The election is over and the mayor has been re elected with only 35 % of the vote, meaning 65% of the population voted for someone else. He is a minority mayor and he does not have a mandate. Following is something I wrote last night and it has happened and I hope all those who encouraged Don Baker are happy with the results, you should have known this would happen, I did.
"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" Posted last night.
Campaigning for Mike Hart is something I would gladly do all over again for the reasons I wrote last night. It has opened my eyes to our problems of Peru. Be watchful of your government because there is no longer a watch dog other than Ald. Perez on the council and he will always be over ruled. No one to watch your money as you have replaced Ald. Mayszak with Ald. Radtke and he is an automatic yes for Harl.
130 comments:
I'd like to know who put the kool aid in the drinks tonite
4 more years ohhhhhh boy whats next just please dont bulldose more historical landmarks I know they cost money but it's our history
i love Peru
Perez will be sitting on the curb next. Then we will have full control.
My family has been here since 1835 Mr Harl lets move forward not backward please we need a pool we need more jobs we need our property vaules to go up not down i lost one third of the value in four years in my home and put lots of money into it i want to live here i love Peru
@11:19
This is a VERY sad day for Peru. I can only imagine the promises that Harl gave and in short time they will realize he is full of shit. How do I know.... It happened to me 4 years ago.
My prediction...
Giordano is appointed in some capacity.
With ONLY 35% and 1/3 of his vote lost from last election he in not respected in the community. You are NOT in the majority nor is Harl.
The housing market is terrible everywhere....Peru isn't the only town seeing reduced property values. Let's focus on things that Harl and the Council actually control.
It seems that the residents of the Fourth Ward have re elected a man who cost the taxpayers of Peru the most money and used valet parking in addition to that when aattending the IML convention a few months ago. I posted the expense papers here for you to see and you evidently like your aldermen to live better than you yourself live. Please explain that to me, as in his 2 years on the council he had not put forth one original and cost saving comment and you elect him. Mayor Harl must have made some convincing telephone calls to your households to vote him into office for a 4 year term as alderman. Yes the mayor was doing that in order to get another yes vote on his council. He is a real politician.
The election was won with money.
Did someone forget to you Lois that " this" is politics???
God help Peru. A town that re-elects a bully mayor and a Township Supervisor who was shown in the paper to be the highest paid and proud of it. God is the only one who can help now. What were the citizens of Peru thinking?
12:03 we have focused on the things they control. But that makes you Harl supporters bitch too.
The fact that job losses, net decrease in employers, unemployment rising faster than 80percent of similar Illinois cities, property values decreasing in the upper percentages compared to similar cities, sales tax rates comparable to suburbs and cook county, pending lawsuits with major industrial employers, selective taping of council meetings, a failing high school and consolidation of power with a minority of voter support - the fact that all this does not matter to the residents of Peru is what is alarming. Just makes us whiners right? Have a beer and get positive Peru.
I have seen Bingo nights run more professionally. This isn't politics, its a high school popularity contest.
Mr. Radke: I'd personally like to know why you felt it necessary to run against one of your fellow councilmen (especially when you had an alder-manic seat no matter what happened). Were you put up to it to get rid of a strong women who refused to jump on the bandwagon? Were you afraid to run against alderman Perez in two years? I think it's another example of politics at its' best. Disgusting!!
Mr. Radke: I'd personally like to know why you felt it necessary to run against one of your fellow councilmen (especially when you had an alder-manic seat no matter what happened). Were you put up to it to get rid of a strong women who refused to jump on the bandwagon? Were you afraid to run against alderman Perez in two years? I think it's another example of politics at its' best. Disgusting!!
By remapping i'm in the fourth ward now and i think it sucks , just like the new mayor does and the fourth ward alderman . god save peru !!!
You know Lois maybe it's your vindictive way of blame and acusations that spew here, you blame the people that supported Baker what about the people that supported Hart they are just as culpable,the split balot is what won Harl the election. Your bad aditude is maybe what split the people back to Baker instead of Hart, both sides can't deny that both men have Perus best interest at heart I think the Hart people and the Baker people need to pick a candidate to run in the next four years be it Hart or someone else but I think the finger pointing and all the other bs need to stop and that's the only way to beat a machine like the 150 Harl steamroller you were so instramental in getting elected four years ago, so if you want to play the blame game your at fault to begin with, and until you admit it you will still have split balots.
8:41
The reason to blame Baker is the fact that he had his chance and lost last time, soundly. He never had a chance to win this time, but did have a a strong pull for those who wanted to go in the way back machine. And he did it.
