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
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Mayoral Debate WLPO What Do You Think?
I listened but will not try to influence anyone with my opinions. Your opinion is what makes this blog work, what do you think?
101 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Wonder what was discussed at that Industrial meeting!!! They should never have done it without informing the city!!!
Sadly to say Don Baker was clueless. He couldnt even answer the questions at hand. The other candidates had good points. Giordano to me, came off as a very good speaker, but can he run the city. Hart showed his inexperience, and it sounded like Harl's take four years ago. Harl although not a very good speaker did have valid points as far as the fiscal situation goes for the city. He has stumbled along the way, but before the forum i was unclear as to who to vote for. To me I think Harl is on the right track. I think the four years he has had in there shows in his knowledge of the city workings. I did vote Baker last time, so its hard for me not to, but Baker was clueless in all aspects of the forum. Thank You
Unfortunately Don Baker sounded very disorganized. I hate to say this but his age showed. My vote was for Don Baker prior to the debate, but after hearing it I will no longer be voting for him. I don't like how we have ha 4 years of many broken promises so my vote will not be for Harl. Giordano sounded good and made many valid points, but sounded to much like a sales man. Also, he has a negative mark in my book for how he has handled himself in LaSalle. He was pretty much thrown out of town for how he conducted business and therefore I question my trust for him. Hart seemed to also make valid points across the board. He seemed the most knowledgeable about where the City stands currently (outside of Harl of course). To my own surprise my vote will be casted for Hart.
It was a good debate, To bad Peru Township Democrates don't want to debate. They have to do everything Biederstedt says. He's the ringleader. He speaks for all of them........What a joke.
Seems that the only candidate with some plan for Peru was Harl. Looking at the financials his administration has done well in tough economic times. Harl has my vote!!!!
This race needs to be between Harl and Hart. The other two need to step down. Baker can not run this city. Sorry to say but the legend mayor of Peru is done.
Once again the current mayor tried to impress us with the contacts he has made not only statewide but across the country. Good leaders may have contacts that they have established over the years, and may often come in handy for advice. But to continually use this just irritates me. I do not care who he knows, just do what he was elected to do...take care of Peru.
I listened to the town forum tonight and thought to myself, do I want the disaster of the last four years to go to the next four years. My answer is NO. It took Harl 4 years to screw up our progress and get the city in downward spiral.
What we need now is for someone to catch us and to lift us up for PROGRESS . That to me is a proven leader , Don Baker.
I agree with some of the other comments here that Giradono is problem and a disaster ready to happen, while Hart is one of Harl's "YES" voices. So simple math puts Don Baker front and center for Progress, low taxes, low utilities, etc. "VERY SIMPLE FOLKS VOTE APRIL 9 BAKER"
To me ACTIONS (like running the city for 44yrs) is much better for us then a loose forum discussion of TALK. Let's get real, where do you think we would be today after 44yrs if either of the other candidates ran the city for that long. In the dumps!!!
Harl, cannot speak of his accomplishments fluently but must studder and stammer. What a pity! Is that the business person we have running our city and represents us to the state and fed. Wow. If he worked for me , I would fire him for such behavior and demonstration of ignorance.
The industrial customers need to pay their share, we can't just give the farm away!! If the city is going to give away electricity I'll take some!!! No back room deals Baker, Hart, and Giordano!!! HARL(X)
If you believe that Mike Hart is a Harl yes man, I do believe you don't have a clue as to what is actually going on in Peru. Well I should have been able to figure that out from your first few sentences. Mike Hart is his own person and rarely agrees with Scott Harl.
You people are crazy. Baker lost his place repeatedly, the mayor was critical and sarcastic, and while Giordano spoke fluently I don't know a thing about him. My vote is for someone who came across as sincere and honest - MIKE HART (X). Of course the current mayor should be more informed. He's been in office for 4 years and has access to all records. It's his failure to provide the changes he promised us 4 years ago that has turned me away from him.
Giordano came across as the only candidate qualified to lead the city out of the current mess. He has the ability and sincere desire coupled with a strong engineering background which allows him to understand the important infrastructure issues that are confronting the city.
Consider new and innovative ways to do business & save tax dollars while improving our city Address the practice of ‘No Bid’ Contracts Improve all aspects of our infrastructure “Rebuild Peru” Support & work to increase industrial, retail and residential growth in Peru Encourage citizen involvement in the political process, I will listen to the voice of the people Explore the possibility of developing the river front area Work to repair our roads and side walks, as they are crucial to the quality and beautification of the city Continue the progress and growth of our city to keep our economy strong Champion Peru’s participation & cooperation with the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Illinois Council of Governments Work with the Illinois Council of Governments in order to promote the most appropriate type of growth and development for our city
People continue to reference the need for infrastructure knowledge, while ignoring the blatant mismanagement, corruption, and malfeasance that has taken place.Harl could stand there and spout numbers and talk plans all he wants, but there are four years of continued corruption and back room deals that are his record. Those fools who blame the industries for meeting privately with the alternate candidates and claim back room deals have the same sense of entitlement that the union bosses possess. The industries did not need to hear any more insights from the mayor. He had already given them the ultimatum, take it or move. The industries preferred to talk with some rational people.
The industries were not trying to make a political statement, they cannot make their employees vote for anyone. They were explaining the devastating effects of these rate structures to individuals that might,if elected, be able to prevent the loss of jobs and industries.
Harl and the current admin dare everyone to act, because they know the pain of change is difficult for the established businesses. They enjoy the political pablum feed to the masses, saying that businesses have to pay their fair share. Simple minded people view industry in the same way as themselves, without regard for multipliers and stability in jobs for the housing market. They think rock concerts bring in real money, and bars, convenient stores , and filling potholes show progress.
This is a corrupt city and the only thing guaranteed is that Harl will make it more corrupt, no matter the numbers on a balance sheet.
Harl will never be Baker. No one will. But for all his accomplishments Don left the City with tons of debt, a hydroelectric plant that's underwater, an electric fund that was hemoraging cash, millions of unfunded pension liability, and a bloated city staff. Had Don been reelected in 2009 I think Peru would be considering bankruptcy right now. Harl's done a hell of a job to right the ship. I'll give him 4 more. HARL (X).
One four man debate in which each candidate was given the opportunity to tell everyone what they wanted to hear. Being polished and good at telling people what you want and knowing what they want rather than what you will be able to fulfill seems to be the standard of todays politician. I have to asgree with Mayor Bakers comment that he doubts if Harl has got everything done that he says he has. Harl knows that he can can bounce the general fund like a basketball by the simple manipulation of other funds, especially the electrical fund. So goes his short lived statement that he upon being elected found the general fund over a million dollars in the red and today he now has it over a million dollars in the black. Harl has the big advantage this election of having access to the financial books but the other candidates have the opportunity to question him on the lack of fulfilling his campaign promises. Personally the debate is only one factor in the decision making of who is to recieve my vote. Tonight seemed to be "Night of the Promised Land" tomrrow I hope most are back to evaluation of "Substance of the Candidates".
Harl was not a financial guru when elected and he is still is not one but he does have someone else in his administration who now guides him in moving money about and is very good with figures. But I believe it is all done by a confidential code because if you ask, you will not understand what is being said.
Harl said he will "listen to the voice of the people"?? That makes me gag. Did he listen to the business owners on Venture Drive? Did he listen to the residents who have issues with pickle ball?? Is he listening to the industrial electric users??
I agree that Giordano sounded polished and I wish he would have run for first ward alderman. He would have won for sure. But I don't think he's been to enough meetings to really know what is going on.
My vote will be for Mike Hart. He has been attending meetings for months. He knows as much as a person can who isn't already on the council. He appears sincere and fair. It's not whether a person speaks well, it's what that person says that matters most.
Anon 11:15 Tonight during the debate Harl said that there is transpariency. If yow come to city hall you leave with answers. Of course he did not say what answers depending on who you are.
Wonder if the answers are what they learned at the IML convention since NO one heard ONE word from the mayor or his special friend about the meetings they attended.
