take my wife out for Sweetest Day:-)
Thanks,
Rodney
The spending spree is just like the problem the Peru Township boys have! Vote them out April 9th.
38 million or 42 million who cares? Peru was going downhill bad because of Baker. Harl is a phoney and for the union right from the start. For me if you ask my vote will be for Mike Hart, just because of honesty.
Mike Hart(x)
5:50 PM
My suggestion would be to look at the left side of this blog and find where I will post his business card with phone and email and you may personally contact Mike and he will gladly answer any and all questions you have. I am sure of that. To make it easier for you this is his cell number: 815-228-2572 and
email is hartformayor@yahoo.com.
I do not have frequent contact so this will be much easier. Alternately you could go to the council meeting tonight and he is usually there.
5:45 PM
Cell phone number email address for Mike Hart have been posted on the upper left side of the comments. He would be happy to answer any concerns you have and let us know how you make out.
Mike Harl has my vote!!!!
When is the next Mike Hart meet and greet? The last one apparently turned out to be a meet and greet for Sherry Mayszak, Rodney Perez and Justin Loger. If he has another one it could be a big success for us constituents to get a perspective on where this city could be headed.
MIKE HART has my vote! Get the "L" out of Peru!!!
Hart(x)
If Peru's debt did in fact increase when Baker left office, it was because his administration let so many things deteriorate so bad that drastic repair measures and complete replacements were needed. Does the deadline for the sewer/water separation ring a bell Mr. Baker? When was this suppose to be completed? When did you receive notice? How many years did you ignore the requirement and costs are now much more significant in today's world? How many years did you allow the pool to get so bad? You call yourself a leader when the consultants found that pool to be unsafe? and you say you care about people? That pool was dangerous and you know it. Pool or City Hall for the fat worthless cats to sit. What did you pick Mr. Baker? Looks to me like you left the crappy pool with weeds growing out of the bottom for the children of the community to enjoy while you sat on your $3ml throne that the taxpayer wisely booted you out of for being so arrogant. We made our statement. And based on the election results, we made it good.
Anyone who thinks that a candidate that attends a few months of city council meetings is politically knowledgable and says you wouldn't be seeing Don Baker at these meetings and therefore he does not have interest has to be kidding me!
If you want to state a fact, state a fact.
Do you really think Don Baker needs the political experience of attending present city council meetings? After four years as alderman and forty four years as Mayor plus time spent at meetings before both you believe he needs more orientation. Five hundred forty months of holding office in Peru needs on the job training but a couple of months attending meetings has prepared and made some other candidate ready to take office.
Anon 5:08 your political knowledge could possibly fill the back of a postage stamp and still leave room for your full signature! Your comment is not a good comment, it is nothing but unfounded negative assumptions against one candidate to make your own appear to be better in comparison. Mike Hart is a nice guy and a good candidate but don't start using dirty politics trying to get him elected. Dirty politics in this election will backfire and cause your candidate a loss of votes. He does not deserve this kind of representation.
You want votes. Its simple tell what your candidate can do, not what the other candidates can't do.
I am not voting against three candidates I am going to vote for one.
11:29 PM
I would like to comment on your post because I have been watching Peru politics a long time but surely not as long as Don Baker has. I have observed Baker for many years and watched and observed and I think what the poster is trying to emphasize is that whether any of us young or old like to realize it, times change and everything changes. I have watched many changes in the structure and way in which Peru is managed and must be managed according to state law. I am also old enough that change is not easy to manage when we have become accustomed to doing it one way and especially for the length of time that Don Baker was in office and pretty much controlled everything from the city council to the city clerks office. Peru has become in my estimation, a sleeping giant that has awakened and that is a big change to deal with.
Thank you Lois for finding a way to better explain that point in my post. This is not dirty politics, this is stating the obvious. What mid 80 year old in their right mind thinks that he or she has the same capabilities they had 40 years ago? The position of Mayor takes energy, attention to detail, time, ability to communicate effectively and a mind that is sharp and quick to respond. At the age of 80 some years old these functions have deteriorated and have decreased... Scientifically proven fact. Mr. Baker has earned and deserves respect for his time served to public office, but enough is enough already and its time to realize he is not suited to best serve the 10,000 some citizens at the age that he is at. Unfortunately one cannot call a timeout in life and prevent time from stopping. Time brings change and one must adapt to change. In my eyes Mr. Baker is doing a disservice to the citizens of Peru by running and bringing us backwards. It reminds me of when professional athletes retire and then come out of retirement to prove they still have it or to feed their ego. Many, if not all, fail or perform at a lower level because the game has changed and their mind and body has lost the ability to keep pace. I thank you for the 48 years of public service, but please put down the ego and leave the arena, your time has passed.