This blog did not convince him to run, no commentary here affects Baker. If anyone was bought and paid for to run, it was Giordano. The race was always between Hart and Harl, between substance and signs.
Did you vote at all those polling places for the people YOU unseated.
Are you in morning because Sherry did not get re-elected. Bad Blog.
Are you taking it down?
Don Baker could maybe have run a city for 4 years, he himself said "I think" I have another term in me. Looking at Mike Hart was a way of getting Peru on the right track, he was up to the task and very aware of everything going on because he had been attending meetings both committee and council for the last year. He was the right man for the job. Baker should have stayed out and most of the Hart supporters feel that way. Don't blame me, lets see Don take some of the blame for believing whatever people who were looking for some personal glory that encouraged him. Everybody in town knows he was having meeting after meeting looking for somebody to run that he could back financially and have some control over their office.'
Mike is a younger man with great ideas and intensity and whomever you are take the blame yourself. Yes the Baker supporters were warned beforehand.
Mike Hart would have been mayor for several terms and one that not only us but perhaps even Don Baker would have looked at with respect and be proud of our city. now look where we are, in the dumps imho.
8:52 AM
Not going down but we are adding more writers, it will bigger and better.
why didn't you print my comment????
Way to go Lois! Here's how I see it...
Only 35% are in favor of Harl. I HIGHLY doubt Baker will run again. Those voters that voted for Baker now have a choice. Come up with a candidate of their own and split the vote yet again (NOT A WISE DECISION) or we all come together on a mission to keep are Peru politicians honest by asking questions and demanding answers and come 4 years get behind one candidate to take out Harl.
Enjoy your last 4 years Harl!
Don was put in to take votes away -he never would have ran for office - the big contract holders put him up to it to secure their place and to take some votes to sway the election - peru is like many small towns, the ones that want to make a difference or worth their salt flee the nest and all thats left is the "mutts" who can't or know no difference, they follow the one in front of them(like a herd of sheep) and so on and so on - names will get you everywhere and knowledge will get you nowhere - it will never change!
Thank you FYI (reply to unposted post)
Poor Poor Lois and her blog. Now we have to listen to you complain for four more years.....Oh wait you were already going to do that.
Congrats to Mayor Harl, Mr. Hylla. Mr. Radke, and most of all to the city of PERU!!!!
Can someone explain the pickle ball issue to me. I'm relatively new to the area, and we bring our kids to that park regularly. Is the issue that the courts take away the ability to play tennis?
I haven't played the game since high school, which is many years ago, but thought it was fun. If people are utilizing the park to play it, isn't that why a community spends money for parks.
I may be missing something, but if the issue is noise for playing in a park that has been there a long time, that seems similar to moving next to Wrigley field and complaining about parking. Maybe someone can shed more light on this.
Wouldn't surprise me the way this present administration operates that they didn't RIG the ballot boxes. LOL.
Sorry if this turns out to be a double post.
In regards to the prediction that Giordano will end up an appointment, I highly doubt it. From talking to him during his campaigning efforts and doing some research, I believe he's polar opposite of Harl.
I believe he wanted to run as the "pro-business" candidate when he thought Don Baker wasn't running. After Baker entered the race, I think he stayed in because he was already down the path and felt he could persuade Baker supporters to vote for him based on his age (which is why he said early in the campaign he'd appoint Baker to a committee).
appeared to me one of his biggest reasons for running was that Harl didn't reach out to Baker once, despite Baker's vast experience, and Giordano thought the mayor should utilize resources, even if they disagree with you. I think the fact that he ran directly for mayor, and not an alderman would show he likely doesn't have desire to serve in a appointed secondary capacity.
Basically, I would think Harl and Giordano's political views are the most polar opposite in regards to business, and the role of public vs private sector, so I'd be very surprised if he shows up as an appointment to anything (although it would show Harl as open minded).
10:01AM
Exactly what I would expect from any close to or in the Harl administration. You show your class all the time. Surprise? Never! Expected childish behavior.
Did Harl have a party of celebration? Where? Wonder who paid for it?
lots of theories and much bitterness on the site today. lets fill up that half empty cup and move towards a stronger Peru. It was evident that the residents have spoken.
Lois I still didn,t hear I'm sorry for getting Harl elected the first time. I still say this blogs endorsment is the kiss of death to anyone running for office in peru now or in the future because you gave us Harl and we won't forget it and will never support anyone you Lois or this blog supports candidates beware.
Hey Alderman Perez, now that the election is over, what's the deal for donation that was suppose to go to Operation Promise? Has this been resolved? Did HARL have anything to do with this issue of donation from car club? Hasn't it been about two months now since this was brought to taxpayers and donators attention? Pleas tell us the truth on this one.
