This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Seeing is Believing General Fund Expenses under Cemetery (in pink) and below
108 comments:
Anonymous
said...
ok it shows that the Mayor travels on behalf of the city. I am encouraged by that. Who went to the conference and who went to the party? I would think that the conference would have some information that would be useful for the city. After 40 years of service most would consider a party to be justified. Did anybody object to those items under public comment?
3:12 A party would most certainly be justified. A simple dinner , paid for by friends and co workers, like we do at my company, would be wonderful. But spending 1700 of tax payer funds is obscene.
Scott, or one of his little minions, or whoever you are- just keep daring people to bring it up at public comment. Your arrogance is palpable and in my experience, when a big guy sticks out his chin enough times and says I dare you to hit me, someone eventually knocks you out.
Never once in the past 4 1/2 years have I heard either the mayor of Peru or any of the alderman discuss what they learned at a conference. Year after year they go, have a jolly good time with expenses paid by the taxpayer, TEST and Chamlin. Having a good time on your dime once again. Anybody see a pattern here?
Lois, the way the Conference party goes Test on one night and Chamlin on the other. Friday and Saturday Night bash. Guess there's nothing illegal about it this has been going on for years. Who's all going this year?
Boycott Peru! Shop in Ottawa. Don't give these crooks any more money! Better yet, save up and go to Iowa or Indiana to shop! The only way this government is going to change is to starve them out.
The Salt March, also mainly known as the Salt Satyagraha, began with the Dandi March on 12 March 1930, and was an important part of the Indian independence movement. It was a direct action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, and triggered the wider Civil Disobedience Movement. This was the most significant organized challenge to British authority since the Non-co-operation movement of 1920–22, and directly followed the Purna Swaraj declaration of independence by the Indian National Congress on 26 January 1930
Well Radtke's wedding should cut down on expenses then since they won't be spending an extra night in Chicago this year. Will be watching IML expenditures very closely this year. Will there be valet charges again? I remember Perez explaining what he learned at the IML, but nobody else offered up what they learned.
I'm embarrassed to live in Peru tonight, our entire leadership has failed us. Radtke, Waldorf, now Pothoff and Harl have left our city a mess, this needs more publicity!!!
What gets me the people on here are full of hot air... Why dont u people run for office and make a difference!! Instead of nitpicking!! Its been long enough for this blog not getting into office and see what u can do!!
We don't need a multitude running for office for a few seats, look what happened in the mayoral race in April. BAD NEWS. But they are entitled to express their thoughts as long as it is within my guidelines as administrator of this blog. Thought I heard somewhere that might be in the Constitution "Freedom of Speech".
Many people write as they speak and that is just the way it is and I have no reason to not post if the intention is good. Actually I have the most issues with the well written, uncivil and just plain mean comments. Or the comments that are protecting lies and deceit and I know that is what they are about. Sure it is easy to hide behind a blog posting and some people do that. Lots of people may not be comfortable talking to their aldermen and after the TEST vote last week, I understand that also. So be respectful and don't call people morons or stupid, find better ways to express yourself. Use some civil discourse, most of you are capable of that.
Sounds like somebody is cooking the books. Why are they hiding this spending in the cemetary? Remember, Hurl originally ran on a platform to reform Peru's accounting. Sounds to me like he reformed it to hide spending. It's time for change.... to a City Manager form of government!
Lois your idea of freedom of speech is a joke. You have not posted some of my comments about the blog or when I disagree. I'm not hateful and I sometimes don't agree with city leaders. You just don't like that I can write a coherent sentence and back it up while I speak for a silent majority of people who truly love Peru and try to make it a better place. I am not an office holder and I do not work for the city. I am a business person, and frankly your blog does more damage than good.
You are not interested in divergent thoughts or different opinions, just catering to people like 8:53, who thinks our city is a mess. Or fine citizens like 7:25 who believes in killing the local economy to go pay higher taxes somewhere else. One of the many reason I love doing business in Peru is that is a business friendly place with low taxes. It takes brains to want to spend a tank of gas to pay higher sales taxes somewhere else.
How is Peru a mess 8:53? I'm assuming your choice for mayor did not get elected? Okay. That's how it works, but you guys see it as some type of corruption because there was no primary.
And a mayor and council members attending their annual convention in Chicago with the other mayor and council members from around the state. And businesses buying them dinner within the legal limits of the law. How crazy! Rehiring TEST! Concerts for a Cause! Where to hold fireworks! Pickle ball!
You are right! This town is out of control. And let me add that I pay far more in taxes than most. I have a business. I have nothing to do with the city, other than I think the city leaders basically to a decent job at a thankless job, even though I do not always agree with them.
Offer solutions! Stop spreading rumors. Run for office! DO something and contribute. Anyone can be an armchair quarterback for a job you do not understand and would never consider touching.
I doubt this will get posted but thank you for letting me share. And if you do Lois let the criticism begin!
8:09 I am not sure what you mean by it takes brains to purchase a tank of gas and shop elsewhere. Are you saying that you can save money by purchasing your gas here?
Its funny how many of Peru's decisons are setting examples for other cities. Private water treatment, homeowner reimbursement for flood prevention, referendum on swimming pools. Leaders who make a balanced budget a priority.
Anon 8:09 Why would a retirement party, Mayor's phone charges, Mayor's mileage and IML Conference be itemized in the GENERAL FUND UNDER CEMETERY? Anon 8:09 Where have you found the idea that because you are in business and pay more taxes than most(according to you), that this entitles you to more rights than others. This is, basically, what you are saying. Who do you compare yourself to when you say you pay more taxes than most and how do you know what I or anyone else pays for taxes. Are you perhaps in government? Anon 8:09 Lois, along with her husband Bob had a very reputable business in Peru for many years and I may add were also tax paying citizens and still are. Anon 8:09 Lois, as a public service to the citizens of Peru has given her time to donate to all of our basic freedoms so that we have a place to express ourselves on any subject we desire. If disatisfied with Lois or the comments that are discussed on her blog donate some of your own time and take ownership of a blog of your own. This will entitle you as a fellow American to enjoy a freedom which you seem to believe you are not always being given. In conclusion 8:09 I find your comment to be very judgemently restrictive and self centered. Thank goodness I do not find Lois' blog as limiting.
10:19 your definition of public service is somewhat self-serving. We all agree that freedom of speech is the right of everyone-despite if its factual or not. We also all agree that what you take from government and what you give to government has no effect on your right to express yourself.
Report says that dump truck was probably stolen sometime after 7:00p.m. Sunday. Wonder why it took so long to be reported. It's probably long gone by now. And, how did someone know it was after 7 on Sunday? Were they working?