Lois I see you are back to Harl bashing, I guess that's the easiest way to promote your candidate is to bash the opposition!!! I knew the title of this was BS!!!!!
As a generalization, most voters in Peru do not know a thing about Hart or Giordano. The mayoral contest is a common point of discussion in my office and the verdict is always the same - "Who are those other two guys"? They should have started laying the groundwork two years ago if they wanted to be serious contenders. Now all they'll do is contribute to the re-election of Harl by stealing votes from Baker. It's probably too late for either of them to garner significant support, but not to late to drop out...
Biederstedt is Harls campaign manager from what I was told. Harl is also working as an appraiser with him, - great buddies. Harl talked well but didn't tell it like it really is. Giordano sounds like a slicker. Hart sounds down to earth and for the people of Peru. Baker would be great for a skit on Comedy Central!
Lois, i think you should remove yourself on some items. We know you are for Hart. But to belittle other candidates is wrong. Do you think Mike Hart if he gets in is going to tolerate all your questions at every meeting or do you think in time hes going to set a limit and make you use a mike?
When Giordano said that he would hire Don Baker to help that was the end of him for me. Baker couldn't follow the 4 questions or keep the answers straight. If a person has 44 years experience you should be able to answer any question off the top of your head. Baker is too old and should drop out like a man and not suffer the embarassment that is forthcoming. My vote will be cast for Mike Hart.
Last night the subject of the sales tax was a topic.This tax which is the "Harl Tax" was initially presented by Harl and passed by Harl. Harl as a result of a council vote of 4 - 4 cast the ninth vote as a aye. The tax, unlike the school tax, was never presented to the people as a referrendum. Harl first presnted the idea of the tax with a sunset of five years but than after familiarization with his presentation said no way am I going to saddle myself with a sunset I'd have to be nuts. Now the "Harl Tax' as all other taxes appears to be a lifelong tax which will never be taken off. Only one candidate, Don Baker,has mentioned taking it off and he is the only candidate who has experience in the development of a retail development. Want proof take a ride through Peru and remember he hasn't been Mayor for four years and all this was done in his administrations. What you see was done before the last four years.
I'm not sure how anyone listened to the debate and didn't think Giordano won. I think it's admirable that Harl has balanced the budget, but he's also spending $8M (20%) more per year than when Baker turned over. He's simply increased revenues on the back of citizens, and the businesses that employ citizens.
We can't afford to lose jobs, and it's time for a change.
For you frauds and con-artists out there who "still" have no ethical compass while you continue to try to sell this Don Baker scam after that sad exhibition last night; Shame on You! Shame on You! Don Baker was not mentally capable to even comprehend the format of the forum on WLPO and he read the same prepared response at least three times as a response to three different questions. When he fumbled and mumbled his way into the third stammering version I literally fell out of my chair in uncontrollable laughter. For you Baker fakers out there, and we all know who you are, tell us how you think Don did last and how he demonstrated that he is mentally capable to be mayor again. Tell us why the mumbling, fumbling, and confusion we all heard last night is going to be the "saving grace" for Peru residents. Oh, by the way, when you talk to Don please remind him there is indeed a TIF district in North Peru, contrary to what he said last night. You might also remind him that TIF was initiated during his tenure in office. I'm convinced at some point during the debate llast night when Don's microphone was on I could here him scratching instant tickets.
We have to vote Harl and township incumbents out they are currently playing games behind our backs with roads and our tax dollars. Look at n Pulaski city won't make township take responsibility and Harl allows it hi is Biederstedt boy and we all got to send them home for 4 years.
Those who were influenced by the debate you should have been attending council meetings before this election. You would repeatedly witness the dissension our mayor displays toward those aldermen who question him. He displays arrogance and rudeness to those who haven't jumped on his bandwagon. He's forgotten who got him in office and as you heard him say last night he seems more interested in his connections with mayors from other towns rather than his own people. His response and uncaring attitude toward the north end businesses that were affected by his Venture Drive intersection was both embarrassing and disrespectful as is his attitude about not being invited to the March 22 meeting by local industries. These businesses are the backbone of our community but his attitude was and is "it's my way or the highway". It's been proven time and time again, with this administration, that the way you are treated or received by them depends on who you are.
Gee Lois I thought my opinion mattered but you didn't post it, you reverted to bashing Harl again, looks like you can't stay true to your words!!! I clearly see you can't say anything good about your candidate so might as well bash the rest of em. I truely feel sorry for you that you harbor such bitterness, it will eventually consume you.
Max Halm: I thought Giordano had a strong performance; however, I think Hart's experience in the city's government is a strong asset. Giordano tried to tie him to failed leadership under Harl, which I personally thought was a stretch. They're both very good candidates, but, if I lived in Peru, I'd definitely be casting my ballot for Hart.
Rodney Perez: Mike Hart was in fact on the city infrastructure committee that Mayor Harl put in place. Mike did not support that plan and debated Mayor Harl on it every step of the way. For anyone to say Mike Hart was on the side of Mayor Harl is misleading. Mike Hart had a "pay as you go" plan proposed. Mike Hart stepped up as a citizen to be placed on that committee. No failure there.
Beth Giordano: Max, you do realize that's my brother right?? Giordano is the best choice! He has a civil engineering background, and is by far the most intelligent candidate on the ballot. Our entire family has been involved in the Peru community most of our lives. I was counting on my fellow Republicans for support. If I was there, I would be campaigning right along with him.
Chris Kelly: Although I admire your enthusiasm and respect your determination Beth. Is it possible that you might just have a bias opinion due to the fact that he's your brother?
Lois Wavelet Carroll: Giordano had never been to a city council meeting up about 1 month ago, so no one even knew him. I talked to him briefly and introduced myself. Told him we in the first would have gladly elected him as one of our alderman so we could get to know him. He blew the last comment.
Beth Giordano: Now Chris..... I honestly and truly believe he is the best candidate. I guarantee this. If you were an employer and interviewed each one of the candidates, I honestly believe you would hire Jim.
Chris Kelly: You mentioned republican Beth so I probably most definately wouldn't. Accountability and judgement matters. Most of the mess we re in is the cause of people voting for Unpatriotic lying cowards like Bushcheney. Republicans! Good night and good luck Beth.
Larry Johnson: That is a biased opinion being that he is your brother Beth. I guarantee if my brother ran I would also say "He is the best candidate." That's a no brainer. Can we talk about his prior experience with conducting business with cities, possibly in the City of LaSalle?
Larry Johnson: crickets..... actions speak louder than words.
I can verify Larry's claim. Jim speaks very well, but don't let the words fool you. He is onto something and speaks volumes what Jim and his family are all about. More to come of this...
I don't know who you are but do know you don't attend council meetings. Why don't you get an honest answer from someone who does and ask them how often either I or anyone asks questions. The answer would be hardly ever. Actually I have never asked many questions and when asked they are legitimate concerns. You really need to go down and be a part of the audience and see who speaks up before you start flapping your mouth.
Did I hear right in last night's debate, Mike Hart stated the city has paid Chamblin Engineering approximately $800,000.00 for services in 2012? If true then how much have we paid Chamblin in 2013 and for what. Chamblin has been with the city well back into the Baker administration, if the figures are true maybe having a full time engineer would be a cheaper way to go and only use an Engineering Firm for surveying and maybe insight on plans. I also heard Mr. Giordano repeat many things Mr. Hart had brought up.
There is not a TIF district on May road where they are talking about and Don Baker is correct and the moderator is incorrect. The TIF district was started and was never competed and the city of Peru is being sued by La Salle County and Dimmick grade school. None of the other candidates backed up Don Baker because it would be embarrasing for them not to know these details. This is another failure of the current mayor. Don Baker clearly knows what he was talking about and the other candidates clearly do not know what they are talking about.