10:22 You correct the people complaining about noise in the park moved there knowing the park was there so they are just as stupid as the people that move next to wrigley field and complain about the parking, they think that the park is their private park and not for everyone to enjoy.
10:05 Why do you only congratulate Harl, Hylla, Radke? What about the rest of the candidates that won? Oh, aren't they on your "what can they do for me" list? Your post shows the kind of favoritism that exists in local politics and in my opinion that's not the attitude that Peru needs prosper.
10:05, u r childish. U in boys club? Evidently you are not intelligent enough to know how informative this blog site is. You must be interested in this forum because you participated on here. The first two sentences of my blog were purposely in texting style so that your mentality would understand. You 10:05 must have a problem with truthfulness and that is your reason for bashing Lois and this blog site.
11:06. KOOL-AID. Where? Was kool aid served? Is there a new root beer flavor? You know brown in color like whiskey. How about a clear colored flavored Kool aid drink too? Like all the clear flavored vodkas. Were you partying with the big boys club?
4 more years of stupid ideas, lies, tearing down buildings, overspending, no control over department heads, and being ignorant to citizens !!
Is there a appointment for ambassador of Mars?
836 you on to something. Lets get Mayszak to run against Perez.
The only reason Harl won is because votes were split with four candidates! No gloating with 35% of votes.
10:22
The issue has been discussed ad nauseum, so research it if you wish. Your simplistic view ignores many points of law and logic.
The people were first there, then came the courts. The courts were inexplicably placed too close to the homes. The new activity in question took over the tennis courts, did so in violation of the OMA, and is extremely loud and unusual noise, it creates a nuisance to the neighbors and lowers their property values. The neighbors have presented compromises, moving the location among the parks. The city has done nothing to reduce noise or find a suitable outdoor location, and conveniently lost/destroyed/ couldn't video record the council meeting where some of their worst behavior was on display. So like several other neighborhoods near pickleball in the country, they will be forced to sue. They will find no remedy outside a court of law.
It's never a big deal until its your home.
Did Harl get elected president of the united states? Live music! Had to laugh. Second term as Peru Chief. Is that police chief or fire chief?
Who are the chosen ones?
I live in the 4th Ward and, therefore, dislike being automatically considered as someone who re-elected my alderman. He didn't have my vote.
10:49 is that real or a fake accent to your blog post lol?
Park is for everyone yes if play pickle.
If play crazy tennis no get to do. Next to Park is like next to factory. In Russia you live next to factory, you eat sewage and like it. Next to Park no complain, no rights be glad you allowed live here.
By any chance you would not be the attorney for the city would you? It would just make this soooo much simpler if you were.
To 10:44
From Rodney Perez
Yes!! Chief Jeff King resolved the issue on Monday.
Chief King chose to pull the funds and the issue from the city, and handle it between Liberty Fire Co. And Operation Prom-ise.
Funds in question were Non-Tax payer funds, and were simply donations; Chief King, and Liberty Fire Co. Submitted a check for deposit from Liberty Fire Co. Endorsed To Operation Prom-ise on Monday.
Thank you!
Rodney.
Special writers and new postings. Wow. Can you find some non-fiction writers for the upcoming attack on civilization?
3:54 PM
I certainly did not mean to disparage the voters of the 4th but I was very upset when I found out that the mayor was calling in the troops in order to get Lukosus elected. We all know that he is a pal of the mayor traveling with him to DC and those phone calls I thought were as low as a person can get.If the mayor could stab Steve Weberski in the back he will do it to anyone as I know I was there already. Not saying much for the mayor of Peru. Sounds like Chicago style politics to me.
“It was a very clean race,” Harl said.
Read the rest in the NT todays paper April 10, 2012.
4:25 you are gonna like my writing. I wanted to wait until after the election to see if there was a chance for negotiations. But since the voters have spoken, it's time for different tactics.
Let the games begin;) looking forward to it.
HART WOULD HAVE HAD A GOOD POSSIBILITY OF HAVING 65% OF THE VOTES IF IT WEREN'T FOR BAKER AND GIORDANO RUNNING. I can't believe those two even ran, they knew they would splitting up the votes. Will be interesting is Giorando gets put on committees. Now, we can thank them for the next four years of the same crap as the previous four. Mr. Hart, you ran a nice clean race. I hope to hear your views and opinions on this site for the next four years. Thank you.
35% of votes Harl got. That is not a good percentage, which goes to show that 65% of voters are not happy with him. Wonder how Harl feels about that. It should give him a clue to make some changes.
