As I listen to the fallout from this past election and in my own way, made sense out of the seemingly illogical results, I know how the election was won and I also know most of the serious candidates who participated in this election. Those that lost can leave their positions and/or their interest in the city knowing that they have maintained their integrity throughout this campaign and walk away with their heads held high.
I also have a much better understanding of those who were re elected to office. Perhaps most of you will in time see what I now see. Maybe this is just politics as some people see it, but it is not how I perceived city government to work in our city. It is not sour grapes as I am sure some will say, it is the realization.
76 comments:
I would also like to include the township in my posting.
Expand on that thought. What do you now know? And how were those elections won?
Lois I think that's the best post I've seen on here, salute
Sometimes the longer a person is in a position they just dig a bigger hole for themselves. The show must go on.
To be fair, I commend all of the candidates for running a clean campaign. I do not think Mayor Harl ran a "dirty" campaign at all. Sometimes you have to look at the positives, and these four ran like gentlemen. I truly think all are good people which is why I hope we can stop with the nasty comments that appear in places like this. Thank you.
well the independents sure don't know what clean is throw the newspaper and your pile of unedited crap in Lois clean your house and your act up and maybe somebody with a brain will listen to you and your mental midgets
6:14 independents actually ran campaign on facts not one statement was backed by documentation. Heard they turned all their documentation over to better government association I bet this isn't over with election. By the way joe got it handed to him..Debo Landslide!!!
614 the Facts from the Reformers have you acting like a little child who is a sore looser. You must be related or friends of Joe.
It's ok Lois everyone is a winner!!!! Peru will move forward and live happily everafter!!!!!!!!
Would anyone care to comment on how clean the aldermens race in the fourth ward was? Rumor has it that phone calls and written correspondence from the citys top official were involved.
It is known that wishes were that a candidate would wait until the next election to run rather than run against the incumbent.
End result was if you don't do it my way I'll do my best to put you on the highway.
10:54 PM
More than rumor, perhaps. The problem with that suggestion was that an incumbent would also be the opponent in 2 years but it would not be the mayors favorite in danger of defeat.
The 4th Ward contest was a humdinger. Go figure why two of the mayor's men would run against each other. I ignored the crap I got in the mail but it was interesting to see the two go head to head.
You know there were three candidates running in the 4th ward, right?
I know that every bit of the comments about the political pressures put on the 4th ward residents is true. One candidate would have brought with him tremendous infrastructure knowledge and would have helped the city make wise decisions the other brought a for sure yes vote. We now know what was the most important to the mayor.
It's funny Lois even you only mention 2 candidates. In any case if this city goes no where you can thank the voters and not the elected officials
11:03 PM
Sure I know Justin Loger and you will see more of him in the future. He just did not have enough name recognition at this time but you will see and get to know him in the years to come. He has great potential. Why would I involve him in the political sham that took place from city hall?
What political sham? Mayor Harl supported a candidate and that's it. He probably didn't support Weberski because it looks bad having two political offices at the same time. He didn't support loger because he isn't a puppet.
I personally do not believe that any politician who is currently in an appointed or elected position should openly support or back a candidate. Yes, they have the right to vote for whomever they choose and they can do so when inside the polling booth. To me it's like saying "if you back me I'll be your yes man".
To 11:39 am, Harl supported and "Campaigned" for Lukosus as was his right to do. That's fine with me and it's really not the point I want to make.
The point is why would Harl not only support but actively campaign for Lukosus over Weberski? Considering the history between the Mayor and Weberski it hardly makes sense right?
You will probably agree that Harl knows Mr. Weberski's positions on many things regarding how Peru does business with it's contractors and consultants. That makes sense as they have known each other politically for a long time.
Here is my take on this. Mayor Harl knows damn well that he could never control Steve Weberski as he controls Jim Lukosus. Harl could never prevent Steve from bringing issues to the forefront that "hizzoner" would just as soon not have to deal with. Harl clearly lacks the courage and integrity to address and correct the issues that Weberski likely intended to shine a very bright light on. Steve Weberski is incorruptable and Harl and the other aldermen know it.
Therefore, he remains a very unwelcome presence at city hall. No room for free-thinkers with ethics in that bunch, that's for sure.
While Jim Lukosus, Scott Harl and other elected officials were certainly quite pleased with themselves on election night, there were at least three Peru companies and individuals who were breathing a "huge sigh of relief" with the Lukosus victory.
They are Chris Perra and TEST, Mike Perry and Chamlin & Assoc, and Steve Michelini and whatever the hell his company is called.