If anyone feels Don does not know what he is talking about in reference to Peru they are long overdue for treatment. I don't know anyone who knows Peru better or has known Peru better. It is just at this time I can think of Don being so much more use to the City of Peru than serving as Mayor. To be Mayor carries too many diciplines for him to lift along as extra baggage. It would be great to see him in a honorary,active consulting position to the mayor and council for all aspects of the entire city. This would give someone such as Mike Hart a comfortable transition phase which has never been granted or asked for in the last four years. Think of what a benefit that old set of eyes and mind full of experiences would be to Peru.
I think Harl needs to be careful with his "back room" allegations. From what I have heard, he has been invited to meetings with these companies many times and he has not bothered to show up. He has given them the take it or leave option and that is not the kind of answer we need. Those are a lot of jobs and city revenues to be lost. X HART
Mr. Hart answered questions from ground level. Mr. Baker did not know what was up. As far as Harl, I do not want him as mayor and Giordono I am not impressed with when he cannot see the problems Mr. Baker was having and yet said that if he (Mr. Giordano) were elected he would hire Don Baker for a consultant. - (may have the wrong word but still comes down to the same )
Wow, Lois can call people names and only use her views as "respectful". I think she only posts a few comments that dont reflect her way of thinking. This blog is a joke
I have attended city council meetings when Don Baker was mayor. I have attended council meetings when Scott Harl is mayor. I have listened to the recent forum.
Because of my attendance to the council meetings past and present as well as listening to the Forum , THERE IS NO DOUBT FOR ME TO VOTE FOR DONALD BAKER, Period.
We need (Baker)progress NOT(Harl)stagnation/driving out businesses & jobs with MAKE work projects to help the buddy system.
I cannot believe how Scott Harl does NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE CITY, HE IS NOT PROUD OF HIS RECORD, HE IS ONLY CONCERNED WITH HIS WAY OR THE HIGHWAY. His communication capability is deplorable, He is stubborn, carries a grudge, has a get even attitude, and cares less for the city but for his own power position.
Harl must go! We need leadership, that is Baker. Vote your pocketbook on April 9, hopefully it will not be for wastefully ,higher taxes Harl.
Remember 4 yrs ago and CHANGE voices. Look at what that support got us. Please don't make the same mistake this year.
Harl thinks he is above everyone with his 150. Get real Scott Harl YOUR BUTT STINKS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSES. You lied last election and never followed through and you will do the same again.
This is a repost from someone and I did not write it. Came in early this morning.Still waiting for the rave reviews about last night from the Baker Fakers........................... Where are "The Slow Movin' Joe's" as in Witczak and Hogan. You owe each and every citizen of Peru an apology for the fraudulent and ill concieved scam you have perpetrated on us. If you have even a tiny morsel of moral or ethical integrity you will both do as Judy Heuser did after she fell from grace. Both of you need to leave town immediately.
With the first day of Spring behind us, we welcome a new season of Deer Spotting to the fair city of Pairoo. That is the fancy French version of the city that the mayor picked up on his east coast trip. The rumors that he went out there to try and find a more expensive hotel than any in Chicago and lose his sidekick proved unfounded, so both returned refreshed and ready to fill out the remainders of their terms.
As I listened intently to the fierce debate of the mayoral candidates, I was of course dismayed that none addressed the future of Deer Spotting and its importance to the future of Pairoo and the free world. Still, I understand that other issues do matter and these are my impressions.
Mayor Harl The good mayor did his best to argue that he should be allowed to implement his plan that he promised to implement 4 years ago, as he had written it on the back of a LaGrottos receipt and only recently found it. He wanted to be rewarded for taxing the living snot out of business, visiting shoppers and citizens equally. He was able to balance the books and promote his rock star career all at the same time. With so much to do, he hoped most would understand his delay in doing anything he promised, and as his supporters are quick to point out, if you expect politicians to be honest you are stupid. And no one knows stupid like a Harl supporter.
Impressive stuff to be sure. And it reminds me we are going to be starting a new sport in addition to deer spotting this year. We are calling it Harl bashing, and we are expecting it to be as popular as deer spotting. People may use their deer spotting sticks, which makes it more appealing.
My main question for him is: why do you like to tear everything down , destroy the environment and drive out the noisy businesses and factories? Is there a secret plan to convert the entire city to a post apocalyptic rubble bar/concert venue ?
Baker The Mayor Emeritus in Absentia Plura Unum Baker, inspired by the co Popes, made his points strongly and repeatedly, reading them over and over no matter what he was asked until by Golly, he got them right. Simply staying up for the debate was impressive, he has my vote for most stubborn. He would make a helluva deer spotter.
My main question for him is: May borrow your Matlock VCR collection?
Giordano
Mr Giordano was the smoothest in his presentation. I had never seen him before, but always thought his stuffed crust pizza was top notch. My main concern is that there is a very strong suspicion he is actually Bob Vickrey in disguise. No one has ever seen them in the same room.
He seems shady, mildly dishonest, and prone to corruption to me. In short, I think he would have the shortest learning curve.
My main question for him is: Will your lifetime ban from La Salle effect your commute to Peru?
Mr Hart
And lastly there was Mr. Hart. Listening to him, I was reminded of a sane person being dropped into the middle of the psych ward? It seemed that sometimes he was so amazed that people did not see just how many mistakes Mayor Harl had cloaked himself in, the famed Biederstedt fog of incompetence if you will, he was aghast. As the challengers to the Bush family said, they often were so amazed they might lose to the Bushs they became confused and mildly nauseous.
My question to him is: Are you certain you want to be committed here for the next 4 years? And by that I do mean committed, padded town hall walls and everything.
I heard that for any who missed the debate, Connecting Point has a super 8 version of it that will be available as soon as they can edit out any Harl mistakes. They should have it available April 10th.
lois sometimes you are down right rude, we get you are not a baker fan nor a harl fan, harl is a puppet that is it, if he gets in again you can be sure the city will be in sad shape, harl's finances are not very good at all, why does someone keep thinking he has brought the city out of debt he has grown the debt larger than ever, and as far as the electric dept/hydro plant goes thay hae brought in money and saved us money. alot of nonsense spoken on this blogspot that is for sure
Very clever, similar to Johathan Swifts' Voyage to Lilliput, so clever that the two tickets to the airport concert are no longer at the office.
There is still a strong possibility of you getting four free hours of pickleball lessons next January if you can hold yourself together this spring, summer and fall. I know it seems like a long time, but as The Great Nail said "pickleball is only played for 72 hours a year".
Ambassador of Deer Spotting knowing that you have very busy seasons in both the spring and fall. Have you ever thought of taking up baseball in the summer and reading in the winter?
Baker - There may not be a TIF district exactly on May road, but there is a district up in that vicinity. If I recall, wasn't it created all around Don's family properties? LOL!!! Please don't embarrass yourself anymore. Your supports should be so proud.
Scott is becoming a Don over and over again. Give it a few more years. The pockets will be lined well and palms greased. Total disregard for the taxpayer. He has already dumped his entire committee from 4 years ago. Half of them don't speak to him anymore or want anything to do with him. Very sad, but even more than that, very scary. What did he do to alienate them so bad? He lied through his teeth and sucked those people into his "holier than thou" world. Shame, shame, shame on you Scott. I would bow my head in disgrace if I was you, but I will never be you. I have values and I keep my promises. Trust me, you will fall and nobody will be there to pick you up.
Giordano - not wanted anywhere. Why? Did you do something bad? good speaker but nothing behind it and a bad reputation in the closet.
Hart - too new to the game. Should have made yourself known in the community a long time ago.
8:20. Even if you don't vote for any of the candidates for mayor, remember the township election is very important. How can they have so much in wages and benefits and not take care of a small stretch of road on Pulaski Street? Not to mention their gross inability to help out the needy. The incumbents need to be voted out. Can't wait til April 9!
8:20 is right on about Giordano. Let the closet door open. For those of you who were persuaded by Giordano's speaking abilities be cautious prior to your vote. He mentioned that he ran a small business in the debate. What happened to the business you ran? Why was your businesses services no longer wanted in LaSalle? People please wake up before you cast your vote for Giordano. HE IS A SALES MAN!! Reach out to someone who knows politics and the history in LaSalle and ask about his past business and professional experience. A lot of us casted our vote for Harl last election without digging for the details. Please be responsible this election and do some digging yourself before casting your vote. A good debater DOES NOT = someone that will be able to lead our City in a positive way.