Lois, at 4:41 you mentioned phone calls that were as low as a person can get. What were these phone calls about? I don't live in the 4th ward, but sure did want Steve to get elected.
Baker would have gotten a lot more votes if Hart didn't run. Was he 20 votes behind? Seems like Baker was as viable a candidate as Hart.
Listening to the newcast I heard Mayor Harl state that he would have liked to win by a majority but in a 4 man race, this is the way it often turns out.
Yes 35% was the winning percentage with Hart at 27%, Baker 26%, and Giordono 12%. A good argument for having a primary is that often a candidate finishing 2nd in the primary wins the election. It also eliminates some manuvering of the vote by those who are politically savy. Being that the next election is 4 yrs away and the next aldermanic election is 2 yrs away, there is plenty of time to properly process this format if viewed favorably. A primary could be a positive feature for both the Mayor and aldermanic elections and could easily be presented to Peru officials. The earlier the better. How do you feel about a primary?
is a sad day in the city of peru, can only hope the next four years arent as bad as the last four years, i dont think the city can survive if it is. it is too bad there were so many running, but thank you to them for making the effort to be involved to MAKE A DIFFERENCE too bad we the voters of the city of peru didnt get our wish
Citizens of Peru. The elections are over and whether you're happy with the results or not is unimportant right now. As of yesterday our next 4 years of government are established. All I ask is for people to get involved. Become informed. Attend meetings. Ask questions. Seek answers. Don't forget they work for YOU. YOU pay their wages. An open door policy was promised - walk through that door. Answers to any and all questions were promised - ask. Make the mayor prove he is the "BEST" choice. Don't wait until the next election to get involved. Start today!
To Art Giese
From Rodney Perez
I like that idea!
did rodney get the 2000 from the car club?
Could mayor harl gain anymore weight? Saw his pic in the newspaper, I think his buttons were ready to go! He needs to take care of himself before he takes care of the city.
I voted at the liberty polling place in Peru. The workers had nametags with Republican on them. Is this legal or not?
Alderman Perez did blog yesterday that on Monday ( ONE DAY BEFORE ELECTION) that fire chief king gave check to Operation Promise(Rodney didn't state if it was the full amount of $2,000). THIS TOOK APPROXIMATELY TWIO MONTHS TO BE RESOLVED. FIND THIS TO BE STRANGE AND ODD OF THE TIMING. ALDERMAN PRREZ, DID OP GET THE FULL AMIUNT OF $2,000???? WHY DID IR TAKE TWO MONTHS? Curious?
Art, That is an idea that should have been implemented years ago! So simple, and the majority wins.
Ooo, I like the sound of that. Let him get fatter on our tax dollars and have to leave office for heart problems! Karmas a bit*h!!
5:20 GROW UP you could say the same about Hart
There should be a primary. Baker was in for 44 years. Who would think that 4 persons would run for mayor. Who honestly thinks the alderman as they stand now are going to like that. Wonder how Harl feels about primary? He should like it since he gloats on going to washington, and they have primary's. Lol.
You know Lois maybe if Mike Hart ran for alderman in two years then we could see how he works as a city offical and then maybe I would support what he has done not what he says he will do I think that may help him get more support . I know it would help me decide.
9:04 I don't know if you were a Harl supporter or not but you should be informed that he "PROMISED" changes that 4 years later have still not happened. And, of course, let's not forget that mayor Harl campaigned this time on being the "BEST" choice. I found that to be a bit egotistical. He has no idea how any of the newcomers would perform. I, for one, did not like his hands off policy with department heads. When you're using someone else's money everyone should be made accountable.
9:04 AM
Someone ran that by me yesterday and I disagreed for this reason. I have been watching this city for more than 2 years and I have seen aldermen who do their job and those who sit there, the same as today. You can sit on the council and be re elected but not have what it takes to be mayor, just think back to when Potthoff ran for office. All his experience did not help him one bit. Kind of like always a bridsmaid, never a bride. I think if you are the right kind of person with the qualities and personality, you can do the job. Remember this is supposed to be a part time job and a person who worked outside of government, developed the necessary skills and had leadership qualities and had an interest in government can make an excellent mayor. I do not believe that being alderman is a necessary training ground for being mayor. Your skills would be obtained at what you do outside of being alderman.
I stand by my opinion. I see good people outside of government who could be excellent public servants and maybe that is 2 words we need to put more emphasis upon. Being a mayor or even an alderman who are supposed to be working for the people, all the people and that is generally forgotten on all level of government. Many alderman are obstacles to progress. We have to get over the idea that only aldermen can make good mayors and I say that knowing full well that our present mayor did not serve as an alderman and jumped right into the mayors seat and many of us don't think he understands the commitment he made to public service and never will but that does not mean the next person will not, regardless of background. Look at our present council and say our next mayor must come from this group.