I can't wait to get a laugh at Baker in the debates. I wonder if any of these illegal gambling establishments that are spoken on this blog have odds on how long it will be until he falls asleep. What's the over and under?
The two Mayor Debates, the first on WLPO Radio on March 26th and the second on April 7th at the Peru Library will be very critical in this election.
On these two dates hopefully people will determine what type of leadership they want for Peru for the next four years.
I find it distasteful that political parties, union money and influence,and a war chest have been introduced into a municipal politics in the upcoming election.
Don Baker in many years of campaigning has never been known to go outside of Peru to obtain votes and this is surely to his credit. Also to his credit is the fact that he is not known to flaunt his personal success at his opponents. I have not ever heard him put on the dog and start barkin about being a CEO or I've got this much.
Mike Hart doesn't have the finances to squander on colored pictures in the newspaper and in the final tally this will prove to be to his advantage. Mike as Don has a want to be our Mayor. They not only have a want they both have a need to be Mayor of Peru and between the two whoever wins it would be nice if they in the future after elections would consult on their decisions with each other. That would surely make for a Peru that is "The Leader of the Illinois Valley".
10:11 - the separation project started in the Baker administration. As for everything else you ranted about - keep in mind how "hurl" was able to finance his spending spree. Increased sales tax, increased electric rate (industrial, commercial and residential), increased water rate (industrial, commercial, and residential). He frequently transferred money from the electric fund to the general fund to make payroll and pay for unnecessary projects. He refused to consider any cost saving programs and actually increased employee pay and other expenditures during the most severe economic downturn since the great depression.
So, after Baker spent over 40 years building Peru - Harl has spent 4 destroying it. The only thing Hart is bringing to the table is he is against Harl and has other ideas for the "Hurl Tax."
Time to get the "H" out of Peru! And the "L" and the "T"
Well, this thread started off ok but don't you think that most of the comments should either be moved to candidate websites or at least a thread for campaigning???
6:26 AM
You forgot to add "in my opinion" only. Just a courtesy and believe me Peru is in need of that.
9:45 AM
Most topics end up having a mind of their own, I have learned. I will try to get another heading up for this subject which will be with us for awhile.
Mr/Mrs Capital Letters
Parts of your post are not true and I personally know that= will not be published for that reason.
ALL OF YOUR POSTS ARE ALWAYS PROVED TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT? YOU CLAIM YOU WANT TO HELP PERU WITH THIS BLOG. TRY SEEING IF THE PEOPLE THAT POST ON HERE HAVE THE SAME OPINION AS YOU ABOUT MY POST, BUT YOU WON'T UNDER THE GUISE OF IT BEING UNTRUE (BY YOUR OPINION) BY YOU NOT POSTING IT YOU PROVE THAT I WAS CORRECT THAT YOU DON'T ALLOW ANYBODY THAT HAS A DIFFERENT OPINION THEN YOU ON THE BLOG
What should happen if Baker were elected and during his term he became incapable to serve out the four years? This is VERY possible given his age. So voters please remember a vote for Baker is a vote for an old regime. Can you imagine Bob A. running the City of Peru?
Mr. Alderman Perez: I noticed that you responded to 4:01 question of 3/20 at 6:04. However, you didn't answer 4:27 question of 3/20, that pertained to the money of a donation to Operation Promise. Why did you choose not to answer that question. As this topic was blogged about by many people a couple weeks ago under a blog topic in regards to OP donation. It seems that by not answering you are skirting the subject as to where the money is and if OP received it.. Both 4:01 and 4/27's questions could have been answered by you at the same time in your answered blog. Thank You. Just noticed this by reading blog.
It's my opinion that the expenses for the convention could be that much. Must have been lobster and a bottle or two of wine possibly.???Usually hotel rate discount are given to persons who are attending conventions. Shouldn't taxpayers be able to see the actual receipts as to what money was spent on. Quite a fluctuation in expenses between attendees. HART FOR MAYOR!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you post detailed expense report for these clowns .this seems like a trip to Florida not Chicago for 2 days. What did they do to add up to these outrageous amounts?
YOU STILL WON'T PUT MY ORIGINAL POST UP WILL LET THE PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG VOICE THEIR OPINION IF WHAT I SAID WAS TRUE OR ARE YOU AFRAID A MAJORITY WOULD AGREE WITH ME COME ON GUYS GET LOIS TO PUT UP MY POST,AND SEE IF SHE HAS THE COURAGE OF HER CONVICTIONS I THINK NOT
1:01 M
you know that people get annoyed when the same lies are allowed to be posted and then I get complaints both publicly and privately. Your original post has been deleted because there was untruths printed in it and you can figure out what that untruth is. You might believe what you wrote because a friends told you or whatever but I know it is wrong.