I don't get into politics but can't stand people who lie to gain the upper hand. I work at a business up north of Peru as an Administrator Assistant, I personally have called city hall several times over the last year to try to get Mayor Harl and Superintendent Potthoff to come discuss the electric rate options for our business. Needless to say noone has ever called to schedule a meeting from the mayors office! So we reached out to the candidates and the alderman who cared.
9 :15 This is the way our mayor operates. It's either his way or the highway. The way he treated you is exactly the way he treated the north Venture drive businesses and the neighbors that surround 28th street park. Thank you for confirming what we already felt was the case.
9:15 Fiction. Another planted blog to further the campaign of your candidate. Who was the concerned city member that came up to visit you with their concern?
10:23 Clandestine meetings are not generally held and then openly shared. There was nothing Clandestine about it. No one was meeting to take over the Illinois Valley. The businesses were doing what they had to do in their best interest and the interest of their employees families. The city admin said the hell with you, then gets upset and cries like small union children when the businesses treat them likewise. Harl abuses power. There is a strong difference in use and abuse, a difference of which he has no grasp.
10:47 I only used that word, because that is what the mayor called the meeting at the debate on WLPO. I am not a Harl supporter this time around, so I used that word sarcastically. Sorry you misunderstood .
ITS TIME TO VOTE OUT THE OLD CRONIES ON THE TWP. BOARD. THEY HAVE TAKEN SO MUCH MONEY FROM THE CITIZENS OF PERU, AND DONE NOTHING FOR ANY PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP. VOTE OUT HYSON, RADTKE, HOCKING, OCENPENSI, DOUG BERNABEI, BARKY KOEHLER, BIEDERSTEDT, 135 YEARS BETWEEN THEM TAKEING OUR MONEY.PLEASE CONSIDER ALL OF THIS WHEN YOU VOTE ON THE 9TH.
This debate was all good and fine with the few questions that were asked. HOWEVER, for the last four years look at how issues in Peru have been handled by the mayor and council. DONT FORGET!!!! TREATMENT OF CITIZENS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, PICKELBALL, VENTURA DRIVE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, ORDINANCES, VIDEOTAPPING Of COUNCIL MEETINGS(a joke), OLIVE GARDEN EXPENSES, IML CONVENTION EXPENSES, WASHINGTON DC EXPENSES, UNKEPT PARKS, TOO MANY SUMMER EMPLOYEES, POOL, DISRESPECTING OF SOME ALDERMAN AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, CITY VEHICLES PURCHASED, CONCERTS, OPERATION PROMIS DONATION, ETC.....THESE ARE JUST A FEW. Feel free to post more. VOTE HART FOR MAYOR!! We need new leadership to have progress growth in our community.
The mayor fails to realize that his public display of arrogance and rudeness to the Ald. Perez and Mayszak is not in the best interest of the city. It shows an underlying personality problem, that he believes that only the people he holds in favor have the right to be treated with respect. The people elected him and the people will remove him this April 9. You will hear time and time again from people who worked for his election in 2009 that he turned on them, no longer was he interested in what they might want to discuss regarding the city because only his plans mattered. They also found out they had been used to satisfy his want to be mayor. Now you will find his signs on many rental properties sometimes where no one lives or no one cares and sometimes it is in the yards of city employees. Is he now working on behalf of his alderman friend to try and get him elected? Watching his behavior and also his pal leads me to believe that neither belongs in public office.
I agree with some of the earlier posts about Giordano being a smooth talking salesman and that his character is shady. With his slick salesman personality, he persuades people for his personal gain, and if that fails to produce his desired results, he resorts to intimidation and threats.
10:40 when you call fiction, ask an appropriate question to follow up. What the h do you mean by your question. I read the post you called was a lie, and there was no concerned citizen referenced? Everyone in the know is absolutely aware that the business concerns fall on deaf ears. Harl can stand up there in tears and pretend not to know why the businesses are cutting him out. Some in Peru will buy it, most know the truth.
If in fact WLPO was at the meeting why wasn't there a story about the content of the discussion?!? Or perhaps they don't want the public to know?? Perhaps the favorite Mr. Hart could enlighten us on this blog??
Unless it's a foia by Lois or a statement by Rodney or Sherry you normally won't ever find out "real" facts here in the comments section. Unfortunately there are too many people looking for conspiracies rather than facts.
5:48 I have asked your same question. Why was Giordano "thrown out of LaSalle". I am tring to make an educated vote Tues. To have no facts, just rumors, I and several other people will be voting for Giordano. I am ready to hear any facts to change our minds not rumors.
I have seen posts here and there that are curious about Jim Giordano Jr’s past and his business adventures in LaSalle. For those of you that are intrigued by Junior after hearing him speak so well at the WLPO debate, tread lightly and WITH CAUTION. To answer those of you that are curious about his past, here is what is known.
Junior’s father, Jim Sr., worked at Chamlin’s and eventually parted ways to start up his own company, Giordano Engineering Association. Along the way, Jim Sr. took a few of Chamlin’s employees along with him. Junior’s role was to be the face of the company, as well as a design engineer and made a lot of their business decisions. Their office was located at what is now Skoog’s Steak House. Giordano Engineering’s major clients were the City of LaSalle and the City of Oglesby. In the early 90’s the City of LaSalle established a million dollar street program in which Giordano was going to charge them OUTRAGEOUS rates. These obvious overcharges created a divide amongst council members in LaSalle and the few council members that did still support their services were lost during problems in the design of a water treatment facility that once built people found their clothes turning a reddish-orange color after washing them and meat was becoming discolored while cooking or boiling in water. The water plant took the City months to fix. All the above events and information were published by the News Tribune at the time. Junior was involved in a lot of these decisions and his attempts to overcome the overcharging, mismanagement of staff, and the water treatment re-design fell short and led the City of LaSalle to part ways with his company. Junior has always been about his own personal agenda. Do not be surprised if he has a plan to benefit greatly off of being Mayor of Peru. I have spoken with former employees that worked under him, to say the least; they would not work for him again. Junior had every opportunity to help establish a business that would thrive in this area, but failed to do so. After a short existence, Giordano Engineering Association had to close its doors. I happened to be listening to the WLPO debate and shook my head as Jim highlighted his private sector business experience. I wonder what his definition of “success” is…
101 comments:
Wonder what was discussed at that Industrial meeting!!! They should never have done it without informing the city!!!
Lois why the change of Hart!!! LOL No pun intended!!!!!
Sadly to say Don Baker was clueless. He couldnt even answer the questions at hand. The other candidates had good points. Giordano to me, came off as a very good speaker, but can he run the city. Hart showed his inexperience, and it sounded like Harl's take four years ago. Harl although not a very good speaker did have valid points as far as the fiscal situation goes for the city. He has stumbled along the way, but before the forum i was unclear as to who to vote for. To me I think Harl is on the right track. I think the four years he has had in there shows in his knowledge of the city workings. I did vote Baker last time, so its hard for me not to, but Baker was clueless in all aspects of the forum. Thank You
7:49 Didn't you catch the sarcasm in the current mayor's voice? It's there all the time.
Unfortunately Don Baker sounded very disorganized. I hate to say this but his age showed. My vote was for Don Baker prior to the debate, but after hearing it I will no longer be voting for him. I don't like how we have ha 4 years of many broken promises so my vote will not be for Harl. Giordano sounded good and made many valid points, but sounded to much like a sales man. Also, he has a negative mark in my book for how he has handled himself in LaSalle. He was pretty much thrown out of town for how he conducted business and therefore I question my trust for him. Hart seemed to also make valid points across the board. He seemed the most knowledgeable about where the City stands currently (outside of Harl of course). To my own surprise my vote will be casted for Hart.
(x) Hart
Is there anywhere that we can hear the debate again? Will WLPO or the Trib be posting it on their website?