I don't think the mayor of Ottawa served as commissioner before being elected to office, does anyone know?. Assuming that is correct that he did not serve as commissioner as Ottawa has a commission form of government, he is an attorney and is doing an excellent job for the city so he either had the skills or is a very quick learner.
Election is over. Assume all are looking out for the best interest of Peru. Time to join forces, point out some positives and try to find areas where everyone can work together. Does not mean you agree on everything but starting with an area of agreement may be a good way to proceed and allow for less frustration for the next four years.
Linda, your point is very well said. The election is over. The people have spoken and you bloggers have to move on.
For those the complain that Harl "only" got 35 percent of the vote or that he would have lost if he only had one opponent, that may be true, or it may not be. But that IS politics, local, state, federal, it just doesn't matter. Stop complaining about it. You don't have primaries in non-partisan elections, so if you are endorsing that format this means you would like to make the primaries partisan. No way. Line up the candidates and let the voters vote.
Harl won and in terms of percentages it wasn't even close. He beat Hart 35 to 27, but you can also look at it as he had almost 30 percent more votes cast for him than for Hart (35/27). Another way to look at Hart is he only beat Baker by 1 percent.
Also if you know just a tiny bit of history, Al Gore would have almost certainly been president if not for the couple of percent that Ralph Nader took in 2000. Remember that election? Same thing but that is politics. Too bad.
People may someday take this blog more seriously when all of the silly conspiracy theories stop and time is spent on things that matter. Accept for a few people no one reads this except for entertainment. Want proof? Both this and the Foster blog were for Justin Loger. How did that go? Stop being a bunch of anonymous people bashing others and why not actually do something? Or, you can sit here and talk to each other and make no difference whatsoever.
So many rumors, and what good does it do? Focus on the big goals and have some intelligent and lively discussion about moving things forward. Downtown Peru. The riverfront. A long term infrastructure and maintenance plan. Business development. These are areas where the citizens should try to keep the council and mayor focused.
And a couple of you joking about Harl having a heart attack? People like you are pathetic. He is a husband a father and a son to someone. I'm not necessarily a big fan of his, but the fact that you say something like that just makes me like him more.
Good luck.
Being a former or current councilman or councilwomen does not get anybody elected. It only helps that you have the knowledge to run city. Spring Valley and Peru are both examples that residents acknowledged the experience and dedication it takes to operate the city.
10:49 AM
This blog only endorsed 2 people and neither won and neither was Justin Loger. Justin is a reader who posts to the blog and signs his name, that is all. He just happened to be running for office. There were 2 good people running in the 4th and I chose to remain neutral.
To the one questioning the Republican name tag: almost always there is an even number of Republican and Democrat judges in the polling place.
Here's something that I don't quite understand. I believe both the former infrastructure committee and some engineers have stated that it is more expensive to do blocks of roads within a town rather than one entire road (i.e. Peoria street, or Marquette Rd.). If this is true, and I do believe it is, why do we keep on doing it the most expensive way and never end up with a completely finished entire road?
Definitely was not in support of Harl. But, not a fan of personally attacking a persons physical attributes. Plain mean. However, someone was saying that two of perus department heads did go on an expensive diet, couple hundreds a month (appointed I believe by Harl) and lost alot of weight. Does anyone know what the name of diet was?????? Maybe we could all use a little help. What should be important is how our city is run, not about cruelty. Let's be better people and not be bullies.
I disagree with most of the post from 10:49. When malfeasance and improprieties are minimized, the most common cry is , crazy conspiracy theorists. There has been some bad stuff happening, and the bloc votes and OMA violations are real. You need to get over it, and get ready for real exposure.
I totally agree with you that bashing Mr Harl on his appearance or wishing him ill health is as low as a blogger can go, and no one pokes more fun at him than me.
He has a family who loves him dearly, and they are right to be angry about this type of blogging.
Let's see how the swimming pool issue pans out now. Also Operation Promise should get $2,000 a year(from Peru) from somewhere everyyear due to the fact it originated from Peru. Of course not to mention all the surrounding communities being involved that makes it a success. Alderman Perez, did you every consider having a tag day for monies for OP? Done on a Friday pm and all day Saturday at businesses.
NEED ARROWS ON ROADS FOR TURN LANES!!! OR TO GO STRAIGHT, MALL AREA IS TERRIBLE. Wenzel and 251. Fouth street is terrible too. Why is this
Not have been taken care of regularly? Get waterstreet fixed too!!!