Anon 10:12 AM What other cities are claiming that Peru's decisions are setting examples for their governments? You must be a member of the "inner circle" to have such closely kept knowledge because the majority have never been informed of such. Do these examples project Peru as a role model or as a classic warning as how not to conduct fair, transparent and honest representation of a group of people? It is obvious, whether you claim to be or deny, that you have some association with or are an elected city official or city appointment. Your efforts to sell the short list of recent government decisions are all based on recent failures. The private water treatment was forced upon constituents by a city council super majority without competitive biding for a contract. This procedure did not break any new ice as it has always been done this way since the 80's. The major reason that homeowners reimbursement for flood prevention was needed is because of the faulty engineering of using too small a water line into a larger line rather than vise-versa. This same engineering firm has had a lifelong work agreement with Peru and as the firm which does Peru's water treatment and waste disposal. No other corporation is consulted or reached out to for knowledge. This form of home cooking eventually leads all to the belief that the soup is delicious whether it is fresh or spoiled because it always tastes the same. The recent proposal of the mayor to obtain the councils desire of having a referendum on the swimming pool smelled of a communistic theory as soon as the add on, that property taxes would be increased to build a pool. Under this stipulation you might as well say the only public pool in Peru is , will continue to be and always will be the disease ridden Illinois River with its dangerous undercurrent. If the citizens of Peru had known years ago that Mayor Harl was creating his legacy by pulling a chain across the bottom of Vetereans Pool to close it down and never be replaced. He grew up in a town without a pool so therefore he cannot see the need of a pool and he will leave our town without a pool. Harl has no need of a pool but he is trying his best to deceive the members of the well formed pool committee and others who want a pool so he can control their present support and vote. He has to recognize this group because as large and strong as it is, it balances out the vote of the Peru city employees who have always swayed with and supported the incumbent Mayor. For this reason once elected Mayor of Peru it is easy to stay elected Mayor. He has over 200+ automatic votes in his hip pocket and is therfore hard to beat. Eventually the swimming pool committee, the creation of a PAC and other ideas will place this advantage in jeapordy. Now we finally come to the final item of the examples: leaders who make a balanced budget a priority. How do you do this? First and foremost take an elected Tresurers office at the pay of $6,000/year change the title to Budget Director and raise the pay to $24,000/year in the same term with the same person in office and than repeat the same for a second term. Remember that a budget is no more than a ESTIMATED cost of operating. Also remember that the honesty of your elected officials are going to be the determining factor of the success of your HOME RULE Government. In conclusion do you believe that: Scott Harls mileage $223.18 Scott Harls Iphone $139.54 Il Municipal League $2950.00 40th Retirement Party $1779.81 should be in the General Fund Expense under Cemetery. The last number of years have given me much more to work with but I have limited the examples to your comment. Really give these examples some serious thought!!!!!
Issues you mock because they are not impacting you, oh great business owner.
Rehiring TEST - without bidding to possibly save hundreds of thousands a year Concerts for a cause- tremendous liability and literally tens of thousands of tax dollars being spent for false charity concerts. Pickleball- certainly ok to break laws and bother people if it is not you or your family And selective recording of decisions that reflect poorly on them, unusual expenditures and accounting... These things cannot just be ignored.
The tax rates relative to local area are high... If you want to compare them to suburbs, why not go all the way and use Chicago.
Maybe you don't get posted because you make no sense at all?
I was at the council meeting on Monday. When Alderman Perez asked questions about line items on the disbursements sheet, and the clerk didn't have an immediate answer, Mayor Harl rudely told Alderman Perez to ask questions before the council meeting. Perez said he just got the packet on Friday and goes thru everything on Sunday and I assume he works on Monday. So much for open and honest government, right Mayor. Don't let the public know I'm sneaking payments thru the cemetery account!
Just read about operation promise (listed on right, on topics). DIRTY POLITICS THERE ALSO. FUNNELING MONEY FROM ACCOUNTS???? DONT FORGET HARL APPOINTED KING AS FIRE CHIEF, AND FIRE CHIEF KING DONATES TO HARLS CAMPAIGN FUND, $600 in 2012(?). HOW ABOUT SPENDING OF MONEY DONATED TO LIBERTY FIRE COMPANY????? NONE OF THIS MONEY SPENT TO OFFSET COST FROM TAXPAYERS/CITY FOR THE NEW PUMPER TRUCK THAT WAS ORDERED. SEEMS THAT NOBODY QUESTIONS THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS SPENDINGS. ??????????? Read all the blogs through the last 41/2 years regarding the fire department since Harl has been in office. Very interesting in my opinion and to several others.
A dump truck that was stolen on Sunday and not even missed until Wednesday surely does not need to be replaced. a honest cost analysis of this stolen truck will reveal financial savings for a city which had at least one truck too many. Less insurance , less license fees and above all less need of a rented storage area for city trucks. Maintenance and gas expenses will remain the same hopefully as the truck was stored way off in Never Never Land which only costs the city $700.00+ a month. We've cut everything to the bone. Haven't we Gary? Sure have Mayor.
Has the stolen city dump truck been located yet? I find it strange that it was stated that it was probably stolen sometime between 7 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 a.m. Monday. Was someone from the city down there on Sunday and if so, why? And, if it was found missing Monday at 6:30 a.m. why was the public not notified until Wednesday? I would think you would have a better chance of locating something the sooner it became public knowledge.
10:29 Sorry to burst your bubble but we have already approved purchasing another dump truck at the last city council meeting (before this one was stolen),
Payments through the cemetery account. More conspiracy creation, anybody who reads the above caption will notice that the library is also included on the same page. The disbursement is seperated by a dark line in both the library expense and the mayor expenses. I doubt that the expenses are being hidden in the cemetery account. You will also notice the coding is different, this will indicate that the theory of hidding expenses is inaccurate.
Who in their right mind is going to steal this type of truck and drive it to wherever? Seems odd. Like someone who has(possibly a city employee) info about where this truck is stored and how it is stored possibly, gave a heads up to whomever stoled it. A vehicle thief I would think isn't going to steal a city vehicle that would have to be driven through some part of town possibly in the middle if the night. Just doesn't make sense in my opinion. Insurance claim probably will pay more then this truck is really worth anyway. Just buy another brand new truck, peru has tons of money in some mystery account.
6:31 your right to be heard borders on creative imagination. First item talks about a swimming pool. Harl is giving the residents the right to build a pool with a referendum. The flood prevention problem has been a result of many factors. I like the idea that the residents were involved in the solution and the city helped make the solution affordable. All other towns have said "good luck" for flood relief. Private water treatment can be discussed from both sides. A LOCAL company that has done a good job as oppossed to a out-of town company without a track record or in-house crew with all the trappings of long term liabilities. You can make a arguement both ways....I just want clean water and crap to flow downhill. Hiding cost in other accounts? Thats a far reach. There is government audit procedures that prevent this, city clerk that codes the expenses. Your 200 vote estimate takes in that all employees and family always vote for the incumbant Mayor. Do you really believe that is true? It will never happen in any form of government with the democratic process. Give us something that has more facts before you make ASSumptions.
I called Perez and asked when it was he learned of the missing city truck. I was floored but not surprised by his answer. "I heard about it during Wednesday's afternoon News Break on WLPO" Why wouldn't city officials be told about this news. For even our city officials not to hear of this until later makes me wonder. Than again, others probably knew but didn't fill Perez In on the news. Sounds fishy to me. Purchase truck the same time one was discovered missing? Maybe the city needed two trucks and could only ask for one.
All I can say is the Rat's owners could have the job smashing the Flee Market. All they have to do is do it for a penny less than the people doing it now.
It is true about the city worker vote, I know that and do know that they partied hearty at the Maples with the mayors win. We don't live in caves and word gets around.
12:12 - given the choice between using local talent that has never worked outside of the area and totally outside talent - go with the outsiders every time. People who have lived and worked all of their lives in the LaSalle Peru area don't have much initiative and generally do things they way they have always been done. I have even heard some of our city boys bragging that they knonw how to work just hard enough but not "working themselves out of a job" - you seem, the unions teach them that you need to work slow so you have work tomorrow.
8:23 HAHAHAH your looking for conspiracy and blinded by the rumors that have no basis.
Its must more fun to bring conspiracy into every topic.
What is needed to prove form the 12:12 response?
Harl supports a referendum on the pool. It has been quoted in the Newstribune on several occasions.