The last thing any of those companies want is an alderman who knows their business and has the courage and integrity to expose them for the way they continue to exploit the mental short-comings and inabilities of aldermen like Jim Lukosus and Dave Waldorf (our Public Works Committee), as well as our do-nothing Mayor.
What an absolute disgrace this city council is for not protecting us taxpayers from those vulture companies. They will all be laughing extra long and hard knowing their monthly invoices to Peru will continue to flow unchecked and unchallenged for the foreseeable future.
Nice job again Peru voters. You continue to prove that it's a very dark and nasty place where your heads are stuck.
12:08 PM
I share your views but remember that in this election that some elected officials, some appointed officials and their affiliations were very influential had NO ethics and maybe they never did. Some city contractors may have stood to lose big time. All my opinion.
Anon 12:45
I thought that didn't matter anymore, isn't anything over 20k supposed to be bid? Did they bid the Landfill contract just to shut up the people, or did Harl do that so he could make it look like he was on the up and up to gain votes? Why isn't anyone persuing this, isn't this illegal to just award a contract out?
TEST was getting somthing like $44,000 a month - absolutely disgusting considering how much money the city saved by bidding out the landfill contract - what is Harl thinking, this isn't a popularity contest just think by giving that contract to a lower bidder that money could go towards a new pool
Harl seems to forget that in the first election TEST was for Baker and all they did was bash Harl and Weberski - whoever won this time they will schmooze that person to secure that big contract, just happens that they got the "right" person in office!
To 12:45 p.m.,
I am in complete agreement with your every word. In fact, It is also very clear the "majority" of Peru Township voters have their heads inserted in that "dark and nasty place" as well. This is proven with the results of the race for Peru Township Supervisor. The group of independent candidates lead by Mr.Travis Nelson exposed the waste and corruption perpetrated by Peru Township officials and the majority of voters had no clue who the quality candidate was for that office. How much information does a voter need to make an intelligent decision? Do you have to "force-feed" proof of mismanagement and a rampant lack of integrity to these people to help them understand? Do we have to go door to door and verbally slap these people across the face to wake them up? What the hell is wrong with you people? How much information do you require before you snap out of that funk you're living in and make a damn contribution to your community by casting a vote for someone who will do some good.
With that said, yes, some township voters did apparently get the point and a few of those "dead-beats" in township were sent packing. But how in the hell Travis Nelson was overlooked by a majority of voters is by far the most shocking and sad outcome of this election. I hope Travis will not be deterred by the failure of the township elctorate. I also hope that some of those obviously uninformed and ignorant township voters will apply some KY Jelly to the affected area and get their heads out of their ---es before the next election. My goodness, what a shame!
Well put 11:24. I can't agree with you more. And, I also can't understand why the voters replaced a people alderman (Mayszak) with a mayor yes man (Radke). Especially knowing Radke remained on the council no matter the outcome and that he had no shame running against one of his own constituents. Apparently the political machine is still running.
11:43 AM
When the mayor was first elected in 2009, he believed he had no power because he could not get the city council to cooperate. Evidently he found out the last 2 years how to get that mayoral power. He would not cut the number of meetings because some of the aldermen needed the money, he decided not to conduct public forums because perhaps he thought that the people would not be of any benefit to him and beside they always seem to get in the way of his decisions as shown in the last 2 years.
Maybe he found out that there was some power that could be manipulated within the city itself and did not include the residents who seemed to be a thorn in his side and he found out how to bypass them and it = a re election.
And to those who continually think everyone should run for an elected position to have the right to participate in government, this is a republic and the elected should be speaking for the majority, that should be their priority not for the benefit of a few. The mayor has spouted majority rules but his decisions proves otherwise and it is the minority who have been winning.
12.22 PM
You could take the same questions to a city council meeting and fill out a 3 x 5 card or wait until the end when that is not needed. You would present your opinion and/or questions and what the mayor would say when you were finished is.....next? There appears to be an arrogance residing in the city chambers unless you are one of them and then you will get "accolades"
No matter who is in office, why isn't the city contracts being bidded on? If it is written somewhere it should be abided by period end of sentence!
Those city contracts could be 5yr contracts - maybe they aren't up for renewal
Find out for sure and don't give us maybes. TEST will be up soon, Chamlin doesn't have a contract, we just give them work we should be using our god given brains and hire a city engineer and save a lot of money, taxpayer money. It is sure easy to spend money when it isn't yours. I would be especially irritated if the officials were given additional somethings in return.