Mayor H said when he was running for election the first time said 2 terms were enough. We will see how he sticks to his word on that one!
5:49 PM April 10
Sorry about the delay, out of town yesterday and wanted to make come contacts before I answered.
Yes it is true that phone calls were made either by the mayor or associate regarding the 4th ward election. Harl wanted Lukosus back in office for obvious reasons of his own and the calls were made to put pressure on 4th ward residents, employees etc. to vote for Lukosus. Has Lukosus ever voted against the Mayor or his proposals? I am waiting for the first one of those. You thought that could not or would not happen in Peru. You just need the right players for the performance.
Also a recent conversation with our city clerk leads me to believe that the same tactics that were used in the 4th ward to elect Lukosus were used against Ald. Sherry Mayszak and to elect Ald Mike Radtke.
The winning individuals are both automatic votes for the mayor and he could never count on the 3 that did not win to be an automatic yes vote for the mayor. Draw your own conclusions because I now know the truth.
L.C,
If Mayor Harl was the reason Lukosus was elected, then Lukosus would have only had 35% of the vote. I think the reason was simple, Jim L. is a reasonable upstanding person that will represent the needs of our City. I only wish he lived in the 2nd ward.
Your math does not add up. I did not say that every Harl supporter voted for him, this was a ward election and not city wide.
Now that the results are in and Harl is here for 4, we had 3 candidates who were unsuccessful in being elected, HOPEFULLY those 2 or 3 of those candidates will stay very intuned to Perus political circus, Along with all the residents and taxpayers that have been involved the previous 4 years, a better future is to come for the city of Peru. HONEST PEOPLE WOULD BE A START! Time will tell.
Lois, here is a little advise. Watch your back with the city clerk! Been told that person is one of many bloggers who blogs anonymously. FACT!!! And could prove if need be.
2:06 PM
Along with the money changer at the temple.
Lois you are guilty of it I am guilty of it, I think at one time or another at small level or big level, we all have made politics personal and thats how bad things happen and the minority vote candidate wins and it should never be personal because not anyone can be wrong all of the time or bad all the time or right all the time that's why when we take a personal vengence against someone that you don't agree with, then nothing happens or the wrong thing happens and that's bad for us all. Alot of that happened the last four or five years here in Peru. We need to try and try and try to work together if that doesn't work try some more and find some common ground that we can agree on that's how cities and countries move forward, but it should never ever be made personal. Thank you Joe Witczak
11:09
More union labor will be required if they have to keep coming back.
2:44Pm
Joe, I agree but than we cannot ignore the wrong we see or we are just as bad the perpetrators. You might remember that we worked with this administration until the undercover arrangements began and no one in good conscience should ignore that. Don't you agree? We always should remember that it is our money, mine and yours and everyone elses that they are using and when it is used improperly or for the benefit of a few, people must speak up. If the officials were digging into their own bank accounts, we would be saying thats for the donations.
thanks for the donation.
10:49
The downtown and riverfront development is probably 30 years overdue. Not Harl's fault, but in his control now. With all the fighting in this town and everyone being so greedy and only looking out for themselves, nothing will ever get accomplished in either location. The property owners need to sacrifice now in order to have somewhat of a return in 5-10 years. These projects are going to take money and/or govt funding. The joker of a "economic developer" we have is NOT capable of getting anything accomplished. Never has, never will. Bring in real companies that develop projects for the larger cities, know the financing opportunities, and let them do their work. This "half ass" development coffee shop talk we do is getting nowhere in this town.
What I find interesting Lois is how could Harl influence so many voters in the fourth Ward if he was according to you a failure, your logic doesn't make any sense??? Secondly so what if he did, is it any different than alderman Perez openly supporting candidates??? The voice of the people have spoke, accept it, lick your wounds and move on. I am more worried about creating jobs, funding a pool, and developing the riverfront and downtown area's.
2:06 Are you certain about your accusation? How can you prove it?
@3:53---personal witness who talked openly about it!! Enough said 3:53!
Always have to be careful of who you think has your back. Lesson learned a long time ago.
Thanks to everybody who participates in this town forum. Time will tell the future of Peru.
Looking at the population of the city, I will only say that the people employed by the city are the largest voting bloc there is = Harl re election..
I see where Ottawa gained another feather in their cap as Foothills Organics is moving from Utica to Ottawa. They really needed more room and I guess they thought a move there was better than a move to either La Salle or Peru. Certainly will be more local and tourist traffic there.