Residents have taken advantage of the flood relief program.
Hiding costs in the cemetery? Read the above topic, it points out a expense. Just like the library itemized located on the same page. Are you ASSumming that the library is also covering up expenses under the cemetery? Not likely
The statement that indicates all employees vote for the incumbant will never be proven. We have this thing called voting in privacy. I would suggest that many employees are not always happy with the administration and may have possibly voted for someone else.
8:23 its hard to explain facts when your mind is clouded by conspiracy. I do have a suggestion, call Harl and ask him if your notes are factual or blantant lies.
Anon 11:12 Harl has mislead so many so often that he himself is totally confused between what is factual or a blatant lie. Besides it is evident that he is too far down in the process of city decision making to waste the time. Again instead of repeating yourself I will advise you if you believe these facts are ASSumptions rather than fact PROVE it.
The assumption joke is so old it has mold on it. The truth of the matter is, everyone involved with the City of Peru has their own secret agenda. In Peru, it is a rare bird that gets into public service to serve the public. I can only count one person in the "new and improved" City of Peru organization that has "to serve the public" as his goal. And you can take that to the bank, along with your parties and fund raisers.
Anon 2:07 Everything you write sadly is true. The one and only present city official that serves the public as his goal to me is Alderman Perez. Alderman Mayszak also fit this description and look at the "Thanks" she got. Does anyone else have anyone they believe that is embracing the obligations of a "Peoples Representative". Until the day arrives where the concerned citizens outnumber the indifferent (those who vote by organizations, nepotism, private self gain and friendships) nothing politically is going to change.
Anon 11:12AM Are you referring to Scott Harl the present Mayor who at the Peru Public Library during the Candidates Debate stated that "issues are put to a vote and the majority wins that is how it works". Are you seriously suggesting to someone to call this same individual to ask if their notes are factual or blatant lies. With this idea you have lost all credability as has Harl. How many others who were at the library debate remember him saying this? I emphasize majority wins, NOT super majority! Anon 11:12 ask and hold hands with this individual yourself I hate to have to count my fingers after shaking hands to make sure they are all there.
What time did you say the Mayors Victory Party shut down with the city employees? Was it before legal closing time? Didn't read of any red, blue and white flashing lights so everyone must have been drinking non alcoholic drinks. Great location for Major McCheese to have a party close by McDonalds.
Really an 1800.00 party?? i believe quite a few city workers have retired with several years of service why was he treated so royally? was kristy at that party too? any pictures or videos she going to share...long 4 years that is for sure.
Being that most have worked at employers that allowed a retirement party but you the employees had to pay for the party on your own buck if I as a citizen of Peru wish to throw a retirement party for another citizen of Peru will the city pay for the party? This is exactly what transpired at this particular $1800 retirement party. The government representation of the City of Peru has acquired the mentality that shows evidence that our money is so easily accessable for them to acquire that they blatantly are wasting it. You will never see a city manager in Peru with this government body. City Managers are fiscally responsible by virtue of their position.
USA Today paper page 3A, a volunteer paid fire department in North Liberty, Iowa approved a plan to replacing a $500 a year stipend for volunteer fireman to $7-13 per call if a fireman reports to less than 18% of calls a quarter. if the volunteer goes over 18% or more of calls the fireman will receive $8-$14 per call. Doesn't our fire department pay $33(?) per call no matter what the percentage is? Are we paying an extremely high amount? Could $ be saved here. Who determines this pay per call rate. Interesting article. There wasn't a blog topic to blog this so I just put it here.
The fire chief should be one of the four full-time city employees(fire engineers). Already being paid a very decent salary with all the benefits. And the assistant fire should be another one of those four. Think of the savings of money. It has been said that these four full-time city fire engineers have a lot of time not doing anything. Consolidate these two positions to save taxpayers money. Something for the city to consider. Wonder if a city manager could have figured this one out.
9:32, if a volunteer fireman makes a high percentage of calls in a pay period at $33 a call, however short the call is, that would be a hefty paying part-time job/service/VOLUNTEER. 9:32, that information from your reading USA today is interesting. I don't read that paper. However, I do read three other papers on a regular basic. Has anybody on the city council or mayor bothered or took the time to do any research on this topic? Maybe it needs and should be done.
A couple of fire engineers are reaching retirement with the City. Possibly the city should look to advertising for their replacement not just in house but out when the appropriate time come for hiring. Hire a Fire Engineer with a bachelors or masters degree in fire science with a few years experience. Very cost effective for the city.
Save $17-$18 thousand a year by having two of the fire engineers as a fire chief and asst chief, plus save many thousands of dollars in salary per year for new fire engineer with a fire science degree to replace one whom will be retiring(whose salary is $75,000)?)) when one retires. Money saved in this department can be used for something such as a swimming pool. Don't forget peru isn't DesMoines, Iowa, Bloomington , Rockford or Joliet whereas fire chiefs are paid a high salary.
Read tonight's paper under open forum. If the city would be fiscally responsibly with what's best for the city regarding above posts, fair bidding process, etc.. , goals to improve our city would be attainable(ex:pool), but it seems that many of the alderman and mayor don't go by the motto of being fiscally responsible. Spending money unnecessary and keeping us taxpayers wondering and questioning. Grow up boys/girls, your not 30 anymore. Think about the future for your children and grandchildren.
Anon 5:51 Why not have one instead of two for everyting in LaSalle-Peru? The two towns should be combined and managed under one government. They should be combined but most likely they never will. The two towns don't trust one another and have a long history of jealousies of each other. LaSalle was Peru's big brother at one time and Peru has never forgot that it was the little sister, and LaSalle has never forgotten it either. Traveling on State Route 6 there is only the physical span of a short bridge seperating the two cities but the self proclaimed slogan "Leader of the Illinois Valley" has maintained them to be miles apart where pride rules rather than common sense. Today, similar to the Democratic and Republican Parties, Peru and LaSalle are futher apart than they ever have been. If you don't believe this try to combine them.
I'm from peru and to be honest there has been times in social situations that I've witnesses persons asking someone where they live and when the person replies with lasalle, there is silence for a few seconds. Sad but true. In a few years perus residents are going to re-evaluate their own attitudes. Due to the fact the community/city is rapidly changing.
Are you kidding- Lasalles pool wouldn't and might not be good enough for some people in peru. It's not new and the state of the art. Get real. True, why would lasalle want to combine anything with peru? Lasalle has it going on. Guarantee you if a person has a concern or issue in Lasalle and they call their mayor or alderman, a phone call in returned personally most of the time within a day from mayor grove or their alderman. Now, that's what I call not hiding under the sheets. I know several people in lasalle that have attested to this. Evidently this doesn't happen in peru. Nor does lasalle have an abundance of closed, behind the door sessions/meetings. TRANSPARENCY!
7:19 wow.....your comment that states ''go with the outsider everytime ''may be the most irresponsible statement ever made. Local business creates jobs, taxes and resources that build your community. They build your schools and assist with tax rates. Money that stays in the community, spends in the community. You wouldn't be able to collect your government benefits without those that create jobs. Your wouldn't be able to collect that disability without those local jobs. Buy local and hire local.
A friend of mine lives in lasalle and on two occasions during Mayor Groves mayoralship my friend had called him and left a message on his phone. Not only did Mayor Grove have the professionalism to return my friends call within the day, he had also had taken the time to go over to my friends house so he could see personally what my friend had an issue with. Now, that's how a mayor who keeps his promises in which he campaigned upon. He works and was elected by the people for the people.This is something that LaSalle should be proud of. My friend isn't in any way in the political area nor does my friend complain over menial things, nor is my friend a friend of Mayor Groves. My friend is just a normal tax paying citizen of LaSalle and was treated with respect.