I have one question on the convention expenses that I am hoping someone can answer. Were the hotel rooms included in the totals or were those put on a city credit card and paid for separately?
Lois @ 11:28am Who was the individual who had the debt clock?
1:42 PM
It would be an invasion of privacy for me to give out his name as he never posted it. He gave me the information because he felt the city was in danger of being downgraded by Moodys which eventually they were.
For a two day event this is outrageous!!!
It is my understanding that Test had a dinner for Peru officials on the 3 rd night. If they were up there on the 3rd nite for a separate invitation that should've came out of their own pockets not mine! Also a couple went up a day early, making it a 4 day weekend in Chicago on us taxpayers. What is with these guys? That's not their money to spend as they wish! This infuriates me!! What a bunch of crooks!!
A two day event turns into a 4 day party!! Wow!!
2:2o I agree completely, but it is even more outrageous if their hotel rooms were not included in the totals.
Remember the Olive Garden mayoral Dinner months ago??? Hey taxpayers, did you pay for that too?? What benefits Did the city get for that?? Any new businesses coming to town????? It is understandable that attending a convention is part of the political game. However. These expenses are exceedingly high. Shouldnt every attendees expenditure be about the same?? Why such a gap? Bottles of wine instead of a glass? Shameful and priceless! Was a MasterCard used? priceless again
2:37 PM
I have sent a foia for 2008 and 2011 to see how things have changed or whether this is just more of the same for years.
Lois can you please find out how the hotel rooms were paid?
2:59 PM
I believe that each alderman paid for their costs and were than reimbursed by the city. I urge all of you with an interest in this to do a foia individually, it is very easy, just contact the city clerk and they usually can be done by email. A lot of detail which is too much to blog.
You can go on a 4 day cruise including round trip air fare to get to Florida and the cruise itself for 4 days for what was spent per person on this so called convention. This administration has got to go. They are taking advantage of taxpayers hard earned money. Personally, i dont think it matter what was spent in previous years on attending this convention. Now is now, and taxpayers have become more
Vigilant on the cities spending. Paying for hotel, yes. paying for breakfast, lunch and dinner, yes. Paying for a party FEST. NO! Unacceptable. GET OUT AND VOTE!! Hart for mayor.
I am infuriated with seeing this it makes me want to cry. I am a single mother of two boys. I work my butt off at two jobs in order to make ends meet, over 50 hours a week. Unfortunately, these two jobs pay very little and the amount of hours is needed in order to keep myself in the black. In order to keep our heads above water I also had to make numerous small sacrifices; limit the amount of food served to myself and children, limit the excess driving for things that aren't essential to save on gas costs, less heat during the winter to save on energy costs, etc. The increase on taxes may not have such a impact on most of you, but to some in the community it only means to find another way to cut back in order to survive financially. To think back on all the times I have felt like a terrible mother having had replied with the answer of "no" when my kids have asked me for another hamburger or a bed time snack in order to make ends meet. It brings me to tears thinking that I had to tell my kids "no" so that Harl, Bleck, Hylla, Lukosus, Ferrari, and Waldorf and wives/dates can fill their bellies and enjoy themselves on a few nights out of town on my tax dollars. Do any of you know what it feels like to not be able to sleep because your stomach is growling all throughout the night and all you can do is think of food while you lay there crying wondering when are you ever going to catch a break? I hope you thought of all the people you have affected and how so, as you raise taxes in order to enjoy the high life on my tax dollars. The next time my kids ask my for a bed time snack maybe I should send them to your houses.
Can you imagine what the outcome of the bills will be from this DC trip that was taken by Hurl and Lukosus and their wives?!?!? I wonder if their egos booked themselves in first class... We have every right to ask these questions and demand to see receipts. You claim to be transparent well lets see it.
3:32 - Remember everyone that voted "yes" for the sales tax increase. Also remember the one "old man" that cried foul when Harl came up with the idea to increase the cost of goods in Peru.
3:38 - air fair to Washington DC on Southwest is $220 round trip. Lets check to see what they actuall paid.
Can't wait to vote lukosus out of their but who is the best candidate running against him??
Mr. Loger in the 4th.
Thanks for the information 4:21.
3:32 I sympathize with you. I also am proud to know that their are QUALITY PEOPLE like YOU still out there. This bunch of HOGS has got to be not only beaten in the election but run out of town or jailed. This is an outright crime! How can any of these phoney's think that they are leaders? It seems that the closer it comes to election the more that the boat leaks. GLUG--GLUG--GLUG
Justin Loger in the 4 th ward is the best decision!