35% of the vote does not make me feel like the right man got elected. I hope Mayor Harl thinks long and hard about this number and gets it together to do some good for the people of Peru. I supported him 4yrs ago and have been very disappointed. He didn't get my vote this time. Time for people to start going to the council meetings.
Anon 9:04 I somewhat agree with you. What ward does Mike Hart live in. And who's up in two years that he could bump out? I think we are onto something here. We need to start searching out candidates for each ward now then get behind them for the next election.
@ Anonymous 3:50 Could you share how Alderman Perez openly supported Candidates? I heard him say he supported the Alderwoman because she was already working with him. But never heard him say or blog that he openly supported any other candidates. Who did he support for Mayor? Obviously not the mayor. Did Perez openly support candidates by going door to door and pushing certain candidates as Harl did? I'd like to know if that's true because I'll have a problem with Perez if he did.
Mayor Harl publicly and clearly shoved who he supported down everyone's throats including union and teacher groups.
Once again Lois you are talking out of both sides of your mouth, I remember you blogging that the city workers weren't supporting Harl?? Once again you need to move on.
Lois, I didn't say or mean ignore it but work through it that's how it should work but doesn't always, and we still have to be willing to get past disagrements and look forward that was my point. thank you. Joe Witczak
Looks like Rodney is caught again.
To simplify the analysis of the argument s about why the election turned out the way it did, just focus on what we all really know to be the case.
The majority of voters are ignorant to what is happening in their own city. People don't take the time to inquire or research what kind of people they hyave to choose from for elected office. People don't make the effort to learn about the qualifications and abilities of the people they intend to vote for or the ones they do not intend to vote for. I am referring to the majority of people in Peru. Not everyone. I know some folks to try to make an informed decision, but it is a small minority. Most people will simply have a short exchange with a family member or a neighbor about the incumbents and the challengers. A quick glance at the campaign material they found stuck near the mailbox and in the trash it goes. They will not make any effort to contact any sitting elected official or challenger to properly vet a candidate.
That takes way to much effort. The sad truth is most voters will make their decision based on some obscure hint or suggestive comment overheard while shopping or conducting their business. Many will just ask a friend. Who should I vote for? I guess I'll just vote for the guy who is already in there. Sad but true. People are stupid and this election proves it beyond a doubt!
Diana on 6:17PM April 10 a suggestion of having a primary was made with the request of others to express their ideas. There were three responses in favor and one who disagreed who incorrectly stated that the person should stop complaining because it would create partisan politics. The person was not complaing but was expressing a idea which offered a alternative of doing something which many are in disagreement with. The person did not ask to be insulted as I am sure I will be by 10:49. Incidently how would a primary create partisan politics rather than the simple elimination of candidates until the two finalist are chosen to run against each other, which most who would be against a primary are scared of.
Sometime if someone thinks outside the box a better idea is utilized, not all the time but sometime.
Primary is the BEST idea in a long time. The only ones that would not want a primary are the candidates who plant additional candidates in the election to split up the votes.(enough so it may work in their favor)
i believe city employees have quite a bit of influence on elections. they know the truth of what happens on the inside. i also believe that bully tactics are used and pressure is put on them to vote a certain way. wish i could say more but in the real world folks, job security is important.
There are many good ideas out there which would possibly improve our present methods of election. A primary would be one, another would be to consider having aldermen at large rather than ward aldermen or a percentage of each. It must be remembered that stature, state and federal would have to be followed.
If a committee, independent of the city government was formed to study citizens different ideas and petition the city government with those ideas the city would benefit.
A good example was mentioned about street improvement. The cost to towns which do straight line improvement is 70% in comparison to those that do ward to ward. Peru does ward to ward.
Recently the subject of home demolition was brought up with the suggestion that each aldermen brings in his own list of homes in his ward. What do you think is the best way to approach a expensive budget line as this?
Recently heard that a person can file a complaint against another and not have to appear in a city court of Peru when proceedings are being conducted. Is this true? Would someone please explain further.
I am not complaining but making a effort to open a discussion to see what others have as their viewpoints.
Art, You have the best thought ever with a primary. There is only one problem -- mayor H will not let that happen if he can help it. I know that there are many people out there that would like to see this done -- GO FOR IT!!!
Anon 12:41 check out Rodney Perez' s FB page, he openly endorsed Hart for mayor.
Lois if you read the article about Foothills Organics....they moved to Ottawa because that is where the majority of their customer base is. That was plainly stated.
9:12 PM
I have to admit I did not read the whole article, in fact saw an online version in one of the papers. All that makes sense about most of their customers are in Ottawa, we have family from Ottawa who patronize them and that is not really that far for any of us to travel and they really needed more room.