2:51 I bet the Peru mayor has never been to a residence unless he had a personal benefit to him or his buds during the visit. We can't even get him to answer his phone or his email!!
Dear 1015am Its called personal agenda, i agree with what your saying and would like to add "how can our fire chief order fire department needs for our fire dept from his company located in the Quad cities ? I think this is a conflict of interest, here he gets a paycheck from the city and probably one from his company. Isnt that "double dipping"? He spends our tax dollars buying supplies from his company? Do not just question his spending habits, we should also question his character. Did he not get asked to leave the Cops for Cancer benefit two years in a row? Wasnt there also a blog about him getting his boat stuck in mud which assisstance was needed by the Standard FD. And what about all the rumors regarding his womanizing habits. This man and Harl should both go. They have done nothing but embarress the city!! I ask this, Was the city really this bad with Baker in office? Is the city in better shape now? Just think about it.
12:13 regarding boat stuck in mud, he was a passenger in a boat stuck in mud, not a boat of his in co-ownership. From what I heard he got out of boat while in mud, was able to get to a house to report boat stuck. Standard fd hoovercraft helped rescue boat and people. I also read that address unknown for Fire Chief. Kinda strange how a fire chief of a town in close proximity should not know address of a fire chief. Question: Why wasn't DNR contacted for this rescue? Google: hoovercraft rescues stranded boaters in bureau valley. There was a article in a paper also, can't remember which one.
How much equipment is ordered from fire chiefs-company, if so? Is equipment ordered through Liberty Fire Company(fundraising organization) ? If so, the City supposedly has nothing to do with liberty. So, Liberty fire company members would know. Is thiis a reason why LIBERTY FIRE COMPANY DOESNT SHOW US THEIR FINANCIALS? Something to think about. If city pays for purchases, they should have that information. Request that information since April 2009. Someone step up to plate here. As far as personal behavior, if off the clock, should be of no concern, if on the clock, different story. Grey area there. Facts must be able to be backed up if certain comments are put out there in social media.
10:15's blog. Regarding funneling money in account. Believe means money for OP was in wrong account. Wasn't that issue resolved a few month ago. Move forward. Next.
What's the policy in peru regarding purchasing products, etc. from a company in which a person such as a fire chief is a owner of? If this is true. Maybe it's not a issue. Don't know. Wasn't it daylight when boat got stuck in sawmill lake? Boat left the channel evidently and evidently everybody on board was living it up and wasn't paying attention which can happen. Personal time. Accidental incidents happen. A lot of positions should uphold a code of conduct however.
Better yet, how many checks have been paid to the order of fire chief from the city of peru or from liberty fire company that not for salary for position of fire chief/paid on call fireman? If equipment has/is/was purchased from his business for the city and/or fd what type of p.o./receipt,'etc. we're given. Payments in checks made out to chief personally or to the business. Who should be investigating this and let us taxpayers know? Very interesting here. If ever payment for purchases were made out directly to a person instead of business, how was taxes paid? Liberty Fire Company has their annual fundraiser which raises money for equipment, training, social gatherings, etc..., so Liberty's books and accounting methods would be a good place to start to see what company purchases are made from since April 2009.
Alderman Perez would have information about purchasing of equipment for fire department. He used to be a member of liberty fire company. Very interesting.
In a paper today page A3 SpringValley is looking to raise its fire chiefs pay to $200 A MONTH. It didn't mention what the current pay is per month. Doesn't our fire chief make in the 9k-11k(thousand) a year? Plus pay for each fire call in attendance?. So, our fire chief gets paid approx. $833 a month based on a 10k a year salary. And spring valley is looking to raise theirs to $200 a month. A Huge difference. What is the exact pay for our chief and asst chief?
Let's see from 2008 to present salaries for fire chief and assistant fire chief. 2008 will be Bakers mayorship and 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013(will be) a Harls mayorship. We can see pay percentage increases and how Harl has been spending money in this department, since we know he has received campaign donations specifically from certain persons such as our fire chief. Wonder if Liberty fire company ever donated to Harls campaign fund.
1229-i agree with you, pretty fishy! 209-just look at the city financials given out at the council meetings, as for the behavior of one individual, it is a fact and can be backed up or even proven. I agree with 229 about a "code of conduct" for city officials.
Sooner or later someone is going to find the key to open the closet door with all of the old skeltons in it. Than maybe we'll know why a certain gentleman went back to Houston, Texas and TEST was created. Also why all billing was channeled from one corporation through one of three other firms for a 5% charge. It is getting close to Halloween isn't it?
Anon 8:07 Thank you, I was under the opinion that there was a $5K maximum. What the time limit per $5K I am not sure of. What if your business was lowest bidder?
7:04 what pleasure does it give you to speak in tounhes on a blog? If you have something to say, say it. It sounds like you know something about a certain individual and the creation of TEST.
But most of us have no idea what you are taking abou! What does Halloween have to do with it?
Doesn't matter if you are the lowest bidder. Example if you are on a school board, your business cannot bid on anything the school buys or subcontracts out. Period! Its the law started about 3 years ago.
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW 12:13.. WOW WOW WOW. You must have some proof of what you blogged in order to have blogged what you did. WOW. DO YOU HAVE PROOF? Curious.
How many children of city employees have had summer work with the city since 2009? How many have worked in the Parks? Fire department? If any have worked at the fd, my question is why? What did they actually do? Don't the full-time fire engineers clean and polish the trucks and keep fire house clean? Could this have been a unnecessary expense if true? Or is this a case of who you know? Mr. Alderman Perez, could you please answer these questions? This same question if my memory serves me correct was asked several times many months ago. But again, no answers were given.
108 comments:
ok it shows that the Mayor travels on behalf of the city. I am encouraged by that. Who went to the conference and who went to the party? I would think that the conference would have some information that would be useful for the city. After 40 years of service most would consider a party to be justified. Did anybody object to those items under public comment?
3:12 A party would most certainly be justified. A simple dinner , paid for by friends and co workers, like we do at my company, would be wonderful. But spending 1700 of tax payer funds is obscene.
Scott, or one of his little minions, or whoever you are- just keep daring people to bring it up at public comment. Your arrogance is palpable and in my experience, when a big guy sticks out his chin enough times and says I dare you to hit me, someone eventually knocks you out.
3:12 What are you smoking? $1800 for one person to retire? Give me a break!
I would suspect that MP from Chamlin's and CP from TEST were also invited to the retirement party.
Is there going to be a TEST and/or Chamlin's dinner at the IML this year? My guess is yes, since they got new contracts!
6:11 PM
Date is Friday night October 18.
3:12 PM
Never once in the past 4 1/2 years have I heard either the mayor of Peru or any of the alderman discuss what they learned at a conference. Year after year they go, have a jolly good time with expenses paid by the taxpayer, TEST and Chamlin. Having a good time on your dime once again. Anybody see a pattern here?
Lois, the way the Conference party goes Test on one night and Chamlin on the other. Friday and Saturday Night bash.
Guess there's nothing illegal about it this has been going on for years. Who's all going this year?
Boycott Peru! Shop in Ottawa. Don't give these crooks any more money! Better yet, save up and go to Iowa or Indiana to shop! The only way this government is going to change is to starve them out.