It was a good debate, To bad Peru Township Democrates don't want to debate. They have to do everything Biederstedt says. He's the ringleader. He speaks for all of them........What a joke.
Seems that the only candidate with some plan for Peru was Harl. Looking at the financials his administration has done well in tough economic times. Harl has my vote!!!!
(X) HARL
This race needs to be between Harl and Hart. The other two need to step down. Baker can not run this city. Sorry to say but the legend mayor of Peru is done.
8:06 Yes, go to the WLPO web=site and click on the appropriate heading.
(X) HART
Hart is the answer
HARL!!!!!!
(X) HARL
Harl seemed to be the only candidate that can see the BIG picture!! HARL for Mayor!!!!!
HARL, he was the only candidate that stayed on the positive!!!
Was undecided, but it is clear Harl knows a lot more about the city than anyone else. Plus a balanced budget. (X)HARL
I heard Biederstedt prepped Harl and now the township democrats...heard he specializes in senior citizen
Glad Harl is sticking up for residents of Peru with respect to electric rates. He's right, Peru can't afford to loose money.
Once again the current mayor tried to impress us with the contacts he has made not only statewide but across the country. Good leaders may have contacts that they have established over the years, and may often come in handy for advice. But to continually use this just irritates me. I do not care who he knows, just do what he was elected to do...take care of Peru.
9:07 PM
Can we afford to lose jobs and businesses in Peru?
Well he should know the most he is the current mayor. There he definitely has the advantage. And 9:07 Peru cannot afford to lose any more businesses.
I listened to the town forum tonight and thought to myself, do I want the disaster of the last four years to go to the next four years. My answer is NO. It took Harl 4 years to screw up our progress and get the city in downward spiral.
What we need now is for someone to catch us and to lift us up for PROGRESS . That to me is a proven leader , Don Baker.
I agree with some of the other comments here that Giradono is problem and a disaster ready to happen, while Hart is one of Harl's "YES" voices.
So simple math puts Don Baker front and center for Progress, low taxes, low utilities, etc. "VERY SIMPLE FOLKS VOTE APRIL 9 BAKER"
To me ACTIONS (like running the city for 44yrs) is much better for us then a loose forum discussion of TALK. Let's get real, where do you think we would be today after 44yrs if either of the other candidates ran the city for that long. In the dumps!!!
Harl, cannot speak of his accomplishments fluently but must studder and stammer. What a pity!
Is that the business person we have running our city and represents us to the state and fed. Wow. If he worked for me , I would fire him for such behavior and demonstration of ignorance.
Can we afford to have a mayor who doesn't get along with his own council?
The industrial customers need to pay their share, we can't just give the farm away!! If the city is going to give away electricity I'll take some!!! No back room deals Baker, Hart, and Giordano!!! HARL(X)
9:16 PM
If you believe that Mike Hart is a Harl yes man, I do believe you don't have a clue as to what is actually going on in Peru. Well I should have been able to figure that out from your first few sentences. Mike Hart is his own person and rarely agrees with Scott Harl.
You people are crazy. Baker lost his place repeatedly, the mayor was critical and sarcastic, and while Giordano spoke fluently I don't know a thing about him. My vote is for someone who came across as sincere and honest - MIKE HART (X). Of course the current mayor should be more informed. He's been in office for 4 years and has access to all records. It's his failure to provide the changes he promised us 4 years ago that has turned me away from him.
HART (X)
Giordano came across as the only candidate qualified to lead the city out of the current mess. He has the ability and sincere desire coupled with a strong engineering background which allows him to understand the important infrastructure issues that are confronting the city.
A Refresher for the new Harl voters....
About Scott
As Mayor of Peru, I promise to:
Consider new and innovative ways to do business & save tax dollars while improving our city
Address the practice of ‘No Bid’ Contracts
Improve all aspects of our infrastructure “Rebuild Peru”
Support & work to increase industrial, retail and residential growth in Peru
Encourage citizen involvement in the political process, I will listen to the voice of the people
Explore the possibility of developing the river front area
Work to repair our roads and side walks, as they are crucial to the quality and beautification of the city
Continue the progress and growth of our city to keep our economy strong
Champion Peru’s participation & cooperation with the Illinois Valley Area
Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Illinois Council of Governments
Work with the Illinois Council of Governments in order to promote the most appropriate type of growth and development for our city
Forgot to date the above, it was from the last 2009 campaign.
People continue to reference the need for infrastructure knowledge, while ignoring the blatant mismanagement, corruption, and malfeasance that has taken place.Harl could stand there and spout numbers and talk plans all he wants, but there are four years of continued corruption and back room deals that are his record.
Those fools who blame the industries for meeting privately with the alternate candidates and claim back room deals have the same sense of entitlement that the union bosses possess. The industries did not need to hear any more insights from the mayor. He had already given them the ultimatum, take it or move. The industries preferred to talk with some rational people.
The industries were not trying to make a political statement, they cannot make their employees vote for anyone. They were explaining the devastating effects of these rate structures to individuals that might,if elected, be able to prevent the loss of jobs and industries.
Harl and the current admin dare everyone to act, because they know the pain of change is difficult for the established businesses. They enjoy the political pablum feed to the masses, saying that businesses have to pay their fair share. Simple minded people view industry in the same way as themselves, without regard for multipliers and stability in jobs for the housing market.
They think rock concerts bring in real money, and bars, convenient stores , and filling potholes show progress.
This is a corrupt city and the only thing guaranteed is that Harl will make it more corrupt, no matter the numbers on a balance sheet.
If Beiderstedt is directing Harl, then Harl just lost my vote. We all know Beiderstedts past and I will not tolerate that behavior in a leader.
Harl will never be Baker. No one will. But for all his accomplishments Don left the City with tons of debt, a hydroelectric plant that's underwater, an electric fund that was hemoraging cash, millions of unfunded pension liability, and a bloated city staff. Had Don been reelected in 2009 I think Peru would be considering bankruptcy right now. Harl's done a hell of a job to right the ship. I'll give him 4 more. HARL (X).
One four man debate in which each candidate was given the opportunity to tell everyone what they wanted to hear.
Being polished and good at telling people what you want and knowing what they want rather than what you will be able to fulfill seems to be the standard of todays politician. I have to asgree with Mayor Bakers comment that he doubts if Harl has got everything done that he says he has.
Harl knows that he can can bounce the general fund like a basketball by the simple manipulation of other funds, especially the electrical fund. So goes his short lived statement that he upon being elected found the general fund over a million dollars in the red and today he now has it over a million dollars in the black.
Harl has the big advantage this election of having access to the financial books but the other candidates have the opportunity to question him on the lack of fulfilling his campaign promises.
Personally the debate is only one factor in the decision making of who is to recieve my vote. Tonight seemed to be "Night of the Promised Land" tomrrow I hope most are back to evaluation of "Substance of the Candidates".
10:43 PM
Harl and Biederstedt have become best buds.
10:50PM
Harl was not a financial guru when elected and he is still is not one but he does have someone else in his administration who now guides him in moving money about and is very good with figures. But I believe it is all done by a confidential code because if you ask, you will not understand what is being said.
Harl said he will "listen to the voice of the people"?? That makes me gag. Did he listen to the business owners on Venture Drive? Did he listen to the residents who have issues with pickle ball?? Is he listening to the industrial electric users??
I agree that Giordano sounded polished and I wish he would have run for first ward alderman. He would have won for sure. But I don't think he's been to enough meetings to really know what is going on.
My vote will be for Mike Hart. He has been attending meetings for months. He knows as much as a person can who isn't already on the council. He appears sincere and fair. It's not whether a person speaks well, it's what that person says that matters most.
Anon 11:15 Tonight during the debate Harl said that there is transpariency. If yow come to city hall you leave with answers. Of course he did not say what answers depending on who you are.
Wonder if the answers are what they learned at the IML convention since NO one heard ONE word from the mayor or his special friend about the meetings they attended.
Lois I see you are back to Harl bashing, I guess that's the easiest way to promote your candidate is to bash the opposition!!! I knew the title of this was BS!!!!!