Anon 9:12 I do not see how Mayor Harl would be considered a problem with any good idea presented to the city.
On Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Mayors Debate the topic of pickleball was one of the questions and the Mayor stated that the majority rules and that is how things work.
Being that over 150 people were in attendence to hear this statement he has committed himself to follow his committment of majority rules.If questionable methods of government are presented in petition for a referendum Peru now has a Mayor who is committed to process the issue because he has committed to majority rules and the committment to discover what side the majority is positioned upon.
It is also the Mayors responsibility through the City Attorney to inform the citizens if the request is following state and federal statue.
10:41
I believe the mayor showed his view on reviewing petitions when he was a presented a petition regarding the venture drive changes. Unless the proper state procedure is to take them and then use them to line the bottom of bird cages, I do not think the petition method of communicating majority opinion of the public will carry much weight.
10:36 You hit on something there. Didn't the mayor state during the debate that the majority ruled when it came to pickleball? And, didn't the Dairy Queen manager have a petition with well over a thousand signatures asking that the intersection be changed? And, didn't the mayor refuse to even look at it? Does his policy only go into effect when he says so? It once again proves that in this small town of Peru it's who you are and who you know that counts. Not what is right and best for all.
Harl also said at the debate that the adventure drive intersection was a majority rules situation too. He said "the hotels and Home Depot sales are up, so if one business is hurt because of it, too bad". I'm glad I don't own Dairy Queen. And any business looking to move to Peru should keep this in mind. If you get in Harl's way, too bad for you, you're going to get screwed.
Anon 8:55 Facebook page? My kids have facebook but I don't.I called my daughter to have her look at his page and to let me know what he said about your claim that alderman Perez openly supported candidates. My daughter said she can't see his Facebook because they are not friends. That whole Facebook thing is not public i guess so please tell me where he publically endorsed certain candidates.
5;51
I thought that Home Depot said they were hurt by it?
7:12. At first, Home Depot was hurt by the intersection change. If we can believe what Harl said at the debate, he said their sales are up.
There sales may be up but not compared to others in the region, and they simply rebounded a bit . It would be nice if we could actually hear from the Home Depot manager or Mr Perez.
Up compared to what? Weeks after the change? YTD?
Compared to other HD stores in the region?
The hotels would be a ridiculous comparison, since anyone knows that staying at a roadside hotel as a traveler means wandering winding frontage roads more often than not. The intersection is inconvenient for routine shoppers of the area and results in fewer unplanned or discretionary trips.
11:10 PM
I think you are on to something, because we used to go to Target frequently and now I find myself saying while shopping elsewhere, "we need to go to Target and get the hash browns" and weeks later we have not gone there. I guess I will call that the UNFRIENDLY INTERSECTION. Were pylons meant to be a permanent way of driving or just temporary? Looks so unfinished. For the fussy man that our mayor is, he should designed a crummy intersection.
Anon 5:58 I'm sure Mr. Perez could tell you who he OPENLY endorsed for mayor, as well as Lois, they all are in the same camp. Sorry if you can't figure it out, Mr. Perez even commented on HART'S page. Still no big deal anyone can support anybody.
It's crummy looking, dangerous to maneuver, hard to get to destinations, and the street lights on 251 seem to be causing many, many cars to back up on 38th street both east and west of 251. I still, after all this time, see cars unsure of which way they have to go to get to whatever destination they choose. I have often wondered how many of the so called accidents on 251 (prior to this change) were actually a direct result of that intersection. Or, were they simply fender benders or someone going through a red light? And, I believe the mayor stated at the debate that there have been no accidents since the change but I do recall that I have witnessed at least 1 accident.
9:10 that is one of the scariest things about this whole admin. There have been many comments about accidents, fender benders at this new intersection, but the Mayor makes these statements and is backed by the police? Doesn't that worry anyone? Why doesnt anyone press this issue?
The sales taxes for all businesses are up because the tax rate went up since all this started. Harls just blowing smoke up our butts!
IMPEACH HIM AND DO NOT PUT UP WITH THIS ANOTHER 4 YEARS!!! LET HIM GO TO ITALY!!
Anon 3:02 If the ambulance service had to be called to the accident their records would be a source besides the police departments. Possibly the employees of DQ would be another since their employees would have plenty of time to observe what is going on outside because of lack of business since the Harl Highway was installed. Why doesn't he tell us about DQ's raise in sales taxes with a adjustment for the Harl tax employed.
Anon 4:28 Harl has been accused of being a creator of many smoke screens but your description is, well to put it bluntly on the nasty side. Great observation on why the sales taxes for all businesses went up. Smokey is well coached.
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