The Salt March, also mainly known as the Salt Satyagraha, began with the Dandi March on 12 March 1930, and was an important part of the Indian independence movement. It was a direct action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, and triggered the wider Civil Disobedience Movement. This was the most significant organized challenge to British authority since the Non-co-operation movement of 1920–22, and directly followed the Purna Swaraj declaration of independence by the Indian National Congress on 26 January 1930
6:30 PM
Alderman Radtke is getting married on October 19, so they must be back for the wedding. Maybe they will party all night and all the next day.
Doesn't anyone think it is odd it is under cemetery? Are we trying to bury something here or what?
Well Radtke's wedding should cut down on expenses then since they won't be spending an extra night in Chicago this year. Will be watching IML expenditures very closely this year. Will there be valet charges again? I remember Perez explaining what he learned at the IML, but nobody else offered up what they learned.
I'm embarrassed to live in Peru tonight, our entire leadership has failed us. Radtke, Waldorf, now Pothoff and Harl have left our city a mess, this needs more publicity!!!
The right spice is a famous spot for democrats, township Christmas party there every year and now I heard Vickrey changed political party
What gets me the people on here are full of hot air... Why dont u people run for office and make a difference!! Instead of nitpicking!! Its been long enough for this blog not getting into office and see what u can do!!
We don't need a multitude running for office for a few seats, look what happened in the mayoral race in April. BAD NEWS.
But they are entitled to express their thoughts as long as it is within my guidelines as administrator of this blog. Thought I heard somewhere that might be in the Constitution "Freedom of Speech".
922. I agree with you Lois. My question is: how much more of this are you going to take?!?!
9:37 PM
Many people write as they speak and that is just the way it is and I have no reason to not post if the intention is good. Actually I have the most issues with the well written, uncivil and just plain mean comments. Or the comments that are protecting lies and deceit and I know that is what they are about.
Sure it is easy to hide behind a blog posting and some people do that. Lots of people may not be comfortable talking to their aldermen and after the TEST vote last week, I understand that also. So be respectful and don't call people morons or stupid, find better ways to express yourself. Use some civil discourse, most of you are capable of that.
Sounds like somebody is cooking the books. Why are they hiding this spending in the cemetary? Remember, Hurl originally ran on a platform to reform Peru's accounting. Sounds to me like he reformed it to hide spending. It's time for change.... to a City Manager form of government!
Lois your idea of freedom of speech is a joke. You have not posted some of my comments about the blog or when I disagree. I'm not hateful and I sometimes don't agree with city leaders. You just don't like that I can write a coherent sentence and back it up while I speak for a silent majority of people who truly love Peru and try to make it a better place. I am not an office holder and I do not work for the city. I am a business person, and frankly your blog does more damage than good.
You are not interested in divergent thoughts or different opinions, just catering to people like 8:53, who thinks our city is a mess. Or fine citizens like 7:25 who believes in killing the local economy to go pay higher taxes somewhere else. One of the many reason I love doing business in Peru is that is a business friendly place with low taxes. It takes brains to want to spend a tank of gas to pay higher sales taxes somewhere else.
How is Peru a mess 8:53? I'm assuming your choice for mayor did not get elected? Okay. That's how it works, but you guys see it as some type of corruption because there was no primary.
And a mayor and council members attending their annual convention in Chicago with the other mayor and council members from around the state. And businesses buying them dinner within the legal limits of the law. How crazy! Rehiring TEST! Concerts for a Cause! Where to hold fireworks! Pickle ball!
You are right! This town is out of control. And let me add that I pay far more in taxes than most. I have a business. I have nothing to do with the city, other than I think the city leaders basically to a decent job at a thankless job, even though I do not always agree with them.
Offer solutions! Stop spreading rumors. Run for office! DO something and contribute. Anyone can be an armchair quarterback for a job you do not understand and would never consider touching.
I doubt this will get posted but thank you for letting me share. And if you do Lois let the criticism begin!
8:09 I am not sure what you mean by it takes brains to purchase a tank of gas and shop elsewhere. Are you saying that you can save money by purchasing your gas here?
Its funny how many of Peru's decisons are setting examples for other cities.
Private water treatment, homeowner reimbursement for flood prevention, referendum on swimming pools. Leaders who make a balanced budget a priority.
Boycott Peru! Take your tax money elsewhere! That is the only way they will reform!
Anon 8:09 Why would a retirement party, Mayor's phone charges, Mayor's mileage and IML Conference be itemized in the GENERAL FUND UNDER CEMETERY?
Anon 8:09 Where have you found the idea that because you are in business and pay more taxes than most(according to you), that this entitles you to more rights than others. This is, basically, what you are saying. Who do you compare yourself to when you say you pay more taxes than most and how do you know what I or anyone else pays for taxes. Are you perhaps in government?
Anon 8:09 Lois, along with her husband Bob had a very reputable business in Peru for many years and I may add were also tax paying citizens and still are.
Anon 8:09 Lois, as a public service to the citizens of Peru has given her time to donate to all of our basic freedoms so that we have a place to express ourselves on any subject we desire. If disatisfied with Lois or the comments that are discussed on her blog donate some of your own time and take ownership of a blog of your own. This will entitle you as a fellow American to enjoy a freedom which you seem to believe you are not always being given.
In conclusion 8:09 I find your comment to be very judgemently restrictive and self centered. Thank goodness I do not find Lois' blog as limiting.
10:19 your definition of public service is somewhat self-serving. We all agree that freedom of speech is the right of everyone-despite if its factual or not. We also all agree that what you take from government and what you give to government has no effect on your right to express yourself.
8:09 Who are you?
City of Peru dump truck stolen from storage garage on Market Street
1:17 some of those Dump trucks hold some serious secrets that cannot be removed by no
Report says that dump truck was probably stolen sometime after 7:00p.m. Sunday. Wonder why it took so long to be reported. It's probably long gone by now. And, how did someone know it was after 7 on Sunday? Were they working?
Do they leave the keys in the vehicles?
Maybe it is a cover-up to throw off people for the missing tools.
Anon 10:12 AM What other cities are claiming that Peru's decisions are setting examples for their governments? You must be a member of the "inner circle" to have such closely kept knowledge because the majority have never been informed of such. Do these examples project Peru as a role model or as a classic warning as how not to conduct fair, transparent and honest representation of a group of people?
It is obvious, whether you claim to be or deny, that you have some association with or are an elected city official or city appointment.
Your efforts to sell the short list of recent government decisions are all based on recent failures. The private water treatment was forced upon constituents by a city council super majority without competitive biding for a contract. This procedure did not break any new ice as it has always been done this way since the 80's.
The major reason that homeowners reimbursement for flood prevention was needed is because of the faulty engineering of using too small a water line into a larger line rather than vise-versa. This same engineering firm has had a lifelong work agreement with Peru and as the firm which does Peru's water treatment and waste disposal. No other corporation is consulted or reached out to for knowledge. This form of home cooking eventually leads all to the belief that the soup is delicious whether it is fresh or spoiled because it always tastes the same.
The recent proposal of the mayor to obtain the councils desire of having a referendum on the swimming pool smelled of a communistic theory as soon as the add on, that property taxes would be increased to build a pool. Under this stipulation you might as well say the only public pool in Peru is , will continue to be and always will be the disease ridden Illinois River with its dangerous undercurrent. If the citizens of Peru had known years ago that Mayor Harl was creating his legacy by pulling a chain across the bottom of Vetereans Pool to close it down and never be replaced. He grew up in a town without a pool so therefore he cannot see the need of a pool and he will leave our town without a pool.
