When I took on this blog several years ago first with a friend and then alone, I had no idea the journey it would take me on. Peru City Council members were not used to anyone looking over their shoulder and above all questioning them about decisions they made or were about to make. As in any group there are leaders and followers and a few that don't fit into either. You may not have always agreed with them but always gentlemen and those that I put in that group are no longer here, Alderman Ron Wren and Alderman Joseph Mikyska, the 2 that always carried themselves with dignity. The followers many times followed the wrong leaders.
Ald. Sherry Mayszak filled the empty seat in the second ward of Ald. Mikyska and she has filled that seat with dignity and always thinking of the residents, the taxpayers. She is a slight woman with very broad shoulders when it comes to sticking up for you the Peru taxpayer. On this election eve, I hope the second ward is not fooled by the fact that her opponent has time and financing to do more campaigning than she has. The opponent is being moved to second due to redistricting and he need not have run because he is assured of a alderman at large position. If the redistricting had not happened, I don't believe he would have been re elected in the first. If those of you in the second choose her opponent, you will be loosing someone who only thought of how she could help you, never a thought of herself. This has not been easy because many times she has found herself voting against the Mayor and his followers and Mayor Harl wants her out for his agenda.
The campaign to be mayor in Peru has very distinct choices that can be made. As in many elections the voters don't know the candidates personally and I am sure this is no different, except for the former mayor Don Baker. Mayor Scott Harl has the advantage of being in power and accumulating a humongous war chest that pays for huge ads in the NT night after night after night. Personally I don't believe he has been a mayor for the people and I don't believe he realizes what being a leader means. You are all aware by now what his values are and I don't need to list them, but it certainly seems it is not the people in Peru but he certainly values his far flung important contacts.
Those who favor Don Baker have a big decision to make as those votes given to him may put Mayor Harl back into the mayors office for a second term. This time around it is not enough to vote for him because he served this city well in past years. He could certainly serve a new mayor in an advisory capacity and for this he would be well suited. And somehow I believe he knows all of this and I know that he was discouraged from running by some of this previous advisers. We can't turn the clock back.
What I know about Jim Giordano is no more than what you know.
My choice for moving this city forward is Mike Hart and if you have not decided yet at this eleventh hour who you will vote for, please give him consideration. He is an intelligent man with a great personality. Once you have met him and visited with him, you know the potential he has to put us once more on the right track. He is honest and fiscally responsible and he will put the right people into jobs that now suffer from people either being in the job for too long or being in it for the wrong reasons. We desperately need a city engineer and he will hire one. We need a properly trained building and zoning inspector to help us with the housing issues. Look around your city and see the many decaying properties that are being ignored. This position is no longer a want it is crying for the right person. I also believe we need a new city attorney, Atty Schweikert has served the city long and well but we need new blood someone who will be actively involved in the legal affairs of the city and also one who actively takes part in city council meetings without being asked, one who sees the need for an opinion and offers it because he sees that it is needed.
It is time to elect Michael "Mike" Hart
64 comments:
How can anyone vote for Harl after him bashing LaSalle County officials at Sunday forum. That was uncalled for. If you can't respect the county you reside in its no wonder he calls Peru citizens whinners and pot stirrers! What an arrogant A$$!!
How can anyone vote for Harl after him bashing LaSalle County officials at Sunday forum. That was uncalled for. If you can't respect the county you reside in its no wonder he calls Peru citizens whinners and pot stirrers! What an arrogant A$$!!
No matter the outcome tomorrow, if you have opened one person's eye to local government and made them demand for the characteristics mentioned above in an elected official you should feel proud. Thank you Lois for all the dedication and hard work you have put into informing the citizens of Peru. People are quick to forget or do not realize the countless hours you have put into this, along with the sacrifices you have made along the way to inform us and ask us readers to demand honesty, integrity, and leadership from our elected officials. My eyes are now open. Thank you.
The Pickleball Nets are up ! Thank-you Mayor Harl and Alderman Radtke for ignoring the neighbors and satisfying a self-interest group. I wouldn't endorse either of you for re-election. I urge others to vote Hart and Mayszak.
Thank you Lois for your time spent on this blog. As one of the original supporters with you for Mr. Harl we found out the hard way. Lesson learned.