He makes makes more council meetings than "lick-a-butt" Lukosus!
I am absolutely ashamed that I was one of the HARL supporters. If only I could do it over. I knew there were lies but never thought it would get out of hand like this. Scott Harl if it were me I would not be able to show my face to anyone! Also, remember Steve Weberski was Harl's campaign manager (Bird's of a Feather Flock Together).
I just spoke with an alderman, with all due respect I will not mention which one. If its true that city officials took advantage of us taxpayers at that Chicago 2 day meeting by using Valet Parking, and upgrading from a standard room to a more luxurious room then this certain alderman(s) should not be voted out, He/ they needs to be tossed out.
Any/ all city officials who charged us taxpayers for the additional night to attend a special interests dinner need to also be tossed out! That is theft of tax payers dollars.
If its true that aldermen took their children to this are losers! Alderman Lukosis had an outrageous bill he submitted for reimbursement. He say's he attended additional meetings? From what I was told today he did not even check into the hotel that first day until after the meetings were over for that day. He should've Not turned that bill over to us taxpayers when he missed that day of meetings. This is SICK!!!!!
6:32 PM
I can understand why you would associate the 2 but since Mayor Harl chose to stay with Lukosus and actually did not want Steve to run this time against Lukosus, you might want to rethink lumping Steve together with Harl because he not only turned on us, he turned on Steve also. Have you seen the signs about town Lukosus and Harl side by side.
6:03; thank you, I wasn't aware how well a 27 year old would qualify
ithink it is so sad that someone keeps posting about mayor baker's age i mean really any one could get ill and pass on, could get sick and not be able to fulfill duties why pick on him that way? you know 80 is the new 60. i would hope that age is not a factor in a vote-if it is then why dont you vote for the youngest one or the cutest one or the one with the most hair. better yet write in a vote
I THINK STEVE WEBERSKI WOULD BE THE BEST BET FOR ALDERMAN IN THE 4TH WARD. HE IS HIS OWN PERSON, VERY HARD WORKING, AND WOULD NOT BE A YES PERSON TO THE MAYOR. HE PROBABLY WOULD GET ALONG WONDERFUL WITH PEREZ AND MAYZAK. MAYBE THATS WHY HARL ISN'T SUPPORTING WEBERSKI.
Anon 7:20 Would you have to use the newest, cutest pencil with the best color for the write in vote?
Hurl went to DC? OMG that is the best news I’ve ever heard. The more time he spends in DC, the less damage he can do to Peru. I’m going to start a campaign collection for him to run for congress in 2014. What do you say folks… If everybody chips in a few hundred bucks, we can get him elected to congress and send him to Washington.
“It’s Time to send Harl away – Harl For Congress ‘14”
7:20 your comment is ridiculous. The probability of Baker getting sick is a lot higher than anyone else due to his age. So when voting people SHOULD factor in the deteriorating age of Baker. If someone were to vote for Baker they are taking a gamble on him being capable of sustaining good health at an age where good health is hard to come by. Please leave that 80 is the new 60 crap out of it. The original saying was 30 is the new 20. How the hell did we manage to get up to 80 and then drop it 20 years? He is too old and has an ego that has fueled his decision to run for Mayor.
None of these crooks will tell the public the truth. All they do is lie if they even answer! 2 day conference and they stayed in Chicago for 4 days paid for by us!!
So Mr. Loger doesn't have those qualifications 7:36?
When I was on the fire department we would go to overnite trainings and get a lump sum fee. That's it! It was like $80 for a 2 day training and the hotel was charged to the city. And were talking a Holiday Inn or Super 8 . Not the Drake. This pisses me off! Crooks!!
Over 100 comments and no turning into a fire department bashing blog!! Wow!!
4:21 Did all the aldermen vote yes for the increase in sales tax for the roads?
No, it was a tie vote 4-4 and the Mayor had to vote a aye to pass the increase in sales tax. When it was 4-4 the Mayor gloated on and on of his victory and never voted until asked to vote. He had forgot to cast his vote.
What resposibilities does the budget director have with creating guidelines and parameters for expenses for those attending the IML.
Presently it appears that it is on a take it if you want it budget and that everyone in attendance except one alderman took it.
It cannot be true that one of the alderman brought his children and another brought his girlfriend is it? Was this a two day or a four day convention?
Thanks to the blog administrator I am a much better educated voter and I will use the blogs information wisely. I cannot vote for any of the incumbents running except for Sherry Mayszak. I see that Sherry did not attend the IML Convention.
Is there anywhere that a itemized account exists that states exactly what each person who attended the IML Convention cost the City of Peru to attend. Are all expenses paid or are there still some outstanding that have been charged to credit cards.