Harl has no need of a pool but he is trying his best to deceive the members of the well formed pool committee and others who want a pool so he can control their present support and vote.
He has to recognize this group because as large and strong as it is, it balances out the vote of the Peru city employees who have always swayed with and supported the incumbent Mayor. For this reason once elected Mayor of Peru it is easy to stay elected Mayor. He has over 200+ automatic votes in his hip pocket and is therfore hard to beat. Eventually the swimming pool committee, the creation of a PAC and other ideas will place this advantage in jeapordy.
Now we finally come to the final item of the examples: leaders who make a balanced budget a priority. How do you do this? First and foremost take an elected Tresurers office at the pay of $6,000/year change the title to Budget Director and raise the pay to $24,000/year in the same term with the same person in office and than repeat the same for a second term. Remember that a budget is no more than a ESTIMATED cost of operating. Also remember that the honesty of your elected officials are going to be the determining factor of the success of your HOME RULE Government. In conclusion do you believe that:
Scott Harls mileage $223.18
Scott Harls Iphone $139.54
Il Municipal League $2950.00
40th Retirement Party $1779.81
should be in the General Fund Expense under Cemetery.
The last number of years have given me much more to work with but I have limited the examples to your comment. Really give these examples some serious thought!!!!!
Or 6:31 10:12 read the paper early or knew what went on at the Lasalle meeting regarding the reimbursement to homeowners on flooding issues.
10:12
Issues you mock because they are not impacting you, oh great business owner.
Rehiring TEST - without bidding to possibly save hundreds of thousands a year
Concerts for a cause- tremendous liability and literally tens of thousands of tax dollars being spent for false charity concerts.
Pickleball- certainly ok to break laws and bother people if it is not you or your family
And selective recording of decisions that reflect poorly on them, unusual expenditures and accounting... These things cannot just be ignored.
The tax rates relative to local area are high... If you want to compare them to suburbs, why not go all the way and use Chicago.
Maybe you don't get posted because you make no sense at all?
I was at the council meeting on Monday. When Alderman Perez asked questions about line items on the disbursements sheet, and the clerk didn't have an immediate answer, Mayor Harl rudely told Alderman Perez to ask questions before the council meeting. Perez said he just got the packet on Friday and goes thru everything on Sunday and I assume he works on Monday. So much for open and honest government, right Mayor. Don't let the public know I'm sneaking payments thru the cemetery account!
somebody should steal the township trucks - at least they would get driven that way!
Out of curiosity, did the bill include liquor? thought city couldnt purchase booze
Just read about operation promise (listed on right, on topics). DIRTY POLITICS THERE ALSO. FUNNELING MONEY FROM ACCOUNTS???? DONT FORGET HARL APPOINTED KING AS FIRE CHIEF, AND FIRE CHIEF KING DONATES TO HARLS CAMPAIGN FUND, $600 in 2012(?). HOW ABOUT SPENDING OF MONEY DONATED TO LIBERTY FIRE COMPANY????? NONE OF THIS MONEY SPENT TO OFFSET COST FROM TAXPAYERS/CITY FOR THE NEW PUMPER TRUCK THAT WAS ORDERED. SEEMS THAT NOBODY QUESTIONS THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS SPENDINGS. ??????????? Read all the blogs through the last 41/2 years regarding the fire department since Harl has been in office. Very interesting in my opinion and to several others.
A dump truck that was stolen on Sunday and not even missed until Wednesday surely does not need to be replaced. a honest cost analysis of this stolen truck will reveal financial savings for a city which had at least one truck too many. Less insurance , less license fees and above all less need of a rented storage area for city trucks. Maintenance and gas expenses will remain the same hopefully as the truck was stored way off in Never Never Land which only costs the city $700.00+ a month. We've cut everything to the bone. Haven't we Gary? Sure have Mayor.
Has the stolen city dump truck been located yet? I find it strange that it was stated that it was probably stolen sometime between 7 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 a.m. Monday. Was someone from the city down there on Sunday and if so, why? And, if it was found missing Monday at 6:30 a.m. why was the public not notified until Wednesday? I would think you would have a better chance of locating something the sooner it became public knowledge.
10:29 Sorry to burst your bubble but we have already approved purchasing another dump truck at the last city council meeting (before this one was stolen),
Payments through the cemetery account. More conspiracy creation, anybody who reads the above caption will notice that the library is also included on the same page. The disbursement is seperated by a dark line in both the library expense and the mayor expenses. I doubt that the expenses are being hidden in the cemetery account. You will also notice the coding is different, this will indicate that the theory of hidding expenses is inaccurate.
THE RAT IS BACK! 4-5 USELESS UNION BOYS SITTING BY IT IN FRONT OF THE CLEAN-UP AT THE FLEA MARKET.
Who in their right mind is going to steal this type of truck and drive it to wherever? Seems odd. Like someone who has(possibly a city employee) info about where this truck is stored and how it is stored possibly, gave a heads up to whomever stoled it. A vehicle thief I would think isn't going to steal a city vehicle that would have to be driven through some part of town possibly in the middle if the night. Just doesn't make sense in my opinion. Insurance claim probably will pay more then this truck is really worth anyway. Just buy another brand new truck, peru has tons of money in some mystery account.
6:31 your right to be heard borders on creative imagination. First item talks about a swimming pool. Harl is giving the residents the right to build a pool with a referendum. The flood prevention problem has been a result of many factors. I like the idea that the residents were involved in the solution and the city helped make the solution affordable. All other towns have said "good luck" for flood relief. Private water treatment can be discussed from both sides. A LOCAL company that has done a good job as oppossed to a out-of town company without a track record or in-house crew with all the trappings of long term liabilities. You can make a arguement both ways....I just want clean water and crap to flow downhill. Hiding cost in other accounts? Thats a far reach. There is government audit procedures that prevent this, city clerk that codes the expenses. Your 200 vote estimate takes in that all employees and family always vote for the incumbant Mayor. Do you really believe that is true? It will never happen in any form of government with the democratic process. Give us something that has more facts before you make ASSumptions.
I called Perez and asked when it was he learned of the missing city truck. I was floored but not surprised by his answer. "I heard about it during Wednesday's afternoon News Break on WLPO"
Why wouldn't city officials be told about this news. For even our city officials not to hear of this until later makes me wonder. Than again, others probably knew but didn't fill Perez In on the news. Sounds fishy to me. Purchase truck the same time one was discovered missing? Maybe the city needed two trucks and could only ask for one.
was there a city seal on this truck?
Maybe those union boys sitting should get a part time job at mcdonalds and see what it's like to actually do some work and make minimum wage.
All I can say is the Rat's owners could have the job smashing the Flee Market. All they have to do is do it for a penny less than the people doing it now.
vickrey is still a repub and i believe the right spice was his head quarters very republican
12:12 PM
It is true about the city worker vote, I know that and do know that they partied hearty at the Maples with the mayors win. We don't live in caves and word gets around.
12:12 - given the choice between using local talent that has never worked outside of the area and totally outside talent - go with the outsiders every time. People who have lived and worked all of their lives in the LaSalle Peru area don't have much initiative and generally do things they way they have always been done. I have even heard some of our city boys bragging that they knonw how to work just hard enough but not "working themselves out of a job" - you seem, the unions teach them that you need to work slow so you have work tomorrow.
ANON 12:12 Anon 6:31 answered Anon 10:12 line for line with fact after fact. If you believe these facts are ASSumptions rather than fact PROVE it.