I feel it is time to Re-Elect Scott J. Harl, not only because he is my father but also because, regardless of what you say, he is a good person, passionate for his duties as Mayor for Peru. He does all he can with the cities best interest at heart. Of course having the responsibilty to run a city comes with many challenges and it is hard to make everyone happy ALL the time, but he is open and listens and gives all of his time and energy to the city and this work. He is responsible and makes hard decisions and stands by them. Everyone is entitled to their own personal decision, but if I could I would VOTE to Re-Elect Mayor Scott J. HARL, he is the best for the Future of Peru, Illinois. Kara Ferrari
I would like to post my opinion, in hopes that it is accepted and posted - I VOTE to Re-Elect Mayor Scott J. Harl as Mayor of Peru. My father is extremely passionate and dedicated to the city of Peru. He has and always will be open to the citizens and hearing what they have to say. He is an admirable man that stands by his decision, being in a position to run a city means sometimes having to go against the grain for the best of the city. I have no doubt in my mind that his intentions and passion for the city are what is best for the future. Oh and the comment about his interest with big name people.... connections are what brings potential and growth, have you ever thought of these connections as a benefit for the city? I am proud of you MAYOR Scott J. HARL, keep up the good work!!!! Kara Ferrari
Lois,
My father has always looked out for the best interest of the citizens of Peru. He has never treated anyone as many of the bloggers have him on this blog. Sunday he made the statement that people who would like to run for mayor should at least be alderman to understand how the city works. I agree with him and we have seen what happens when you put a novice in charge of the city. I would hope the good citizens of Peru would think about what happened last time they voted for Mayor. Please exercise your right today and vote for the most qualified candidate.
Sincerely,
Bob Baker
Baker(x)
I can not stop laughing. Kara had me cry laughing and now I am on the floor with it being followed up by Bob.
Being that you both put yourself out there here is my reply...
Kara you're right your father is passionate and dedicated. However, his passion and dedication are not for the right reasons. The only connection I saw him making was with the political devil when he lied to NUMEROUS citizens of Peru. We don't respect nor care for that crap in Peru. For all I care he can come live up by you, we don't want him.
Bob your father was a good leader at one point in time, but his age makes him a risk for the position of Mayor. I would rather see someone in their that has not held a position in government than someone that can barely make it through a meeting without falling asleep.
Kara: I think it's admirable that you defend your father and you should. However, you state that you vote to re-elect him. Don't you live in Italy?
The last time I write here, I understand how it works on this blog now. No such thing as open communication on this blog. Yes I live in Italy, obviously we all seem to know everything about me. Yes I am a registered voter in Peru ONLY because that was my last point of residence before moving out of the country. AND NO I will technically not be voting... check the voters registry once all polls are closed. My post was based on what I have personally seen my father do, if you read my post carefully you would have seen 'IF I COULD I WOULD VOTE FOR'.
How come Ozzy has flags on his signs I though only veterans could do that?
(x) oscepinski and no- everyone can put a flag up- dont only veterans put flags up on their house? stupid comment 1027
attention getter 1027 smart idea i thought.
Kara, don't let "them" get to you! This blog is to be taken as a comedy show and nothing else..Best of luck to your father!
10:27
I for the life of me cannot understand that whenever someone in power around here, or their supporters, post on this blog, they automatically cry foul when people counter them or continue to disagree with them.
You obviously DON'T see how it works here or on any political blog. Your father has screwed people over and its documented. He has also made many things much better for many people. That's what voting is all about.
I would expect you to support your father, but it is not mean to tell you he is full of it and you are full of it. Its the political process.
Family members who love someone are going to always believe their other family members are passionate, and there is no doubt he works well with supporters. But it precisely his inability and lack of desire ro work with opposition that marks his term. He does not have it in him to accept and respect vehement and reasoned opposition, and he, like you seem to think that because someone is well meaning they are above criticism and strong opposition.
10:44 AM
What you say is what you are!
Maybe Kara does not realize that Scott Harl threw the majority of his former supporters under the bus and reached for bigger stars. We worked for him for 2 election cycles and then it seems the position went to his head to the point that he even threw his former campaign manager under the bus too. His actions have spoken louder than his words. I am sure Scott is a wonderful father and grandfather but he has not been an honest and fair mayor and definitely not a leader. Those of us who no longer support him live in Peru and have definite reasons for no longer believing in Scott Harl.
"what you say is what you are"??? Wow! When did you learn that one? 2nd grade? LOL, told you it was a comedy show
I have to blog this. Are you kidding me? How can anybody(mom, dad, daughter. Son. Sister, Joe blow) who lives in the country of Italy come on here and support one in voting for someone??? They are absolutely CLUELESS AS TO WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON IN THE LAST 4 YEARS. SORRY, but not an intelligent thing to do. My opinion. She should have stuck to her story of him being a family man and left it at that. UNBELIEVABLE A RESIDENT OF ITALY AND BLOGGING ABOUT A PERU ILLINOIS ELECTION. It has gotten better daily. Guess Harl does read
These blogs!!!!!!! HOPE HART WINS!!!!!!!!