Its the little inqiries that are made through the blog such as the IML Convention expense report and the building of a club in the basement of city hall and six employees not showing up on a any account that worked for four weeks eight hrs a day that have created a mistrust of city officials and others who have formed ties with these officials. Without the blog the place would be a bigger zoo than it presently is! Peru's come a long ways from the days when the Treasurer walked into the City Clerks office opened the box took out the checks, signed them and walked out. You want to know how long a way - $18,000.
11:07 PM
Thank you for reminding the people of Peru about the Treasurer before D. Bartley who did not have a desk only a box that he opened once a month to sign checks, what an insult. Beats me why he is on the team that he is.
10:49 PM
You can do a personal foia thru the foia clerk at city hall, she is very helpful and most can be done by email. I have that information but it is too much to scan and put on this blog.
Anon 7:20
Baker at 80 is definitely NOT the new 60 if anything in his case 80 is the new 100 because thats how old he seems!
At this point and time 8:28 you are very observant to note that there hasn't been anything said in regards to the fire department with over 100 comments made. That's because most people are aware that that department is crooked too! 8:28, did operation promise get the donation money?????? Swept under rug?? A new mayor is coming and hopefully new appointment for certain positions in Peru. Peru needs honest people with some integrity in office.
Let's not forget that in the Baker administration the same stuff went on, they went to the Chamlin dinner one night and the next night went to the TEST dinner and if my memory serves me wasn't there an annual bus trip to a baseball game also? Everyone is acting like this is something new well it isn't!
This is disgusting! This is as bad as the PERU TOWNSHIP I saw on here a meeting in Rockford cost taxpayers almost $600 for 2 days. Current City and Township officials that are taking advantage of the system must be held accountable! This abuse of taxpayer money must be stopped!
Don't any of you Baker people remember 4 years ago when he could not follow what was going on or else had to be nudged to get his attention at meetings? What is the matter with you? Also it is a lie on how Baker left the city in the black! He is making a fool of you thinking that you are dumb enough to believe that crap.
Sherry Mayszak(x)
WENT TO BASEBALL GAME? PLEASE INFORM US. SKYBOX? WHO PAID FOR BUS IF BUS USED? TICKETS? ALCOHOL? PEANUTS, HOTDOGS, BEER? NACHOS? FIRST TIME I HEARD OF THIS. WHO ALL WENT? WIVES? KIDS? GIRLFRIENDS? GRANDCHILDREN? BOUFRIENDS? DID CITY PAY? OR DID EACH PERSON PAY FOR THEMSELVES? NOTHING IS WRONG WITH A PACK OF WOLVES GOING TO A GAME, HOWEVER HOW WAS THIS PAID FOR.
10:36 AM
IMPORTANT: If a bus trip happened it was a long time ago and not within the past 4 years. There was frequent talk of things like this including Fishing trips to Canada but that was all before Harl was elected. If you have facts, feel free to post.
seems 10:36 is asking question. If any of this
Is true in the past 44+4=48 years, then why would anybody vote for the past and the present mayor??? Change it, VOTE FOR HART. *****Let's not let history repeat itself.
Well Lois I see you are starting to let lies about free bus trips and free fishing trips to Canada on here again you must be getting desparite. Well I know for a fact at least one alderman never went on any free bus trips to ball games or fishing trips to Canada because I am him and I have never left the country or gone to a ball game in my life. But your blog partner at that time accused me of taking free trips with Chamlin footing the bill was a flat bold faced lie that Steve put on this slanted point of veiw you call a blog to get Scott Harl elected. As far as i know no other city official went on a free trip either you better get your facts straight and have proof before you leave yourself open for a lawsuit. Joe Witczak
11:34 AM
checked through previous comments and no one used the word free. These stories have always been around Peru but long before this blog was written. Someone this morning said the baseball games might have taken place when there was a convention attended by some of the elected officials. I don't know but I am sure someone does. I do believe you did not go on any of the possible trips. Years ago when I would hear about the trips, I would think nothing of it because politicians always did things like that but now I know better they should not.
I see the slander campaign is in full swing now. Don't you people think that if one tenth of what you are saying about Mayor Baker where true, "Hurl" would have found it when he took office and done something with it. Just like four years ago, the smear tactics are being used by less than a hand full of people that did not get what they wanted under the Baker Administration and have a beef with him. Probably current or ex city workers. As far as being old - what is the problem? As far as his medical conditions - are you saying we should discriminate? Peru needs experienced leadership, and until somebody comes along that can provide it, Baker is the only choice. You WILL be sorry if you elect Harl again. You MIGHT be sorry if you elect Hart. Why take the chance?