The Great Kriskin knows that the SPW will retire this fall and Chamlin's City Engineer will become Peru's City Engineer. this is the closest you can come to the more things change the more things are the same.
This is one of the reasons that Harl found it critical that Lukosus a member of the Public Works Committee be elected. Steve Weberski is too intelligent and above playing Harls political b.s.
The Great Kriskin also knows that in a two man race against Harl both Baker and Hart would be the new Mayor of Peru. Study the numbers Harl was not going to get either of Harts or Bakers votes if one of them didn't run. They actually beat one another and Harl came out the best for it. Would this make him a lame duck Hurl?
Question: When he becomes the city engineer for Peru, will he still be employed by Chamlin? Who will be the SPW?
The Great Kriskin sees no further employment with Chamlin but a loyality created by the past. This loyality will eanble Chamlin to recieve all overloads which will be many. There will be no SPW as the City Engineer will handle that responsibility and all foremaen will answer to him. This willl create a full workload and give the city the open door policy for a continuous need of Chamlin.
The Great Kriskin believes we have many foxes in the council chambers and a few rats in the basement.
TEST contract is up this month - someone should check the checks and balance sheet!
11:24
I agree with you completely. WTH were voters thinking by voting Hocking in over Nelson. Nelson lead the campaign to Reform Peru Township, but he didn't win, while two of the trustees running with Nelson were, along with Studer, so obviously people wanted change. Makes me scratch my head in befuddlement and disgust.
I also agree completely with the Great Kriskin. Baker should never have run, and Hart would now be mayor. Such a shame, and now we're stuck for 4 more years.
As always in Peru Politics there must be a PAYBACK. Sometimes this PAYBACK is in the form of retaliation and other time it is a political favor to one for certain "good deeds". Watch the last names hired for summer help, both retirees from other places and three month hirees. These are political patronage jobs. Also observe who gets hired by the city in the future. Summer of 2011 38 hired for summer help. Summer of 2012 41 hired for summer help. At 18 a person can vote and most likely will have at least six relatives or friends who vote. Easy way to line your pockets with 250 votes at election time. Now add in the votes of all city employees and family members and friends. Now how many from Chamlin, Test, and all other firms the city deals with.
BINGO we have a winner. Guess who!
Great Kriskin, You are correct with your astute prognostication regarding who will be hired as the first city engineer in Peru's sordid political hiring history. I wish to expand upon your predictions. This poorly kept secret has been in the planning stages for more than a year. One of the main reasons the aldermen "boycotted" the Infrastructure Committee meetings was because the committee would not rubber stamp hiring an engineer from Chamlin as a city employee. It will be entertaining to see how the mayor and council justify hiring Mike Perry, a Chamlin & Associates "principal stockholder" as a city of Peru employee. Any objective person looking at this situation from the outside would be shocked that a city council would knowingly facilitate such an obvious "Conflict of Interest".
This is what our "leaders" have perpetrated upon the taxpayers of Peru. Our city leaders will be a laughing-stock once again when this saga plays out. As per usual the only dissenting voice will be Alderman Perez and he will be chastized by the rest of the council for not "playing ball".
It is a monumental understatement to point out the fact that our elected officials are poised and ready to put an entire den of foxes in charge of the hen-house.
As it stands right now, Scott Harl and the Peru city council happily serve as "Bag Men" for Chamlin & Asociates and other companies as well. That is to say they just deliver the money to their favorite contractors and consultants. After the city council hires Mike Perry as City Engineer, Chamlin will have achieved the ultimate goal of any contractor. They will take total and absolute control of every aspect of the physical plant of our city. This is proof positive that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This will be the legacy of this council and this Mayor.
Leading Peru taxpayers to slaughter with no remorse whatsoever.
Lois at 11:43 read the city calendar, there are less meetings. Look at the City council makeup, do any of them run for office because of the money? Its doubtful. Review the minutes, the attendance figures show that a level of committment to the residents by all of those elected. What's wrong with filling out a card to vent your opinion? Its much better than shouting insults from the crowd.
No one has ever, to my knowledge, shouted insults from the audience. Apparently you have never attended meetings or you would know that there is no shouting and no crowds. The shouting comes from those who sit on the council chairs.
The reads above appear to be from a few of those who were promised a job with the city if their candidate was elected. Its all about whats in it for you. I had a alderman candidate come to my house and preach about what a waste of money it is to have a company test our water. Of course we knew that he was in the water tester business. And another who was a big supporter of getting a new public works manager, yes that man claimed to have the ability to be a expert on streets, sewers. And we found out he wanted the job last time around. Don't be fooled by the comments of those who attempt to cloud the water.