Lois, you continue to throw darts at Scott Harl? I assume that you are upset about a issue, or is it that your input is not appreciated? The campaign manager? What issues are involved in that? You continue to flap about leadership and make vague references about Scott Harl. What backs up your references?
Pickleball....please revive yourself.
bb gun club...please refrain from laughter
fireworks.....who cares
Irrelevant topics to the greater majority.
What defines you to make a judgement about being honest and fair. Another very generic term without any evidence to back the claim.
If he threw them under the bus he should of backed up for another and made sure the wheel were still spinning.
Lois, she doesn't know, she lives in Italy for crying out loud. She just supports her father which is a ok. Let's
Drop this blogging in reference to her blogs. TY
Didn't HARL SAY MANY MONTHS AGO THAT WHEN HE WAS VACATIONING IN ANOTHER COUNTRY WHERE HE GOT THE IDEA ABOUT Mayors performing wedding ceremonies? Didn't he bring that up at a council meeting???? LOL. HAD TO LAUGH! Hart for mayor!!!!
I don't see any other family members posting to the blog this election and for good reason. (except Bob Baker, who was very respectful) They always approach this in a prejudicial manner and we certainly should expect that. If a daughter started blogging nasty things about her father, you would know that their is bad blood between them. This election is for the voters to decide.
I seem to be fair game this election which is quite funny as my name is not on the ballot. I am entitled to my opinion as well as you are.
All the nasty comments seem to be coming from one particular candidates supporters and they are enjoying trying to denigrate the honest comments I have made through the last few years. I know who they are and I know how they hate the truth I put out there for anyone with internet access. Your numbers are minute compared to the large number of people that view this blog daily and especially during this hotly contested mayoral election. I sincerely doubt you are influencing any voters. I have lived in Peru my entire life and I have the right to speak out when I see any thing not in the best interests of the rest of the residents.
Start your own blog, I encourage you to do so.
@11:34- OVERPAID CITY EMPLOYEES not doing their jobs, parks not being maintained, unaccountability of money for bb gun club, problems with certain departments and departments head( read previous blogs, go back 3 years, vehicle purchases that were unnecessary, EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLOSED SESSIONS, donation to OP FROM A CAR CLUB(?? still unresolved?), disrespectful to citizens at council meetings, allow council members to also be ignorant, $$$$unnecessary expenditures for conventions, city employees using vehicles for personal use, too much $$$ spent on summer help, olive garden mayors
Dinner, ETC...@11:34, and I didn't mention what you did. Shall I continue????? @11:34- go back and read all blog titles if you would like your answer. Too much to list!!
Almost 1/2 through election voting hours. Has anybody heard how election turnout for voters has been so far?
Heard that there was a strong turnout in Peru and Spring Valley according to NT.
It will be interesting whomever is voted in as mayor as to what kind of "cleaning house" will be done. Pretty sure whoever wins the election some people will kiss their bottoms to keep their job or position. Hopefully the electee will see through this.
Mike Hart posted to Mike Hart for Mayor
I would like to give a "BIG THANK YOU" to all of you. The support has been unbelieveable. Fifty eight years ago in 1955 my DAD was elected a city commissioner in Streator. A political ad from the Streator Times Press for my Dad states: "Hart is not afraid to voice his opinion affecting city government". I have followed that same path. Thank you again. Mike
I too was a Harl supporter not only through one of his campaigns but thru both of them. I worked very hard during both of his attempts at becoming mayor. Today he doesn't even speak to me and many others who worked and supported him. The biggest problem I have is his disrespect for certain citizens and his display of that disrespect in public. He says he has an open door policy but if you enter that door he won't listen. He promised transparency but the window is covered. He promised "CHANGE" but it never happened. These are facts. They are not attacks on his character as a father, a grandfather, or a husband. And I wish those with the negative attitude toward Lois would grow up and let her voice her opinion as many, many others have on this blog. Just because she signs here name to everyone of her posts doesn't give anyone the right to attack her. I, along with many others, have been chicken and posted my opinions anonymously. So, if you want to criticize her at least be big enough to sign you name.
When you start having a truthful and honest blog, you will not receive "nasty comments". You all lie in council meetings also.
Kara don't let the vengeful sour you also, your father has done as well as could be expected!! Someday maybe they will figure it out. Go team Harl!!!!!!!!