I don't care what you believe or think you are sure of but I know about what I did and facts are facts if you key word my name Chamlins name and Peru you can find the old article where Steve posted that I took free trips on this blog Joe Witczak
It's comforting in knowing that one alderman in a previous administration newer took advantage of extra perks from taxpayers money. Too bad he's not an alderman now who could be the third person to complete the triangle that hasn't taken advantage of the people who pay taxes.
Mr. Witek, curious as to what your opinion is of the spending of those who attended the conference in Chicago????? Your blogs are appreciated.
Joe
That was at least 2 years ago as Steve has not contributed any articles to this blog in just about that long. This is not about the 2011 election this is the 2013 election and no one is posting anything you did in your tenure as alderman. Don Baker is running for the mayors office and that is the only reason old topics seem to always be brought up. Because you were in office at the same time, you may feel like you are being attacked but that is not the intent I don't believe.
Anon 12:38 After elections four years ago all other area cities had their new administrations sworn in and in their elected positions except Peru. The defeated administration stayed in office and had access to all city records approximately a month after elections.
The present City Clerk would be the best source of a statement which was supposed to have taken place before the transition and that was supposedly the past office holder had purchased the city clerks computer for the sum of $200.00 and took it with her and that she left no records to refer back to as they also were all gone. So there went all the city history for the last number of years that went through the city clerks office with the past office holder. This could all be rumors and could be verifified if true or false by the present city administration such as the city clerk. The previous city clerk had sixteen years in office therefore sixteen years of records. Harl may have not had much to go back on by the time he got into his office.
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME 2:04??? If true another reason to vote for Mr. MIKE HART. Purchased the old city clerks computer? Was that computer the cities and taxpayers computer????? Or a personal computer? HART FOR MAYOR! HART FOR MAYOR! OUT WITH THE OLD. IN WITH THE NEW!!!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!
1:21 pm When I was on there was a limit amount that would be reimberst for that event, if you went past that amount it was on you. I went one time I learned quit alot about things you need to know in office but I thought it was alot of money so I never went after that, but I think it's a good thing to go to but maybe a few not all should attend each year and then rotate different officials every year most terms are four year so I sure if elect you could go once or twice during your term. Joe Witczak P.S. I asume you ment me and just spelled my name wrong
2:04 Complete BS, if the person took the records they would be in jail. How much BS can we dish out? The person who lost the office left town. No records missing. More attacks on people who have served the city and are no longer around. Please stick to the current office holders. Its the old switch and bait....if you don't have something to sell, you knock the others.
You are correct Joe, my question was directed to you. Thank You for answering. Another question for you Joe: What candidate for mayor do you endorse? If you don't want to say, that is acceptable. TY
Baker is a crook. As CEO of Complete Industrial he used his position as Mayor and the City to fatten his own pockets with no bid contracts and used other local companies around here to disguise where the money was going. Joe I liked you as an alderman, but to stand behind a crook has made me loss respect for you. You have always been someone that I saw as someone intelligent and I am sure you are bright enough to have known that this is what was going on for years and years. As far as Chamlin goes, he has cost the tax payers millions of dollars by providing Peru with projects that don't look towards the future in orde to have to revisit the very same project a few years later to have another opportunity to fatten his pockets. The majority of people under the Baker administration are out for themselves NOT out there for the betterment of our community. CROOKS!
Even if Steve isn't being backed by Harl I won't vote for him. His views are still the same as harls as well as with lukosus's. I desperately want change so I will vote for Loger 7:36
3:00 Iknow everyone here is going to say good old boy network again, but I support Don Baker because I honestly think he is the best choice to get Peru back on it's feet again, and I'll try and explain why I say that. They say he is too old, what if he get incapacitated in a year, (which I don't believe would happen)I think a year with Don back in charge would be better than the last four years have been, here's a little Peru history why I believe this to be true back when Don was first Mayor the city of Peru was in dire financal straights they didn't have enough money to even buy coal for the power plant from month too month. Don was instramental bringing the city from near bankrupty too the leader of the area. I know not just because he says it my unlce was alderman for 33 years at that time to and he told me the same story and he and Don never saw eye to eye on alot of thing but they agreed on that point. ther's more i could say but i don't type well joe
Why did Hylla and Bleck go? Because it was free??
Anon 5:20
What???? Coal???? Are you the new 60???
The only difference with this whole trip is Baker never kept records so we never knew what each alderman and their wives spent back then!
And I'm curious Baker brings up the pool issue but how is he going to be able to build a pool when there is no money in the budget?
5:20 PM
The only Witczak that I knew on the Peru City Council actually ran against Don Baker and almost beat him, losing by a very small number of votes. Can't give you a year on that.