As a generalization, most voters in Peru do not know a thing about Hart or Giordano. The mayoral contest is a common point of discussion in my office and the verdict is always the same - "Who are those other two guys"? They should have started laying the groundwork two years ago if they wanted to be serious contenders. Now all they'll do is contribute to the re-election of Harl by stealing votes from Baker. It's probably too late for either of them to garner significant support, but not to late to drop out...
Biederstedt is Harls campaign manager from what I was told. Harl is also working as an appraiser with him, - great buddies. Harl talked well but didn't tell it like it really is. Giordano sounds like a slicker. Hart sounds down to earth and for the people of Peru. Baker would be great for a skit on Comedy Central!
Lois, i think you should remove yourself on some items. We know you are for Hart. But to belittle other candidates is wrong. Do you think Mike Hart if he gets in is going to tolerate all your questions at every meeting or do you think in time hes going to set a limit and make you use a mike?
When Giordano said that he would hire Don Baker to help that was the end of him for me. Baker couldn't follow the 4 questions or keep the answers straight. If a person has 44 years experience you should be able to answer any question off the top of your head. Baker is too old and should drop out like a man and not suffer the embarassment that is forthcoming. My vote will be cast for Mike Hart.
Last night the subject of the sales tax was a topic.This tax which is the "Harl Tax" was initially presented by Harl and passed by Harl. Harl as a result of a council vote of 4 - 4 cast the ninth vote as a aye.
The tax, unlike the school tax, was never presented to the people as a referrendum.
Harl first presnted the idea of the tax with a sunset of five years but than after familiarization with his presentation said no way am I going to saddle myself with a sunset I'd have to be nuts. Now the "Harl Tax' as all other taxes appears to be a lifelong tax which will never be taken off. Only one candidate, Don Baker,has mentioned taking it off and he is the only candidate who has experience in the development of a retail development. Want proof take a ride through Peru and remember he hasn't been Mayor for four years and all this was done in his administrations. What you see was done before the last four years.
I'm not sure how anyone listened to the debate and didn't think Giordano won. I think it's admirable that Harl has balanced the budget, but he's also spending $8M (20%) more per year than when Baker turned over. He's simply increased revenues on the back of citizens, and the businesses that employ citizens.
We can't afford to lose jobs, and it's time for a change.
For you frauds and con-artists out there who "still" have no ethical compass while you continue to try to sell this Don Baker scam after that sad exhibition last night;
Shame on You! Shame on You!
Don Baker was not mentally capable to even comprehend the format of the forum on WLPO and he read the same prepared response at least three times as a response to three different questions. When he fumbled and mumbled his way into the third stammering version I literally fell out of my chair in uncontrollable laughter.
For you Baker fakers out there, and we all know who you are, tell us how you think Don did last and how he demonstrated that he is mentally capable to be mayor again.
Tell us why the mumbling, fumbling, and confusion we all heard last night is going to be the "saving grace" for Peru residents. Oh, by the way, when you talk to Don please remind him there is indeed a TIF district in North Peru, contrary to what he said last night. You might also remind him that TIF was initiated during his tenure in office.
I'm convinced at some point during the debate llast night when Don's microphone was on I could here him scratching instant tickets.
We have to vote Harl and township incumbents out they are currently playing games behind our backs with roads and our tax dollars. Look at n Pulaski city won't make township take responsibility and Harl allows it hi is Biederstedt boy and we all got to send them home for 4 years.
Hart x
Studer x
Those who were influenced by the debate you should have been attending council meetings before this election. You would repeatedly witness the dissension our mayor displays toward those aldermen who question him. He displays arrogance and rudeness to those who haven't jumped on his bandwagon. He's forgotten who got him in office and as you heard him say last night he seems more interested in his connections with mayors from other towns rather than his own people. His response and uncaring attitude toward the north end businesses that were affected by his Venture Drive intersection was both embarrassing and disrespectful as is his attitude about not being invited to the March 22 meeting by local industries. These businesses are the backbone of our community but his attitude was and is "it's my way or the highway". It's been proven time and time again, with this administration, that the way you are treated or received by them depends on who you are.
Gee Lois I thought my opinion mattered but you didn't post it, you reverted to bashing Harl again, looks like you can't stay true to your words!!! I clearly see you can't say anything good about your candidate so might as well bash the rest of em. I truely feel sorry for you that you harbor such bitterness, it will eventually consume you.
From WLPO's Peru Mayoral Debate Facebook page....
Max Halm: I thought Giordano had a strong performance; however, I think Hart's experience in the city's government is a strong asset. Giordano tried to tie him to failed leadership under Harl, which I personally thought was a stretch. They're both very good candidates, but, if I lived in Peru, I'd definitely be casting my ballot for Hart.
Rodney Perez: Mike Hart was in fact on the city infrastructure committee that Mayor Harl put in place. Mike did not support that plan and debated Mayor Harl on it every step of the way. For anyone to say Mike Hart was on the side of Mayor Harl is misleading.
Mike Hart had a "pay as you go" plan proposed. Mike Hart stepped up as a citizen to be placed on that committee. No failure there.
Beth Giordano: Max, you do realize that's my brother right?? Giordano is the best choice! He has a civil engineering background, and is by far the most intelligent candidate on the ballot. Our entire family has been involved in the Peru community most of our lives. I was counting on my fellow Republicans for support. If I was there, I would be campaigning right along with him.
Chris Kelly: Although I admire your enthusiasm and respect your determination Beth. Is it possible that you might just have a bias opinion due to the fact that he's your brother?
Lois Wavelet Carroll: Giordano had never been to a city council meeting up about 1 month ago, so no one even knew him. I talked to him briefly and introduced myself. Told him we in the first would have gladly elected him as one of our alderman so we could get to know him. He blew the last comment.
Beth Giordano: Now Chris..... I honestly and truly believe he is the best candidate. I guarantee this. If you were an employer and interviewed each one of the candidates, I honestly believe you would hire Jim.
Chris Kelly: You mentioned republican Beth so I probably most definately wouldn't. Accountability and judgement matters. Most of the mess we re in is the cause of people voting for Unpatriotic lying cowards like Bushcheney. Republicans! Good night and good luck Beth.
Larry Johnson: That is a biased opinion being that he is your brother Beth. I guarantee if my brother ran I would also say "He is the best candidate." That's a no brainer. Can we talk about his prior experience with conducting business with cities, possibly in the City of LaSalle?
Larry Johnson: crickets..... actions speak louder than words.
I can verify Larry's claim. Jim speaks very well, but don't let the words fool you. He is onto something and speaks volumes what Jim and his family are all about. More to come of this...
8:01 AM
I don't know who you are but do know you don't attend council meetings. Why don't you get an honest answer from someone who does and ask them how often either I or anyone asks questions. The answer would be hardly ever. Actually I have never asked many questions and when asked they are legitimate concerns. You really need to go down and be a part of the audience and see who speaks up before you start flapping your mouth.
Didn't Giorodono run for Mayor in Mark or Granville?
Jim claims he has lived in Peru his whole life, how could he run for office in Granville?
Please rewrite your comment about the Baker campaign and leave out the last sentence and I will post.
Baker reminds me of the movie
Weekend at Bernies - someone is just behind him wheeling him around and propping him up!
Did I hear right in last night's debate, Mike Hart stated the city has paid Chamblin Engineering approximately $800,000.00 for services in 2012? If true then how much have we paid Chamblin in 2013 and for what. Chamblin has been with the city well back into the Baker administration, if the figures are true maybe having a full time engineer would be a cheaper way to go and only use an Engineering Firm for surveying and maybe insight on plans. I also heard Mr. Giordano repeat many things Mr. Hart had brought up.
There is not a TIF district on May road where they are talking about and Don Baker is correct and the moderator is incorrect. The TIF district was started and was never competed and the city of Peru is being sued by La Salle County and Dimmick grade school. None of the other candidates backed up Don Baker because it would be embarrasing for them not to know these details. This is another failure of the current mayor. Don Baker clearly knows what he was talking about and the other candidates clearly do not know what they are talking about.