3:01 PM
Looks like I will have to continue so I can expose the rest of those that Lie like you do. You probably would not know the truth if it bit you in the nose. I hope you don't live in Peru, but afraid you probably do and will continue to tarnish the image of the rest of us honest residents.
The statement , You lie, is one of the most overused arguments.
I look at it this way. One person prints their lies in a blog, openly , allowing rebuttal.
The people who back Harl complain but do not publish a counter blog, refute with verifiable fact, or debate. They need not do it here. Start your own blog stating what specific lie was told by Lois or Kristy or anyone you think lied at council?
Use facebook if you want. If someone is lying about you stand up and prove them wrong!
3:01 Obviously you don't attend meetings and obviously someone is filling your head with lies because if Lois or anyone else was telling lies at meetings they would be video taped and you could view the tape on the city website. If you knew the truth you would know you have to address the council or mayor from the podium. Look at the tapes and see how many times lies have been told from that podium. Research the facts before you put your fingers to that key board and type your untruths.
3:55. Correct, if something is said about a person and it's not the truth, then that person should stand up with a rebuttal. That being said, if they don't, there is a good possibility that the truth is said. Fact! Rest assure I know that to be true on this blog site.
kara i agree with you wholehartley, your dad has done a good job, the people on the blog are biased. he doesn't tolerate all the piddly s--- and questions anymore, so this is their only outlet. i hope mayor harl get reelected, if not we in peru are in big trouble. all i can say everyone should have been at the forum the other day. then they would no who to vote for.
I once too was a Harl supporter. But he is nothing but a power hungry, liar!! He has no leadership skills in running peru or its department heads! Its a free for all with noone in charge! City employees are robbing the taxpayers blind both in tools and time theft. And everything is to be brushed under the rug so noone knows. We definitely need a change!
LOIS SCOTT HARL DIDNOT THROW YOU UNDER THE BUS. HE STILL IS LOYAL TO THE PEOPLE WHO HELPED HIM. I THINK YOU MISUNDERSTAND, WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR PERU. MORE THAN BAKER DID IN HIS LATER YEARS. HE HAS THE CITY, MORE BALANCED THEN IN YEARS. NO MONEY OWED ON THE MIRROR BUILDING, I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE JUDY BUILDING.BUT HE IS TRYING AND DOING A GOOD JOB AT IT. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES.
5:40 PM
I did wake up and the roses don't smell very fresh. If you believe what you wrote you wrote, not much can help you, you are beyond that. I know when myself and other Peru residents have been treated worse than some beggar at his door and for no reason. He is not running this city, the departments are running themselves and that is why the chaos exists. Has to be a leader in charge and we have none.
That is why we have a 1604.45 invoice that has major implications not only of the self removal of 1 employee but the associated loss of city money plus more than that. I bet you don't know that, do you?
I DISAGREE 5:40!!!
Lois if your candidate doesn't win will you leave Peru? You taint a bad image the place you call home.
the city is in horrible shape, he hasnt dont anything but make himself out to be some kind of king, where are those financial books?? hopefully there are outside auditors double checking everything as i dont believe treasurer, city clerk or mayor can be trusted
Anon 10:27 Brian Foster has a very through explanation of the Flag Code. There is a huge difference in flying the flag at your house and using it as a attention getter for a political advertisement. Suggest you read Brians blog for further information.
Waiting for election results to express opinion that neither candidate is necessary for 5.5 miles of road. Follish use of taxpayers money.
I totally disagree 5:40. Ask him where is ENTIRE ELECTION COMMITTEE is from four years ago.
Kara,
Obviously all of the X-Harl supporters are understanding of your desire to support your father. At one time, we all supported him and felt that he was a wonderful person that could clean up the disaster left behind by the previous administration. But as life goes when you are involved with politics, nothing is secret for long and true colors will shine. In my strong opinion, your father used us to get votes and then abandoned every single one of us that networked to get him into office. We donated money, time, and attended every one of his rally's to build volume in numbers. Within months of his election, he hardly knew our names. He did not keep any of his promises to us about sourcing a new engineering company, city attorney, and other non productive areas. He promised to listen to everyone, yet he makes you register on a note card to be able to talk at a council meeting. I am assuming this is illegal and borderline dictator sadistic, but honestly,I don't have the energy to fight it anymore. He is placing controls on everything to keep the public from questioning his policies. No open door anymore like we were promised. A man's word defines his total worth. I am sure it is difficult to watch the comments about your father, but unfortunately, he has brought this on by his inaction and slamming the door in our faces. It's a horrible feeling to be abandoned but we are a strong group that removed a 44 year mayor from office because we believed in your father. We will do it again for the right individual.