Anon 2:04 Complete BS.? You know so much why don't you contact the present city clerk and ask him how much information was left for him in the computer and otherwise.
Do you remember when the city tools were stored in the same building that handicraft and the washrooms were in in Washington Park and when Bill Palmateer took over from Rub Potthoff and all the tools were taken and the tool room was empty. That was in 1961.
Pothoff's are one of the many "name" families in this town that got rich off of peru for doing nothing but stealing us blind . Past and present!!
Let the politics begin! Hart has my vote because he seems the most sincere about the citizens and the City's future. He is not surrounded by such negativity and accusations of being crooked. HART FOR MAYOR IN 2013!!!
Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I heard if Baker should (forgive me for saying this) pass that Pottoff would become mayor? How is that possible?
I remember being told that an ex super use to take trips to mayo's with his wife out of the peru airport. I was told that those trips stopped when Harl came into office. Makes you wonder how many of those $3,000 plus flights were paid by the taxpayer??
Potthoff, being the most senior alderman, would become Mayor in Baker's absence. Should anything happen to Baker to where he could no longer fulfill his duties as Mayor, most likely becoming ill or death given his age, then the Council would have a vote on what member of the Council would take over as Mayor. This is something to seriously consider given Bakers age and declining health. If you vote for Baker you are also voting at the likelihood that one of the Council members being are acting Mayor. Being that there is a clear divide amongst alderman most likely the following would be voted in as Mayor (being that there is no change in this upcoming election) Mike R., Tony F., Bob A., Dave P., Dave W., or Jim L. With Bakers age it is too much of a gamble to vote him in and allow any of these 6 to become our Mayor.
Why are people jumping on Harl and the township on this blog we work hard for our positions in government and stop the wasteful spending blah blah...we arent breaking the law just following what we are allowed to do. It's too bad we can't hear both sides of the story blogs, websites & Facebook pages only tell one side of the story.
IF YOU VOTE FOR BAKER, YOU BETTER BE AROUND WHEN HE PARKS HIS CAR, SO YOU CAN HELP HIM FIND IT LATER.
I HEARD HE LOST HIS CAR, AT BEKS GAS STATION AND THE CLERK HAD TO HELP HIM FIND IT. IS THIS THE MAN YOU THINK CAN RUN THE CITY OF PERU.
Lois 7:17 the first time he ran was 1979 I believe and lost by about thirty votes not sure on amount though then again in 1983 joe w
I WAS AT THE BANK ABOUT 20 minutes ago on Wenzel road and there was a command vehicle for the fire department there. The bank wasn't on fire. Why?? Is a vehicle used for personal errands on taxpayers money!!!! This is so so wrong! Who pays for gas? Oil changes?? Etc...??? Taxpayers do!
Fire department command vehicle that was recently purchased.
BAKER IS TOO OLD AND HARL IS NO GOOD - TOO MUCH WASTEFUL SPENDING!
Yes, several years ago some of he city officials choice to go to a Cubs baseball game rather than the IML Convention which they were in Chicago to attend. The IML Convention was in early September that year. When talk of this reached the street which was almost immediately the representatives were the direct target of alot of criticism. At that time a fixed amount was allowed for expenses there was no aldermen who spent three times more than another alderman. Who, understands this freeloading by Lukosus? What besides coaching golf at IVCC does he teach, please don't say business, religion or government.
I don't think he teaches at IVCC. Basket weaving underwater has been thrown out of the curriculum.
A couple of weeks ago Mayor Harl and his appointed Alderman Lukosus plus wives attended a convention in Washington D.C. When will that expense account be available? This isn't the reason that the city has to apply for a state grant is it?
The command vehicle could have been there checking the fire extinguishers or other safety apparatuses. Don't always think the worst
I too saw vehicle at that bank several days ago also. Daily I use Wenzel road. So, makes sense vehicle is being used for personal errands. Fact!!
The fire chief and assistant chief are emergency responders and are to be the first on the scene. Do you want them to run home to switch vehicles if you get in an accident or your house is on fire. Also with mutual aid agreements they respond to neighboring towns when needed. This is how emergency responders operate.
Its not like Bleck, potthoff, and Taylor who use city vehicles as their own personal vehicle yet do not respond to calls after hours.
Also if they go out of town on personal business they use their own vehicles. Unlike when you see potthoff in ottawa with his wife having dinner in the city vehicle. Or on vacation in Iowa with the city vehicle.
Police, fire, and EMS respond on no notice from wherever they are to help us and our neighbors!
Small price to pay for them running errands in town.