To 9:26 am - I'm sorry to have to inform you that at least two of your aldermen are the constant butt of jokes amongst those of us who know them well enough to know that they absolutely are in office for the money. They are Tony Ferrari and Dave Waldorf. Yes it is ridiculous and sad but it is true. Both of these "Fire-Balls" of wisdom and logic are known for their miserly ways and it is laughable to think that either of them has anything to actually contribute to the position of alderman. Neither has ever had an original thought or idea to improve the city of Peru and neither has exhibited any behavior or stated any goals for the office other than to stay in it as long as possible. I know its only $5000 a year but its free money for providing nothing in return. That is the dismal quality of leadership in Peru.
11:17 more of the same balooney. They don't get 5000.00 a year or any benefits. I don't think either of them has wanted to be the city engineer, water testing company or SPW. And living in the 1st ward, I know that Ferrari has been a help on many occasions. I also have spoke to both to them about various items and both are very genuine and a credit to your city.
Anon 9:26 Yes, most politically active citizens know that there are city council members who have told the Mayor they could not afford to take a cut in pay. That is fact not a exaggeration.
It is ashame that the political envirnoment of Peru is in such a state of duress that you believe public comment is a forum to VENT your opinion rather than to EXPRESS your opinion.
Remember you have a leader who said that the majority wins, thats the way it works. Being a member of the majority, The 2,068 Club, I can assure you that we are going to do our best to keep the minority honest, conservative and to build a better Peru.
"READ MY LIPS, NO MORE TAXES".
11:48 AM
At the library the mayor expressly stated that the majority wins. To me that means the 2,068 club is holding all the cards. We will be heard and we will demand answers, so don't ignore us Mr Mayor. We are the majority!
Remember your library statement and I quote, "The majority always wins"
11:45 a.m., Well then, I guess that makes you as much a part of the problem as those know-nothing aldermen you are trying to defend.
Also, I have a news flash for you. Peru aldermen are indeed paid right at $5,000 annually. No benefits, except those provided by Chamlin Engineering and Test, "wink-wink". It's uninformed people like you that have enabled unqualified aldermen like Ferrari and Waldorf to be elected. Shame on you for that.
Great Kristin, you mentioned that a candidate that helped Mayor Harl in the past was not going to go along with the b.s and thats why Harl supported Lukosus. Newsflash, that same candidate lost the election but got a gig worth about $120,000 as the Township Clerk, compliments of Mayor Harl. So how much of this bss was he not going along with? The ultimate goal was achieved. He got a job without doing anything, wasn't that the goal from the start? Not bad $120,000 for 4 years of public service as the Peru Township Clerk. You may call this public service, the term is public fleecing.
News Flash
Township clerk salary is about $26,000.
We are in zone II and the salaries in that zone range from $5000 t0 20,000 but because Peru Twp takes better care than most we are supposedly at 26,000 per year x 4 years. I have my facts straight and that was not the goal. The goal was to shine some light upon the Test and Chamlin city contractors. Hold onto your wallet, I am talking about public fleecing now.
Lois, you forgot the benefits that includes health, retirement.
you are right but whomever posted needed to state that. Health and retirement are always included with the city and the township. Not right to single out one individual when we have many employees who get fantastic health benefits and retirement too. We should all be so lucky.
I want to know why we are quick to give TEST $44000 a month without question and not shop around - sure spend our money without asking us our opinion
Lois, what is the pay for Peru City council and what do they get in benefits? Employees are not the topic, its the elected Township Clerk position. Do you think $120,000 for a township clerk over 4 years is a earned position that deserves that pay?
NO
11:24 The best person did get in. If you think Travis Nelson is the best person I think you are the one who needs K-Y.
4:03 if the best person is someone who has overseen the most corrupt self serving township in the state , maybe we should have put in a trained monkey.
2:19 pm, I know what you're trying to suggest and I think I know why. You are suddenly outraged about excessive salaries at Peru Township, but it never outraged you enough in the past to join with and support the group who has worked so hard to kick-start some reform for township. You would like to believe you can just fold the newly elected township clerk in with the group that has been in charge forever. As the independent group can tell you, change and reform on any level of government comes from "within". All the bitching and complaining from the public does little to change anything.
There are five newly elected officials on the township who will soon be taking office, including the clerk. You have chosen to start sniping before any of them have even taken office. You obviously have pre-concieved ideas about the character of Steve Weberski that you would like to impart to the readers of this blog. I suggest you try to hold your tongue for just a little while and give all of these newly elected officials an opportunity to get to work. You might just have to eat your words.