If anyone feels Don does not know what he is talking about in reference to Peru they are long overdue for treatment. I don't know anyone who knows Peru better or has known Peru better. It is just at this time I can think of Don being so much more use to the City of Peru than serving as Mayor.
To be Mayor carries too many diciplines for him to lift along as extra baggage. It would be great to see him in a honorary,active consulting position to the mayor and council for all aspects of the entire city. This would give someone such as Mike Hart a comfortable transition phase which has never been granted or asked for in the last four years. Think of what a benefit that old set of eyes and mind full of experiences would be to Peru.
I think Harl needs to be careful with his "back room" allegations. From what I have heard, he has been invited to meetings with these companies many times and he has not bothered to show up. He has given them the take it or leave option and that is not the kind of answer we need. Those are a lot of jobs and city revenues to be lost.
X HART
Mr. Hart answered questions from ground level. Mr. Baker did not know what was up. As far as Harl, I do not want him as mayor and Giordono I am not impressed with when he cannot see the problems Mr. Baker was having and yet said that if he (Mr. Giordano) were elected he would hire Don Baker for a consultant. - (may have the wrong word but still comes down to the same )
Wow, Lois can call people names and only use her views as "respectful". I think she only posts a few comments that dont reflect her way of thinking. This blog is a joke
I have attended city council meetings when Don Baker was mayor. I have attended council meetings when Scott Harl is mayor. I have listened to the recent forum.
Because of my attendance to the council meetings past and present as well as listening to the Forum , THERE IS NO DOUBT FOR ME TO VOTE FOR DONALD BAKER, Period.
We need (Baker)progress NOT(Harl)stagnation/driving out businesses & jobs with MAKE work projects to help the buddy system.
I cannot believe how Scott Harl does NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE CITY, HE IS NOT PROUD OF HIS RECORD, HE IS ONLY CONCERNED WITH HIS WAY OR THE HIGHWAY.
His communication capability is deplorable, He is stubborn, carries a grudge, has a get even attitude, and cares less for the city but for his own power position.
Harl must go! We need leadership, that is Baker. Vote your pocketbook on April 9, hopefully it will not be for wastefully ,higher taxes Harl.
Remember 4 yrs ago and CHANGE voices. Look at what that support got us. Please don't make the same mistake this year.
Harl thinks he is above everyone with his 150. Get real Scott Harl YOUR BUTT STINKS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSES. You lied last election and never followed through and you will do the same again.
This is a repost from someone and I did not write it. Came in early this morning.Still waiting for the rave reviews about last night from the Baker Fakers........................... Where are "The Slow Movin' Joe's" as in Witczak and Hogan. You owe each and every citizen of Peru an apology for the fraudulent and ill concieved scam you have perpetrated on us. If you have even a tiny morsel of moral or ethical integrity you will both do as Judy Heuser did after she fell from grace. Both of you need to leave town immediately.
With the first day of Spring behind us, we welcome a new season of Deer Spotting to the fair city of Pairoo. That is the fancy French version of the city that the mayor picked up on his east coast trip. The rumors that he went out there to try and find a more expensive hotel than any in Chicago and lose his sidekick proved unfounded, so both returned refreshed and ready to fill out the remainders of their terms.
As I listened intently to the fierce debate of the mayoral candidates, I was of course dismayed that none addressed the future of Deer Spotting and its importance to the future of Pairoo and the free world. Still, I understand that other issues do matter and these are my impressions.
Mayor Harl
The good mayor did his best to argue that he should be allowed to implement his plan that he promised to implement 4 years ago, as he had written it on the back of a LaGrottos receipt and only recently found it. He wanted to be rewarded for taxing the living snot out of business, visiting shoppers and citizens equally. He was able to balance the books and promote his rock star career all at the same time. With so much to do, he hoped most would understand his delay in doing anything he promised, and as his supporters are quick to point out, if you expect politicians to be honest you are stupid. And no one knows stupid like a Harl supporter.
Impressive stuff to be sure. And it reminds me we are going to be starting a new sport in addition to deer spotting this year. We are calling it Harl bashing, and we are expecting it to be as popular as deer spotting. People may use their deer spotting sticks, which makes it more appealing.
My main question for him is: why do you like to tear everything down , destroy the environment and drive out the noisy businesses and factories? Is there a secret plan to convert the entire city to a post apocalyptic rubble bar/concert venue ?
Baker
The Mayor Emeritus in Absentia Plura Unum Baker, inspired by the co Popes, made his points strongly and repeatedly, reading them over and over no matter what he was asked until by Golly, he got them right. Simply staying up for the debate was impressive, he has my vote for most stubborn. He would make a helluva deer spotter.
My main question for him is: May borrow your Matlock VCR collection?
Giordano
Mr Giordano was the smoothest in his presentation. I had never seen him before, but always thought his stuffed crust pizza was top notch. My main concern is that there is a very strong suspicion he is actually Bob Vickrey in disguise. No one has ever seen them in the same room.
He seems shady, mildly dishonest, and prone to corruption to me. In short, I think he would have the shortest learning curve.
My main question for him is: Will your lifetime ban from La Salle effect your commute to Peru?
Mr Hart
And lastly there was Mr. Hart. Listening to him, I was reminded of a sane person being dropped into the middle of the psych ward? It seemed that sometimes he was so amazed that people did not see just how many mistakes Mayor Harl had cloaked himself in, the famed Biederstedt fog of incompetence if you will, he was aghast. As the challengers to the Bush family said, they often were so amazed they might lose to the Bushs they became confused and mildly nauseous.
My question to him is: Are you certain you want to be committed here for the next 4 years? And by that I do mean committed, padded town hall walls and everything.
I heard that for any who missed the debate, Connecting Point has a super 8 version of it that will be available as soon as they can edit out any Harl mistakes. They should have it available April 10th.
The Ambassador of Deer Spotting
lois sometimes you are down right rude, we get you are not a baker fan nor a harl fan, harl is a puppet that is it, if he gets in again you can be sure the city will be in sad shape, harl's finances are not very good at all, why does someone keep thinking he has brought the city out of debt he has grown the debt larger than ever, and as far as the electric dept/hydro plant goes thay hae brought in money and saved us money. alot of nonsense spoken on this blogspot that is for sure
To: The Ambassador of Deer Spotting
Very clever, similar to Johathan Swifts' Voyage to Lilliput, so clever that the two tickets to the airport concert are no longer at the office.
There is still a strong possibility of you getting four free hours of pickleball lessons next January if you can hold yourself together this spring, summer and fall. I know it seems like a long time, but as The Great Nail said "pickleball is only played for 72 hours a year".
Ambassador of Deer Spotting knowing that you have very busy seasons in both the spring and fall. Have you ever thought of taking up baseball in the summer and reading in the winter?
Baker - There may not be a TIF district exactly on May road, but there is a district up in that vicinity. If I recall, wasn't it created all around Don's family properties? LOL!!! Please don't embarrass yourself anymore. Your supports should be so proud.
Scott is becoming a Don over and over again. Give it a few more years. The pockets will be lined well and palms greased. Total disregard for the taxpayer. He has already dumped his entire committee from 4 years ago. Half of them don't speak to him anymore or want anything to do with him. Very sad, but even more than that, very scary. What did he do to alienate them so bad? He lied through his teeth and sucked those people into his "holier than thou" world. Shame, shame, shame on you Scott. I would bow my head in disgrace if I was you, but I will never be you. I have values and I keep my promises. Trust me, you will fall and nobody will be there to pick you up.
Giordano - not wanted anywhere. Why? Did you do something bad? good speaker but nothing behind it and a bad reputation in the closet.
Hart - too new to the game. Should have made yourself known in the community a long time ago.
8:20 Pm
You didn't finish your post, we do have an election in 12 days and I hope you will vote.
8:20. Even if you don't vote for any of the candidates for mayor, remember the township election is very important. How can they have so much in wages and benefits and not take care of a small stretch of road on Pulaski Street? Not to mention their gross inability to help out the needy. The incumbents need to be voted out. Can't wait til April 9!