I don't understand why both the fire chief and the assistant need command vehicles. All the other firemen use their own vehicles and they have to get to a fire just as fast. And, why do they have to be such huge, gas guzzling vehicles?
Command vehicles carry a lot of fire necessities.Plus these are only paid on call fireman. They both work full time jobs. They aren't available all the time . They cover for one when the other is working. Plus if one is on a call the other is available for another call.
So, the full-time fire engineers aren't the first on scene? These full timers have shifts at the fire department, and leave immediately with a truck when a call comes in. Sounds like taxpayers command vehicles are used for personal use! That's wrong! Who pays for your gas when you go to the bank? Store?
It would be interesting to know the expenses of the school board members and superintendents when they go to Chicago for a convention. ? Wouldn't it? Compare to cities.
Come on, it is an open secret that every Peru Employee has a public vehicle issued to them along with their winter jacket, boots, etc. As the average wage continues to move higher and higher under "Hurl" or "Hartless" expect the boys to start driving City BMW's.
What necessary equipment do these command vehicles have to carry that is different than all the other firemen's equipment? That's the same story we were given when the fire department last purchased a new truck (they needed it to carry equipment). Well, when they received the vehicle they didn't know what to do with it and it is not being used by one of the chiefs.
A while back if my memory serves me correct. It was mentioned that a command vehicle was being driven to and from one of the chiefs full-time job. Anybody remember this? Can anybody confirm this? Who paid for vehicle expenses? Is this still happening? Was it happening a while back?????????
10:09 They use them all the time whether they're going to the mall, the grocery store, out to eat, etc.
Out of every bad comes some good. For example thinking of the size of the command vehicles I applied it to the subject of the IML Convention.
Rent out a large motor home for the city officials to use the week-end of the IML Convention. It would provide a opportunity for the immediate interchange of ideas that were discussed at the convention, it would also enable those in attendence a opportunity to have a place to cook and save money as I see only two itemized meals charged to the city for this year. It would give the cost conscious representation a inexpensive lodging for the night and they woul only have to pay for one nightly valet service/night.
I am sure if this idea was utilized all the fellows would go next year.
Speaking of meals who is paying for them? Does each alderman get a draw of say $500 that is not put on the expense account I do see a notation under Hyllas name that calls for REGISTRATION $240.00 if paid by city do not claim. That must mean that there is a ADDITIONAL $240.00/attendee that is not included. Is there a additional draw of so much that is not included? What altogether is not included? Are credit card espenses being submitted later? Alderman Lukosus and Mayor Harl why do you each need to stay three nights on city expense account when everyone else needs only two nights? I did think that the convention is only for two days. This means if you don't want to travel back and forth every day you could go to Chicago one day stay overnight go to the convention the next day and come home. That would allow you one night at the Hilton but three nights???????????????
You have to be kidding me three nights at the Conrad Hilton and all expenses paid for a two day convention.
I stayed at the Hilton in Chicago a couple years ago in the month of December. Room rate was $149.00 per night plus tax if I remember correctly.Booked room only two weeks before my stay. Wasn't there for a convention, so didn't get a discount. The bar/lounge(horseshoe shape then) charged $7.25 for a bottle of beer. Only had two. Had room service for breakfast for two, nothing special but cost $56.00. SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT THE HOLIDAY INN ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE. Breakfast included and cheaper rate! Had fun Christmas shopping with my friend.
Harl & Lukosus stayed an extra night so they could attend the TEST party and not have to worry about going home after a few drinks. If they wanted to stay an extra night, they should have paid that themselves. And valet service? I'm paying for them to use valet service? Who do they think they are?
My question to Lukosus is if its true he had us pay for valet service. Can anyone verify the previous comment?
9:18 Lois has the bill from the hotel posted, you can see it for yourself.
Why is it that Peru accepts "gifts" ie: dinners, xmas parties etc. from city contract holders I thought that was illegal or a conflict of interest? Take that contract away and see how fast those dinners dissapear
Hard to beleive that we have elected officials "dumb" enough to attend this TEST "gratuity dinner".
Why compromise your integrity?
Unless of course you have no integrity to compromise.
Ooooh I get it!
Citizens, Anon 8:40 has highlited "dumb city officials" by their attendence at the TEST "gratuity dinner". Now it is up to us to find who are the attending "dumb city officials" and vote for their opposition, or if unopposed don't vote for them as a sign of your dissatisfaction with them.
TEST and Chamlin have been holding these "gratuity" dinners for many years, way back when Baker was in office - father Perra used to take certain alderman and Baker to mexico on his dime! Why? because it secured the big contract!
Mexico! Why? I wouldn't waste my dime taking them out of Peru. All they want to do is eat and there are plenty of dinners here that way too good for them.
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