Bon apetite'.
If you go over to Lasalle county courthouse today you can view a court case that joe ocespinksi jr our current Lasalle county board member is being sued for failure to pay child support. How can he remain a county board member and not pay child support...where is the accountability of our elected officials. He should resign immediately from office.
4:03 maybe hocking will donate part of his salary to pads? Oh wait he will be out golfing all summer and not approving general assistance. Hocking will never get anything done now 3-2 will be vote always. 4 years from now salaries will be lowered and hocking will be booted out when he votes against salary decrease.
Peru City Council members are paid $3900 a year. Typically attend 50 meetings and committee meetings. No health benefits are provided. The township clerk will have one meeting per month, about 11 per year. Wages, Health benefits are $120,000 over a four year term. No election was required, just a appointment. No qualifications needed. Now, do you really think that the new clerk will rise above and eliminate his position or the highest salary in the State for the right of justice and end corruption? The same man that came to my house and said he will eliminate waste and end the sweet deals?
Anon 9:46 What equation are you using to obtain $3900/year pay for Peru City Council Members?
11:22 call the clerk's office. For as much time as Rodney spends with the city, he should have the salary of Township Clerk Steve Weberski of $120,000 over the next four years. Is that fair?
I bet Rodney will have an opponent in 2 years, now that will be interesting, will the big guns be called into action once again?.
Hey 12:00 pm, We get it. We got it already. You want to point out who was just elected Peru Township Clerk. We get it and we also get that you want us to know what the salary and benfit totals will be for four years. Yes, we get it. Would you rather have Bob Vickrey back for another four year term?
Why don't you just wait and see if the incoming township clerk is the greedy unqualified mope you would have us believe.
Since I know Steve pretty well, I'm not at all convinced that he pursued that office for the terrible and selfish reasons you suggest. Is it too much to ask that you at least allow these newly elected township officials to take the oath of office before demanding that they "eliminate" themselves?
Who are the big guns that are so powerful? The Democratic party? Not this last election. Republicans? Had trouble filling ballot spots. Unions? They just want jobs, not elections. Business leaders? Too much of a global economy to care about small town politics.
I would think based on the 2nd ward residents that there will be a long line waiting to get on the ballot. Hopefully Sherry will take aim at the spot.
Hey 1:30 after all how much damage can you do to a government that meets once a month for 20 minutes? Are you really expecting him to "eliminate" this new found lotto ticket? I can hear it now "its the law that I take this outlandish salary on behalf of those people who need township assistance".
2:44 PM
What about the supervisor salary of 39,000 plus medical and retirement?
Anon 12:00pm your answer of call the clerks office is not a equation and it is insufficient. Your figure of $3900is at least $900 per year short and incorrect.
My W-2 from the city alderman position for 2012 was around $4,900. No benefits, but I did get IMRF.
1:52. I will not run against Rodney Perez, if he chooses to run in two years. I think he is doing a great job. And I will not change my mind about running against him like my opponent did to me.
10:29 Sherry Mayszak:
That's class. Real class. I'm sure that's the reason why only 1 alderman from each ward is up for re-election every 2 years (i.e. so one wouldn't have to run against their counterpart). The city lost a class act when they lost you. I hope you still involved.
Sherry, re-consider your statement. I have a sign in my garage and ready to put it out for next election. You have my vote.
should read "stay" involved in Linda's 8:59 post.
Sherry - Did you say that you got IMRF? I was told by the mayor that aldermen did not recieve a retirement benefit.
Just another lie?
when you speak of township why don't you check the years when things where done. Maybe this supervisor was following the statutes on previously set items. Since you people are so smart, stop and think, before you spew your falsehoods.
5:17
Please list a spewed falsehood. Just one.
It seems that uncomfortable truths are called falsehoods round here.
12:03. I believe I was the last alderman eligible for IMRF. All new aldermen will not be eligible. There was a change in the rules to be eligible. I think it was something with the approximate number of hours an alderman works. So all current aldermen were able to get IMRF.
Thank you Sherry for your recognition and continuous updates. Your representation of all of Peru and honest and open replies to peoples questions has created a added interest in Peru politics.
It is an absolute disgrace that municipal elected officials would be eligible for IMRF pension benefits. Another reason state pensions are in such dire straits. Allowing dead-beat elected officials a pension is bad enough, but to have the likes of some of Peru's notorious no-nothing do-nothing mopes collecting even a dime in pension is enough to gag a maggot.
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