I read some comments about Giordano being banned from LaSalle. Does anyone know what happened???
8:20 is right on about Giordano. Let the closet door open. For those of you who were persuaded by Giordano's speaking abilities be cautious prior to your vote. He mentioned that he ran a small business in the debate. What happened to the business you ran? Why was your businesses services no longer wanted in LaSalle? People please wake up before you cast your vote for Giordano. HE IS A SALES MAN!! Reach out to someone who knows politics and the history in LaSalle and ask about his past business and professional experience. A lot of us casted our vote for Harl last election without digging for the details. Please be responsible this election and do some digging yourself before casting your vote. A good debater DOES NOT = someone that will be able to lead our City in a positive way.
I don't get into politics but can't stand people who lie to gain the upper hand. I work at a business up north of Peru as an Administrator Assistant, I personally have called city hall several times over the last year to try to get Mayor Harl and Superintendent Potthoff to come discuss the electric rate options for our business. Needless to say noone has ever called to schedule a meeting from the mayors office! So we reached out to the candidates and the alderman who cared.
THE ONLY ONE FIT FOR MAYOR (no pun intended) IN MORE WAYS THEN ONE , IS MIKE HART! No kidding.
9 :15 This is the way our mayor operates. It's either his way or the highway. The way he treated you is exactly the way he treated the north Venture drive businesses and the neighbors that surround 28th street park. Thank you for confirming what we already felt was the case.
9:15 Were you present for the clandestine meeting?
9:15 Fiction. Another planted blog to further the campaign of your candidate. Who was the concerned city member that came up to visit you with their concern?
10:23 Clandestine meetings are not generally held and then openly shared. There was nothing Clandestine about it. No one was meeting to take over the Illinois Valley. The businesses were doing what they had to do in their best interest and the interest of their employees families. The city admin said the hell with you, then gets upset and cries like small union children when the businesses treat them likewise.
Harl abuses power. There is a strong difference in use and abuse, a difference of which he has no grasp.
10:47 I only used that word, because that is what the mayor called the meeting at the debate on WLPO. I am not a Harl supporter this time around, so I used that word sarcastically. Sorry you misunderstood .
ITS TIME TO VOTE OUT THE OLD CRONIES ON THE TWP. BOARD. THEY HAVE TAKEN SO MUCH MONEY FROM THE CITIZENS OF PERU, AND DONE NOTHING FOR ANY PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP. VOTE OUT HYSON, RADTKE, HOCKING, OCENPENSI, DOUG BERNABEI, BARKY KOEHLER, BIEDERSTEDT, 135 YEARS BETWEEN THEM TAKEING OUR MONEY.PLEASE CONSIDER ALL OF THIS WHEN YOU VOTE ON THE 9TH.
This debate was all good and fine with the few questions that were asked. HOWEVER, for the last four years look at how issues in Peru have been handled by the mayor and council. DONT FORGET!!!! TREATMENT OF CITIZENS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, PICKELBALL, VENTURA DRIVE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, ORDINANCES, VIDEOTAPPING Of COUNCIL MEETINGS(a joke), OLIVE GARDEN EXPENSES, IML CONVENTION EXPENSES, WASHINGTON DC EXPENSES, UNKEPT PARKS, TOO MANY SUMMER EMPLOYEES, POOL, DISRESPECTING OF SOME ALDERMAN AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, CITY VEHICLES PURCHASED, CONCERTS, OPERATION PROMIS DONATION, ETC.....THESE ARE JUST A FEW. Feel free to post more. VOTE HART FOR MAYOR!! We need new leadership to have progress growth in our community.
WLPO was at the meeting at Unytite discussing the electric rates. So I do not think it was a clandestine meeting. Harl is so out of touch.
The mayor fails to realize that his public display of arrogance and rudeness to the Ald. Perez and Mayszak is not in the best interest of the city. It shows an underlying personality problem, that he believes that only the people he holds in favor have the right to be treated with respect. The people elected him and the people will remove him this April 9. You will hear time and time again from people who worked for his election in 2009 that he turned on them, no longer was he interested in what they might want to discuss regarding the city because only his plans mattered. They also found out they had been used to satisfy his want to be mayor.
Now you will find his signs on many rental properties sometimes where no one lives or no one cares and sometimes it is in the yards of city employees.
Is he now working on behalf of his alderman friend to try and get him elected? Watching his behavior and also his pal leads me to believe that neither belongs in public office.
ASK WHY THE HORTICULTURIST QUIT OR WAS HE ASKED TO?
Who is his alderman friend?
I agree with some of the earlier posts about Giordano being a smooth talking salesman and that his character is shady. With his slick salesman personality, he persuades people for his personal gain, and if that fails to produce his desired results, he resorts to intimidation and threats.
well 2:41 we have that now, so that narrows my vote to two. thanks for the info
Why did the horticulturist quit or was he asked?
Some say Giordano was banned in LaSalle. I read he resorts to intimidation and threats. Can anyone share more?
1:52 PM
Lukosus
If you are in the 4th, you definitely have choices.
10:40 when you call fiction, ask an appropriate question to follow up. What the h do you mean by your question. I read the post you called was a lie, and there was no concerned citizen referenced?
Everyone in the know is absolutely aware that the business concerns fall on deaf ears. Harl can stand up there in tears and pretend not to know why the businesses are cutting him out. Some in Peru will buy it, most know the truth.
Vote no Harl
Vote no for lukosus he is mayor's vote and must go! I see he is supporting township democrats...foolish for sure will be his demise
If in fact WLPO was at the meeting why wasn't there a story about the content of the discussion?!? Or perhaps they don't want the public to know?? Perhaps the favorite Mr. Hart could enlighten us on this blog??
LOL @5:48
Unless it's a foia by Lois or a statement by Rodney or Sherry you normally won't ever find out "real" facts here in the comments section.
Unfortunately there are too many people looking for conspiracies rather than facts.
Does Giordano own rental property in Peru?? Just curious.
What about the city equipment in the city workers garage under Harls watch? Did he buy it or bill it?
5:48
I have asked your same question. Why was Giordano "thrown out of LaSalle". I am tring to make an educated vote Tues. To have no facts, just rumors, I and several other people will be voting for Giordano. I am ready to hear any facts to change our minds not rumors.
Thank you Mrs. Carroll for this forum
I have seen posts here and there that are curious about Jim Giordano Jr’s past and his business adventures in LaSalle. For those of you that are intrigued by Junior after hearing him speak so well at the WLPO debate, tread lightly and WITH CAUTION. To answer those of you that are curious about his past, here is what is known.
Junior’s father, Jim Sr., worked at Chamlin’s and eventually parted ways to start up his own company, Giordano Engineering Association. Along the way, Jim Sr. took a few of Chamlin’s employees along with him. Junior’s role was to be the face of the company, as well as a design engineer and made a lot of their business decisions. Their office was located at what is now Skoog’s Steak House. Giordano Engineering’s major clients were the City of LaSalle and the City of Oglesby. In the early 90’s the City of LaSalle established a million dollar street program in which Giordano was going to charge them OUTRAGEOUS rates. These obvious overcharges created a divide amongst council members in LaSalle and the few council members that did still support their services were lost during problems in the design of a water treatment facility that once built people found their clothes turning a reddish-orange color after washing them and meat was becoming discolored while cooking or boiling in water. The water plant took the City months to fix. All the above events and information were published by the News Tribune at the time. Junior was involved in a lot of these decisions and his attempts to overcome the overcharging, mismanagement of staff, and the water treatment re-design fell short and led the City of LaSalle to part ways with his company. Junior has always been about his own personal agenda. Do not be surprised if he has a plan to benefit greatly off of being Mayor of Peru. I have spoken with former employees that worked under him, to say the least; they would not work for him again. Junior had every opportunity to help establish a business that would thrive in this area, but failed to do so. After a short existence, Giordano Engineering Association had to close its doors. I happened to be listening to the WLPO debate and shook my head as Jim highlighted his private sector business experience. I wonder what his definition of “success” is…
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