8:23 HAHAHAH your looking for conspiracy and blinded by the rumors that have no basis.
Its must more fun to bring conspiracy into every topic.
What is needed to prove form the 12:12 response?
Harl supports a referendum on the pool. It has been quoted in the Newstribune on several occasions.
Residents have taken advantage of the flood relief program.
Hiding costs in the cemetery? Read the above topic, it points out a expense. Just like the library itemized located on the same page. Are you ASSumming that the library is also covering up expenses under the cemetery? Not likely
The statement that indicates all employees vote for the incumbant will never be proven. We have this thing called voting in privacy. I would suggest that many employees are not always happy with the administration and may have possibly voted for someone else.
8:23 its hard to explain facts when your mind is clouded by conspiracy. I do have a suggestion, call Harl and ask him if your notes are factual or blantant lies.
Anon 11:12 Harl has mislead so many so often that he himself is totally confused between what is factual or a blatant lie. Besides it is evident that he is too far down in the process of city decision making to waste the time.
Again instead of repeating yourself I will advise you if you believe these facts are ASSumptions rather than fact PROVE it.
The assumption joke is so old it has mold on it.
The truth of the matter is, everyone involved with the City of Peru has their own secret agenda. In Peru, it is a rare bird that gets into public service to serve the public. I can only count one person in the "new and improved" City of Peru organization that has "to serve the public" as his goal. And you can take that to the bank, along with your parties and fund raisers.
2:07 PM
You are so right and to enter public service for your own gain is o wrong and makes you nothing more than just another politician.
Sometimes people run with good intents but cannot resist the temptation to care more for yourself than the people you represent.
Anon 2:07 Everything you write sadly is true. The one and only present city official that serves the public as his goal to me is Alderman Perez. Alderman Mayszak also fit this description and look at the "Thanks" she got. Does anyone else have anyone they believe that is embracing the obligations of a "Peoples Representative".
Until the day arrives where the concerned citizens outnumber the indifferent (those who vote by organizations, nepotism, private self gain and friendships) nothing politically is going to change.
Anon 11:12AM Are you referring to Scott Harl the present Mayor who at the Peru Public Library during the Candidates Debate stated that "issues are put to a vote and the majority wins that is how it works".
Are you seriously suggesting to someone to call this same individual to ask if their notes are factual or blatant lies. With this idea you have lost all credability as has Harl.
How many others who were at the library debate remember him saying this? I emphasize majority wins, NOT super majority! Anon 11:12 ask and hold hands with this individual yourself I hate to have to count my fingers after shaking hands to make sure they are all there.
What time did you say the Mayors Victory Party shut down with the city employees? Was it before legal closing time?
Didn't read of any red, blue and white flashing lights so everyone must have been drinking non alcoholic drinks.
Great location for Major McCheese to have a party close by McDonalds.
Really an 1800.00 party?? i believe quite a few city workers have retired with several years of service why was he treated so royally? was kristy at that party too? any pictures or videos she going to share...long 4 years that is for sure.
Hope the next guy is more useful.
Being that most have worked at employers that allowed a retirement party but you the employees had to pay for the party on your own buck if I as a citizen of Peru wish to throw a retirement party for another citizen of Peru will the city pay for the party?
This is exactly what transpired at this particular $1800 retirement party. The government representation of the City of Peru has acquired the mentality that shows evidence that our money is so easily accessable for them to acquire that they blatantly are wasting it. You will never see a city manager in Peru with this government body. City Managers are fiscally responsible by virtue of their position.
USA Today paper page 3A, a volunteer paid fire department in North Liberty, Iowa approved a plan to replacing a $500 a year stipend for volunteer fireman to $7-13 per call if a fireman reports to less than 18% of calls a quarter. if the volunteer goes over 18% or more of calls the fireman will receive $8-$14 per call. Doesn't our fire department pay $33(?) per call no matter what the percentage is? Are we paying an extremely high amount? Could $ be saved here. Who determines this pay per call rate. Interesting article. There wasn't a blog topic to blog this so I just put it here.
Why does Peru have cemetery investments in Bank of India?
The fire chief should be one of the four full-time city employees(fire engineers). Already being paid a very decent salary with all the benefits. And the assistant fire should be another one of those four. Think of the savings of money. It has been said that these four full-time city fire engineers have a lot of time not doing anything. Consolidate these two positions to save taxpayers money. Something for the city to consider. Wonder if a city manager could have figured this one out.
9:32, if a volunteer fireman makes a high percentage of calls in a pay period at $33 a call, however short the call is, that would be a hefty paying part-time job/service/VOLUNTEER. 9:32, that information from your reading USA today is interesting. I don't read that paper. However, I do read three other papers on a regular basic. Has anybody on the city council or mayor bothered or took the time to do any research on this topic? Maybe it needs and should be done.
A couple of fire engineers are reaching retirement with the
City. Possibly the city should look to advertising for their replacement not just in house but out when the appropriate time come for hiring. Hire a Fire Engineer with a bachelors or masters degree in fire science with a few years experience. Very cost effective for the city.
PERU NEEDS A
CITY MANAGER.
Save $17-$18 thousand a year by having two of the fire engineers as a fire chief and asst chief, plus save many thousands of dollars in salary per year for new fire engineer with a fire science degree to replace one whom will be retiring(whose salary is $75,000)?)) when one retires. Money saved in this department can be used for something such as a swimming pool. Don't forget peru isn't DesMoines, Iowa, Bloomington , Rockford or Joliet whereas fire chiefs are paid a high salary.
Read tonight's paper under open forum. If the city would be fiscally responsibly with what's best for the city regarding above posts, fair bidding process, etc.. , goals to improve our city would be attainable(ex:pool), but it seems that many of the alderman and mayor don't go by the motto of being fiscally responsible. Spending money unnecessary and keeping us taxpayers wondering and questioning. Grow up boys/girls, your not 30 anymore. Think about the future for your children and grandchildren.
Why not have one fire department for Peru and LaSalle?
Good idea 5:51, but a majority of peru residents think they are better then lasalle . This has been the case for more then 25+ years.
Fire chief bacidore could be chief for this fire department if it were ever to consolidate which will never happen.
Anon 5:51 Why not have one instead of two for everyting in LaSalle-Peru? The two towns should be combined and managed under one government.
They should be combined but most likely they never will. The two towns don't trust one another and have a long history of jealousies of each other. LaSalle was Peru's big brother at one time and Peru has never forgot that it was the little sister, and LaSalle has never forgotten it either. Traveling on State Route 6 there is only the physical span of a short bridge seperating the two cities but the self proclaimed slogan "Leader of the Illinois Valley" has maintained them to be miles apart where pride rules rather than common sense.
Today, similar to the Democratic and Republican Parties, Peru and LaSalle are futher apart than they ever have been. If you don't believe this try to combine them.
Go lasalle. Good blogs. Peru needs new politicians......
Does Peru need an attitude adjustment?
I'm from peru and to be honest there has been times in social situations that I've witnesses persons asking someone where they live and when the person replies with lasalle, there is silence for a few seconds. Sad but true. In a few years perus residents are going to re-evaluate their own attitudes. Due to the fact the community/city is rapidly changing.
I would guess a great example of combining resources would be the current pool situation. LaSalle has a pool, why duplicate the service?