Scott Harl wins with two thirds of the voters wanting him out. Thanks Mayor Baker for your last gift to this city.
All you need to know about the people of the city of Peru you can learn from the main Township race. This town, even when corruption , greed and mismanagement are splashed on the paper and explained in detail still chooses to support an entitlement and union mentality. It will never change, and they will get the downfall they so richly deserve.
They play a sweet song whenever a baby is born at IVCH. Maybe we can get each new little one a bus ticket out of here as a gift.
Hello Lois where are you NOW!!!!! IN YOUR FACE!!!! BLOG THIS!!!!
Blah blah blah time to work together instead of against each other, if Lois can handle that, I doubt it, just keep complaining!!!!
I have posted many comments that I usually would delete because the people I write for deserve better. They are being posted so you can see some of the mentality of those who have won the election at least the type of people they are supported by. Maybe this is the type of city Peru is and will always remain and certainly not one that would look appealing to any business or corporation looking to locate here. They represent the truly ugly part of Peru and you all need to see it and be aware that exists here among our population. I am sure it is totally offensive to many but it is also something you need to know.
Was at a establishment with my friends/friend tonight where the township club was celebrating. I was very disgusted at their superiority attitude! They all sat in a back room! I will expound on this tomorrow! Truly, they all need to go!!! Hockings is a joke and thinks his crap doesn't stink. Big man syndrome. What a strut he has! Not impressed. As a matter of fact i was in the back room with them. Cant disclose my idenity. This Tayor guy really thinks he is it!!!! Went to another establishment when I left this one and attitudes of some were the same. Ask me ?'s and I'll answer honestly. They all think I'm in the group, but I'm not!!! Lol! Got Em!
Told you I would have the last laugh Lois!!! Concerned South sider
I am happy that Lois is posting the gloating idiots who believe they are somehow vindicated. It does show the WWF mentality that has taken hold in this city.
There were people who lost their tickets to the Titanic and were pretty upset about it. You foolish Harl folk are all the people shooting and partying on the decks, while the ship begins it's fateful descent. My anger at Baker and those people who will not let go of the past is beyond words. The lemmings continue their march.
9:58 PM
I believe it is called a Brain Drain, a term that came about after WWII when so many of their citizens migrated out of the UK. Many of the children of residents of Peru, left once they went to college and never came back, unless you wanted to work retail or you had big connections.
9:54PM Thank you, no one could have said it better.
There is the flip side of a coin! Hopefully Alderman Mayzak will participate vigioursly on this town forum. She knows what's going on in the city. I would like to see her be a writer on here along with Lois. SHERRY, your service as an alderman has been commendible. We taxpayers that supported you were proud to do so. Thank You!
10:23 Can't wait for the tell-all book about her experiences with the City of Peru.
11:13 or Benedict Arnold, you must stop everywhere for the free drinks. Nothing worse than a moucher. Did you take secret photos and sell them? Did you wear a disguise? You have friends? It was a election party, a private event. Grow up or join the undercover group of naysayers. If you got some real juicy gossip you will get your very own column on this site.
Hey 11:51, even Darth Vader came round to the good side in the end. Darth Harl will surely create some defectors.
It must be a great comfort to him, as he was walking around wondering just how many people disliked him, and now he has the hard figure of nearly 7 out of 10. And that does not even include all the folks in surrounding cities!
It's all about the numbers right??? Sad thing is more than 5 out of 10 voters didn't care to like or dislike?? What does that say??? Actually it would be 6.5 in 10.
10.02 you mean its not about the numbers? Great. Then they should all be co-mayors!
Harl won because the plate was set for him. He won with the lowest percentage of the vote in memory. He won because of the stubbornness and arrogance of a group that wont let go of the city or embrace any future.
A primary would take care of this, or a run off for any election with a less than 50 percent winner.
There was strong turnout, the ones who didn't bother to vote deserve everything thats coming to them.
10:19 PM
This mayor has NO vision, he only knows how to eliminate and erase. He does not know how to create and develop and sadly enough he has a council that mostly agrees with him except Ald. Perez.
Do you recall how quickly he moved off the downtown at the debate at the Library Forum? He always knows how to wipe out and eliminate but he has no idea how to create from what already exists. I call it a bulldozer mentality. We see LaSalle, Ottawa and Princeton and say Why Not in Peru?
By all means then Lois why don't you share your vision for Peru and work with our elected officials to bring it to fruition. So you are saying that you wouldn't have demolished the powerplant and the pool??? What would you have done???
5:35 that's funny right dere. Work with Boss Harl.
You work for him get dat straight. Geeterdone! Go 150!
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