Are you kidding- Lasalles pool wouldn't and might not be good enough for some people in peru. It's not new and the state of the art. Get real. True, why would lasalle want to combine anything with peru? Lasalle has it going on. Guarantee you if a person has a concern or issue in Lasalle and they call their mayor or alderman, a phone call in returned personally most of the time within a day from mayor grove or their alderman. Now, that's what I call not hiding under the sheets. I know several people in lasalle that have attested to this. Evidently this doesn't happen in peru. Nor does lasalle have an abundance of closed, behind the door sessions/meetings. TRANSPARENCY!
7:19 wow.....your comment that states ''go with the outsider everytime ''may be the most irresponsible statement ever made. Local business creates jobs, taxes and resources that build your community. They build your schools and assist with tax rates. Money that stays in the community, spends in the community. You wouldn't be able to collect your government benefits without those that create jobs. Your wouldn't be able to collect that disability without those local jobs. Buy local and hire local.
A friend of mine lives in lasalle and on two occasions during Mayor Groves mayoralship my friend had called him and left a message on his phone. Not only did Mayor Grove have the professionalism to return my friends call within the day, he had also had taken the time to go over to my friends house so he could see personally what my friend had an issue with. Now, that's how a mayor who keeps his promises in which he campaigned upon. He works and was elected by the people for the people.This is something that LaSalle should be proud of. My friend isn't in any way in the political area nor does my friend complain over menial things, nor is my friend a friend of Mayor Groves. My friend is just a normal tax paying citizen of LaSalle and was treated with respect.
2:51 I bet the Peru mayor has never been to a residence unless he had a personal benefit to him or his buds during the visit. We can't even get him to answer his phone or his email!!
Very sad 1:51. A mayor should care about all people, not just the selected ones.
the previous mayor of peru made house calls-he had peoples best interest at heart
Dear 1015am
Its called personal agenda, i agree with what your saying and would like to add "how can our fire chief order fire department needs for our fire dept from his company located in the Quad cities ? I think this is a conflict of interest, here he gets a paycheck from the city and probably one from his company. Isnt that "double dipping"? He spends our tax dollars buying supplies from his company? Do not just question his spending habits, we should also question his character. Did he not get asked to leave the Cops for Cancer benefit two years in a row? Wasnt there also a blog about him getting his boat stuck in mud which assisstance was needed by the Standard FD. And what about all the rumors regarding his womanizing habits. This man and Harl should both go. They have done nothing but embarress the city!!
I ask this, Was the city really this bad with Baker in office? Is the city in better shape now?
Just think about it.
12:13 regarding boat stuck in mud, he was a passenger in a boat stuck in mud, not a boat of his in co-ownership. From what I heard he got out of boat while in mud, was able to get to a house to report boat stuck. Standard fd hoovercraft helped rescue boat and people. I also read that address unknown for Fire Chief. Kinda strange how a fire chief of a town in close proximity should not know address of a fire chief. Question: Why wasn't DNR contacted for this rescue? Google: hoovercraft rescues stranded boaters in bureau valley. There was a article in a paper also, can't remember which one.
How much equipment is ordered from fire chiefs-company, if so? Is equipment ordered through Liberty Fire Company(fundraising organization) ? If so, the
City supposedly has nothing to do with liberty. So, Liberty fire company members would know. Is thiis a reason why LIBERTY FIRE COMPANY DOESNT SHOW US THEIR FINANCIALS? Something to think about. If city pays for purchases, they should have that information. Request that information since April 2009. Someone step up to plate here. As far as personal behavior, if off the clock, should be of no concern, if on the clock, different story. Grey area there. Facts must be able to be backed up if certain comments are put out there in social media.
10:15's blog. Regarding funneling money in account. Believe means money for OP was in wrong account. Wasn't that issue resolved a few month ago. Move forward. Next.
What's the policy in peru regarding purchasing products, etc. from a company in which a person such as a fire chief is a owner of? If this is true. Maybe it's not a issue. Don't know. Wasn't it daylight when boat got stuck in sawmill lake? Boat left the channel evidently and evidently everybody on board was living it up and wasn't paying attention which can happen. Personal time. Accidental incidents happen. A lot of positions should uphold a code of conduct however.
Better yet, how many checks have been paid to the order of fire chief from the city of peru or from liberty fire company that not for salary for position of fire chief/paid on call fireman? If equipment has/is/was purchased from his business for the city and/or fd what type of p.o./receipt,'etc. we're given. Payments in checks made out to chief personally or to the business. Who should be investigating this and let us taxpayers know? Very interesting here. If ever payment for purchases were made out directly to a person instead of business, how was taxes paid? Liberty Fire Company has their annual fundraiser which raises money for equipment, training, social gatherings, etc..., so Liberty's books and accounting methods would be a good place to start to see what company purchases are made from since April 2009.
Alderman Perez would have information about purchasing of equipment for fire department. He used to be a member of liberty fire company. Very interesting.
In a paper today page A3 SpringValley is looking to raise its fire chiefs pay to $200 A MONTH. It didn't mention what the current pay is per month. Doesn't our fire chief make in the 9k-11k(thousand) a year? Plus pay for each fire call in attendance?. So, our fire chief gets paid approx. $833 a month based on a 10k a year salary. And spring valley is looking to raise theirs to $200 a month. A Huge difference. What is the exact pay for our chief and asst chief?
Let's see from 2008 to present salaries for fire chief and assistant fire chief. 2008 will be Bakers mayorship and 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013(will be) a Harls mayorship. We can see pay percentage increases and how Harl has been spending money in this department, since we know he has received campaign donations specifically from certain persons such as our fire chief. Wonder if Liberty fire company ever donated to Harls campaign fund.
Notice nobody has had or given a rebuttal referencing to the last of several blogs. Which is not a surprise.
1229-i agree with you, pretty fishy!
209-just look at the city financials given out at the council meetings, as for the behavior of one individual, it is a fact and can be backed up or even proven. I agree with 229 about a "code of conduct" for city officials.
Sooner or later someone is going to find the key to open the closet door with all of the old skeltons in it. Than maybe we'll know why a certain gentleman went back to Houston, Texas and TEST was created. Also why all billing was channeled from one corporation through one of three other firms for a 5% charge. It is getting close to Halloween isn't it?
State law says if you own a business and are in a capacity to make purchases with public money you can't buy from your business.
Anon 8:07 Thank you, I was under the opinion that there was a $5K maximum. What the time limit per $5K I am not sure of.
What if your business was lowest bidder?
7:04 what pleasure does it give you to speak in tounhes on a blog? If you have something to say, say it. It sounds like you know something about a certain individual and the creation of TEST.
But most of us have no idea what you are taking abou! What does Halloween have to do with it?
Doesn't matter if you are the lowest bidder.
Example if you are on a school board, your business cannot bid on anything the school buys or subcontracts out. Period!
Its the law started about 3 years ago.
How far down the family tree does this go or does it stop with the one individual?
Great questions 4:45.
i agree with 128p, great question 445. Something needs to be done. like lp football-we ned to start over!!!!
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW 12:13.. WOW WOW WOW. You must have some proof of what you blogged in order to have blogged what you did. WOW. DO YOU HAVE PROOF? Curious.
1145, i know someone who does!
How many children of city employees have had summer work with the city since 2009? How many have worked in the Parks? Fire department? If any have worked at the fd, my question is why? What did they actually do? Don't the full-time fire engineers clean and polish the trucks and keep fire house clean? Could this have been a unnecessary expense if true? Or is this a case of who you know? Mr. Alderman Perez, could you please answer these questions? This same question if my memory serves me correct was asked several times many months ago. But again, no answers were given.
well i heard it was his and his soon to be exwife's boat that he beached. Peru should rethink who they have appointed as fire chief!
Post a Comment